By Johnny Inama
The Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS) Sharks football team played their tenth game of the season against the Creekside High School (CHS) Knights on Nov. 3. PVHS came in with a record of 7-2, and CHS had a record of 5-4. The Sharks had already clinched a playoff spot, but would be playing this game for a higher seed and some much-needed momentum following their heartbreaking loss against their rivals, Nease High School. The Sharks started out the game with a rushing touchdown from junior running back, Brian Case, but the Knights matched it with a touchdown of their own. The Sharks took a lead to start the second quarter with a touchdown from senior wide receiver, Ryan Smith, to put them up 14-7. The Knights offense responded with two touchdowns, making it a 20-14 game going into the half.
“We are learning from our mistakes and watching film to see where we went wrong and fix our errors for Friday.”
Ben burk (12)
Both offenses came out of the half sluggish, with no scores in the third quarter to give Creekside a six-point lead going into the final quarter. The Sharks took back the lead late with another receiving touchdown from Smith, but the Sharks defense failed to stop the Knights offense, as they allowed a score late to give the Knights the win. The game finished with a score of 26-21, and the Sharks were handed their third loss of the season.
Senior quarterback, Ben Burk, finished 19 for 41 for 232 passing yards with two touchdowns, but also had two interceptions. Case finished with 71 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown. The Sharks leading receiver, Smith, finished with seven receptions for 116 yards and two touchdowns. Senior edge rusher, Cortez Juarbe, finished with two sacks, and senior defensive back, Ridge Richardson, also finished with a sack. Senior kicker Evan Redmond finished with 100% on three extra points.
The Sharks had clinched the playoffs over a week ago, and finished as the four seed in the 4S FHSAA region, and will now play the Knights yet again next week in the regional quarterfinals, but at home this time, on Nov. 10. “We are learning from our mistakes and watching film to see where we went wrong and fix our errors for Friday,” said Burk.
Pictured: Ryan Smith (12) lining up for a pass
