LUTZ — Shaheem Barthel scored two touchdowns and registered a pair of interceptions to help lead Steinbrenner past Wiregrass Ranch 48-10 on Friday.
On the game's first play from scrimmage, Barthel picked off Wiregrass quarterback Shane Bucenell at the Steinbrenner 47. Barthel then capped a nine-play drive with a 3-yard run to give Steinbrenner a 7-0 lead.
"That's always a great way to start," Warriors coach Andres Perez-Reinaldo said of the interception then touchdown. "And our defense never really let up from that point on."
The Warriors dominated the first half, forcing three Wiregrass turnovers on defense and running the ball at will on offense. Barthel and Kendall Pearcey combined for 152 yards and three touchdowns during the half.
In addition, Warriors quarterback Curtis Fitch connected with his favorite target, Jon Marc Carrier, three times for 118 yards, including a 64-yard touchdown.