Braden River at Venice

[Hwy17]

It was an awesome game, marred slightly by some questionable calls that may have affected the final outcome. BR put themselves behind the 8 ball falling two scores down early but fought back. As a neutral observer, I actually though BR had the better overall team, but Venice the best athlete on the field. If they played ten times, I could easily see them splitting the verdict. Should be a great second round playoff match. Both Venice and Braden River have very solid teams and were it not for Aquinas, each would have a great chance of winning a state title this year. 

 

I was privileged to see two very dramatic games this week, Apopka/Wekiva being the first.  

 

Tell me what happened?  I heard about these questionable calls.  A friend of mine that was there said they felt the refs were biased. 

[941football]

Tell me what happened?  I heard about these questionable calls.  A friend of mine that was there said they felt the refs were biased. 

 

Few non calls 1 push off got them a long TD. Venice usually takes their share of penalties. Both teams had their share of flags. Its just when you are used to them going your way and they don't then the biased will come out.  

[941football]

In whatever case you may want to side with penalties non calls whatever this was a great game to watch. I knew both teams would be ready and they were. Braden River and Venice both had 2 weeks to get it together.

 

What you have to ask yourself in the coming weeks after this game is, who benefits more from this win?

 

If Venice wins the district with a home field again in the playoffs. Braden River wanting to exact some revenge of their own to try to bounce Venice from the playoffs. If all works out the way it seems we will find out but issue is this is just 1 game and many other problems arise week to week.

[DarterBlue2]

Tell me what happened?  I heard about these questionable calls.  A friend of mine that was there said they felt the refs were biased. 

 

There were three calls I especially did not like:

 

1. 4th Quarter chop block called against the defense of BR resulting in a Venice first down.

2. Defensive pass interference call against BR when the BR defender stepped in front of the Venice receiver and was pushed by him.

3. What looked like an intentional face mask on the BR running back that was only spotted five yards. 

 

Aside from these there were a couple others that from my angle looked wrong, but I did not especially take exception to them. In a close game, though, a call or two can have a big impact. Now I will admit that although I did not have any pony in the race, I sat on the BR side as by the time I got there the Venice home stands were full. So I could have been subconsciously influenced by BR fans taking exception. But I will stand by the three above. 

[941football]

Chop block I will agree with as I stand in the end zone and didnt see that in the play.

The others I did not see due to where I was at the game so cant call it in either way.

 

The push off for the the long TD pass in the 3rd Qt was the non call that resulted in 7 points for Braden River.

 

Overall I didn't feel it was so Venice biased but to your comment above I could also be subconsciously influenced as well.   

[DarterBlue2]

Chop block I will agree with as I stand in the end zone and didnt see that in the play.

The others I did not see due to where I was at the game so cant call it in either way.

 

The push off for the the long TD pass in the 3rd Qt was the non call that resulted in 7 points for Braden River.

 

Overall I didn't feel it was so Venice biased but to your comment above I could also be subconsciously influenced as well.   

I agree that that BR touchdown could, probably should, have been called back. Perhaps, in perspective, the crew just was not the best; moreso than any intentional effort to influence the outcome of the game. I would also make the long drive for the rematch, should it occur, if the team I root for were to lose in the first round. The atmosphere at Venice is good, and the game was well worth the price.

[941football]

I did not realize that the River had that many transfers.  I guess that's the new program du jour instead of Manatee.  Regardless,  the River played their hearts out.  Hats off to them.

I don't think it was but a couple of kids and they played DB. I was surprised that starters on a state semi final team would transfer to Palmetto but I don't walk in their shoes so... Palmetto and Braden River play this week so that should be a good one as well.