On a day jam-packed with college football, the upsets got rolling early on Saturday at the high school level.
In a battle between two elite programs, the St. John’s College Cadets defeated the West Boca Bulls by a score of 15-14. It was a game filled with great defensive plays, big plays on offense, and even big-time special teams moments. Every moment and play mattered, right up to the final whistle.
After the win, the Cadets remain undefeated and move to 4-0. West Boca falls to 3-1 on the year after the loss.
The Cadets’ Defense Rises to the Occasion
They gave up some points throughout the game, but from an overall sense, the St. John’s College defense was stellar against West Boca.
DJ Butler was a force in the middle of the Cadets’ defense all game long. He caused pressure and notched a sack, putting the West Boca defense on the back foot multiple times. Against the run, Butler wreaked havoc; one of his best plays of the game came on a 3rd down, as the linebacker flew downhill to stop the Bulls in their tracks. Butler’s instincts, speed, and strength were on full display all game long, and he truly stood out to me in a big way. He is an elite prospect for a reason, and the Cadets likely do not win this gam without him.
Outside of Butler, the Cadets got so many great contributions from their defense. Scott Nyambi not only generated a strip sack in the 4th quarter, but also had the key pressure that forced an errant throw on the last play of the game. Eli Jaques and Abe Mayo were fantastic in coverage; both players notched pass breakups and interceptions. Jalen Wallace and Nick May were stout in coverage as well. King Antoine and Antonio Hubbard were great against the run and generated pressure, with Antoine getting home for a sack during the game.
Against an offense that has given so many teams issues, regardless of what state they are from, St. John’s College truly put in a stellar defensive effort. They flew to the ball, made big tackles, and showcased the mentality of an elite team. If they were not already, the Cadets should be considered one of the best high school football teams in the Northeast.
West Boca’s Defense Thrives
Against a St. John’s College offense wth plenty of high-level talent, West Boca showed on Saturday that its defense can compete with any team.
As always, it all starts up front for the Bulls. Jamar Thompson, Jamir Johnson, and Makarion Owens all turned in elite performances against the Cadets and led the overall West Boca unit. Against the run, the trio was in the backfield on a consistent basis. Thompson and Owens showed some great power, while Johnson displayed plenty of burst and overall athleticism. The trio thrived in short-yardage situations, in the red zone, and everywhere in between.
In the passing game, Thompson, Johnson, and Owens led the charge. Thompson helped cave in pockets from the interior, while Johnson and Owens won with a mix of speed and power. I specifically loved how Owens competed on the edge; the defensive end showed a versatile pass-rushing skill set and the ability to attack offensive linemen in a variety of ways.
West Boca’s defensive success extended to the linebackers and secondary on Saturday. Damari Jerry and Delorean Airall were stellar in coverage and coming downhill to make tackles, which included a sack for Airall. CJ Jackson was physical all game, highlighted by an impressive tackle in space early in the game. He also had a diving interception, which was one of the better plays of the day for the Bulls. And while it was not a perfect game for him, Larry Morgan did provide some good coverage reps too.
The Bulls did not win this game, but it was not because of a lack of production from their elite defense. If this is what West Boca’s unit looks like against the best competition, the Bulls will be able to beat any team they face for the rest of 2026.
Special Teams Win the Day for St. John’s
Special teams can lose games for a team, but they can also win them. And for the St. John’s College Cadets, the kicking game was one of the main factors they are leaving Florida with the victory.
Kicker Luke Moore, a 2028 prospect, nailed three of his four kicks for the Cadets in their 15-14 victory. The kicker nailed an attempt from over 50 yards to end the first half, while his other two kicks were around 30 yards. Moore’s mechanics were smooth, his accuracy was impressive, and he showed no lack of leg strength.
Without Moore’s efforts, there is a major chance that the Cadets lose this game. The kicker was truly stellar in this game, and going forward, he is a true weapon for a team that already has the potential to have an elite offense and defense.
Other Notes
- Billy Clancy III is a stud for West Boca at wideout. He had a key touchdown for the Bulls and had multiple big-time receptions. The speed, route running, and hands are all impressive for Clancy III. Over the rest of the season, the wideout is going to be vital for the Bulls’ success. And when it comes to recruiting, whoever lands Clancy III is getting a steal at the wide receiver position.
- Dajon Talley-Rhodes is a very impressive player at the running back position. The St. John’s College standout showed impressive power, burst, and vision all day long. He carried defenders down the field late in the game, and if not for a holding call, he would have had an extremely impressive rushing touchdown. Talley-Rhodes is highly regarded for a reason, and heading toward the next level, Indiana is getting a very good player with a high ceiling.
- Noah Manning is a major player to watch at the wideout position going forward. He not only made a great contested catch, but broke a tackle and raced to the end zone on the same play. The 2030 prospect has the skill set to not only be an elite player at his position in his state, but in the country as a whole.
- Stefan Decarlo-Rodgers and Jason Campbell had very nice plays at the wideout position for the Cadets. They are two other players with great skill sets and high potential in this offense.
- Quinton Miller Jr. showed some impressive speed on a long touchdown run to open the game, while Jayden St. Fort and Wally Harmon made impressive catches deep down the field today. All three players, depending on touches and target share, have the ability to make a big impact for the Bulls over the rest of the 2026 season.
- Both Trey Moran and Nyeem Woods had plenty of great moments at quarterback for their respective teams. Moran had the big touchdown to Billy Clancy III and made some other great throws down the field. Woods showed great speed and elusiveness as a runner, but when needed, he made a few key throws for the Cadets. Both quarterbacks, surrounded by great talent, have the ability to be difference-makers down the stretch in 2026. Expect plenty of great games from these two over the rest of the season.
What’s Next?
After their upset victory, the Cadets will head to Ohio to take on the St. Edward Eagles. West Boca, looking for a bounce-back victory, will host Olympic Heights on September 24 at 6:30 P.M.
