The post-season is a week away, but plenty of good football remains to be played as the regular season draws to a close.
No. 1 Atlantic travels to No. 2 Dwyer Friday to close the regular season. Both teams are unbeaten. (Photo by Taylor Jones)
There will be a slight shuffle in the top 10 this week, as Boca Raton was the only team to fall. The Bobcats, who were leading for much of Friday’s game against No. 1 Atlantic before the Eagles rallied, dropped from No. 3 to No. 5. Oxbridge Academy and American Heritage each moved up a spot to No. 3 and No. 4, respectively. The rest of the top 10 remained the same.
The final week of the regular season will be a good one, as six of our top 10 teams play each other. Those matchups include No. 1 Atlantic at No. 2 Dwyer, No. 6 Pahokee at No. 7 Glades Central in the Muck Bowl, and No. 9 Wellington at No. 5 Boca Raton. Read more on those games below.
Here’s this week’s Top 10:
1. Atlantic (9-0)
2. Dwyer (9-0)
3. Oxbridge Academy (7-2)
4. American Heritage (7-2)
5. Boca Raton (8-1)
6. Pahokee (8-1)
7. Glades Central (7-2)
8. Palm Beach Gardens (5-3)
9. Wellington (5-4)
10. Royal Palm Beach (5-4)
Top games this week (All games Friday at 7 p.m. unless noted)
No. 1 Atlantic (9-0) at No. 2 Dwyer (9-0): Only two unbeaten teams remain on the final day of the regular season, and they will meet here in a game that is expected to draw statewide attention. The Eagles won the District 10-8A championship last week with a 21-9 come-from-behind victory over previously unbeaten Boca Raton, while the Panthers also had to rally before beating Forest Hill. Atlantic’s defense will be a huge test for Dwyer, which struggled to score points against the Falcons. Atlantic has given up just 16 points over its past five games, with three of those contests ending in a shutout. The Panthers received a boost with the return of starting quarterback Toddy Centeio last week after more than a month on the sidelines, and he will have to be particularly sharp against Atlantic. Dwyer’s defense also could have its hands full with Atlantic’s ground-heavy offense. The Eagles feature four running backs capable of running through, and around, opposing defenses.
No. 6 Pahokee (8-1) at No. 7 Glades Central (7-2), (Muck Bowl) 7:30 p.m.: The Raiders have won seven straight Muck Bowls, but the Blue Devils could break that streak this year. Pahokee has completed a tremendous turnaround from last season, in which the Blue Devils finished 5-5 and missed the playoffs. Pahokee won the District 8-1A championship in dominant fashion two weeks ago with a 27-0 shutout of previously No. 1 and unbeaten Fort Meade. The Blue Devils’ only loss this season was a close 17-14 decision to Class 8A Boca Raton Oct. 2. Pahokee has a talented defense and one of the best running backs in the area in UF commit McArthur Burnett. But the Raiders are playing just as well down the stretch, winning five in a row and clinching the District 7-4A championship last week with a convincing 49-7 win over Clewiston. The Raiders’ quarterback-receiver-running back trio of James Blackman, Devonte Burden and Ja’kevious Vickers is among the best in the area. This one could go down to the wire.
No. 9 Wellington (5-4) at No. 5 Boca Raton (8-1): The Wolverines had extra time to prepare for Boca Raton following a much-needed bye last week, while the Bobcats are coming off a hard-fought loss to district rival Atlantic. Wellington’s high-powered offense struggled against Palm Beach Gardens in Week 9, and will look to regain its momentum against a tough Bobcats defensive unit that limited Atlantic to just seven points through three quarters last week. Boca Raton had some success moving the ball against the Eagles, but was uncharacteristically sloppy with three interceptions. Limiting turnovers will be key for the Bobcats, who also will need a big effort from running back Bryce Hill. The senior has had a standout season, but was held in check by Atlantic. On the other side, Wellington wide receiver Ahmmon Richards is one of the best in the game and could be tough to contain.
