DELRAY BEACH – The Atlantic Eagles were able to do something last night (Dec. 1) that no other team has done since 1978.
They got past the state semifinal round in a close 28-21 victory over Miami Senior High to Advance to the FHSAA Class 8A state championship game.
Miami traveled up to Palm Beach County to face off in a historic matchup. It wasn’t an easy game for Atlantic, as Miami High was up for most of the half.
Senior defensive back and wide receiver Corey Gammage changed the momentum of the game after his 101-yard pick-six closed the first half and give Atlantic a 14-13 lead.
Right after halftime, senior running back Shelley Singletary returned a punt for 70 yards. But the Eagles were somehow unable to score off the big special teams play.
It wouldn’t be long before Atlantic wide receiver Oyeh Lurry-Davis found his way to the end zone, as his score effectively extended the Eagles lead to 20-13.
But Miami quarterback Isaias Castellon and his team would not give up, as he drove the Stingarees up the field later in the third quarter. Athlete Johnny Ford kept them alive after his 19-yard touchdown run (plus a two-point conversion by Castellon) put the Stingarees up 21-20 with 5:13 left in the third.
As the clock continued to count down, there was a lot of emotions on both sidelines. The Stingarees still had the momentum, but it was stopped late in the fourth quarter.
Miami (12-2) did not score again, and Atlantic took full advantage of it with 3:20 left in the game. A big reception by Lurry-Davis put the Eagles in great scoring position on first and goal.
A little under one minute left in the fourth, athlete Henry Bryant ran it in for a 5-yard touchdown. And after a two-point conversion, Atlantic (12-1) regained the lead for good.
As the clock headed toward the final buzzer, the Atlantic sideline instantly started chanting ‘State, State’!
It’s been a long time coming for the Eagles, as they are headed to Orlando to play in the state title game. They will be facing off against Dr. Phillips (12-2) on Saturday, Dec. 9 (8 p.m. kickoff) at Camping World Stadium.
PHOTO CREDITS: Keith Forde
