Three county teams stay alive in playoffs
Atlantic, Oxbridge Academy, Pahokee head to next round.
And then there were three. Only Atlantic, Oxbridge Academy and Pahokee remain in the playoff picture from Palm Beach County after the other four local teams lost in the second round of the playoffs Friday night.
Four takeaways from Friday’s games:
1. Dwyer’s defense not enough: The Panthers’ defense was excellent Friday. It did not allow a touchdown, held Doral Academy to negative rushing yards and largely contained a potent passing attack. It wasn’t enough to get the victory, though, as Dwyer’s offense stalled, and the Panthers fell 6-5. Dwyer’s defense was strong all year, surrendering an average of only about 13 points per game. And several of the key players were firstyear starters who will return next season. The defensive side of the ball will likely be a strength for Dwyer again next year.
2. Oxbridge rolling: The ThunderWolves kept on trucking Friday, rolling over reigning state semifinalist Melbourne Central Catholic 32-7. The offense took a little while to get going, but it started firing as the game went on. Quarterback Gio Richardson racked up 166 yards and two touchdowns, and the defense was stout as usual. The ThunderWolves get another home game in the state semifinals Friday, and they’ll host Tallahassee-Florida State, which has a 7-5 record. If Oxbridge keeps playing like this, it’ll be in Camping World Stadium soon.
3. Pahokee’s got a date with Madison County: The Blue Devils are also vying for a trip to Orlando, but they have a tougher road. Pahokee has to travel 340 miles to Madison (located roughly halfway between Tallahassee and Lake City) to play the Cowboys, who have not lost a game all year. Madison County has destroyed its two playoff opponents, beating Union County 50-6 in the first round and taking down Dixie County 62-7 on Friday night. If the Blue Devils suffer the same fate, it’ll be a long trip home.
4. Maybe next year for the Broncos: Palm Beach Central suffered a devastating loss to Western, coughing up a 12-point lead and the winning touchdown in the final minute. But there are reasons for Broncos fans to be hopeful. Two of their top players, FSU commit and Groza Award finalist Akeem Dent and Miami commit Renato Brown, return next year, as do running back C.J. Stewart and potential star wide receiver Bryan Robinson. Although they graduate 22 seniors, there will still be plenty for coach Tino Ierulli to work with in 2018. How did Jodie do? Record: 5-1.
Best pick: Once again, Jodie nailed the games that we were split on, picking Doral Academy and Atlantic to win their games. How did Adam do?
Record: 3-3
Best pick: Maybe my worst week yet. I did predict Park Vista-Atlantic, Doral Academy-Dwyer and Western-Palm Beach Central to be close, though, and they all were.