The 2025-26 season is officially here, and nothing says high school football like those *checks notes* Wednesday Night Lights. Tonight (Aug 13), the season kicked off with a cross county, 561 v 772 matchup between the John Carroll Catholic Golden Rams and the Palm Beach Lakes Rams.
Let’s cut to the chase, John Carroll scored early and often tonight, led by a dominant attack on the ground. The Golden Rams were led by the thundering rushing performance of 2026 RB Jeremy Pittman. Pittman did it all tonight, tallying 215 All Purpose Yards and 3 rushing touchdowns. It’s totally worth noting that all three of Jeremy Pittman’s touchdowns were home run shots, as the powerful back collected 20+ yards en route to the end zone on each of those scores.
Earlier this morning, Jeremy Pittman was named the pre-season #5 player in the 772 via NewEraPrep. Let’s just say, he certainly proved us right.
Following tonight’s win I caught up with Jeremy, who had this to say about the night:
“This game was a great pre season game, all the long days in the heat at practice payed off tonight.” Pittman eagerly shared. “All credit to the big guys up front man. The OLine did their job, which helped the the QB play his part, the WR room did their part. I’m just blessed to execute my part the way I did. I played my part to the best way I could, and the results spoke for itself.”
Pittman would pay homage to his younger brother; Jaydien (’27) as his motivation for tonight’s masterclass.
“My younger brother tore his ACL in the playoffs last year. We’re not going to be able to play together one last time. Tonight, yeah man, that was for him. Playing without my brother for my senior year hurts a lot, this game was for my brother.”
Jeremy would follow up his quote with what his goals are for the upcoming season, alongside what he wants coaches across the country to know about him and his play style:
“I plan for this year to be the best year the Treasure Coast have ever seen.” Pittman stated. “John Carroll runs the 772, no doubt about that. As for my play style, I’m a low, fast and physical. I do not go down from one person. Your whole defense better be near me, or I’m still going to be moving.”
For those that missed the action tonight, let’s break down tonight’s scoring:
1st Quarter
John Carroll opened up tonight’s scoring with a 1 yard jet sweep from Don Richardson on the opening drive. (XP No Good)(6-0 JC, 9:08 1st). This would serve as the lone score of the quarter.
2nd Quarter
John Carroll stalled a promising offensive drive from Lakes, and then a special teams miscue from the punt squad helped put them in favorable position to start their drive. Moments later, Jeremy Pittman would burst down the middle of the field for his first rushing TD of the evening. (2 Pt no good) (12-0 JC, 9:34 2nd).
On the following drive, a deep shot from Lakes QB Julian Ayala to Shawn Cunningham would set the Rams up inside their own three. Ayala would call his own number and punch in the QB dive. (2 Pt no good) (12-6 JC, 7:43 2nd).
Just under a minute remaining In the half, Pittman would break off another huge rush, dragging the opposing defense behind him for a 37 yard touchdown rush. (2 PT good) (20-6 JC, :49 2nd).
3rd Quarter
Midway through the quarter, the Golden Rams would devise an offensive drive that was primarily carried in the pass game. QB Jackson Summerall would find WR KJ Davis on three catches this drive alone, one of which being on a 7 yard in route touchdown (XP Good) (27-6 JC, 5:03 3rd)
Lakes would snap back with their own aerial masterclass, as Ayala finds Ryan Ferdinand for a 27 yard score to cut the deficit. (2 Pt no good)(27-12 JC, 2:42 3rd)
4th Quarter
On the opening play of the final quarter, Jacob Smith broke off a 17 yard score on an end around sweep. (XP Good)(34-12 JC, 11:50 4th)
Jeremy Pittman hammers the final nail into this game with a 33 yard touchdown rush, his third of the evening. (XP Good)(41-12 JC, 6:15 4th)
