Dunedin lose 35-31 heartbreaker to West Coast

DUNEDIN- Close but no cigar.

That’s exactly the feeling the Dunedin Pirates adult amateur football team has been feeling in its last two games against the Lake County Storm and now versus their rival, the West Coast Soldiers.

Against a rival the Pirates haven’t faced since 2014, Dunedin was a play away from pulling off an upset against a team that has won three straight preseason national championship games. Dunedin (0-1) fell 35-31 at Dunedin High School in front of a record crowd.

The Pirates took an early 6-0 lead when quarterback Eric Vitale connected with wide receiver Dequon Bryant on a 28-yard touchdown pass. Vitale finished the game 5-of-13 for 98 yards and one touchdown. Former Anclote High School quarterback Tim Dallaire also took snaps and went 4-of-10 for 57 yards and a touchdown pass. Wide receiver Alex Jennings had a big game, catching three passes for 94 yards and a touchdown pass.

Defensive end Javaughn Johnson has himself a big night, sacking West Coast Soldiers’ quarterback Nick Martino three times.

Dunedin doesn’t play this week, as the Hollywood Browns have ceased operations for the 2020 season and the Pirates will receive a forfeit win. The Pirates will play again on February 15th when they host the defending Florida Football Alliance champion Southwest Florida Gladiators.