PALM BEACH GARDENS – Corrado DeSantis has been the steadying force behind the Dwyer Panthers defense all season long.
The 2024 defensive back had his best game of the season in Week 10 against Seminole Ridge (34-14 win on Thursday, Oct. 26). Here are his statistics from that one:
•No receptions allowed
•5 solo tackles
•1 forced fumble
•1 tipped punt
The best individual play for Desantis was his forced fumble that came in the first quarter, when Dwyer had a 7-0 lead over Seminole Ridge.
“That fumble really gave us all the momentum and the offense went and scored after my fumble,” the 6-foot, 183-pound defensive back said. “Their running back broke straight through the middle of our defense, so I went to make a tackle coming from the weak safety position and when I hit him, my arm was right on the football. So in a split second decision, I yanked the football and out the ball came, flying out of his arms.”
For his efforts, Desantis was voted as our Palm Beach County Defensive Player of Week 10.
“It feels great, knowing that I’ve been working and pushing for great things,” DeSantis said. “It’s great to finally see some recognition.”
DeSantis also spoke on how it felt to help Dwyer (3-6) earn the win over Seminole Ridge (6-3) in District 9-3M play.
“It feels good to win a district game after a tough and controversial loss to Atlantic,” DeSantis said. “But it feels good to know there’s still a chance to make it to playoffs.”
DeSantis touched on Dwyer’s 28-7 road loss to two-time District 9-3M champion Atlantic (Delray Beach) that came in Week 9 on Oct. 20.
“Don’t get me wrong, they played us very tough,” DeSantis said. “But the calls in the game were very controversial, making it hard to win a football game. But we shouldn’t have been in the situation where the refs could affect our game.”
Dwyer finished District 9-3M play with a 1-1 record.
Now with the conclusion of the season fast approaching, today (Nov. 2) is quite probably the last high school football day at Dwyer for DeSantis and his fellow seniors from the 2024 class.
DeSantis (No. 43-ranked overall player in Palm Beach County) will look to take Senior Night at Dwyer by storm tonight (6:30 p.m. kickoff time) against Palm Beach Lakes.
We fully expect to see DeSantis end his high school football career on top with both his best statistical game ever and a win for Dwyer.
And from there, we will be following the DeSantis Journey on to wrestling (winter sports season), track and field (spring season), and through the end of his college football recruiting process (offers right now from Fordham and Stetson).
PHOTO CREDITS: Christian Proscia
