Atlantic seeks first title-game berth since ’78

Throughout its history, Atlantic has consistently produced top-level defensive backs.

Brandon Flowers, Jayron Hosley and Mike Rumph all played in the NFL and are among the former Delray Beach standouts who have donned the Eagles’ green and white uniforms.

This season, Atlantic’s secondary is peaking at the right time as its new crop of DBs have the school poised to make history.

Thanks to five interceptions in its 35-22 win over Western, the Eagles are back in the state semifinals for the first time since 2001. With a win over visiting Miami High, the Eagles will play for their first state title since 1978. Atlantic, which reached the finals four times from 1973-78, is still looking for that elusive first title.

Senior cornerback Kenih Lovely and senior safety Christian Brown played major roles in Friday’s regional final win, with each player nabbing two interceptions and a pick-six. Corey Gammage, a senior wideout who’s committed to Florida, also features prominently on the unit and had a takeaway in the victory.

That unit has been a big part of why the Eagles have won 11 straight games and are on the verge of a trip to Orlando for the state finals.

Since its season-opening 14-13 loss to Palm Beach Central, Atlantic has only allowed more than 14 points once this season — last week against Western, in a contest where the Wildcats scored two touchdowns in the final 1:30 with the game out of reach. In addition, Atlantic has held opponents to single digits in seven of those games.

While the unit was exemplary throughout the season, the Eagles received a major boost with the return of Lovely. A Western Michigan commit, Lovely missed the entire regular season and the first round of the playoffs with a broken leg. He made his playoff debut in its regional semifinal win versus Park Vista, and just one game later, was making game-changing plays against Western.

“When I was down, I was working hard to get back up for this moment,” said Lovely, who transferred from Dwyer in the offseason. Coach TJ Jackson, in his fifth season with the Eagles, said Lovely’s return has been crucial for the team during its playoff push.

“Overall the whole defense has been great,” said Jackson. “Kenih brings another level to the secondary that we need.”

Jackson is very high on junior Marc-Allen Derac, who has emerged as one of the county’s top cornerbacks.

The Eagles secondary will need to step up once again as it faces a strong Miami High passing attack. Last week, the Stingarees scored 28 unanswered points to overcome a 22-0 second-half deficit and top Columbus, 28-22. Senior quarterback Isaias Castelleon threw three touchdowns in the comeback victory.

MICHAEL LAUGHLIN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Atlantic quarterback Antoine Williams II looks to throw the ball against the Western defense during the first half of their game last week.