Wiregrass Ranch’s offense leads the way in rematch win over Springstead

The Bulls win the rematch against the Eagles much more comfortably

WESLEY CHAPEL, FLORIDA- In a rematch from the regular season, the last time Wiregrass Ranch and Springstead met, offensive football dominated the night. 

The Bulls and Eagles by the end of the night combined for 99 total points and the former came away with a 51-48 win. 

Wiregrass Ranch didn’t leave anything to chance this second go around. The Bulls relied on timely defense and their high-powered offense as they rolled to a 45-27 win over Springstead in a Class 4S, Region 2 quarterfinal victory. 

The postseason victory for Wiregrass Ranch marked the first since the 2017 season. With a quarterback like Army commit Luke Knight at the controls, it might not be the last playoff win of this 2023 run. 

Though Knight led a Bulls’ offense that racked up 499 yards on the night, turnovers became an issue for the first time this season. Knight threw three interceptions on the evening, but however that didn’t stop the Bulls. 

The quarterback ended the evening completing 11-of-25 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns. Knight’s go-to-target was wide receiver Isaiah Riggins, who finished with 226 yards on six catches and scoring two touchdowns. 

Knight got the scoring started nearly midway through the first quarter when the quarterback used his legs to scored on a 5-yard scamper. Ahead 7-0, the Bulls began to build a nice lead and added a field goal later in the period. 

Bulls strike first as @lukeknightqb goes untouched for this 5-yard TD run. With 7:30 remaining in the 1st Quarter, @WGRanchFootball leads @Springstead_Ath 7-0. @Andy_Villamarzo @PascoCountyFB @SBLiveSports @SBLiveFL pic.twitter.com/mATFvakTD8

— Alejandro Tamayo (@AlexTamayo22) November 11, 2023

What really stood out in this second meeting of the two teams was Wiregrass Ranch’s defense rising to the occasion. The Bulls’ defense held Springstead running back Connor Mccazzio to just 30 yards on 15 carries. 

The Eagles were forced to air it out a lot more between quarterbacks Gio Martinez and Kasey Kortman. Springstead’s signal caller ended the evening completing a combined 11-of-30 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns. 

Martinez’s touchdown pass would come on a 78-yard strike to Tyree Davis and it cut the Bulls’ lead down to 10-7 in the second period. That’s when Wiregrass Ranch would begin creating separation. 

Riggins would score on a 25-yard run to give the Bulls a 17-7 lead and then on Wiregrass’ next possession broke the game open. 

It’s a reverse!! @isaiahriggins3 takes it 25-yards to the house! With 9:44 remaining till Halftime, @WGRanchFootball leads @Springstead_Ath 17-7. @Andy_Villamarzo @PascoCountyFB @SBLiveSports @SBLiveFL pic.twitter.com/2Sk3RFCVn3

— Alejandro Tamayo (@AlexTamayo22) November 11, 2023

Mark Kantor went deep into the playbook and called a double-pass with Fred Adams hitting Riggins on a 79-yard touchdown. Up 24-7, the Bulls’ defense pinned their ears back in stopping Mccazzio. 

On the ground for the Bulls, it would be Ian Wilson II being the guy as the running back rushed for 77 yards on 14 attempts. 

Now Wiregrass Ranch (9-2) will hit the road for a Class 4S, Region 2 semifinal where they will face Lake Minneola. 

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FHSAA 2023 CHAMPIONSHIPS BRACKETS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 4M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 4S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 3M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 3S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 2M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 2S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 1M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 1S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

2023 FHSAA CLASS 1R STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

(Photo credit: Diego Tovar) 

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