By Johnny Inama
The Ponte Vedra High School football team faced Middleburg High School in week three of the regular season. Middleburg came in at 0-2, while the Sharks were coming off a big win against Florida State University High School the week prior. The Sharks came out fast with their first touchdown coming a few minutes into the first quarter with a deep passing touchdown to senior wide receiver, Ryan Smith, to put the Sharks on the board first up 7-0. The Sharks played even faster in the second quarter with a fumble recovery from senior defensive back, Joe Mahoney, to give the Sharks complete momentum and control of the game. This was followed by three touchdowns in a row, from senior wide receiver, Cole Madson who scored twice, and junior tight end, Landon Okla, to leave it at 28-0 going into the half.
The Sharks pulled the majority of their starters in the second half, but not before a fifth passing touchdown from senior quarterback, Ben Burk, to senior wide receiver, Griffin Owen. “It was great, but there are always things we need to improve on as a team and cleanup,” said Burk. Burk finished 11 for 15 with 200 total yards and five passing touchdowns. Junior running back Brian Case added 107 yards on 16 carries, with an efficient 6.7 yards per attempt. Smith finished with two catches for 61 yards and a touchdown, and Madson finished with two catches for 68 yards and two touchdowns. Okla and Owen both had one reception for a touchdown as well. Senior linebacker, Josh Kim, added a dominant two sacks on defense, with another two sacks combined coming from senior defensive tackle, Nick Grieco, and senior edge rusher, Cortez Juarbe. The defensive backs locked down the Bronco receivers with an interception from senior defensive back, Aidan VanCannon, and a fumble recovery from Joe Mahoney.
“It was great, but there are always things we need to improve on as a team and cleanup”
Ben Burk (12)
The team played nearly flawless in all facets, and now have momentum moving forward. The Sharks will now face a 1-3 Menendez high school team on Sep. 22, who was been outscored 82-13 in their past two games.
Joe Mahoney (12) looking to drop back in coverage
