Dunedin can’t keep up with Tampa Bay in blowout

DUNEDIN- It wasn’t the kind of start the Dunedin Pirates wanted to get off to in Week 1 against the team’s newest rivals, the Tampa Bay Thunder.

With a big attendance on hand at Dunedin Memorial Stadium, the Pirates weren’t able to deliver anything other than a lackluster performance. Dunedin trailed 20-2 by halftime and could never recover, losing 47-10 to Tampa Bay.

Dunedin (0-1) couldn’t get much started on offense to start the game, as the Pirates went three and out on the first two possessions. Tampa Bay (1-0) on the other hand started off hot when Brian Waiters (14-of-25, 341 yards) hit wide receiver Jaren Colsten-Green on a long scoring play.

Pirates’ starting quarterback Nate Munson had a rough go, making his first start under center for Dunedin since the 2017 season. Munson finished the day completing 5-of-17 passes for 53 yards and he rushed for another 26 on the ground.

Backup Ryan Henson did good when he entered the contest, going 6-of-9, 121 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Michael Minges caught a team-high four passes for 101 yards and a touchdown.