Tonight the Somerset Academy Canyons Cougars traveled to Riviera Beach to face off against the Inlet Grove Hurricanes in a matchup with serious post season implications.
Somerset and Inlet Grove are both members of the FHSAA 2A District 11, alongside The King’s Academy, and tonight featured the first meeting between district opponents. For those unfamiliar- Each District Champion receives an auto bid to the FHSAA Playoffs, so these certain games matter much more than just local bragging rights.
Despite the Set being 0-2 and Inlet being 1-0 headed into tonight, both teams were eager to get the momentum flowing.
Inlet Grove’s offense opened the game on fire, as the Hurricanes marched down from the 45 to inside the goal line. The Hurricanes’ flashy offense lit off the first firework of the night, as RJ Hickox connected with Cinegar Smith JR on a beautiful jump ball to convert on 4th and 15.
On this drive, Somerset’s defense bounced back from adversity numerous times, as Eastern Michigan Commit DB Davontey Oliver snagged a tip drill interception, that was called back due to a DPI on the other side of the field. On the very next play- Somerset’s defense recovered a botched snap, that was inevitably called back due to a false start. Now for real this time, the Cougar defense showcased their fortitude once again- stuffing the ‘Canes at the one yard line on a goal line stop.
Somerset’s defense was stifling tonight, due in part to a 3 sack, 7 TFL performance from LB Dylan Miller, and a 1 sack 3 TFL performance from EDGE Wiz Sterling.
For the overwhelming majority of the game, we stood at a 0-0 ball game. Both defenses stifled any offensive opportunity until late in the 3rd quarter. Midway through the 3rd, Somerset put together a nice drive that finally brought them inside the redzone. Senior RB Markiis Griffths takes a handoff, drives inside, absorbs a huge hit from the Inlet Grove defense and falls into the end zone for a 6 yard score.
Somerset followed Griffths’ rushing score up with another one, this time due to the legs of Mekhi Moore on a 3 yard score early in the 4th quarter.
Outside of a dominant rushing attack, one of Somerset’s more outstanding offensive performances came from an unlikely hero- TE Yadiel Soltren. Soltren, a 6 foot 4 junior, is known on campus as a basketball star. Early into fall camp, Yadiel; who has never played football before, reached out to Cougars’ HC Alex Gonzalez, and offered his services. Tonight- Yadiel recorded 5 catches for 65 yards in crucial moments, using his big body to his advantage in order to gain chunk yards after contact.
Following tonight’s win, I caught up with Yadiel who explained the backstory of how he suited up for the Cougs on the gridiron:
“Basically, I was a regular hooper at school, but I wanted to expand my resume and try new things. I came out during fall camp ready to learn and work hard.” Soltren shared. “Honestly, I was lost at the beginning of fall camp, I really didn’t know what I was doing. I locked in because I knew this was something I wanted, and I’ve seen a lot of growth. I’ve got great coaches and great teammates that helped make this transition easy for me.”
Coach Gonzo would follow up with some praise for Yadiel, and the growth he’s had since mid June.
“He’s done a really good job for us in such a short amount of time. He’s continued to learn and develop and grow as a football player. He’s learned the game and got better each week.” Coach Gonzalez stated. “Yadiel’s got really soft hands, his athleticism is beyond. He’s going to continue breaking out each week.”
Coach Gonzalez would also share his thoughts on the game, including the message he delivered to rally his team at halftime.
“We got the job done. Regardless of what happens, however we get the W, that’s what matters and we’ll learn from it. It was definitely a little sloppy, a little ugly, but we’ve got a young team so there will be growth.” Coach Gonzo shared. “The message was to play our standard and our brand of football, we weren’t doing that In the first half. I knew what we’re about, we weren’t doing what we normally do. I reminded them to set our standard. We have to continue to correct our mistakes, and take advantage of every opportunity to grow. We’re going to grow as we go.”
