BRADEN RIVER PIRATES

2015: 13-1, 5-0 (7A District 11 Champion)

Last Playoff Appearance: 2015: Lost to St. Thomas Aquinas in the State Semifinals

Head Coach: Curt Bradley, 29-15 in 4 seasons

Key Returners: LB Noah Arce (46 TKL, 9 TFL), C Brendan Bengtsson, CB/FS Tyrone Collins (7 INT), QB Louis Colosimo (IMG transfer), RB Deshaun Fenwick (630 Rush Yds, 9 TD), CB/FS Demetrius Lawson (7 INT), NT Deqwunn McCobb, RB Raymond Thomas Jr. (794 Rush YDS, 15 TD)

The Scoop: Graduation hit the Pirates hard, losing nine of 11 starters on offense. After making it to the programs first state final four and posting a record 13 wins in 2015- there will be a learning curve early. Coach Bradley says they will be “reloading more than rebuilding. Braden River will feature new IMG Academy transfer Louis Colosimo at QB. Only one returning starter will be in the trenches in on the offensive line. Braden River’s secondary will lead the defense. CB/FS Demetrius Lawson and CB/FS Tyrone Collins each led the team with seven interceptions for a unit that complied 29 total in 14 games.

Quotable: "We find different ways to mix it up. Some days they'll run, some days we'll get tires out here and compete. Sometimes you gotta put something on the line when it's hot out here and Slurpees seems to do the trick." – Curt Bradley on training in the Florida heat

2016 Schedule
Game 1: @Bayshore
Game 2: Southeast
Game 3: Ida Baker
Game 4: @Lakewood Ranch
Game 5: @Leesburg
Game 6: North Port
Game 7: Bye
Game 8: @Venice
Game 9: @Palmetto
Game 10: Sarasota
Game 11: @Gibbs

2015 brought historic highs to Braden River football. The Pirates punched a ticket to the program’s first ever final four appearance, but ran into state juggernaut St. Thomas Aquinas.

How long does it sting when you lose to the eventual state champion? According to nose tackle Deqwunn McCobb:

“Until our next game,” said McCobb. “Until we can rebuild ourselves. Right now it still stingin’ til we get a ‘dub” on our hands’”

 Head coach Curt Bradley’s been steadily growing Braden River since his arrival. They went 1-9 during his first year in 2012. In 2013 they jumpd to 5-4, followed by 10-1 in 2014 and a program record 13-1 in 2015.

However, the Pirates lost nine of 11 offensive starters. Coach Bradley hears the whispers. Instead of building in 2016, could he be re-building for the first time?

“We’re anticipating some young guys stepping up and filling those holes and not so much rebuilding as reloading,” said Bradley.

The offensive line is down to one returning starter, center Brendan Bengtsson. They do return leading rusher Raymond Thomas Jr and 2nd best rusher Deshaun Fenwick. IMG transfer Louis Colosimo has the job of succeeding quarterback Jake Huesman.

“Ya know, Jake was more of a pocket passer," said Bradley.  "Louis has got some good legs on ‘em. Can get it out and move around in the pocket. Ya know, take care of the football, but can also make some plays with his feet along with his arm."

Graduation didn’t plunder the Pirates as bad on defense. The secondary will lead the way. Demetrius Lawson and Tyrone Collins led the team with seven picks a piece and are ready for more.

“This year is gonna bring a lot of commotion," said Lawson.  "People don’t think that we’re gonna have the same team as last year, might not go as far as last year. This is a young team, but I think we have the potential to go all the way.”

“When you go 1-9, going up is pretty easy," said Bradley about upholding expectations.  "13-1, to go up from there, that’s a little bit different task. But, we’re gonna be ready.”