SEBASTIAN — Water is definitely the right element for Sharks. Sebastian River High School Sharks took a bite out of Okeechobee High School Brahmans with a 19-10 rain-soaked win at Sharks Stadium.
From kickoff through most of the first half, the district-opener seemed to be a contest of wills between two equally matched opponents.
Two minutes and 30 seconds into the game, Okeechobee receiver Zach Wingfield found his way through a gap in the Shark’s defensive line and ran the ball in for a Brahman touchdown on a short pass.
It wasn’t long before Sharks receiver Nate Pryor put Sebastian River on the scoreboard with a touchdown after a 69-yard run.
Pryor would go on to add a second touchdown before the end of the first half.
Sebastian River principal Todd Racine accepted the Florida High School Athletic Association Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award on behalf of the school during a halftime presentation.
The start of the second half meant a switch from slight drizzle to biblical downpour.
Sharks quarterback Hakeem Rainey contended with an increasingly slippery ball as the rain started to fall in torrents.
To protect their lead, Rainey opted for more running plays to move the ball in short — but steady — gains.
Okeechobee tried desperately to catch up with a few strong offensive drives that were derailed by slippery, loose balls and a wall of Sharks defenders.
A field goal by Sebastian River’s Aaron Roberson put an additional three points on the scoreboard in the third quarter.
With barely more than a minute remaining in the game, Sebastian River defenders sacked Okeechobee quarterback Jack Radebaugh for a safety, adding two more points to the board.
Sebastian River football coach Randy Bethel said he was extremely proud of the teamwork that went into the win.
“I’m just so ecstatic and I thank God for the victory,” Bethel said. “It was just a great total team effort — offensively, defensively and special teams just performed phenomenally.”
Winning is great but the important part is really coming out and enjoying playing the sport, he said.
“They’re having fun,” Bethel said. “They’re enjoying it and loving the rain.”
The rain was something they were prepared for, he said.
“This is what we’ve practiced in,” Bethel said. “We haven’t had a dry day of practice in four weeks.”
Bethel said they are looking forward to their next game against Olympic Heights High School, another district opponent, Oct. 5.
