It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon as the Seminoles took the pitch to open their SIR Conference schedule with the Bulls of USF coming to Tallahassee. What always promises to be an exciting match held up to expectations as the back three shined in this game.
The Seminoles started out on the defensive, holding USF to limited gain in territory. Following a subsequent turnover, FSU utilized some quick hands to get the ball to Cameron Chadsey on the wing who dotted it down in the try zone. Stifling defense led to a kick from USF, handled easily by fullback Frazer Baron, who then facilitated the ball to the other wing Peter Kim, who torched the defense for another score.
With a halftime score of 14-0, the Noles needed to up the pressure if they wanted to come away with a bonus point. The second half featured a slower game with the forwards punishing the defensive line of USF. With the forwards gaining meters, USF had no choice but to try and turn on the pressure themselves, leaving much space behind their line. This allowed for a quick chip kick from outside center Arturo San Segundo, who recovered his own kick in the try zone.
The FSU pack was hungry however, and kept the ball in hand. Robert Schrage, a first year starter at prop on the First XV found the ball at the back of the ruck and took it straight up and in to the try zone to give the Seminoles a much needed fourth try bonus point. After playing stout defense within their own five meter line for over 6 minutes, the Seminoles finally conceded a try to the Bulls of USF. Immediately afterwards, reserve fullback Kevin Hernandez returned a kick and outran a tired USF defense into the try zone.
The Emerging side took the field following the first match. Excellent communication from Alex Moya and flashes of athleticism from newcomers Bailey Jackson, Dylan Cibelli, and Pat Saracino allowed them to come away with a narrow 20-19 victory.
The Seminoles travel to Jacksonville November 5th to face the newest team in the SIRC, UNF, followed by a home match against UCF on November 12th.
Final Score: 34-7
Tries:
Cameron Chadsey
Peter Kim
Arturo San Segundo
Robert Schrage
Kevin Hernandez
Conversions:
Frazer Baron: 3/4
Alex Ruiz: 0/1
Penalties:
Frazer Baron 1/3