HOLLYWOOD – Atlantic’s playoff game last week against McArthur came down to at least one thing it did well.

It was a defensive effort from start to finish for the Eagles, who pulled out a 13-7 road win over the McArthur Mustangs in the 8A – Region 3 semifinals last Friday night (Nov. 15).

Atlantic junior cornerback Jeremiah McClendon was perhaps the most impactful defensive player of the game, as he registered two key pass breakups, a big hit, and an interception that helped to decide the game.

After McArthur punted on its first five possessions, the home team tried to do something on special teams the next time it couldn’t convert on a third down play. A halfback option on fourth down resulted in a pick caught by McClendon, which gave Atlantic’s offense a chance to put points on the scoreboard from the McArthur 30-yard line.

McClendon’s pick occurred during the second half of Atlantic’s six-point win.

“I played at a high level with the plays I made,” McClendon said. “I have to get better with open field tackling though.”

Atlantic sophomore safety Marquis Lymon, who had two tackles against McArthur, offered his commentary on McClendon’s performance.

“Jeremiah played with a lot of energy,” Lymon said. “He had a high motor out on the field.”

McClendon, who has 21 tackles, six interceptions, seven pass breakups, and a forced fumble at this very juncture, was chosen by voters as our Breakthrough Player of Week 13.

Can McClendon and the Eagles pull out another road win tomorrow night with strong play on defense, offense, and special teams?

They will need to play at least a near-perfect game against St. Thomas Aquinas, who is favored to win the Class 7A – Region 3 final by 31.

“We need to limit the mistakes, play as one, and just bring the fight to them,” McClendon said.

CLASS 7A – REGION 3 FINAL SCHEDULE

No. 2/No. 3 seed Atlantic (8-3) at No. 1 seed St. Thomas Aquinas (11-0) – Tomorrow night (Nov. 22), 7:30 p.m. kickoff

PHOTO CREDIT: Epiphany Photography