DELRAY BEACH – The Atlantic Eagles has made it very clear that they are tired of people sleeping on them.
During the summer months, Atlantic was predicted by some to potentially start the season with a 0-4 record due to its strength of schedule. Suffice to say, the Delray Beach program has shocked the critics and silenced them at the same time after knocking off the area’s top teams in Palm Beach Central and Dwyer – both teams were ranked No. 1 in Palm Beach County prior to their losses.
In Week 1, Atlantic (2-0) shut down a talented Palm Beach Central squad in a 14-0 victory was a surprise to some. Now in Week 2, last year’s Class 8A state finalist knocked off Dwyer (1-1) in a 30-13 triumph that no one outside Atlantic saw coming.
Atlantic quarterback Kalani Ilimaleota look likes a different guy in the pocket this year. His play as of late has the Eagles believing they can defeat any and every opponent they play.
With nine minutes left in the first quarter, IIimaleota put the Eagles on the board first with a short pass in the red zone to Kamareon Williams.
Javon Jackson took a return into Dwyer’s red zone to set the Eagles up for their second touchdown of the night, when IIimaleota connected with wideout Christopher “CJ” Wilson with 11:36 left in the second quarter.
Dwyer started to wake up as defensive end Ishmael Goulbourne blocked Atlantic’s punt with 1:38 left in the second quarter. It set up a wildcat quarterback draw by Robert Armes to make the game 14-7 at halftime.
Atlantic running back Montahj Joseph padded his team’s lead on a short run with 8:06 left in the third quarter, making it a 20-7 game.
Dwyer would respond on wide receiver screen play with a pass from Gio Richardson to James Meeks to close the deficit down to 20-13 with 4:20 left in the third quarter.
Eagles kicker Brian Litang made a 45-yard field goal to give Atalntic a 23-13 lead over Dwyer early in the fourth quarter.
A sack-fumble by Atlantic defensive tackle Arkel Williams and recovery by linebacker Micaiah Joseph would set up a another touchdown run by Montahj Joseph with 7:34 left in the game. Montahj’s score extended the Eagles lead to 30-13.
Atlantic’s defensive front was stout once again, as the starting defensive line racked up eight sacks.
Defensive end Zack Ceci led the charge with three sacks of his own. Defensive tackle DJ Wells and defensive end Arkel Williams tallied two sacks apiece, while Henry Bryant III recorded one sack.
Atlantic head coach T.J. Jackson would comment on win.
“It’s a very great group of kids were working with,” he said. “They’re very discipline and want to be coached. The team is getting coached well by the staff. They great support here by our administration and people in the community. I’m just happy to see the kids playing together as a unit and as a family.”
The Eagles will be on the road to face another tough opponent in Week 3 at No. 3 Pahokee (1-0). It’s set for Friday, Sept. 7 at 6 p.m.
