PALM BEACH COUNTY – Week 3 of high school football in Palm Beach County is upon us.
Our Game of the Week will be the Pahokee Blue Devils hosting the Atlantic Eagles.
ATLANTIC HIGHLIGHTS
After silencing the critics in back-to-back weeks, the Eagles (2-0) are hot right now as they emerge as the No. 1 team in Palm Beach County due to the takedown of previous No. 1’s Palm Beach Central (1-1) and Dwyer (1-1).
The Eagles offense has found a groove as of late with the emergence of senior quarterback Kalani IIimaleota, who has helped them in their two-game win streak.
Kamareon Williams and Christopher Wilson have been some of the top targets for IIimaleota, and they’ll look to make an impact Friday night. Sophomore running back Montahj Joseph will also be a player to watch, as he starts to make a name for himself after his two-touchdown performance against Dwyer last week.
Atlantic’s defense has given up only 13 points to opponents through two games (6.5 points per game). The defensive charge is led by Henry Bryant III, Arkel Williams, DJ Wells, Jalen Wring, and newcomer Zack Ceci, who had his coming out party against Dwyer with his 3.5 sacks last week.
PAHOKEE SPOTLIGHT
The Blue Devils’ last game was in Week 1 against Palm Beach Lakes in a 28-19 victory on the road. It was a good showing for them.
Their bye in Week 2 has consisted of them getting in better shape due to the fact that they have players who play both ways.
Pahokee running back/linebacker Lavonski Wiliams will be a player to watch as he can run over defenders for touchdowns and chase down ball carriers. Athlete Deante Nelson is always a threat for the Blue Devils (1-0), along with running back Ja’tarie Washington.
Pahokee’s defensive line is very versatile and talented. A new face has emerged amongst the front line in junior defensive lineman Tamarick Best, who leads the Blue Devils in sacks with five in the first game of the season, along with a tackle for loss. He’s definitely a player to watch.
FINAL OBSERVATION
With both teams being led defensively, this game could come down to either Atlantic kicker Brian Litang, who made a 45-yard field goal last week, or Pahokee kicker Daniel Rodriguez, who is relatively accurate inside the opponents’ 20-yard line.
Pahokee has been tough to beat at home. Last year the Blue Devils didn’t lose a home game, and they’ll need that same energy Friday night to keep the winning streak alive at Anquan Boldin Stadium.
The game is slated for Friday, Sept. 7, at 6 p.m.
