Long TD run puts Atlantic up; fumble recovery saves win
DELRAY BEACH — Turnovers and penalties are a regular part of preseason football, and Atlantic’s 7-0 Kickoff Classic victory against Pahokee on Friday was no exception.
The Blue Devils and Eagles combined for 32 penalties and three turnovers in the game, which yielded more turnovers than touchdowns.
Dontavius Monroe scored the only touchdown, breaking loose for a 55-yard run early in the second quarter.
Pahokee’s best scoring chance came on its secondto-last possession. T. J. Smith drove the Blue Devils all the way to Atlantic’s 3-yard line, but Chanler Ferguson recovered a fumble in the end zone on a third-down play, preserving the win.
Pahokee’s first drive also ended in a turnover, as Jerrod Ferguson intercepted Smith’s pass in Atlantic territory and returned it to the Blue Devils’ 40.
The Eagles failed to convert, as penalties stifled a promising drive.
Pahokee moved the ball effectively on its second drive, with senior running back McArthur Burnett providing much of the offensive spark. But the drive stalled on Atlantic’s 18-yard line as the Blue Devils came up short on a fourth-and-3 pass play.
The first quarter ended with Atlantic deep in its own territory and the game 0-0.
That changed quickly. The Eagles’ rushing offense found its rhythm, with Lamar Washington and Monroe combining for 90 yards on consecutive carries. Monroe’s 55-yard run on second-and-10 gave Atlantic the lead.
The Eagles got the ball back after forcing a Pahokee punt, but an interception deep in Blue Devils territory handed the ball right back.
“We made a lot of mistakes, a lot of mental mistakes,” Atlantic coach Tavarius Jackson said. “But we’re going to get better at it.”
Pahokee’s offense struggled in the first half, particularly on the ground. Atlantic’s defense stiffened on all three of the Blue Devils’ second-quarter drives.
Penalties affected both teams in the second half.
A potential second touchdown for Atlantic was wiped out on a block-in-the-back call on a punt return. Don’Dre Swint’s 63-yard return with 11:01 remaining was negated.
“There are a ton of things we need to work on,” Pahokee coach Alphonso Smith said. “But I’m proud with the way the guys played. We had some kids who didn’t show us much in practice, but came out here and played lights out.”