WEST PALM BEACH – Spring football is a time of trial and error for most teams, especially with the influx of transfers, graduating seniors, and coaching changes in the offseason.
But it’s also a time for a lot of teams to gauge themselves.
In the case of King’s Academy’s identity, it goes like this.
“The more things change, the more things stay the same.”
It couldn’t be a more true quote for the Kings Academy squad that was able to take down one of last season’s area powerhouses in a 21-8 win over Forest Hill.
King’s Academy has lost key players and coaches from last year’s Class 3A this state final run. But this program is still running like a well-oiled machine.
Although there’s a obvious drop off in senior talent from last year’s 12-2 squad, the mentality of King’s Academy hasn’t changed a bit.
“Our kids know what the expectation is,” King’s Academy head coach Keith Allen said. “They know how to come to meetings, take notes, and get ready for practice. Those things we haven’t had to teach, but the football savviness come with experience and it’s a learning curve for them.”
Forest Hill looks to be in a rebuilding phase as well after an honorable 8-2 final record last season. The Falcons have only two returning starters from last year’s squad, and only one suited up for the spring game.
Forest Hill head coach Jude Blessington was in good spirits after his team’s defeat. He has good reason to be, as the future is bright for the Falcons with their young and untapped potential.
“We gave all of ourselves,” Blessington said. “That’s all you could ask for. We’re a very young team, and we played hard. We can live with it. It was a great learning experience for our team. This is the maturation process.”
It would be about midway through the first before the first touchdown was scored by King’s Academy running back Dominick Ratty on a short run.
Forest Hill looked poised to score after a long run by quarterback Jalen Jeter, but Ratty would come up big on defense with an interception to end a promising drive with a little over five minutes left in the first quarter.
Early in the second quarter, King’s would make a big stop inside the 10-yard line as junior defensive tackle Carlos Basile forced a fumble and linebacker Stiles Higgins recovered it for the lions.
Forest Hill was able to find some life in the second quarter on a short touchdown run by running back Deshon Talbert. His team would convert on a two-point conversion to give themselves a 8-7 lead over the Lions.
King’s Academy would scored 14 unanswered points before halftime with scores by Ratty (his second rushing touchdown of the game) and freshman quarterback Jake Shephard, who connected with wideout Mark Slider with under a minute left in the first half.
Kings Academy’s 21-8 halftime would hold for the second half, although Forest Hill seemed to be on a comeback trail after an interception caught by defensive back Randy Stubbs.
The King’s Academy freshman duo of Shephard and Ratty offered their take on getting to play varsity football and leading the legacy.
“It was great,” Shephard said. “This was my first chance getting out there on the field and showing what I can do. I hope leading into the summer and this season, we just get better.”
Ratty on his game experience:
“It was amazing playing out here with all these guys,” Ratty said. “We’ve been training all year long and from last year in having a great outcome. It feels good to start the year off right. It’s just amazing.”
Basile was instrumental in the Lions defensive effort, as he came up with two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
He spoke on his team’s performance, the new-look King’s squad, and their team chemistry.
“It’s mixed emotions,” Basile said. “This is the last game with my offensive line coach, and I’m sad to see him go. I play for him, my mom, dad, brothers, family, friends, and coaches. It’s a brotherhood out here and a tight bond. I wouldn’t want my spring game to be with anybody else. I love these guys.”
