JUPITER- Friday night starts a new season of football in Palm Beach County, the Postseason.
While a lot of teams from Palm Beach County didn’t make the final cut, some had the opportunity to make it. This game features a very special storyline. Tonight (November 10), Jupiter High will host their first playoff game in program history.
Tonight’s playoff matchup is also a rematch of Jupiter’s 23-3 Week 0 victory over Boca. Obviously a lot of time has passed since that pre season matchup, so let’s breakdown both teams leading into tonight’s game.
First let’s start with the visitors: Boca Raton
The Boca Raton Bobcats are led by first year head coach, Alex Savakinas. Boca Raton is coming off a 6-4 regular season, with notable wins over district rivals Santaluces and Spanish River. During said victories, the Bobcats clinched the FHSAA Class 4M District 11 Championship for the first time since 2000.
Here are some of Boca’s stand out players that could make an impact on tonight’s matchup:
QB-Chance Routson:
Routson has been elite for Boca this season, both as the team’s leading passer and rusher. Chance has been a major factor of Boca’s success, as he played like a top QB in 2023. In 9 games played (missed Week 3 due to injury) Routson recorded: 96/166 Completions (58%), 2,104 Passing Yards, 19 Total Touchdowns, 550 Rushing Yards.
WR- Damian Taylor:
In 2023, Damian Taylor solidified himself as one of the more underrated receivers in the county. Taylor racked in 40 Receptions for 797 Yards and 6 Touchdowns. Damian possesses crisp route running and glue like hands that are comparable to some of the 561’s best.
LB- Brody Costello:
Costello was absolutely electric this season. The 5’11” linebacker put on a show during the regular season, recording: 81 Tackles 6 Tackles for Loss 2 Sacks 1 Fumble Recovery 1 Touchdown. Brody Costello possesses elite field vision which he pairs with a high football IQ to breakdown the game and lead his defense to victory.
Now let’s analyze tonight’s host, the Jupiter High Warriors
Jupiter is led by second year head coach, Jason Kradman. In coach Kradman’s second season, his Warriors went 9-1 with victories over district rival Palm Beach Gardens and cross town rival Dwyer. During said victories, Jupiter secured the FHSAA Class 4M District 9 Championship for the first time since 2004.
Here are some of Jupiter’s stand out players that could make an impact on tonight’s matchup:
QB- Luke Douglas:
Douglas is a dynamic two-way player that proved to be one of Palm Beach County’s best this season. Luke Douglas is 100% a threat on both sides of the ball, using his natural athleticism and high IQ to pick opposing teams to shreds. Offensively, Luke Douglas recorded: 101/152 Passing (66.45%), 1,776 Passing Yards, 20 Passing Touchdowns, 261 Yards Rushing 9 Rushing Touchdowns. Occasionally, Douglas dabbles in defense, playing defensive back. In 2023, Luke recorded: 18 tackles 2 TFL 1 Sack 2 Interceptions.
LB- Dylan Furshman:
Furshman is the definition of a game changing athlete. The Ohio State lacrosse commit shinned on the gridiron this season, recording: 56 Tackles, 15 TFL’s, 2 Sacks, 2 Forced Fumbles 1 Fumble Recovery, 1 Interception.
Tonight’s cross county matchup is going to be one for the ages. Despite a close final score prediction, I’m predicting elite quarterback play from both teams. I 100% believe I will be in attendance for the best game this week!
Best of luck to both teams, and stay tuned for coverage of tonight’s game.
COVER PHOTO CREDITS: Drew Campbell
