DELRAY BEACH – The Atlantic Eagles are in the playoffs again, and all roads to the state finals may have to go through them.
Atlantic came up short in last year’s FHSAA state finals in a 17-7 loss to now-defending Class 8A state champion Dr. Phillips.
Experience will be on the Eagles side this time around as they amp up for a playoff run. In 2017 they were playing in a state final for the first time since finishing as the runner-up four times in six years from 1973 to 1978.
After finishing the regular season at 10-0, Atlantic will look to continue its streak into the playoffs. It will have some extra motivation heading into the playoffs this year.
The passing of star student athlete Marc’Allan Derac has fueled this Atlantic squad all year long as they’ve made an impressive run in his honor. Atlantic’s unprecedented run has been highlighted by big wins, close wins, and games where it came out victories despite being counted out before the ball even snapped.
Knocking off the likes of playoff teams such as Palm Beach Central, Dwyer, and Pahokee (in that order) shows how battle tested this young Eagles squad is. But it also shows the amount of heart they play with to remain perfect with such a treacherous schedule.
Quarterback Kalani Ilimaleota has been money for the Eagles, and his leadership this year has been second to none. The senior has racked up 1,378 passing yards and 15 passing touchdowns.
Sophomore running back Montahj Joseph has been a force as he’s carried the ball 93 times for 504 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Tight end Kamareon Williams will be a player to watch out for as well.
The defense has been the Eagles savior this year as Henry Bryant, Arkel Williams, Zach Ceci, Jalen Wring, and DJ Wells have manned the front seven.
Javon Jackson and Deandre McCray roam the defensive backfield and can always be a threat to come in and take over a game during clutch moments.
The Eagles defensive backs and linebackers will be put to the test against the Wildcats, a team that likes to air it out and get hit quick passes for positive yards.
Western (8-2) is a familiar foe as these two teams faced off in last year’s 8A regional finals. Atlantic was the victor in a 35-22 game where Western fought until the bitter end.
The Wildcats look to be in good shape once again as they’ve only lost two games, a two-point loss to Dillard and a three-point overtime loss to an always good Miramar squad.
The Wildcats rely heavily on their senior quarterback Jesse Rivera, who went 125-186 on pass attempts for 1,867 passing yards and 20 passing touchdowns.
Wideouts Shammar Wright, Dionte Henderson, and Danny Panchookian are Rivera’s top targets. Senior running back Allen Crawford is the Wildcats top run threat with 719 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
The Wildcats defense is strong as they’ve pitched three shutouts this year and held nine of their 10 opponents to 20 points or less in the process. This includes an impressive 21-7 victory over No. 4 seed Plantation (9-1).
Skinny: Western will look to play spoiler and end Atlantic’s magical run in the first round of the playoffs. But the Eagles are playing for something more than football. It will be interesting to see how this one ends.
With home field advantage, their defense at full strength, and a perfect season on the line, I think Atlantic will take care of business in a close first round matchup.
Prediction: 24-14 Atlantic
