GAME RECAP: ANCLOTE PIRATES 17, MUCK CITY SABER CATS 16

BELLE GLADE- Where many NFL players played their high school ball at, the Anclote Pirates got to visit 'The Muck' for the first time in team history. The Pirates were all too familiar with playing in Palm Beach County, however, facing and defeating the Palm Beach Phantoms 41-14 at Inlet Grove High School in 2012 and in Dec. 2012, blowing by the Palm Beach Mariners in preseason action. 

Looking to keep their record perfect in Palm Beach County, the Pirates were able to escape Glades Central High School with a narrow victory. Behind three field goals from place kicker Gabe Montelongo, Anclote squeaked out a 17-16 win at Effie C. Grear Stadium last Saturday night in front of a sparse crowd. Running back Joel Hernandez, who last played in the preseason versus the East Lake War Eagles, returned and rushed for 65 yards on 11 carries and scored the game's go ahead touchdown. 

Anclote (2-3) fell behind early in the first half when quarterback Nate Munson (4 of 12, 34 yards) was picked off by Muck City's defense returned for a touchdown. The Pirates showed some resolve and notched a field goal and a safety on a sack by defensive lineman Josh Payne and went into halftime trailing 8-5. Scott Mirto's group didn't let up in the second half and tied the game at 8-8 in the third quarter. Muck City regained the lead after a muffed punt by returner Darnell Lindsey inside Anclote's 5-yard line and the Saber Cats took advantage. 

With the Pirates trailing 16-8, Anclote tacked on another field goal and were within 16-11 heading into the fourth quarter. Hernandez was able to finally breakthrough in the last period and punched it in from 10 yards out and giving Anclote a 17-16 lead it would never give up.

Pirates staff writer