Recapping the games covered by Brevard Sports Network on Friday night.
By: Donny Rieber, Jr
The high school football season is a week away and on Friday, some local schools were on the gridiron for Kickoff Classic Week. Brevard Sports Network carried three games live featuring Cocoa, Heritage and Eau Gallie.
There were also a few games affected by weather tonight as well, including the Cocoa game
Cocoa 36, Merritt Island 0
Cocoa wasted no time getting going, as they beat Merritt Island 36-0 in 24 minutes of football. The game was called at the break due to inclement weather.
Malachi Coney got the Tigers going with a 1-yard touchdown run and after a big defensive stop by the Mustangs, Cocoa added a safety to lead 8-0. They would add another touchdown on the free kick with Ohio State commit Cedrick Hawkins returning it for a touchdown.
The Cocoa defense was swarming for much of the night as we have come to expect, keeping the Mustangs off the board and helping the home team get a big win.
Jensen Beach 20, Heritage 13
Jensen Beach and Heritage played a good one at Heritage. Jensen Beach got on the board first on a running touchdown with 9:06 to go in the first half. Heritage answered late in the second quarter on a blocked field goal by Deaven McDonald, going 74 yards to the house.
Jensen Beach would go up 14-7 late in the third quarter, before Heritage made it 14-13 with a touchdown run from quarterback Joseph Tenta. The extra point was missed.
After Jensen Beach took a 20-13 lead on the ensuing kickoff return (96 yards), the Panthers had three chances to get the score tied late. They were unable to do it, despite getting help from the Jensen Beach defense. A pass interference led to an untimed down for Heritage but they couldn’t convert.
Eau Gallie 32, Viera 0
The Commodores controlled this one from the start. A Viera fumble was turned into a passing touchdown by quarterback Mari Crooms. Tay Welch had a big run at the end of the first quarter and Robert Stafford threw a 16-yard touchdown, giving the Commodores a 12-0 lead. They would take an 18-0 lead into the half after Viera put their best drive together only to miss on a field goal try as the clock ran out.
Receiver Baker Alvarez had three touchdowns called back due to holding penalties, but finally hit pay dirt on his fourth try, when Crooms found him, making it 24-0. Eau Gallie would get another touchdown and a two-point conversion late, giving them the 32-point victory.
We will have full coverage of the opening night of action from around the county next Friday. We appreciate your support.