Dwyer, Atlantic meet in marquee matchup

The opening week of high school football has come and gone. Several high-profile teams improved their stock, while a pair of programs with high expectations took a step backwards.

Coming off impressive performances in their Kickoff Classic matchups, Palm Beach Central and Park Vista both fell flat in their regular-season openers. Both the Cobras and the Bron- cos were shut out Saturday on the road, with Park Vista losing 40-0 to Dwyer and Palm Beach Central dropping their contest against Atlantic 14-0.

Dwyer’s defense was stifling, allowing very few first downs and returning two interceptions for scores, while Atlantic’s defense impressed as well. Both teams look to carry the momentum of a big win into their head-tohead matchup this Friday in a game that figures to be among the most competi- tive and telling contests in the county all season long.

King’s Academy, Benjamin and American Heritage all came away with decisive victories in Week 1 and all look poised to compete for postseason spots.

Top games this week:

Dwyer (1-0) at Atlantic (1-0), Friday, 6 p.m.

This is the county’s marquee Week 2 matchup. Both teams are coming off big wins to open their seasons and have their sights set on state titles. Dwyer and Atlantic are expected to be among the top teams in the county and have talent all over the field. Panthers quarterback Gio Richardson will have another week of experience under his belt following his transfer from Oxbridge, and this game will serve as a chance to see if Dwyer’s loaded offense can operate against a very good Eagles defense. Atlantic won last year’s matchup 21-12.

Wellington (1-0) at Vero Beach (1-0), Friday, 7 p.m.

Last year, this matchup ended 62-24 in favor of Vero Beach. Wellington returns this year, though, with more experience and talent, but the Indians have already picked up an impressive win in 2018, beating defending Class 7A state champion Venice 42-20 in Week 1. This game will serve as a barometer for the Wolverines, indicating just how feasible a deep playoff run will be.

North Broward Prep (1-0) at Benjamin (1-0), Friday, 7 p.m.

North Broward Prep won eight games a year ago and represents a solid challenge for Benjamin, who they beat 31-28 last season. Benjamin is coming off a 30-8 win over Glades Day and has a talented group, led by a trio of sophomore quarterbacks and defensive back and Super 11 pick Kaiir Elam. An early-season matchup against North Broward Prep affords the Buccaneers an opportunity to show how much they’ve progressed.