Atlantic makes big statement with romp
DELRAY BEACH — Friday night’s game was supposed to be a defensive struggle between Dwyer and Atlantic, after both teams shut out quality opponents in Week 1.
But Atlantic’s offense showed its explosiveness on the opening drive, going 45 yards in just five plays, and the Eagles went on to a 30-13 victory over the visiting Panthers in a matchup of Palm Beach County powerhouses.
Quarterback Kalani Ilimaleota ended the drive with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Kamareon Williams and added a 20-yard scoring pass to Christopher Wilson in the second quarter. Montahj Joseph added scoring runs of 13 and 3 yards and Brian Litang kicked a 45-yard field goal for the Eagles (2-0).
Defensive lineman Henry Bryant was in Dwyer’s backfield all night, blowing up plays. His sack of Gio Richardson on a fourth-down play in the fourth quarter essentially tied a bow on a huge statement win for the Eagles.
“The plan for the game was to force three-and-outs, but to end that drive was important because the score was shaky, and I didn’t want them to score again,” Bryant said.
Dwyer (1-1) put together a 12-play drive in the first quarter but came up empty when Nick St. Amand missed a 37-yard field goal attempt.
After the Eagles extended the lead to 14-0 on Ilimaleota’s second TD pass, the Panthers scored late in the half on a 3-yard run by Bobby Armes.
In the third quarter, Atlantic blocked a punt and went 40 yards in four running plays, capped by Joseph’s 13-yard run.
The Panthers came back on their next drive and scored on a 9-yard pass from Richardson to James Meeks, but the Eagles pulled away from there.
Dwyer coach Jack Daniels said the team’s lackluster week of practice foreshadowed Friday’s result. The Panthers were coming off a 40-0 victory over Park Vista.
“Our players were confident, but our coaches knew that we were going to have a great test,” Daniels said. “And with the week of practice that we had, we should have gotten what we got, which was an ass-whipping.”
Dwyer suspended starters Ronald Folkes and Daniel Foster for the start of Friday’s game.
“It’s like I told these guys, there’s lots of talent but we’re so far away from putting it together,” Daniels said.
Atlantic coach T.J. Jackson praised the play of Bryant, a junior who is quickly developing into one of the county’s top talents.
“He’s been playing like this since he was a freshman, so I expect him to continue to get better and improve on the things that he wants to improve on,” Jackson said.
Both teams face difficult matchups next week, with Dwyer visiting Glades Central and Atlantic hosting Pahokee.
After the Pahokee game, Atlantic’s schedule lightens up. But Jackson warns against that mindset.
“Any given Friday, if you don’t show up prepared to play, you’ll lose,” he said.