If you were there, you're probably still talking about it!
Friday night’s game under the lights turned into an instant classic as the Port Charlotte Pirates pulled off a dramatic 29-28 victory over the South Fort Myers Wolfpack. The night was filled with momentum swings, big plays, and a finish that won’t soon be forgotten by players or fans.
South Fort Myers struck first, opening the scoring with a 28-yard touchdown pass. The Wolfpack defense then added to the pressure, intercepting Port Charlotte quarterback Logan Flaherty and returning the pick for a touchdown. At halftime, the Pirates trailed 14-7 and were struggling to find their rhythm.
The tide began to turn in the second half. Running back Elias Pearl powered into the end zone on a short run to tie the score, igniting the Pirates’ sideline. But South Fort Myers answered with a quarterback sneak to retake the lead. Port Charlotte responded in explosive fashion when Flaherty connected with Jaylen Francis on a stunning 79-yard touchdown pass, swinging momentum back to the Pirates.
The Wolfpack refused to fold, surging ahead once more on a long touchdown run by Arthur Gallishaw that pushed the score to 28-21. With time slipping away, the Pirates mounted one last charge. Pearl again found the end zone on a late drive, and instead of settling for a tie, Port Charlotte went for the win. Pearl carried the ball on the two-point conversion, muscling across the goal line to give the Pirates a 29-28 lead with just 96 seconds left.
South Fort Myers still had hope, but Port Charlotte’s defense rose to the occasion. The Wolfpack turned the ball over in the final minute, sealing the Pirates’ victory in dramatic fashion.
Pearl’s two touchdowns and game-winning conversion made him the clear hero of the night, while Flaherty’s poise under pressure, capped by his long touchdown pass to Francis, showcased the Pirates’ resilience. Despite South Fort Myers’ strong defensive effort and big plays, it was Port Charlotte’s grit in the final moments that decided the outcome.
With the win, the Pirates improved to 5–1 on the season, proving their ability to handle adversity and deliver in clutch situations. The victory not only strengthens their position in the standings but also sets the tone for the challenging weeks ahead.
For the fans in attendance, it was a night of high drama, hard hits, and the kind of thrilling finish that makes high school football so very special.