By: Ross Van De Griek
WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla.- Tonight, the Wiregrass Ranch Bulls improved to 4-0 for the first time since 2017, with a 34-7 thumping win over Nature Coast (1-3). The loss for Nature Coast, is the first time that the Sharks have had a 3-game losing streak at some point in the season since 2013, when they finished 4-8.
The scoring started quickly, for the host Wiregrass Ranch Bulls as sophomore quarterback Rocco Becht slinged a 33 yard pass to Keith Walker, but failed on the 2-point conversion that gave the Bulls an early 6-0 lead. The Wiregrass defense forced a quick 3 & out on Nature Coast's opening possession of the game. Wiregrass Ranch would drive down the field on their next drive, but failed to score as junior kicker Adam Mihalek missed on a 47 yard field goal attempt, off the right goal post. Later in the opening quarter, Wiregrass was driving towards the red zone, before Rocco Becht's pass was intercepted on the last play of the quarter.
Wiregrass Ranch would score their 2nd touchdown of the game, on a 39 yard interception return by junior safety Grady Clower, that increased the Bulls lead to 13-0. Nature Coast followed up on their next drive with another three & out. On the next drive for Wiregrass Ranch, resulted in a fumble recovered by Nature Coast senior defensive end Andre Dillard. Later, Nature Coast would get on the board on a 2 yard run by Dedric Hall, that was highlighted by a 48 yard pass from Vaughn Sykora to Dedric Hall earlier in the drive.
It didn't take long for Wiregrass Ranch to answer, as sophomore quarterback Rocco Becht connected on a 44 yard pass to Chris Daniel, that put the Bulls back up by two scores. Nature Coast had what seemed to be a promising drive going late in the first half, but Vaughn Sykora had a pass that was intercepted by Wiregrass Ranch junior linebacker Broden Guirl.
Just moments later, Wiregrass Ranch's Rocco Becht fumbled a snap, that was recovered by Nature Coast's Michyl Shaw. Nature Coast would drive down the field, but failed to convert on 4th & long, as Sykora was sacked by Wiregrass Ranch's Tyler Hayes. Wiregrass Ranch would go into the halftime locker room, with a 20-7 lead.
First half stats for Nature Coast: 61 rushing yards, 48 passing yards, 109 total yards
First half stats for Wiregrass Ranch: 9 rushing yards, 151 passing yards, 160 total yards
Nature Coast's opening drive of the second half, resulted in another punt, as the Wiregrass Ranch defense stood tall all night long. Wiregrass Ranch also was forced to bring out the punting unit for the first time on their opening drive of the 2nd half. The game was delayed nearly 15 minutes, as junior running back Andrew Salum was injured in a helmet-to-helmet collision. Later in the Wiregrass drive, junior Grady Clower broke free on a 22 yard touchdown run, that gave the Bulls a 27-7 lead late in the third quarter. The score would remain 27-7 Wiregrass Ranch heading into the fourth quarter.
Wiregrass Ranch would find the end zone again, on a 3 yard run by junior Grady Clower, for his 3rd touchdown of the game & the Bulls increased their lead to 34-7. Nature Coast just had no answers for the Wiregrass Ranch front seven, as their drive stalled & were forced to punt. Wiregrass Ranch would just continue to chew clock & hold on for the 34-7 win & improve to 4-0 on the season.
The road ahead for Nature Coast (1-3): @ Central (Brooksville) on 9/20 @ 7:30PM
The road ahead for Wiregrass Ranch (4-0): vs River Ridge on 9/20 @ 7:30PM
Wiregrass Ranch head coach Mark Kantor on the win. "Hard fought win, I thought our guys played well."
"Just too many mental mistakes, we have to work on & that can be fixed quickly", Kantor added.
Wiregrass Ranch defensive coordinator Brandon Tanner on the win. "This defense is special, I enjoy coaching this group, they've shown me that they're capable of beating some of the top teams in the area."