NORTH PORT — Friday night’s season opener between host North Port and Mariner was billed as a game between top rushing attacks, but it was the Tritons’ big-play defense and ability to take advantage of mistakes that proved to be the difference.

The Tritons converted a safety, a high snap on a shotgun play that set up a touchdown, and a goal-line stand on their march to a 22-9 victory over the Bobcats.

The first big play came with the score tied 3-3 early in the second quarter. With North Port in a shotgun formation, the center’s snap was high, going over quarterback Steve Lockhart’s head. Lockhart was tackled on the 3-yard line. Two plays later, Mariner’s Ryan Schneider went over for the score from two yards out. Mariner led 13-3 at halftime.

Mariner’s defense took control in the third. With North Port deep in its territory, running back Alex Portee was tackled in the end zone for a safety. The Bobcats drove well late in the quarter, but the Tritons defense rose up to stop four plays from the 5-yard line. Portee was stopped on fourth-and-one, and the Tritons never looked back.

Quarterback Gabby Rojas led the Tritons with 114 yards rushing and 73 passing.

Mariner hosts East Lee County next Friday.



Mariner 0 13 2 7 — 22

North Port 3 0 0 6 — 9

First Quarter

NP — FG, Jeromy Keen 27

Second Quarter

M — FG, Renato Proia 25

M — Ryan Schneider 2 run (Proia kick)

M — FG, Proia 47

Third Quarter

M — Safety, Portee tackled by Schneider

Fourth Quarter

M — Eric Mitchell 18 run (Proia kick)

NP — Portee 3 run (kick blocked)







Island Coast 22, Out-of-Door Academy 7: It was a wonderful night for the Island Coast Gators. Sure enough, Jimmy Stewart provided some drama.

The sophomore running back scored the program’s first ever varsity touchdown, a 22-yard run in the first quarter, and the Gators prevailed at Sarasota Out-of-Door Academy Friday night in their first varsity contest.

“We really came together as a team,” Island Coast coach Joe Bowen said. “The kids were going down with cramps, but we picked each other up and stuck together.”

The Gators’ defense was stingy, allowing only one first down in the first half.

Along with Stewart, fellow sophomore Phil Woolbright gave the Gators a powerful rushing attack.

Woolbright carried 20 times for 186 yards and scored on runs of 31 and 47 yards.

The Gators return home next Friday to host their first game in their new stadium against Evangelical Christian.