ECS ruins Gators debut
Heavy rain poured down, and in every direction Friday night. It threatened to turn Island Coast’s football field into, well, a swamp.
That may have seemed like the perfect environment for the host Gators, but the more experienced Evangelical Christian Sentinels were unphased.
Led by quarterback Colton Lynch and running back Jon Skaff, the Sentinels pulled away for a 31-0 win, spoiling the home varsity debut for Island Coast.
Skaff scored three touchdowns and finished with 176 yards on 16 carries, and Lynch gained 158 yards rushing, which included a 55-yard TD jaunt.
The start of the game was delayed approximately 90 minutes due to the rain and the threat of lightning. Despite those conditions, a large crowd turned out and turned Island Coast’s inaugural home game into a festive atmosphere.
A huge number of cheerleaders and dance members from Island Coast performed prior to the game and along with the corresponding rock and heavy metal music, helped set the stage. Eventually, there was a football game.
The Gators were playing their second varsity game after opening the season on the road last week with a 22-7 win over Sarasota Out-of-Door Academy.
They got off to a great start, Friday night, when two plays into the game, sophomore Phil Woolbright busted a 68-yard run. The Gators’ drive, and momentum, were halted with a fumble.
Still, the Gators had success on the ground in the first quarter, gaining 84 yards on 13 carries. Their young but big offensive line was getting a good push. The group consisted of five sophomores, Storm Jackson, Bryan Bosworth, Miguel Carmano, Nikolas Solis and Evan Muniz.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Sentinels took control courtesy of a seven-minute drive which bridged the first and second quarters. Scott Bosworth and Todd Wainwright teamed up for a sack of Lynch, but the ECS quarterback came right back and on third-and-33, rushed for 38 yards into Gators territory. Skaff capped the drive with his first touchdown.
After Island Coast went three-and-out on its next possession, the Sentinels took advantage of a fatigued defense. They rushed four times, and Skaff’s 20-yard run put the Sentinels ahead 14-0.
The Gators had one opportunity to get on the board late in the half when sophomore Jimmy Stewart picked off Lynch and returned it 40 yards to the ECS 15. With only a few seconds on the clock, the Gators were unable to punch it in.
The Gators had another chance to get on the board in the fourth quarter. Stewart keyed the drive with a 49-yard run, but the ECS defense made a stop on fourth-and-goal.
The Gators, who are competing as an independent this season, continue their varsity schedule Oct. 3 when they host St. Petersburg Shorecrest Prep. They have four varsity games remaining, including Nov. 14 when they host Ida Baker.
Evangelical Christian 0 14 14 3 — 31
Island Coast 0 0 0 0 — 0
Second quarter
E — Jon Skaff 8 run (Matt Schappell kick)
E — Skaff 20 run (Schappell kick)
Third quarter
E — Skaff 3 run (Schappell kick)
E — Colton Lynch 55 run (Schappell kick)
Fourth quarter
E — Schappell FG, 27