The 2017 high school football season starts this Friday with Kickoff Classics across Palm Beach County.
With the first kickoffs just days away, Palm Beach Post writers Adam Lichtenstein and Jodie Wagner will count down some of the interesting things we’re looking at this season.
Today, we take a look at some of the top games in Palm Beach County. We’ve limited the list to six – in no particular order – though there are many more that will draw attention throughout the season.
Dwyer faces Atlantic Sept. 1 in one of the area’s top games this season. The Eagles and Panthers have split their past two games. (Bruce Bennett/Palm Beach Post)
1. Atlantic at Dwyer, Sept. 1: This series has become must-see TV in recent years. Former district opponents, the Eagles and Panthers continue to meet in out-of-district competition. Two years ago, Atlantic ran away with a 32-21, penalty-filled win that was marred by fighting. Last year, Dwyer rolled to a 43-7 victory to run its record to 9-0. This year’s contest comes much earlier in the season than the previous two, though it’s no less important. Atlantic brought in numerous players in the offseason who hope to make an immediate impact, among them defensive back Kenih Lovely, wide receiver Oyeh Lurry-Davis, defensive tackle Brian Bureau and athlete Shelley Singletary. Heavily recruited wide receivers Corey Gammage and Cadarius Gaskin also return for a loaded Eagles team. Dwyer, on the other hand, was hit hard by graduation this year, losing more than three dozen seniors plus a handful of players to transfer. But those expecting a rebuilding year at Dwyer should think again. Longtime coach Jack Daniels knows how to get the most out of his players, and he has plenty of talent to work with. Defensive backs Cameron Jonas, Justin Birchette and Carl Willis return, as does wide receiver Andrew Kasten. Buckle up.
2. Wellington at Palm Beach Gardens, Oct. 20: As it has the last three seasons, the outcome of this regular-season contest could determine the District 9-8A championship. The Wolverines won in 2014 and 2016, while the Gators took the 2015 game. All three contests were decided by 6 points or less, and there’s no reason to believe the result will be any different this year. Both Wellington and Palm Beach Gardens will start new quarterbacks this season, but there are plenty of familiar faces returning on both sides. The Wolverines get four-star playmaker Mark Antony-Richards back in addition to a massive offensive line, while a healthy Jarrett Jackson – who was limited to four games last year because of injury – returns for the Gators at tight end and defensive end. Home-field advantage has helped in this series in recent years, but how big a role it plays remains to be seen.
3. Pahokee at Glades Central, Nov. 3: The Muck Bowl almost always intrigues, and the 2017 edition should be no different. Both the Blue Devils and Raiders lost numerous impact players to graduation, including starting quarterbacks Tyrone Smith (Pahokee) and James Blackman (Glades Central). But there is plenty of talent waiting in the wings. Pahokee, which broke an eight-game losing streak to Glades Central in last year’s game, returns a trio of players who will make a huge impact this season. Tight end Zatavian Morgan, athlete Deion Foreman and defensive back De’vuntray Hampton will play key roles for the Blue Devils, who close a brutal schedule with the Raiders. Glades Central also has one of the area’s toughest schedules this season, but coach Jessie Hester has talent to work with. Expect defensive back Gerald Jackson and lineman Willie Canty – both seniors – to lead the way for the Raiders.
4. Dwyer at Palm Beach Gardens, Sept. 22: The Panthers have gotten the best of this series with the Gators in recent years, winning nine in a row. But Palm Beach Gardens nearly broke that streak last year, holding a fourth-quarter lead on the road before the Panthers rallied with two late touchdowns. Palm Beach Gardens gets the home game this season, and will be looking to make a statement against their crosstown rival. The Gators will have a new starter at quarterback – as will the Panthers – but return a strong group of running backs and wide receivers. Palm Beach Gardens also added defensive back De’Quan Walker and athlete Gurvan Hall in the offseason. Dwyer lost more than three dozen players from last year’s team – as noted above – but has plenty of talent in the pipeline. Look for the Panthers’ secondary to be a strength.
5. Park Vista at Atlantic, Sept. 22: The Cobras surprised the Eagles last season in Week 5, rallying for a 23-20 win at home. But it will be a tall order to make it two in a row against a talented Atlantic team that has talent, depth and plenty of veteran leadership. However Park Vista returns a trio of impact players in senior athletes John Smith, Atorian Perry and Jake Collins. Smith starts at quarterback for the Cobras, and he runs well. Atlantic struggled to shut him down in last year’s game, allowing 113 rushing yards and two touchdowns to the Holy Cross commit. A repeat performance could spell trouble for the Eagles, though Atlantic will counter with a stacked defensive line, a strong group of linebackers and a talented secondary. The winner of this game could have the inside track to the District 10-8A championship.
6. Dwyer at Palm Beach Lakes, Sept. 15: Control of the District 13-7A race could be at stake in this key contest, which is the district opener for both teams. The Panthers ran away with last year’s game, winning 40-3 at home behind four touchdown passes from Toddy Centeio and a stiff defense. The Rams hope to even the score, and will have a nearly new roster with which to do so. Like Dwyer, Palm Beach Lakes was hit hard by graduation. But the Rams expect to rebuild with a talented group of players from last year’s junior varsity and varsity squads, as well as some key transfer players including athlete Teja Young, a Colorado State commit. Dwyer will counter with plenty of young talent plus a strong group of players with varsity experience, including running back Cedric Tucker and much of its secondary.
Other games to watch:
Dwyer at Park Vista, Aug. 25
American Heritage at Fort Lauderdale-Cardinal Gibbons, Sept. 1
Pahokee at Atlantic, Sept. 8
Glades Central at Dwyer, Sept. 8
Glades Central at Oxbridge Academy, Sept. 28
Palm Beach Gardens at Pahokee, Oct. 6
Wellington at Atlantic, Nov. 3
Oxbridge Academy at Palm Beach Lakes, Nov. 3
