Third time’s the charm!
Tonight, the Spanish River Sharks traveled to Loxahatchee to face off against the Seminole Ridge Hawks in what would go down to be a thrilling Monday Night Football affair. This game was one that many had circled on their calendar’s for weeks, but continued to be delayed due to the forces of Mother Nature.
As the season’s drawn on, anticipation has only grew, as both teams have emerged as “sneaky” contenders in the area that should definitely not be taken lightly. Spanish River entered tonight coming off a bye, but had dominant wins over Wellington and Coral Glades under their belt. As for Seminole Ridge, the Hawks stunned the 561 with upsets over Santaluces and Palm Beach Gardens and a close loss to Benjamin just last Friday.
On the opening drive of the game, River’s defense set the tone, stopping runs on first and second down, before a pass breakup by Sharks’ lockdown DB Kai Sainmervil on third down forced the Hawks to punt.
Throughout the night, both defenses boasted the bend don’t break mantra, as Spanish River’s front seven stifled anything that Seminole Ridge’s Wing T offense threw (or should I say ran) at them. As for the Hawks’ squad, Seminole Ridge did an excellent job attacking the football, as they came away with three sacks, two Interception, one fumble and one defensive touchdown on the night.
Seminole Ridge opened with the first touchdown of the evening unconventionally, as towards the tail end of the first half, the Hawks blew through an attempted screen play, and EDGE Jayon Coe sniped the ball out of the air and returned it for a 28 yard pick six.
As the second half approached, it became evidently clear that Spanish River needed to lean on their workhorse back Jacorrion McCrary to drive the Sharks down the field. In the biggest moments of the night, McCrary did what any superstar would do- and that’s rise to the occasion. Numerous times throughout the night, Jacorrion pounded the rock, converting on third and short and even fourth down attempts.
With moments remaining in the third quarter, McCrary would score his first of two touchdowns this evening, off a three yard rush.
In crunch time, Seminole Ridge’s offense was able to fly down the field and tie things up 10 a piece after a 21 yard field goal just over three minutes remaining in the game. Spanish River- hoping to avoid overtime, began to march down the field as QB Jaeden Phillips connected with his star WR Jayden Elder for two first downs, but ultimately the drive stalled out just as regulation ended.
That’s right people, overtime on Monday Night Football here in the 561!
Seminole Ridge commanded their offense first, as the Hawks tossed an RPO to Triton Addabbo, who scampered his way inside the three before being knocked out of bounds. On the second of four allotted plays, Spanish River’s front seven once again suffocated an inside run attempt. On third down, as the hearts of everyone in attendance began to palpitate- QB Caelin Argue connected with Rasheed Lamar for a touchdown. The Hawks, with favorable position due to a pre snap penalty ahead of the PAT, elected to go for two, but were stopped by the Sharks’ defense.
Spanish River responded in a tone cold as ice. Jacorrion McCrary once again broke off a massive run and reached for the goal line just as he was being pushed out of bounds on a play that many in the stands (included myself) wrote off as a touchdown, but he was in fact down at the half yard line.
That minor setback wouldn’t deter the Sharks’ scat back, as he’d punch a one yard rush right up the gut to tie things 16 all. All of a sudden, the lights just got extremely bright, but Spanish River kicker Rowan Russell shined brighter. The Junior Kicker trotted out to put this thing away, and despite the best efforts of everyone In the home seating at Al Packer Field to deter Russell, he nailed the game ending kick with a swift flick of his leg.
Immediately as the ball went through the uprights, the Sharks swarmed their kicker in a moment of brotherly love and admiration.
Following the game, Spanish River HC Nick LaSala had this to say on the gritty Monday night win:
“I knew whenever we were going to be able to finally play this football game, it was going to be one of the toughest ones we play all year… it was a battle of mental fortitude and toughness and weathering the storm. We knew it was going to be that type of football game.” Coach LaSala stated.
Spanish River now advances to 4-2 on the season, with a short week ahead. Thursday Night, Spanish River will host Stoneman Douglas for their second district matchup of the season.
