Ritter’s boots lift Atlantic

Female kicker records 32-yard FG, extra point

DELRAY BEACH — In a much-anticipated showdown between Atlantic and Deerfield Beach, senior female kicker Ashlee Ritter had a memorable performance.

Ritter connected on a 32-yard field goal in the third quarter and also converted an extra point in the first half, Deerfield Beach’s high powered offense was shut down, and the host Eagles defeated the Bucks 12-10 in a preseason Kickoff Classic on Thursday night.

Ritter is the first female varsity football player to make an appearance in a game for a Palm Beach County team since Boca Raton’s Hannah Pratt in 2017. Broward saw Hollywood Hills quarterback Holly Neher threw for a touchdown during a contest two years ago.

The last time Atlantic had a female player for varsity football was also a kicker on the team 18 years ago.

The Bucks had a slow start on offense and the Eagles took advantage of the short field after they forced a punt. The Eagles struck quickly as they jumped out to the lead on a three play, 45-yard scoring drive.

On the Eagles first possession, junior running back Montahj Joseph raced for a 40-yard gain and he also powered his way for a 3-yard touchdown run two plays later.

Eagles senior quarterback Jacoby Dorch completed all four passes during their second offensive possession. The drive stalled after Dorch was sacked on fourth down in Bucks territory.

On the ensuing drive, Bucks senior running back and Florida State commit Jaylan Knighton exploded for two long gains of more than 20 yards to set up first-and-goal at the Eagles 2-yard line. The Bucks had a costly falsestart penalty prior to third down and later came up empty after they missed a 27-yard field goal attempt.

The Eagles defense recorded a safety to extend the lead to 9-0 with 1:58 left in the first half after Bucks senior quarterback and Southern Miss commit Derohn King slipped in the end zone.

The Eagles lost a fumble on the first offensive play of the second half as the Bucks started with a short field at the 24-yard line. They settled for Christian Silversten’s 21-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 9-3.

The Bucks were stopped short on fourth down inside the Eagles 10-yard line later in the third.

In the fourth, Bucks receiver Deajaun McDougle recovered a fumble on offense in the end zone for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 12-10.

The Eagles defense recovered a fumble with 33 seconds left to seal the win.

The Eagles defense was led by senior defensive lineman and Louisville commit Henry Bryant III.

The Bucks defense also played at a high level and were led by UCF commit Kervins Choute, who wreaked havoc in the backfield.

Atlantic was reclassified to Class 7A for the upcoming season. They had an undefeated regular season last year, but fell in the regional quarterfinals. Atlantic will visit Palm Beach Central in the season opener on August 23.

Deerfield Beach, which reached the state semifinals last season and field a team with several highly touted recruits, will square off against Carol City on August 24.