Saint Stephen’s Falcons advanced to the SSAA 11-man BOUND bracket semifinals with a decisive 29-6 victory over the Bradenton Christian Pirates on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026. The Falcons leveraged a relentless rushing attack and a suffocating defensive performance to secure the win at the Moore Athletic Complex at Turner Fields. Despite an early 6-0 lead by the Pirates, Saint Stephen’s (8-4) scored 29 unanswered points to control the game’s momentum and outcome.
Falcons’ stifling defense and rushing attack dismantle Pirates in 29-6 quarterfinal rout
The defensive unit was the defining factor in the Falcons’ success, forcing four turnovers on downs in Bradenton Christian territory, including three critical stops inside their own 10-yard line. Bradenton Christian (7-5) opened the scoring with an 11-yard touchdown pass from junior Dylan Colontrelle to sophomore Chase Colontrelle in the first quarter, but the Falcons’ defense effectively neutralized the Pirates’ offensive threats thereafter. Head coach Rich Schofield acknowledged the frustration of the loss, noting that his defense spent significant time on the field but failed to execute on key opportunities to extend drives.
With the win, Saint Stephen’s sets its sights on the semifinals next Friday, where they will host Oxbridge Academy (9-3). The Falcons will face a well-rested Oxbridge squad that narrowly defeated Glades Day, 22-21, in its own quarterfinal matchup. This upcoming contest promises to be a high-stakes clash between two top-tier programs, with Saint Stephen’s looking to convert their defensive dominance into a deep playoff run.
Source: Yahoo Sports
