Eagles Prey on Rays

In a battle of fish and fowl, the Eagles proved superior to the Manta Rays as Central Florida Christian Academy overcame an early 12-8 deficit to take a comfortable 44-20 win over homestanding Marco Island Academy on Friday night at Winterberry Park.

A spirited Rays team jumped to an early lead by moving the ball effectively on the ground and through the air. Ray coach Rich Costante, in his second game as head coach, was proud of his team’s effort.

"Our boys fought hard,” Costante said. "We had some in-game injuries that forced us off our game plan, but the kids never gave up. I’m proud of our boys on how they kept fighting for every inch until the last whistle."

Costante said the Rays lost to a well-drilled unit.

"Central Florida Christian was a very well-coached team,” Costante said of the visitors. "Their kids played very hard, and for being a fairly young team, they did not get rattled.”

Junior quarterback Carter Good looks poised. He completed 17-37 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 17 yards and a TD. Senior Sean McGowan caught six Good aerials for 101 yards and a TD. Ryan Winterick had eight catches for 91 yards and a TD. Winterick also had six tackles on defense. Axton Middlebrook (18 yards) and Noah Smith (15 yards), along with Good, were the primary ball carriers for the Rays.

The Rays hit the road for the first time on Saturday, September 6, when they travel to Windemere Prep, outside Orlando, for a 1:00 PM start.

“We will try to get back on the right side of the page,” Costante said, "and come back from Windermere with a win."