Dunedin bests Duval in dogfight 19-6

ST. PETERSBURG- When the Dunedin Pirates welcomed the Duval Raiders into town on Saturday and the coaching staff warned the team of an impending tough opponent.

The last time these two teams faced off, the Raiders held the Pirates to a single score and were able to come away with a 18-8 victory in 2019. Dunedin repaid Duval the favor and got away with a 19-6 win at Childs Park.

Dunedin (1-0) started the game with fireworks as wide receiver Manny Higgins returned the opening kickoff back to pay dirt and gave the Pirates the initial 7-0 lead. The Pirates added another touchdown via the run on a 1-yard sneak by Nate Munson.

Up 13-0, it looked as if Dunedin might runaway with the game, but the Raiders (0-1) chipped away and scored right before halftime with a touchdown to make it 13-6 at intermission. The entire third quarter the Pirates played primarily on defense versus the Raiders run-heavy offense.

A late game interception by Munson helped seal the victory, as he returned it back for a touchdown. Dunedin will have a bye week in Week 2 action before going on the road to Brunswick, Georgia to face the Golden Isles Grizzlies (0-1), who lost 34-0 to the West Coast Soldiers.