- April 24, 2024
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Matanzas puts a two-game winning streak on the line when district play begins Friday, at Pedro Menendez.
Matanzas Pirates football coach Keith Lagocki believes the Sept. 16 win against University Christian will be indicative of how the season will pan out.
And after a 48-18 drubbing in the Pirates’ home opener the week before, Lagocki is excited for his team’s potential heading into district play this week.
The Pirates travel north to take on Pedro Menendez 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23.
In the Sept. 16 game against University Christian, the Pirates’ defense forced five turnovers, and the offense broke out for several big plays. Shawn White stole much of the show, rushing for four touchdowns and upping his season total to 10.
Sophomore QB Al’Kwazi Spencer continued to be efficient, going 13-for-20 for 189 yards, two touchdowns and zero turnovers. Spencer also had 12 carries for 50 yards and one touchdown.
Wide receiver Dorian Stanard also had a breakout game, catching eight passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns.
Spencer and Stanard hooked up on a perfectly executed fade route early in the fourth quarter to pad the Pirates’ lead.
Defensively, White had five tackles and one sack. The defense combined for five sacks.
Defensive backs Nikko Bembry and Kurt Grimes each had one interception.
University Christian came into the game against Matanzas undefeated.
“I think we played really well on both sides of the ball,” Lagocki said of the game against the Fighting Christians.
The Pirates (2-1) now play winless Pedro Menendez one week after handing University Christian its first loss.
But just because Pedro Menendez doesn’t have a win, that doesn’t mean the game will be a cakewalk, Lagocki said.
“This week, we have our toughest game so far,” Lagocki said.
Pedro will be very fast and athletic, Lagocki said.
“Don’t let their record fool you,” he added, noting that their two losses came to top schools, in St. Augustine and Bartram Trail.
“If we continue to improve as we have to this point,” said Lagocki, “we will continue to be pleased at the end of our games.”
