It looked like it might be a mismatch, considering how strong Tarpon Springs is looking in 2024 and how Palm Harbor U. is in a rebuilding mode and is battling the injury bug — but this game was interesting from start to finish.
What’s new? Last year was the same. Tarpon Springs will enjoy another year of the Clash of the Coast Trophy, which came into play last year in the friendly rivalry.
Tarpon Springs won 14-10 in what was a tight game from beginning to end, but why would anyone expect anything different? It was a good one between two schools less than 10 miles apart.
“From a fans perspective? They got to witness an exciting high school football game,” PHU coach Mike Mullaney told PalmHarborSports.com. “We were the better team tonight but there is a reason Tarpon is the premier program in north Pinellas County. They just find a way to win.”
For PHU fans, it was a stark contrast to last week’s blowout loss at Clearwater Calvary Christian. The offense moved the ball better, specifically on the ground. Sr./QB-DB Will Seibert played well on both sides of the ball, Sr./RB Jaxon Wilson had arguably his best game of his career, making key plays, and Jr./WR Jake Rennert continued to be the playmaker he was at times last year, and he was last week.
Collectively, PHU’s defense was truly stout.
“Besides two mistakes, our defense continues to mature and get better in their assignments,” Mullaney said.
An interesting sidenote is that Jr./LB-RB Alex Malyszko, who transfered from PHU to Tarpon Springs this summer, scored what would hold up as the game-winning touchdown for the Spongers.
PHU’s scoring came from Seibert’s rushing TD and a 47-yard field goal from Mitchell Stricker, who inches closer to the career record for PHU field goals. Also? Previously injured Brady Messick got some snaps, which is good news for PHU.
“Hell of a game by Mitchell Stricker with his kicking,” Mullaney said. “Offensively we were physical and ran the ball hard all night long. The loss falls 100-percent on me. Too many mistakes in play calling. Our boys deserved better.”
PHU will travel next Friday to Parrish Community HS in Manatee County. PCHS won its game tonight against Bradenton Bayshore
