SARASOTA — Pinellas Park was just too much for Sarasota on Friday night in a Class 7A region quarterfinal.
The visiting Patriots came out with a game plan of pounding the rock and playing solid defense.
They executed both extremely well en route to a 32-7 win. Pinellas Park finished the game with 381 yards on 50 carries.
“That’s what we do, we run the ball. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it,” Patriots coach Kenny Crawford said.
The opening drive belonged to Kal-El Williams, who rushed for 47 yards on his first three carries. Williams punched in a 35-yard touchdown run only three minutes into the game.
Sailors quarterback Caulin McNeal attempted to answer with a score of his own but was picked off by Pierre Johnson.
On the following possession it only took Pinellas Park a little over two minutes to get back on the scoreboard.
Johnson, who set up the offensive drive with his interception, scored on an 11-yard sweep. He finished the night with 137 yards on 12 carries.
“Our guys played hard. This is what it’s all about,” Crawford said.
Pinellas Park was just too physical for the Sailors, which were held to 235 yards of total offense.
Right before the half, McNeal hooked up with wideout Isaiah Priester for an 11-yard touchdown pass.
It was the Sailors’ only score.
“Our guys fought hard; I’m proud of them,” Sarasota coach Ed Volz said.
Pinellas Park senior Angel Addison ran for 21 yards and the game’s final touchdown with 10:18 left in the fourth quarter.
This is only the second playoff win for Pinellas, the last coming in 1983.
“My kids knew that this game was very important to them,” Crawford added.
The Patriots get a rematch in the next round with district champion East Lake.