WEST PALM BEACH – In Week 9 of the high school football season, we have a huge matchup between No. 1 Benjamin and No. 2 King’s Academy.
The private school showdown of the year is finally upon us as King’s Academy will host Benjamin. This is one of the premiere rivalries in Palm Beach County, and one could say this is the “Muck Bowl” for private schools.
The crosstown rivals are 20 minutes apart, but they’ll be up close and personal come Friday night.
King’s Academy (8-1) has been money all year long, except for its one hiccup in a 35-28 loss to Gulliver Prep earlier this month.
Senior quarterback Justin Wake has been the cornerstone of the Lions offense. On the season he has gone 98-174 passing for 1,545 passing yards and 18 passing touchdowns, while showing he isn’t afraid to run either as he’s racked up 418 yards on 93 carries and nine rushing touchdowns.
Drew Luchey has been a top target as he racked up 17 receptions for 350 yard and six touchdowns. Jeremiah Scroggins and Corey Croteau have also been top targets, accounting for a combined 42 receptions for 622 yards and seven touchdowns.
Presley Almond is the Lions leading rusher with 129 carries, 866 yards, and 12 total touchdowns.
The Lions defense shut out opponents four times this year. They can get a team behind the chains quick, as they’ve tallied 51 tackles for loss this season.
Will it be shutout No. 5 for the Lions?
Big bad Benjamin will do everything in its power to prevent that from happening. Palm Beach County’s top-ranked private school team is coming to town with their 9-0 record and relentless pursuit of perfection with them.
Benjamin has almost been perfect on both sides of the ball, as it has been hitting on all cylinders this season.
The Bucs offense has been led by sophomore quarterback Santino Marucci, who has completed 81 of 163 passes with 1,293 yards and 16 touchdowns. Marucci’s top target has been senior All-American Ka’iir Elam, who has 24 receptions for 448 yards and four touchdowns.
Benjamin’s leading rushers are Joseph Labovick (497 rushing yards, four touchdowns) and Joshua Pierre-Louis (430 rushing yards, six touchdowns).
Roshaune Downie will be a player to watch, as he has that big-play capability like no other.
The Bucs defense has been lights out as they only give up an average of 8.1 points per game to opponents. They have 28 sacks and 57 tackles for loss, with senior Mike Lobosco leading the charge with eight sacks.
This will be a very interesting matchup as both teams will be ready to play in their regular season finale.
Benjamin was victorious in last year’s clash as it took down King’s 33-21. The Lions will look to get some revenge and capture a win on their senior night.
The kickoff is set for Friday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m.
