SEBASTIAN – Treasure Coast came into tonight’s game against Sebastian River all ready headed for the playoffs. Sebastian River was just looking to end their season on a positive note.
Last year, Sebastian River upset Treasure Coast, and they looked to do it again this season. They did, with a 26-14 win.
“I don’t know what it is about Treasure Coast,” Coach Randy Bethel said about playing Treasure Coast. “We prepare for them like any other team. But for some reason our players get jacked up for them.”
In the first quarter, Treasure Coast was first to get on the board when Matthew Coore scored on a 4-yard touchdown run with 9:32 left in the first quarter.
Sebastian River responded with a score of their own.
Running back Nikko Finnegan found the end zone on an 11-yard touchdown run with 5:44 left in the first quarter. On Sebastian River’s following possession, kicker Michael Nottage hit a 35-yard field goal.
At the end of the first quarter, Sebastian River led 10-7.
In the second quarter, Sebastian River’s offense was dominant. Just over 3 minutes into the quarter, Michael Nottage hit a 42-yard field goal. Sebastian River scored again, this time a fake punt.
Finnegan took the fake punt 49 yards for the touchdown. Sebastian River missed the extra point, but led 19-7 with 4:50 left before halftime.
Then with 2:42 left in the half, quarterback Wesley Wilson hooked up with wide receiver Stephan Clark on a 6-yard touchdown pass. At the end of the first half, Sebastian River led 26 to 7.
In the third quarter, with only 20 seconds left, Treasure Coast quarterback Clay Morris found the end zone on a 2-yard touchdown run.
In the fourth quarter, neither team could sustain any scoring drive. The final score was Sebastian River 26, Treasure Coast 14.
In the first half, Nikko Finnegan had 15 carries for 151 yards and 2 touchdowns.
“(Finnegan) played outstanding,” Coach Bethel said. “He carried us tonight. He really put the team on his back.”
This was final game for Sebastian River this season. They end the season with a record of 4-6 and miss the playoffs for the fourth season in a row.
“It was a season of ups and downs,” Coach Bethel said, reflecting on the season. “Our players kept fighting, which is testament to their character. We weren’t the most talented team, but we worked hard and gave an outstanding performance week in and week out.”