It was not the cleanest game, but on Thursday night, Somerset Academy earned its second win of the 2026 season.
The Somerset Academy (Silver Palms) Stallions defeated the Benjamin Buccaneers by a score of 10-7. Both teams had great games on defense, but thanks to a big interception and return from Aron Whitfield, the Stallions were able to quickly punch in the go-ahead touchdown in the 4th quarter. In the second half alone, Somerset Academy forced three turnovers, a major factor that led to their victory.
Thanks to the victory, the Stallions now move to 2-3 on the season, while the Buccaneers fall to 1-3 in 2026.
The Stallions Thrive on Defense
From the start of the game until the final buzzer, the Somerset Academy (Silver Palms) defense was the engine behind the team’s victory.
In the trenches, Pona Sweeting, Ty Collado, and Christopher Andino caused havoc on multiple plays for the Stallions. They made tackles against the run and got after the passer, stalling out multiple Benjamin drives that could have ended in points. In the secondary, Tamoree Moise had the game-sealing interception on the last play of the game,
From an overall sense, no player made more tackles and positive plays than Travis Jacinthe. Operating as a defensive back, the junior was everywhere for the Stallions, ending plays in the backfield or limiting their explosive potential. He was aggressive downhill, wrapped up well, and allowed his teammates to fly to the football when he could not finish the play himself.
The most vital player for the Stallions, though, was Aron Whitfield. Not only did the defensive back have multiple tackles, but he had two of the team’s three interceptions. He ran well with wideouts, showed impressive ball skills, and displayed great athleticism on his returns. Thanks to his second interception return, the Stallions took a lead that they would never give back up.
It was truly a great night for the Stallions, who earned their second win of the year against a Benjamin team with some very good players on it. If the defense continues to play like this in 2026, it will lead to much more successful nights for Somerset Academy (Silver Palms).
Benjamin Shows Fight on Defense
Despite the loss, the Benjamin Buccaneers showed plenty of fight and talent on defense in this game.
Mason Bennett had multiple key plays for the defense, whether it was tackles in space, filling lanes against the run, or causing errant passes. If not for a defensive holding call, he would have had a pick-six in the game as well. Markel Etienne had a big sack to end the first half and turned in some great coverage reps. Gabe Bowens, along with his contributions on offense, was flying all over the field to make plays on defense. Gerald Vulgaris and Colin Murphy also helped notch sacks for the defense in this game, while Collier Arwood had a few key tackles.
Two other standouts for Benjamin were Jayden Cosby-Mosley and Zaydin Fleuridor. Cosby-Mosley, when the Stallions did not avoid him, had great coverage reps down the field and multiple tackles in key situations. He had a PBU at the line of scrimmage and tipped a punt on special teams, narrowly missing a game-changing play. Fleuridor, outside of his highlight-reel catch on offense, had some stellar reps in coverage. The defensive back ended a drive by himself, notching two pass breakups to help force a turnover on downs. Both Cosby-Mosley and Fleuridor are stars for the Buccaneers, and Benjamin will need them if they want to win more games this season.
Other Notes
- Tarelle Moise was one of the best players on the field. He had a major kick return to begin the game, and he had a huge catch-and-run on a screen play to set up the Stallions’ first points of the game. He also made multiple tackles on the defensive side of the ball. A 2028 prospect, I am very interested to see how he continues to progress as a player, as he already has plenty of talent and upside.
- Somerset Academy quarterback Matthew Guevara showed plenty of grit and toughness in this game. It was not easy for the Stallions on offense, and he had to make a lot of things happen by himself. When the game mattered most, though, Guevara came through with the game-sealing touchdown. I was impressed with what the quarterback showed in this game.
- Gabe Bowens and Enzo Hairabedian are a very fun running back duo for Benjamin. As the season progresses, I really want to see the Buccaneers give both players more touches and the ability to put the game on their shoulders.
- Braxton Peterson made two of the better catches of the day for the offense late in the game. If the Buccaneers want to continue to throw the ball consistently, he should be getting more targets going forward.
- Collier Arwood, on a play that was wiped out due to a penalty, had a great punt return touchdown. He is a multi-faceted athlete for this Benjamin roster.
What’s Next?
Benjamin is set for a road matchup with Gulliver Prep, while the Somerset Academy (Silver Palms) Stallions will face the NSU University Sharks on the road.
