Alonso cruises past Gaither in rare afternoon game
TAMPA, FLORIDA- The defending Class 2A state champion Alonso Ravens are looking a lot like themselves from last season: Dominant.
In a rare Thursday afternoon game due to lights being inoperable at the school’s stadium, Alonso took on Gaither and showed why they’re on the right track in 2024.
The Ravens were powered by 27 second quarter points as they cruised to a 55-0 victory over Gaither. With the win, Alonso improves to 2-0 on the season.
“Our kids are playing really hard,” Alonso head coach Matt Hernandez said. “They’re doing everything right as far as attitude wise. We’re in a process here with new quarterbacks and a new group, they’re keeping perspective.”
After taking an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter, Gaither’s defense was able to hold Alonso to just the lone touchdown.
It wouldn’t be for long, however.
The Ravens (2-0) scored their second touchdown of the game when quarterback Gabby Werr connected with wide receiver Carina Annunziata on a 20-yard pass.
Up 13-0, that’s when Alonso started to really take control of the game. On the very next Gaither possession, Alonso would get on the scoreboard again when senior defensive back Autumn Evans intercepted a pass and returned it back for a touchdown.
On Alonso’s next offensive possession, Werr would find wide receiver Makenna Sturgis on a long touchdown pass to push the Ravens ahead 27-0. There would be no looking back from there.
Werr finished the game completing 13-of-19 passes for 200 yards and four touchdowns. Annunziata had six catches, 83 yards, three scores and Sturgis added three receptions, 57 yards and two touchdowns.
“Gabby (Werr) is such a motivated kid,” Hernandez added. “She is the leadership, motivated, I want to be great and do everything I can to be great kind of kid. She’s been great.”
The next time Alonso takes the field is next week on Wednesday when they go on the road to face Riverview. Gaither (0-2) doesn’t play again until March 5th when they face Hillsborough.
-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl
