The Jupiter High Warriors may have entered this week 4-0, but the buzz around the area is they were the underdog in the contest. I’d like to pose this question now dear reader: Why are you still sleeping on Jupiter?
Last night, the Jupiter High Warriors hosted the Palm Beach Central Broncos in a matchup that would set the foundation of District 12 play, but more importantly, it perfectly laid out the road for the 7A Playoffs for both teams.
On the opening drive of the game, Jupiter set the tone early, as QB Andrew Embick connected with WR/S Nick Bothe on a 45 yard screen pass. The Warriors immediately found themselves at the opposing 25 and looking to cash in an early score, but Palm Beach Central’s defense held strong, forcing a four and out on that series.
Palm Beach Central began piecing together a promising drive, spearheaded by the senior QB/WR duo of Chance Routson and Jayden Phipps. Unfortunately for the Broncos, they fell behind the sticks and faced with a 3rd and 17, and to make matters worse; inclement weather found it’s way back to the area, forcing an hour and fifteen minute lightning delay.
Following the lengthy and inconvenient delay, Jupiter’s defense didn’t skip a beat, forcing the Broncos to punt.
Midway through the quarter, we got the first points of the night, as PBC’s Routson connected with WR Antoine Perry for a long touchdown. Once that pass hit the speedy Perry’s hands, the 5 foot 9 slot was GONE, as he cut up the visiting sideline before finally cracking the goal line. PAT NO GOOD
Jupiter responded with a highlight TD of their own, as Andrew Embick launched a contested fade to the end zone, and Nick Bothe tapped the ball up and corkscrewed his body in the air, coming down with the catch and the first lead of the night.
The Warriors’ defense on the next drive was suffocating, as Florida International TE/DE commit, Ayden Passley swatted down two consecutive passes to stall the opposing offense. Jupiter’s offense certainly didn’t take their foot off the gas, as Embick released a dart to his TE KJ Larson to set the Green and Gold Warriors in scoring position, before RB Jayden Roberts punched in a goal line rushing touchdown.
Moments after halftime, Jupiter continued piling on the points as Andrew Embick and Jayden Roberts connected for their second touchdowns of the night. Embick would go onto find Kai Quinn for a gorgeous one handed grab to close out Jupiter’s scoring for the evening.
As for Palm Beach Central, the Broncos crawled their way back into this one, as Chance Routson and Antoine Perry hooked up for another touchdown, and Routson would QB keep to cut the lead to one score.
Palm Beach Central’s onside kick attempt would be unsuccessful, and Jupiter would bleed the remaining time on the clock before hitting victory formation.
Despite the two and a half hours of weather delays last night, the Jupiter faithful packed the stands and were deafening all night. Rain or Shine, the Warriors’ supporters were here and they certainly were loud. Most importantly, those fans got to witness history last night. For the first time in program history, Jupiter High emerged victorious against Palm Beach Central.
Following the game I caught up with Jupiter HC Jason Kradman, who had this to say about the monumental win:
“It was really bittersweet… It’s been a long time coming.” Coach Kradman shared with a smile “We have an unbelievable staff that pours into these kids.. We ask a lot of our players during the off season, it’s very satisfying to see a win like that.”
The 5-0 Jupiter Warriors are rolling through the regular season. Their next test- Suncoast on Friday, October 3rd.
