Ponte Vedra Fl- The Ponte Vedra Sharks defeated the Creekside Knights, 49-36 in the first round of the 4S region one playoffs. Ponte Vedra came out hot, scoring 28 unanswered points at home against an opponent that just bested them a week earlier.
The first score of the game saw quarterback, Ben Burk toss a touchdown to running back Brian Case. The flare route by the running back was wide open for the score. Said Case after the game, “we put that play in this week and it was wide open, all I had to do was look the ball in and catch it for a touchdown”. The talented running back showed his ability to catch the football, smoothing he’s done all year with 232 receiving yards and a score on the season.
Brian Case touchdown Ponte Vedra from Ben Burk @BrianCasepvhs @Ben_BurkQb 7-0, 1st pic.twitter.com/fNE97G0mmc
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) November 11, 2023
The next touchdown of the game came on the ensuing drive, when Creekside fumbled the ball on a hit by defensive end Robbie Grieco, which was scooped up by linebacker Maddux Babin and returned for a touchdown. Just like that, Ponte Vedra found themselves up 14-0 on their St. Johns County neighbors.
Maddux Babin Fumble return TD Ponte Vedra up 14-0, 1s over Creekside Robbie Grieco with the sack fumble! @Madduxbab1n pic.twitter.com/2WwCqXpVj4
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) November 11, 2023
The third touchdown of the contest saw running back Brian Case take a direct snap and follow his blockers around the left end running for a Ponte Vedra touchdown. The fourth touchdown was another by Case. The talented running back took the hand off up the middle, made a linebacker miss, then cut to the outside racing around the left end and for his third touchdown of the night. Ponte Vedra lead 28 to 0, shocking all in attendance.
Brian Case @BrianCasepvhs with hid 3rd touchdown of the night! Creekside can't stop the bleeding from the Shark bite! It's 28-0, 2nd , 6:20 pic.twitter.com/i5Bm8rPYgQ
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) November 11, 2023
However, Creekside would stiffen and make a game of it in the second quarter. The Knights drove down the field with their customary lightning quick precision, and scored on a Harrison Garrido touchdown run to make the score 28 to 7 in the second quarter.
Garrido wasn’t finished, as he scored again on a touchdown run in the second quarter to put Creekside within two scores of Ponte Vedra, 28 to 14. The quick score was set up by a blocked punt by Creekside’s Parker Herrin who knifed in to change field position instantly.
Harrison Garrido! TOUCHDOWN!! Creekside not only has stopped the bleeding but they've found they're Sword and swagger! 28-14! Ponte Vedra, 2:49, 2nd @HarrisonGarrido pic.twitter.com/aM6CIhqnvr
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) November 11, 2023
Creekside has made a living on scoring lots of points against teams this year. Ponte Vedra knew this, so late in the first half, head coach Steve Price decided to dial up a deciding play on fourth down. At midfield, personal protector Drew Price caught the snap and lofted a pop pass to Landon Okla and the 6’2, 225 pound tight end did the rest. He’d take off for a 53-yard touchdown scamper putting Ponte Vedra up 35 to 14 at halftime.
It's a FAKE!!! Drew Price pop pass to Landon Okla @LandonOkla for the 56-yd Touchdown!!! Wow!! Ponte Vedra's Steve Price with gutsy call at midfield! They extend the lead 0ver Creekside 35-14! 2nd, :35 pic.twitter.com/Nkyfq8jeC5
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) November 11, 2023
Quarterback Sean Ashenfelder attempted to keep Creekside in the game in the second half with two touchdown runs, to get within striking distance of Ponte Vedra. His efforts pulled the score to within 12-points, 42 to 30 with 8:30 remaining in the 4th.
Sean, Ashenfelder scores the touchdown! Creekside 30, Ponte Vedra, 42, fourth quarter, eight minutes 30 seconds remain @AshenfelderSean pic.twitter.com/JytBQVoTUS
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) November 11, 2023
Yet Ponte Vedra would not relinquish the lead on this night. Two more pop passes to Landon Okla from quarterback Ben Burk sealed the fate for Creekside. It was a play that the Knights couldn’t stop, and it was a team in Ponte Vedra that was determined not to be stopped.
It's a FAKE!!! Drew Price pop pass to Landon Okla @LandonOkla for the 56-yd Touchdown!!! Wow!! Ponte Vedra's Steve Price with gutsy call at midfield! They extend the lead 0ver Creekside 35-14! 2nd, :35 pic.twitter.com/Nkyfq8jeC5
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) November 11, 2023
Ponte Vedra (8-3) played inspired ball for their embattled coach, whose heart was a little heavy this week. Coach Price lost a former player from his coaching days in Georgia who suddenly passed away in his sleep. Coach Price said to his team after the game, “I want you to know that I love all of you” . Those words hit a little harder tonight, as Ponte Vedra played a little harder for their coach. They’ll continue their quest for a state title next week, when they visit undefeated Buchholz (11-0) in the second round of the playoffs.
For Creekside, they finished the season 6-5, another successful year for head coach Sean McIntyre and his staff who’ve completely turned the once fledgling program around. However, with this fourth playoff loss in a row, one must consider what it’s going to take for the Knights to get over the hump and take that next step toward a state championship.
