- November 26, 2024
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Matanzas Pirates football coach Keith Lagocki knew Friday night’s game would be telling in how the rest of the season will pan out.
The Pirates, fresh off their first win of the season, dominated in all aspects of the game Friday night, beating University Christian, 48-18, for the team’s second straight win.
After the game, Lagocki said that if the team lost, he’d assume it was going to be a tough season. But after the victory, he is confident this season will be much different than any other season for the Matanzas football program.
The Pirates defense forced five turnovers, including an interceptions by Kurt Grimes and Nikko Bembry.
Offensively, the Pirates were led by Shawn White, who scored four touchdowns, upping his season total to 10 in the first three games.
QB Al’Kwazi Spencer also had one rushing TD and two passing touchdowns, both to WR Dorian Stanard.
With 4:25 remaining in the third quarter, and the Pirates up 27-2, Spencer dumped a screen pass to Stanard in the flats. Stanard snagged it with his fingers just inches from the ground, let his blockers set up and then tight-roped down the sideline for a 55-yard touchdown play.
As the play developed, Lagocki paced the sideline saying “Great catch! Great catch!” After the game, Lagocki said it was the best catch he’s seen in a while — and definitely the best catch Stanard has made all season.
The Spencer-Stanard connection wasn’t done yet, though.
With a little more than nine minutes left in the game, Spencer perfectly placed a 30-yard pass over the University Christian secondary. Stanard caught the ball on the run and glided into the endzone. Stanard finished the game with more than 200 yards receiving.
Next up, the Pirates begin district play when they square off 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at Pedro Menendez.
Lagocki said "the guys are confident" heading into the biggest game of the young season.
