Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Atlantic falls in first state title game since ’78
ORLANDO — Despite a stellar defensive performance, Atlantic’s first trip to the state finals since 1978 ended in disappointment.
The Eagles’ defense allowed just three points on the night, but critical mistakes on offense and special teams doomed the team’s chances in the Class 8A state championship. Orlando’s Dr. Phillips scored touchdowns on special teams and defense, helping the Panthers top Atlantic 17-7 on Saturday at Camping World Stadium.
Atlantic, which still is seeking its first state title, scored on an Antoine Williams touchdown run with 3:18 left in the contest to avoid the shutout. It was the first time all season the Eagles were held to single digits.
“We couldn’t protect real well,” Atlantic coach T.J. Jackson said. “I’m proud of the kids. They had a great season. We just fell a little short. They never gave up in this game. We just couldn’t get any movement on the offensive side of the ball and couldn’t get any field position in the first half.”
Despite the offensive struggles, Atlantic (12-2) was still in the contest early in the fourth quarter, trailing just 10-0. Dr. Phillips, however, delivered the dagger with 9:53 left as linebacker Cameron Williams picked off Antoine Williams and returned the ball 9 yards for a score to give the Panthers a commanding 17-0 lead.
Atlantic’s offense struggled mightily in the first half against the Panthers as the team racked up more yardage in penalties than on offense. The Eagles were able to muster only 40 total yards and two first downs on 21 first-half plays. They were also flagged 11 times for 72 yards.
Dr. Phillips took a 7-0 lead with 4:25 left in the first quarter as Japerri Powell broke through the Eagles line, blocked the punt and returned it 8 yards for a score. The Panthers junior linebacker was a terror in the first half, recording two sacks. The Eagles went into the locker room, trailing 10-0 at halftime.
Atlantic finally began to move the ball offensively in the second half, but was unable to capitalize. The Eagles drove to the Panthers’ 30-yard line on three consecutive drives to start the third quarter, but turned the ball over on downs each time.
“We just made too many mistakes,” Atlantic defensive tackle Henry Bryant said. “If we didn’t make mistakes, we would’ve had them. It just hurts to lose. We came a long way and we worked so hard, just to lose this one game. We had one more game to win and it just hurts.”
Saturday night’s win provided a moment of redemption for Dr. Phillips. Last year in the 8A state title game, the Panthers led Miami Southridge 10-0 in the fourth quarter, but they collapsed down the stretch, falling 14-10. Dr. Phillips, playing before an announced attendance of 5,900 just 6.8 miles from campus, wouldn’t falter this time.
It was still a turnaround season for Delray Beach’s Atlantic. The Eagles were the first Palm Beach County big school to reach the state finals since Dwyer in 2013.
Though the pain was still fresh, Bryant was adamant about the Eagles’ prospects next season.
“We’re going to make it again,” Bryant said. “And we’re going to win.”