Eric Clark
BCP
Pinellas Park – In this non district tune up the Pinellas Park Patriots showed they are a much improved team the losing ways of the last decade may have finally come to an end under Kenny Crawford. Boca Ciega previously held a 5 game winning streak over the Patriots but this impressive victory proved they now have the athletes as well as coaching to compete at a high level.
Boca Ciega had their chances early on but the Patriot Defense was very opportunistic forcing multiple turnovers in the red zone including the 1st drive of the game. The Pirates threatened to score but QB Robbie Runcie was picked off at the 15 yard line. Pinellas Park turned that turnover into a touchdown taking it 85 yards finished off by a power sweep from UF commit Jeremy Powell. Jeremy Powell also showed people why he is a division 1 prospect after having a rather quiet season otherwise. He harassed Runcie and the Pirate running backs all night with vicious hits and tackles in the backfield. After threatening to score twice more but being turned away with turnovers the Pirates finally got on the board at the end of the half when RB Fortune Gamble got a 20 yard run for a TD. Both teams missed their extra points and ended the half tied 6-6
The Pirates would only threaten once more in the 2nd half while the Patriots got their ground and pound game going. They opened the half with a punishing 6 minute drive capped off by a 12 yard TD run by Marquis Samuel. The 4th quarter belonged to Jeremy Powell on offense and defense. Along with his big sacks he added a bruising 10 yard TD run to put the Patriots up 20-6. Powell ended the game with 9 carries for 115 yards and 2 TD’s on offense as well as 3 sacks and numerous tackles for loss on defense.
The patriots scored once more late in the 4th to ice the game off of a 13 yard play action pop pass to from Brandon Hames to wing back Tyree Graves. The Patriots won 27-6 and while that does accurately represent how this game was played it doesn’t show how both teams were physical and there were many big hits in this game. Next for Pinellas Park is a district matchup with Northeast as they gain momentum. On the other end of the spectrum Boca Ciega who at one time had a promising outlook will have to face their toughest district game when the Largo Packers come to town. The same Packers defeated the Patriots 20-0 earlier in the season. MORE PLUS VIDEO HERE