Satellite, Merritt Island Christian football win blowout games

After two convincing road wins, Satellite returned home to face its stiffest test of the season in FHSAA Class 4A Seabreeze in a matchup of unbeatens.

The Scorpions mirrored the same recipe of success as they did in their first three games. Thanks to a tenacious defense and an efficient offense, they earned a 35-2 win.

"Just real proud of them," Satellite head coach Dan Burke said. "We prepared a short week and the kids prepared hard. It's kind of a rivalry and our guys came out and played well in every facet of the game."

Satellite's defense pitched another shutout, extending its shutout streak to 188:41. The Sandcrabs scored a safety on a high snap off a punt that was recovered in the end zone.

Seabreeze entered Scorpions territory on three of its 10 possessions. It punted the ball six times.

"They were flying around, making plays," Burke said. "Proud of them. They prepare hard too."

Scorpions linebacker Anthony Romero made the first statement with a punishing hit on Seabreeze quarterback Noah Bogdanowicz, jarring the ball loose with defensive lineman Max Lopez recovering the fumble.

In the third quarter, linebacker Luke Herte lowered his shoulder for a big hit on Sandcrabs wide receiver Danny Spada, popping the ball in the air and leading to an interception for defensive back Kade Whitworth.

"All these guys, you'll find plays like Kade Whitworth. Somebody different steps up. Levi Mumme breaking up passes," Burke said. "It's a great team effort. It's fun to watch. They play the way you're supposed to play. Proud of the effort and the teamwork."

The Satellite offense fed off the defense, scoring 3 touchdowns off 3 takeaways. Quarterback Brody Grennan finished the night with 155 passing yards and 2 touchdowns. Three rushers scored touchdowns.

"We came out and punched them in the mouth. It was a great team effort. Controlled the ball. We didn't have many mistakes on offense. Proud of the team," Grennan said. "We got to come back Monday and get ready for Pine Ridge, but that's a statement win for our team. I feel like a lot of people were questioning how good we were. That definitely proves we're a good team."

Grennan connected with wide receiver Noah Corriveau on both touchdown passes. The signal caller evaded a sack in the pocket and launched a deep ball to Corriveau, who shed a tackle for an 80-yard score. Corriveau caught a 33-yard touchdown pass to cap the first drive of the second half.

"Me and Noah (Corriveau) have been playing together since we were like 10. Me and him are like best friends. We're always together and I feel like that helps a lot," Grennan said. "We communicate so well on the field. Everything is just simple. It's easy. Just give him the ball and he could score."

After Romero's strip sack, running back Raiden Kerr raced to the end zone on a 40-yard run to open the scoring. Herte scored a 1-yard touchdown on the ensuing drive following his big hit that lead to the interception. A fumbled kickoff by Seabreeze set up tailback Tristan Sejeck for a 1-yard touchdown run.

"The running game is always amazing," Grennan said. "It takes a lot off me and it's really easy to just pound the ball and tire them out. That's what we did. We tired them out."

Satellite improved to 4-0 and will return to SSAA play versus Pine Ridge on Sept. 11. Grennan said the confidence is sky high.

"Space Coast, a great win. That was a great team. The other two games, we should have won those games," Grennan said. "After this one, we just shot ourselves up there higher and higher and the momentum is going to be as high as possible. The next two games are good teams. It's the start of our gauntlet and we got to keep going. We have momentum, so I think we can."

MI Christian defeats Florida School for the Deaf and Blind 48-14

Merritt Island Christian 48, Florida School for the Deaf & Blind 14

In a rematch of last year's SSAA 8-man state quarterfinal, Merritt Island Christian prevailed after falling behind 6-0 following the first quarter.

The Cougars improved to 4-0 after winning their home opener. They have a bye week before returning to the field on Sept. 18 versus Academy at the Lakes.