DELRAY BEACH – Atlantic (8-3) is in rare form as it played a complete game against Plantation (7-4) in the Class 3M – Region 3 quarterfinal round last night (Nov. 14).
There is a verse from the rapper Kodak which says this:
“Back in that mode, back on that business,” a verse from Kodak Black’s hit song entitle “Omega”.
It seemed to be the theme for Atlantic as it is now on a five-game winning streak since taking a loss to Pahokee in Week 7. The Eagles defense has been punishing offenses along the way.
This game was a tale of two halves, as the first half was very stagnant for both teams.
Plantation senior quarterback Amer Ellis threw two touchdown passes in the first half. One each went to junior duo Chad Braddy and Reginald Johnson, who helped their team take a 12-7 lead over Atlantic at the half.
But from that point on, Plantation would not see the end zone again.
Da’marion Alberic scored the Eagles first offensive touchdown of the night and had some key runs throughout the second half to help with his team’s momentum.
“Offensive line did their thing tonight,” Alberic said. “We didn’t start out slow and started fast. That’s what help me get into the end zone.”
Fellow running back Jovante Pierre Louis scored in the second to give the Eagles a 13-12 lead. It happened after a short run where he broke two tackles on his way to the end zone.
“We didn’t want to give up our shoulder pads,” Pierre Louis said. “We knew we needed to win. We had to get the grind right so that we can move on and face our next opponent.”
Junior athlete Jayden Parrish added a touchdown after being pushed mosh pit style into the end zone. He got behind his offensive line – led by 6-foot-3, 290-pound senior center Desmon Self – with four minutes left in the game to give Atlantic a 20-12 lead.
EAGLES DBU
Atlantic’s defense came up with 14 points, three interceptions, and a shutout in the second half.
Devon Byrd led the Eagles defensive charge as he had two interceptions – one in each half. His second one was a pick-six that came with a little over three minutes left in the game to give Atlantic a 28-12 lead.
“We came out flat in the first half, but we bounced back in the second half,” Byrd said. “Coach talked to us at halftime and we executed.”
Tyrique Hollis has been a ball hawk all season long. He recorded his fourth interception of the season with a pick-six to end the game.
“This game was for the seniors,” Hollis said. “We had to turn up for them.”
Atlantic’s coaching staff has adjusted their defensive attack since Week 7. The defense has only given up 19 points total in their last three games.
Defensive coordinator Coach Pooh commented on the Eagles defensive efforts in the second half of the season.
“The guys have been locked in and playing team ball together,” Pooh said. “Everybody coming together has been the biggest thing for us.”
Head coach Jamael Stewart spoke on the team’s chemistry and what the shift has been.
“We came together as a coaching staff and asked ourselves why were we losing games early on in the season,” Stewart said. “Hats off to my coaching staff. They make my job easy. It’s. a brotherhood. The kids go out there and execute the game plan the coordinators put together.”
Atlantic has increased its level of discipline and ability to finish games. The team chemistry is in a place in which they can make a legitimate run at the 3M state title this season.
The fourth-seeded Eagles will be on the road to take on top-seeded St. Thomas Aquinas (10-1) this Friday night (Nov. 18) in Fort Lauderdale. The kickoff for the 3M-Region 3 semifinal round is at 7 p.m.
