Bradenton Christian Fumbles Away Kickoff Classic

Final score: Cardinal Mooney 23, Bradenton Christian 14

Recap: Both teams were mistake prone in Friday night's Kickoff Classic at Cardinal Mooney's John Heath Field at Austin Smithers Stadium, but it was three first-half fumbles that helped the Cougars to a nine-point victory. Cardinal Mooney defensive back Ryan Branch scooped up a fumble and returned it to the Bradenton Christian 10, which led to an Alex Ojeda field goal, early in the first quarter. First-year quarterback and senior Sean McAdams threw a pair of first-half touchdowns to Rick Pecorelli. The first touchdown was set by Branch's second fumble recovery. The Cougars were penalized 14 times for 99 yards, while Bradenton Christian was victimized by the turnovers and dropped passes.

Play of the game: Branch's second fumble recovery came at the Mooney 2 and ignited the Cougars' first touchdown drive.

Star of the game: Cardinal Mooney's John Giardina eclipsed the 160-yard mark on 26 carries.

Up next: Bradenton Christian visits Lakeland Christian for its regular-season opener next Friday. Cardinal Mooney will play host to LaBelle.