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Sunlake 10, River Ridge 7

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 14, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - In the school's inaugural football game Aug. 31, 2007, Sunlake traveled to River Ridge and lost 50-0. Friday, in a defensive struggle that featured more sacks (23) than points (17), the Seahawks (4-7) edged the Royal Knights (3-8).

A fumble and two interceptions on the first three possessions did not bode well for River Ridge. The Royal Knights struggled with six first-half fumbles and went into the locker room unable to score.

The only first-half points were by Sunlake kicker Jordan Landry, who drilled a 33-yard field goal early in the second quarter.

On the first possession of the second half, River Ridge's Stavros Arianas took a handoff at midfield and scampered 40 yards. Two plays later, Arianas carried two defenders into the end zone to give the home team the lead.

With momentum seemingly shifting, Sunlake's Jamal Jones took the ensuing kickoff and raced 59 yards to the Royal Knights' 34. Following two runs and two passes, Alex Rodriguez scored from the 4 to regain the lead for Sunlake.

"Our defense came up big," said Sunlake coach Bill Browning. "It was a hard-hitting game and we are making strides to improve. This was a memorable game for our program and our six seniors."