DELRAY BEACH – It all comes down to this for the No. 2/No. 3 seed Atlantic Eagles: One game against No. 1 seed St. Thomas Acquinas for the Class 7A – Region 4 title.

While the matchup does not favor Atlantic (8-3), the 31-point underdog (according to Joe Pinkos Forecast) has the potential to pull off an improbable upset on the road in Fort Lauderdale on Friday (Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m. kickoff).

Throughout the season, it has been Atlantic’s defense, led by senior defensive tackle Henry Bryant III, that has led it to this point.

Atlantic handled No. 6 seed Blanche Ely in a dominating 47-12 win two weeks ago. The Eagles offense and defense played relatively well at home in the 35-point win over the Tigers.

Against No. 2 seed McArthur on the road last week, it required another strong defensive performance from Atlantic. Our Team of Week 13 (four-time weekly winner this season) held McArthur to just seven points, a far cry from the Mustangs end to their regular season where they scored 53 and 47 points in respective wins over Everglades and Coconut Creek.

The story for Atlantic has remained the same. Similar to their journey to the 7A playoffs, the Eagles have allowed just 12 points per game, despite playing a tough schedule featuring some of the best teams in the state.

When Atlantic is on offense, it attempts to set up potential pass plays with a strong running attack. With its quick pass game, the team’s play caller attempts to put his athletes in advantageous positions so the rest of their offense can shine.

Although the challenge for Atlantic is difficult, the Eagles have the combination of experienced players and good coaching to potentially drag out an upset on the road against one of the favorites for the Class 7A state championship.

Score Prediction: Unfortunately for Atlantic, we don’t see it happening against St. Thomas Aquinas. It has been a nice run, but the Eagles season will end tonight.

St. Thomas Aquinas defeats Atlantic, 40-21.

PHOTO CREDITS: Epiphany Photography