Game of the Week: Pasco at Vanguard

The Vanguard Knights run onto the field before their game against Dunnellon during a football game at Booster Stadium in Ocala, Fla. on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

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Posted October 1, 2021 | By James Blevins
james@ocalagazette.com

The Vanguard Knights bring their undefeated 4-0 record into Friday’s game against the winless Pasco Pirates.

With a win on Friday, Vanguard can set the stage for another deep playoff run come November.

Despite their offensive success, penalties have been an issue for the Knights, especially during their Sept. 24 victory over North Marion.

Vanguard racked up 25 yellow flags for a total of 238 yards, according to MaxPreps.com

The Pirates, meanwhile, have not scored a point in their first four games. But the Dade City team is the first 6A District 5 rival the Knights will face this year.

If the Knights can clean up their penalties, it could be an excellent chance for them remain undefeated at the mid-point in the season and 1-0 in District 6A-5.

Vanguard sophomore quarterback Fred Gaskin has been the standout for the Knights through the first half of the season. Gaskin should get starting duties against the Pirates on Friday.

Top targets for Gaskin include wide receivers Tyrell Randall, Elijah Hopkins and Dallen Ponder. Each player caught touchdown passes in Vanguard’s win over North Marion on Sept. 24.

The Records:

The Knights have dispatched Gainesville (30-8) on Aug. 27, West Port (21-0) on Sept. 3, Dunnellon (13-6) on Sept. 10 and North Marion (36-19) on Sept. 24. A game scheduled on Sept. 17 against Carol City was canceled due to COVID-19.

The Pirates previously dropped games to Nature Coast Tech (42-0) on Sept. 3, Hernando (35-0) on Sept. 10, Springstead (24-0) on Sept. 17 and Zephyrhills Christian Academy (55-0) on Sept. 24.

Friday night kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Other area football games on Sept. 30-Oct. 1

Sept. 30

North Marion (2-2) at Eastside 7 p.m.

Oct. 1

Eastland Christian at St. John Lutheran (1-2) 7 p.m.

West Port (0-5) at Lake Brantley 7 p.m.

Belleview (4-1) at Springstead 7:30 p.m.

Trinity Catholic (2-2) at Wildwood 7 p.m.

Dunnellon (2-2) at Madison County 7:30 p.m.

Forest (1-3) at Chiles 7 p.m.

Lake Weir (1-3) at Crystal River 7 p.m.

Ocala Christian Academy (6-0) at Oasis Christian 7 p.m.