After two consecutive weeks of heart breaking losses, the Spanish River Sharks were in need of a statement win to get back on track. Their next opponent and an opportunity to achieve said statement win-Wellington.
Spanish River’s offense quickly jumped to a 14-0 lead as 2027 RB Jacorrion McCrary powered his way into the end zone twice, scoring from 7 and 30 yards. Over the first five games of the regular season, McCrary has solidified himself as one of Palm Beach’s most dynamic rushers, and he proved it once again. The junior tailback totaled just under 100 yards of total offense last night.
Following the win, Spanish River HC Nick LaSala had high praise for his multi purpose back:
“Jacorrion is an explosive guy, and when he sticks his foot in the ground and gets north, it’s a dream…. We wanted to build an identity on offense and I believe we’re starting to do that, and it starts with the guys up front.”
Jacorrion would follow up with his own thoughts on how the night went:
“My line was blocking hard for me and so were the receivers. They did their part and it was time to do mine….. I just tired to do my best and execute for my team”
After the rushing attack was established, it was time for the Spanish River offense to take flight in the pass game. 2027 QB Jaeden Phillips lit up the score board, tossing for three passing TD’s including two to Derek Goulbourne (’27) and then launching a 47 yard SharkNado to Jayden Elder.
Phillips has been playing like the breakout QB of the season, after being thrusted into the starter role less than a month before the first week of the season.
“He {Jaeden} had a month to learn to learn a completely new offense, we’re asking him to do a lot of new things…He puts the ball in the right spots, and he does it very accurately downfield. He’s one of the better deep ball throwers out of local guys. It feels like every time he’s throwing the ball down field, it hits our receivers in stride.”
While that Spanish River offense was more than explosive last night, the biggest high light in my eyes came from their defense. Yes, the Sharks’ defense successfully pitched a shut out, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Spanish River’s defense suffocated the opposing offense, many thanks to their front seven. The big guys up front had a field day, as EDGE’s Josh Raymond (’26) John’Darrion Johnson (’27) alongside IDL Zach Stelus (’28) all recorded at least one sack plus multiple TFL’s and QB pressures.
This defensive masterclass disrupted the flow of most plays, allowing the secondary to strike. 2027 CB Kai Sainmervil locked up his side of the field, being targeted three times and intercepting one pass. Overtop, Senior Free-Safety Ben Lamas laid the boom, breaking up three passes all with big hits.
Coach LaSala had high praise for his defense following the win:
“I thought our defense played well. It started with urgency up front…Ball was in the air and we saw man separated from ball multiple times tonight. That’s the standard for our defense, I’m very happy we got the shut out.”
Spanish River now advances to 2-2 on the year, with their next test coming next week at home vs Coral Glades.
