Port Charlotte had to take a loss the last time they challenged Naples but Logan Flaherty made sure they didn't get the same satisfaction on Friday. The Port Charlotte Pirates had just enough and edged the Naples Golden Eagles out 21-18 thanks in part to Flaherty, who rushed for 125 yards and a touchdown, and also threw for 90 yards and a touchdown. Those 125 rushing yards gave him a new career-high.
Flaherty was just one part of a punishing run game: Port Charlotte was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 204 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 180 rushing yards in 16 consecutive matchups dating back to last season.
Port Charlotte wouldn't let Naples keep a hold of the ball as they managed to force two fumbles. Port Charlotte can thank Ahmad'Dra Greene and Jamari Vaughn for forcing both of them. Greene also set a new season high mark in total tackles with 11.
Naples' loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Alijah Molina, who threw for 219 yards and a touchdown, and also punched in a touchdown on the ground. 112 of Molina's passing yards were hauled in by James Lachance, who also brought in a receiving touchdown.
Port Charlotte's victory bumped their record up to 6-2. As for Naples, with the defeat, they broke their four-game winning streak and moved their record to 7-2.
Port Charlotte and Naples should be looking forward to their upcoming games as both have a sizable advantage in the MaxPreps Florida Rankings. Port Charlotte (ranked 27th) will meet Zephyrhills (ranked 130th) at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Port Charlotte is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 34.3 points per game this season. Similarly, Naples will take on South Fort Myers at 7:30 p.m. on November 7th up 163 places (36 vs. 199).
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
