Schabert’s third TD catch lifts Seminole Ridge in OT
LOXAHATCHEE — When quarterback Kaimyn Castilla led the Seminole Ridge offense onto the field to start overtime Friday night, he was focused on one thing: confidence.
“I just have confidence in my guys,” Castilla said. “I just had confidence that we would get the job done.”
A 10-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Schabert and a subsequent Palm Beach Gardens fumble were enough to seal a 21-14 win as the Hawks (3-0) held off the visiting Gators (3-1).
Although he was nursing an injured non-throwing shoulder that briefly knocked him out of the game, Castilla had plenty to be confident about at the end of regulation. He completed 12 straight passes at one point and finished the game 15-for-19 for 165 yards and three touchdowns.
Schabert, Castilla’s favor- ite target, gained 142 yards on 10 catches, including all three TDs.
After some early, Seminole Ridge coach Rick Casko said his offense needed to rely more on Schabert.
“We watched what they did secondary-wise and we have a very talented receiver in Brandon Schabert,” Casko said. “He’s just a sophomore — who can go. We knew if he gets his legs out there, I don’t think anybody’s going to catch him. He’s very tough. He’s very fast.”
That speed was on display on Schabert’s second touchdown in the fourth quarter. He caught a short pass, then ran across the middle of the field for an 84-yard score. Schabert’s first touchdown catch — a falling, 13-yard grab — capped a 71-yard drive in the second quarter.
Castilla rarely missed his targets, but when he did, two passes ended in interceptions. Jaketrius Ivory caught a tipped pass along the side- line to set up Palm Beach Gardens’ game-tying drive.
That drive ended with a 1-yard touchdown run from Antonio Outler. Outler carried 26 times for 84 yards and two touchdowns.
On the play that ended overtime, Outler nearly added a third score on a 9-yard run — but he fumbled near the pylon and the ball bounced out of the end zone for a touchback.
It was the culmination of a tough game. Gators quarterback David Studstill rushed for 36 yards and was 5-for-12 passing for 96 yards, including a 75-yard pass to Outler.
Seminole Ridge’s defense made key stops, particularly in the Hawks’ territory. Reyan Blake contributed an interception and Shane Schneider sacked Studstill to force a turnover on downs.
“They played extremely well all night long, too,” Casko said of the Gators. “I don’t think they really hurt themselves anywhere. ... We had to battle.”