Braden River sets gate record in Lakewood Ranch game

Braden River High set a school record in its game against Lakewood Ranch with gate receipts more than $18,500, according to athletic director Bob Bowling.

The paid attendance was 3,100 though Bowling and most others felt the actual crowd was significantly larger, perhaps in the 5,000 fan range.

It was still the best crowd and largest ever home gate for any sport in Braden River history. It also had the atmosphere of a college game with lines of cars waiting to get into the parking lot and student tailgaters setting up along school grounds.

Unfortunately, for the Pirates they came out on the short end of a 28-18 score against their arch rival. But it was a victory for school coffers.