The chilly November air felt different tonight throughout Boca Raton. There was something in the atmosphere that energized the South end of the County. For the first time in the 44 years of the school’s existence- playoff football has made its way to the Spanish River Shark Pit. Although it was certainly a treat for the River faithful to even be in the position they were tonight, little did they know we had a game of the year candidate on our hands.
The Spanish River Sharks laid host to the Western Wildcats in the first round of the FHSAA 7A Playoff in an event that would have every person in attendance (including myself) biting their nails and clenching their hearts.
On the opening drive of the night, the Western Wildcats surgically marched down the field- spearheaded by the precision of 2027 QB Jack Spaeder. Western would score the inaugural TD of the night, after RB Damian Dickenson secured a 7-yard jet sweep touchdown.
The Sharks would establish their lethal rushing game early, as Jacorrion McCrary broke off a 30 yard rush to put Spanish River inside the five, before inevitably taking the rock in for his lone score of the night two plays later.
After a costly interception by the Sharks placed Western in favorable field position- Spaeder tossed his first score of the night to Russell George. The ’27 3-Star put this ball on an absolute rope between two defenders as the heat seeking pass found it’s target to regain the Wildcat lead.
Spanish River responded with another momentum driving score moments before halftime, as Jaeden Phillips connected with Jayden Elder for a deep Shark score. Palm Beach County’s most explosive duo was
As the second half dragged on- we diverted from the shootout in the first two a battle of defensive fortitude. Both sidelines produced incredible plays on defense that stifled any chance of regaining offensive footing. That is until midway through the fourth quarter- Western’s offense produced another explosive touchdown, applying even more pressure to an already stagnant Spanish River sideline.
As their backs begin to hit the wall, the Sharks’ offense rose to the occasion. Early into their 4 minute offense, Jaeden Phillips found JayVontay Louis wide open on the visiting sideline for a 30 yard completion, who then put an extra 40 yards of YAC on the reception to immediately thrust River’s offense into the redzone.
Moments later, Phillips throws his second score of the night- this time to Derek Goulbourne in the back of the end zone. Goulbourne was electric tonight, recording numerous explosive grabs to move the chains for the Sharks all game.
The spark of life was snuffed moments later after the tying PAT was blocked, as Western now led 21-20 by an unfortunate strike of fate. The game would seem even more sealed and shut after Western converted the onside kick.
Spanish River’s defense would go onto do what they did best all night- snuff the run. The Sharks quickly pitched a three and out, with MAYBE 20 seconds of clock being burned in the process. The football gods continued to bless Spanish River as the snapped punt would almost sail over the head of Western’s kicker, shortening the distance needed for River to reach the promised land.
It was now do or die for Spanish River, and first year HC Nick LaSala put all the chips on the table for this final drive. The Sharks would connect on another huge Jaeden Phillips to Jayden Elder grab, before Ty Reynolds El made two consecutive contributions to put Spanish River on their own 15 with the clock winding down. Phillips would spike the ball as the special teams unit led by Rowan Russell sprints onto the field, pausing the clock at 6 seconds.
Despite the clock winding down, time seemed to slow down. Russell had previously hit a game winning kick before this season, as River iced an overtime Monday night thriller vs Seminole Ridge just a few weeks prior. Nevertheless- tension and emotions began to arise at light speed.
5 seconds and counting every heart began beating out of their chest. 4 seconds and counting everyone in attendance rose to their feet. 3 and counting everyone said a silent prayer. 2 seconds and counting before eternal glory would be crowned. 1 second and the ball is snapped live. Rowan Russell drives his foot into the ball and launches it perfectly down the pipes. After confirmation from the great officiating crew- the Spanish River sideline goes ballistic and storms the field to embrace their kicker. The Sharks had just won their first playoff game in program history in the most dramatic of fashions.
Following the win, Coach Nick LaSala had nothing but praise for his squad after being able to close this contest out:
“It’s a whirlwind of emotions right now.” Coach LaSala shared with a chuckle. “We all just tried to remain calm in the chaos there….It takes 48 minutes, sometimes it takes more. I’m just so proud of our guys. It took a number of guys in the last few minutes that made big plays for us…..I’m so happy for this team, they’ve earned this.”
Spanish River has advanced to the FHSAA 7A Regional Semifinals. The Sharks will host the winner of Goleman and South Dade (Played 11/15) on Friday November 21st. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 PM
Cover Photo Credits: Christian Dressler, NewEraPrep
