Bradenton Christian (Florida) powers past Oasis in rout

Caden Ott tosses two touchdowns in the win

BRADENTON, FLORIDA- For first-year head coach Nate Strawderman, he entered the 2023 season as one of the youngest lead men on the South Suncoast. 

On Thursday night at Don Van Ker Kooy Field, the youthful coach led the Panthers just another step in the right direction in Year 1 at the helm. 

Behind a 170-yard, two-touchdown effort from quarterback Caden Otts, Bradenton Christian cruised by the visiting Oasis Sharks 29-7. The Panthers improved to 4-1 in Sunshine State Athletic Association play. 

It looked like a bad omen from the very beginning for the Sharks as the first snap of the game flew over the head of quarterback Parker Smith and into the endzone for a safety. Up 2-0 and with the ball right back, the Panthers added to their lead with a 32-yard field goal from place kicker Charles Nelson. 

Offensively, the Panthers (4-1) used a myriad of playmakers across the board around Otts, including Jaden Baker, who also plays on the basketball team. Baker rushed for 27 yards and had 96 receiving on the night. 

Otts connected with Baker midway through the first quarter on a 51-yard touchdown pass to give Bradenton Christian a 12-0 lead. Armed with a double-digit advantage, the Panthers’ defense held the Sharks’ offense at bay. 

Strawderman’s defense was flying around all evening long and forced Smith into two untimely interceptions during the game. It wasn’t all bad for Oasis as they received solid play out of junior running back Frederick Harley, who rushed for 131 yards on 20 attempts.  

The Sharks (4-2) cut the lead down to 12-7 when Smith hit a wide open Gavin Wittmer on a 28-yard touchdown pass to trim the deficit. It was what happened leading into intermission that changed the trajectory of the game. 

Just before halftime, Ott led the Panthers downfield in a no-huddle offense and ended it with an 8-yard scoring strike to Ben Bradshaw. Up 19-7 at the break, Bradenton Christian added onto its lead in the third period. 

Nelson added another field goal make and running back Colton Dempsey scored on a 5-yard scamper to close out the scoring. 

-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl