Tarpon Springs nearly blows 20-point lead in season-opening win over Lakeland

DAVENPORT- When it came to finally playing the opener in the Elite American Football League (EAFL), Tarpon Springs has been practicing since October for the moment.

The Pirates showed up strong for the first two quarters until the second half came around. That’s when they nearly blew a 3-touchdown advantage.

Tarpon Springs (1-0) had to overcome a bevy of second half mistakes in order to get by the Lakeland Jokers 26-18 at the Northeast Regional Park. The Pirates take on the SouthSide Bulldogs at home on Saturday.

On what looked like a series of things to come, Tarpon Springs marched down the field on the first drive and it ended with a Nate Munson touchdown pass to wide receiver Cyle Kurina.

After the Jokers tied things up at 6-6, Tarpon Springs scored 20 unanswered points to take a 26-6 lead heading into intermission. From there is when things started to unravel.

A Munson interception for a touchdown along with a second half opening drive touchdown brought the Jokers back into the game. The Pirates defense held out the rest of the way, holding on for the win.