In defeat, Sickles comes away encouraged

The Sickles football team traditionally has struggled against squads with better-than-average athleticism.

And that certainly was the case last fall.

In games with Chamberlain, Gaither and Tampa Bay Tech -- three of the county's most athletic squads -- the Gryphons lost 35-0, 37-3 and 47-0. In the preseason, they were humbled 37-0 by Brandon, another team with exceptional athletes.

Gryphons coach Pat O’Brien is optimistic the trend won't continue.

That's because Sickles more than held its own against Brandon in a 14-13 loss last week. And, as O’Brien put it, "We think Brandon is just as talented as it was last year."

Sickles led 13-0 after one quarter and the score stayed that way until the fourth. At the end, the Gryphons missed a 33-yard field goal that would have won it.

"I liked what I saw the whole game," O’Brien said. "Even from the backups. Last year, Brandon beat us (37-0) so we feel good about it. We basically had two breakdowns. We gave up a long punt return, and the other was a scramble by their quarterback. That was it, really. Brandon is going to be a strong team, so I'm really pleased with our guys."

Sickles plays Leto on Friday.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Comments

AHAHAHAHAH!!

gryphons represent

[Niebuhr813]

Aah, Sickles. Now i get to put my opinion in.
Sickles is just plain out DADDY BALL!
I was at the leto game yesterday and Cullen was acting like a baby, the same players were in and out, showing favoritism, and THEY GOT CRUSHED BY LETO!! wat in the world happened?
I'll tell you what happened: Sickles only plays the kids that they have known since they were little when they played for Citrus Park Bills (League) or kids that are good friends with those former Bills. Sickles does not play their talent!! Players that I secretly scouted in the summer, did not even step on the field such as RB/FB #40 Chris Johnson and DB #37 Luis Orengo. These are two EFFICIENT players! Especially Orengo, the transfer from T.C. Williams high School (Remember the Titans), he's got one of the top speeds on the team, hits well, and should definitely play, or even start over Senior DB #30 Elzinga. But either way, Sickles got beat on both sides and Antwan Bowers, the only hope of success for Leto, ran all around and through the Sickles defense. It was a sad game. O'Brien needs to end the Favoritism Era, and play his talent.

... also, if they can't beat Leto, good luck beating anyone else on their schedule.

0-10?

Call it anything you want, Daddy Ball what ever, you got all the money and all the excuses.... just take that loss for what it really was Leto showed up and put together a team effort that they are capable of doing against other average teams like them. They are not a plant or Armwood but neither is 25 other schools. We dont need to be the best but take your lossand give the respect. Its not the last game Leto will win this year. Go Falcons !!!!