DWYER AT PAHOKEE: Pahokee handled their first big test by beating Atlantic in the opener. Dwyer did not fair so well in their first big game, losing to Glades Central even though they controlled much of the game. Pahokee has the opportunity to beat Dwyer, Atlantic, and Glades Central in the same season......a potentially terrific accomplishment.
Both teams are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. Dwyer starts with junior QB Jacoby Brissett (17-31, 299 yards, 4/2), ATH Matt Elam (21-163 rushing), ATH Robert Clark (4-75 receiving), WR Mike Ruiz(2-79), and a pair of big, D-1 TE's: Nick O'Leary (6-103) and Gerald Christian (3-25). Brissett will get better every game and he will have the opportunity here to really put his name on the map. He can pick up yards with his feet as evidenced by his 99 yards on the ground. Defensively, Clark, Christian, and Elam will all play both ways joining DE Curt Maggitt and DT Michael Fleuizard to form a unit that should not give up much.
Pahokee is using two QB's, DeJoshua Johnson(18-32, 355 yards, 3/0) and Emanuel Perez (14-19, 206 yards, 2/0). Johnson can beat you with his electric quickness. WR Chris Dunkley is off to a fast start with 11 catches for 292 yards and 3 TD's. He is one of the nation's best WR's. There are plenty of options here with Dennis Hall, Fred Pickett, and Zachary Allen. Wardell Coleman and Pickett should get the lion's share of the carries.
One of the keys to the game will be the big guys and Pahokee has 4 of them who can play both ways: Antonio Ford, Richard Ash, Doral Willis, and Willie Bowles. The secondary is stout with Merril Noel and Raheam Buxton.
Pahokee 21, Dwyer 17
OSCEOLA AT MAINLAND: Yes, Mainland has yet another huge game after losing to Miami Central and beating Treasure Coast. This time Osceola comes to town. Osceola is coming off a tough loss to Dr. Phillips and one of these teams will be 1-2 on the year after this one.
Mainland will need the Austin Parker who was terrific last week vs. Treasure Coast and not the one who struggled vs. Central. The rest of the weapons are there with O.J. Ross, Marlin Lane, and Chevin Davis. Defensively, Anthony Hamm, Mike Kilgore, Cortez Davis, and Mike Kilgore headline a unit that should be one of the best in the state.
The Kowboys will counter with Akeem Daniels(150 yards, 6.82 average) and Marc Deas (145 yards, 14.5 average) running the ball. They should find it tough sledding against an excellent Mainland front 7. They have shown very little passing game. The defense should keep them in the game, UGA commit B.J. Butler might be the best athlete on the field and CB Shaq Bell will draw Ross's attention.
In the end, Mainland seems better balanced and appear to be the deeper team.
Mainland 27, Osceola 14