By: Evan Long
On Oct. 9, the Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS) Sharks took on the Mandarin High School (MHS) Mustangs at home. The Sharks entered the game 2-4, coming off a hard loss at Bartram Trail High School. The Mustangs entered the game 5-1, ranked the number 22 team in Florida by MaxPreps. After an hour and half long lightning delay, MHS started the game off with an 80-yard rushing touchdown on the first play of the game. Mandarin would score another touchdown in the first quarter to lead 14-0 going into the second. After PVHS got on the board with a field goal in the second quarter, they would be down 14-3 going into halftime. In the second half, the Sharks’ offense needed to get hot with the Mustangs’ offense running cold in the second quarter. After MHS scored a 50-yard passing touchdown early in the third quarter, they didn’t look back as PVHS would lose an embarrassing 34-10.
“we are going to clean up a couple things at practice and work hard with a positive mindset no matter what”
Arjun Rauniyar (11)
Junior Quarterback, Gio Merlino started the game and had 5 completions on 13 attempts and would throw for 21 yards and 3 interceptions on no touchdowns. PVHS’ rushing attack was nowhere to be found as standout senior running back; Alexander Winkles was held to just 28 yards on 13 carries, resulting in 1.9 yards a carry. After the loss, junior safety, Arjun Rauniyar stated, “we are going to clean up a couple things at practice and work hard with a positive mindset no matter what”. The Sharks are looking for a much-needed bounce back win at home against Fletcher High School on Oct. 16.
Pictured: Carter Sole (11) throwing the football
Photo By: @fenneyflics
