PALMETTO — Port Charlotte has aspirations for a very deep run in the playoffs in 2024. While spring game results are etched in Silly Putty, if Thursday’s visit to Palmetto is a preview of things to come, the Pirates are going to be a tough out.
The Pirates’ defense gave the Tigers very little, and with the help of Ike Perry’s two touchdowns and 185 yards rushing, they coasted to a 43-7 victory.
Karsyn Barghausen kicked three field goals as the Pirates forced a running clock on the Tigers in the closing minutes of the game.
Port Charlotte coach Jordan Ingman was impressed by his team’s effort on both sides of the ball.
“You saw flashes of potential. As tough as our schedule is, we have to play more consistent football, but the effort was there,” Ingman said. “When you see the other team cramping up and we aren’t, that’s a proud moment to be in the condition we’re in.”
Port Charlotte took charge early and took advantage of a short field on its first possession, with Perry dashing 33 yards for a touchdown and a quick 7-0 lead.
Palmetto moved the football on its second drive, with Dylan Maclain hitting Dylan Wester on a 37-yard strike into the red zone. However, an interception thwarted that drive.
That proved costly as the Pirates drove 80 yards on nine plays, with Perry scoring from the 1-yard line to make it 14-0 late in the first quarter.
The Pirates defense asserted itself, allowing minus-7 yards on the Tigers’ last four possessions of the half. Port Charlotte moved just enough for Barghausen to kick field goals of 38 and 42 yards to make it 20-0.
Logan Flaherty, rising sophomore quarterback transfer from Charlotte, led a quick drive to start the second half and scored from the 10. Later, he found Jaylen Henry on a nine-yard touchdown pass to make it 34-0.
“Logan has the potential to be good. He’s settling in. Our offense is complicated and takes time to learn, but he did a great job for his first start,” Ingman said. “Once the game slows down for him, he’ll have a great grasp of the offense.”
Maclain finally got the Tigers offense on the board, hitting Simeon Matt on a 12-yard touchdown pass. Juluis Roach scored later for the Pirates and Barghausen kicked his third field goal late.
Ingman had nothing but glowing words for Perry, his rising senior and two-year captain.
“He’s not only a great football player but also a great young man,” Ingman said. “He had to share the spotlight last year and never complained and now it’s his time.”
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