ST. LUCIE — Sebastian River dominated on both sides of the ball to get their win of the season against St. Lucie West Centennial Friday night.
“We played hard on both sides of the ball, offense and defense, as well special teams,” Coach Randy Bethel said. “We had good balance on offense; we ran the ball well and passed well.” Just over three minutes into the game Sebastian River got on the scoreboard when running back Javonte Pierce had a 4-yard touchdown run.
Before the first quarter ended Sebastian running back Nikko Finnegan tore off a 42-yard touchdown run, putting the Sharks ahead 14-0.
Fifteen seconds into in the second quarter, Sebastian quarterback Norris Rogers found wide receiver Johntavis Brown for a 20 yard touchdown. At the end of the first half, Sebastian River led 21-0. In the second half of the game, Sebastian continued their dominance, scoring on a 6-yard touchdown run by running back Lamarcus Johnson with 5:49 left in the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Sebastian running back James Fleurant had a 17-yard touchdown run. St. Lucie West had a late touchdown by running back Javaris Giles to end the game 35-7.
“We did a job preparing our kids and they knew what to expect coming into this game,” Coach Bethel said. “They tackled well.”
For Sebastian, QB Norris Rogers was 11 of 15 for 153 yards and one touchdown. Running backs Javonte Pierce had 12 carries for 79 yards and a touchdown and Nikko Finnegan had seven carries for 63 yards and a touchdown.
Wide receiver Stephan Clark had five catches for 71 yards.
“My only disappointment is the number penalties on both sides of the ball. That is something we will have to focus on this week,” Coach Bethel said of Sebastian 12 penalties for 95 yards.
