Gladiators overpower Pirates in division matchup

BRADENTON- It’s a matchup that the Dunedin Pirates have had since the 2017 season and that’s facing off against their annual division rivals, the Southwest Florida Gladiators.

For the eighth meeting between the two squads, there was some optimism on the Pirates’ side because of the playoff matchup between the two teams last spring. Dunedin narrowly lost 22-13, but it was a boost of confidence in trying to close the gap between the programs.

The team wasn’t able to show any ability to narrow that gap as the Gladiators rolled past the Pirates 42-12 at Lakewood Ranch Park. Dunedin fall to 1-2 on the season.

Dunedin (1-2) was forced to throw the football a ton because of the inability to run the ball, as the Pirates were limited to negative yardage rushing. Quarterback Ryan Henson went 20-of-37 passing for 147 yards and two touchdown passes.