GLADES DAY(3-0) AT JUPITER CHRISTIAN(3-0)
This is a District 7-1B game between the two favorites. Jupiter Christian is back to back defending state champs and is looking for the elusive three-peat, it starts with district play.
QB Marshyl Rothman is off to a solid start completing over 50% of his passes for 445 yards and 7 TD's, he has added 173 yards on the ground(4 TD's). Rothman is consistent and can make all the throws. RB's Will Powers(369 yards) and Trey Pendergrass(225 yards) are the horses on the ground and both can catch the ball out of the backfield. WR Westin Pedersen is a play-maker on the outside with 169 yards receiving and is Rothman's favorite target. The defense is a concern(particularly against the pass), they have not been up to standards thus far and will need to start to kick it in gear this week.
Glades Day has not been challenged in wins over Benjamin(42-6), Dade Christian(36-7), and Clewiston(39-0). It starts with freshmen Kelvin Taylor, the son of former Gator Fred Taylor. He has 499 yards and 10 TD's through 3 games. Roshard Burney is a 2nd option. QB Tanner Redish has been streaky, he has 298 yards and 3 TD's on the year and likes to throw to Davonte Allen(10-175). The defense has been terrific, but they will get tested against the seasoned, explosive JC offense.
This has all the makings of a shootout which tend to boil down to teams making plays in the 4th quarter. JC has made the plays and the experienced trifecta of Rothman, Powers, and Pedersen hold off the young gun Taylor.
Jupiter Christian 35, Glades Day 28
PALM BAY(2-1) AT MELBOURNE(1-2)
This is a non district game where both teams are looking to show improvement and get the offenses going.
Palm Bay's offense is more balanced with QB Steven Hughes who has thrown for 326 yards and 2 TD's and RB's Patrick Leonard(28-145) and Lonico Portis(24-79). Hughes has three quality WR's to throw to in: Eamon Ryan(7-65), Mark Norvelis(5-40), and Nuel Merriel(4-21). They have not been consistent and have had too many mistakes and that needs to change starting this week. They have only scored 7 points in two of their games (one win, one loss). The defense, as usual, has been very good and they should continue that this week against a struggling Melbourne team.
Melbourne QB Dillon Mazzoni needs to get it going. He has been inconsistent, but the OL needs to do a better job protecting him. RB's Franklin Reed (32-195), Brandon Shaw(14-83), and Gregory Cannion(11-31) have been the workhorses. Against a very good defense, the Bulldog's will hope to enjoy some success and build on that for district play down the road. The defense has been solid thus far and will need to carry this team.
Palm Bay 28, Melbourne 17