DFF commented on December 10, 2011 at 12:11 a.m.: report abuse

Dwyer played their hearts out but were unfortunately robbed by a crew of totally inept officials tonight. Congrats to the players and coaches for a tremendous season we are very proud of our Dwyer Panthers!

Jeff commented on December 10, 2011 at 12:17 a.m.: report abuse

Tough, Tough loss for Dwyer. No need to hang heads low. After holding St.Thomas to a mere 3 Points Dwyer could have had a let down. I for one said Manatee would win their Class Championship (check all my predictions in comment section of Dwyer win over St.Thomas). Dwyer is no pushover. The Football Program has made great strides. Consider yourself a Powerhouse, Panther Fans. I look forward to the Future and with the Revamped Districts. New Playoff Rivals have formed. A Fantasy Bowl Matchup with All Class Championship Winners would have to include Dwyer. Jacksonville has its big 4 (Bolles, Fletcher, First Coast, Bartram Trail. Orlando has Edgewater, Dr. Phillips. Tampa has Jefferson, Plant, Armwood. Manatee and Lakeland. Miami Has Central, Northwestern, Columbus, Washington. Miramar and St. Thomas in Broward, and Dwyer in Palm Beach. Florida is a breeding ground for High School Football and is Forever Represented. Its been that way since the 70s. I always followed Boetel and Lancaster they made me a fan of Florida High School Football. Since my High School Days I thought I was the only Fan now there's Hundreds of Thousands. My picks are Plant 20 Miramar 18. Manatee over a great football Team First Coast. Miami Central Upsets Armwood. Norland over Dade-City Pasco. Bolles over Miami Washington. Madison County over Delray Heritage what could be the best game. Good Luck to all Schools the Future is Now.

jplong commented on December 10, 2011 at 2:07 a.m.: report abuse

Typical comments from Dwyer's head coach. When they win, everything is just super. When they lose, "they were robbed!" Palm Beach Gardens High School has, and has always had, a better football program than its neighbor to the north. The key difference is that it is run by ethical people, not the like the sordid group running Dwyer's program. Take comfort in your namesake drink, Jack, and just shut up! What a bunch of losers!

wooord commented on December 10, 2011 at 2:20 a.m.: report abuse

was at the game, was rooting for dwyer but very rarely do I say officials suck and so forth. with that being said, those criminals in striped shirts took a TD from dwyer, gave one to manatee, took 2 fumbles away from dwyer and gave a fumble to manatee, not to mention 2 chicken sh%t personal foul calls that hugely affected the game. the refs should have been lead away in handcuffs and made to apologize to dwyers kids. BTW bauta is a beast, # 34 DE played awesome, and me and # 9 malik brown were tied for amount of tackles made: 0 butkus nada great effort dwyer

Muck Everywhere commented on December 10, 2011 at 2:45 a.m.: report abuse

@Jeff! U have always been hard the Glades Central. They have been beaten Dwyers for YEARS! I guess since they have lost to Norland you have toss them to the side. THEY ARE A POWERHOUSE AND WILL ALWAYS BE A POWER HOUSE FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY AND THE STATE OF FLORIDA. They have the BEST RECORD in the state for WINNING AGAINST IN/OUT OF STATE TEAMS. Yes we loss to Norland this year without TWO OF THE MOST TALENT DEFENSE PLAYER IN THE COUNTY/STATE. But i feel like you REALLY DISRESPECTED Glades Central football TEAM!!!! You need to LEARN how to give RESPECT to Glades Central cause they DESERVE IT!!!!

refs from H### commented on December 10, 2011 at 3:31 a.m.: report abuse

Good job Dwyer! its hard playing against the refs too. Tonight you played against both.

Panther Chick commented on December 10, 2011 at 4:56 a.m.: report abuse

Great job Dwyer Panthers!

Everyone on the team did their best, as they have done all year. So sad when the officials infuse themselves in the process (no sour grapes, just truth...check the tape of the game); how can adults (officials) cheat children (players) and think it is ok, and nothing be done about it. So they get a sorry excuse called into the school but what does this teach young men about working hard and expecting excellence? Dwyer was cheated at Plant, Glenville...and now Manatee; as I noted before...check the tapes as it is obvious!

All those Panther haters...you know you saw the blatant, incorrect calls, you are just glad that it happened to Dwyer as you are not mature enough to allow a quality team to do what they are accustomed to do which is win. Oh well, go on and enjoy being negative, it still wont make your team any better than they are, only hard work and persistence will...which Dwyer players will continue to embody.

On the brighter side...D-Block, keep your heads up because you played your heart out and won the battle but lost the war against the refs! Get some rest as it is back to film work in a few hours....Go Panthers!

Tell us Jeff commented on December 10, 2011 at 5:59 a.m.: report abuse

Ok Jeff you were at the game tonight and wrote about it.
The two fumble calls that were seen on TV that were texted to the field after they happened, (Brown was down as shown on replay over and over again and Manatee's player was clearly still standing as the the ball came out & Reffs gave the ball back to Manatee when it should have been turned over to Dwyer) but lets not talk about those that the TV stationed covered lets talk about the touchdowns that were called back for Dwyer and the fact that everytime Dwyer moved the ball there was a phantom call that would bring the ball back and at the end when Manatee was put into scoring position after there was an obvious late hit on the Dwyer LB that was called for unsportsman like conduct as he sat on the ground, threw his hands in the air asking why no call.
I've been around football a long time and that's the first time i've ever seen that.
We all know that the last thing we could call you is a Dwyer fan so please give us your unbias opinion.
I hope you'll give your opinion and not just delete this from the blog because i would really like to know what you think.
What did you see?

C.C. commented on December 10, 2011 at 6:36 a.m.: report abuse

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! The Refs stole the game from us! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! People are jealous of us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! We were robbed!! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Did I mention Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Grow up and take your losses like a man... the last three playoff losses were at the hands of the officials? That's an extrordinary ratio... give it rest. Certainly last season's loss had nothing to do with your strategy late in the game. Certainly tonight you probably could have done something wiser to protect your boys from another loss at the hands of the evil refs!

pbg commented on December 10, 2011 at 6:56 a.m.: report abuse

HIMS CRYING? DID HIMS HURT HIMSELF???

football fan commented on December 10, 2011 at 7:31 a.m.: report abuse

My son played high school football over ten years ago and the powerhouse teams were from Manatee back then. I do not think we do as good of a job teaching smash-mouth on the east coast as they do over there. We hate to admit it but hurting your opponent is part of the game.

Bull crap commented on December 10, 2011 at 7:44 a.m.: report abuse

Manatee fans you should be ashamed of yourselves for not admitting the obvious biased by the officials by not doing so you are just proving you are familiar with that type homer officiating. I agree with the guy who posted :"No wonder Manatee is tough to beat at home" I think it's terrible that a game like that was given to Manatee by the Refs. Wow that was pathetic and the worse part about it was blog posts by people familiar with Manatee said this would happen before it did. Karma's a 8itch

SamosetDan commented on December 10, 2011 at 8:15 a.m.: report abuse

I don't like to see a game with bad calls. I was in the stands so I don't have the benefit of watching anything on replay. But just a point of interest....it was a penalty against Manatee (I believe it was a 15 yarder) that led to a Palm Beach touchdown that put them ahead.

rrsrq commented on December 10, 2011 at 8:21 a.m.: report abuse

at the game last night, i live in manatee county. the refs took that game out of the kids hands, not saying Dwyer would have won, but terrible calls, now I see why professional and college football have instant replay. Refs can't make terrible calls and expect the team to react, those persona foul calls "refs shoulda kept the flags in their pocket", there was no ill intent from a reaction. Dwyer keep your head up, great game.

Same ole commented on December 10, 2011 at 8:44 a.m.: report abuse

The post should have it easy writing the artcle about the last Dwyer football game for the year, all you have to do is insert new year and change names of QB and a back. Refs, undisciplined, questionable play calls,penalties, yada yada.............SAME OLE , same ole

Riviera Beach commented on December 10, 2011 at 8:48 a.m.: report abuse

Sounds alot like the Plant game. I hate going to the west coast for playoffs. Jeff great job on the tweets last night. How bad were the refs? From your tweets it seemed like you thought it was pretty bad in the first half. I watch alot of high school football and can't remember a big game having so many personal fouls. Especially in key situations. Anyways, Dwyer has nothing to hang their heads about. Great year and a great team returning next year. To the seniors. Wow, nobody expected this from you guys. You have keep the D Block legend going.

D Gilmore commented on December 10, 2011 at 9:09 a.m.: report abuse

This article is a very interesting and extremely biased account of the game. I was at the game last night. I will agree with the statement that everything did seem to go Dwyer's way until the very end. And Bauta was definitely the best player on the field. BUT, by no stretch of the imagination can you claim that Dwyer dominated. In fact, Manatee pretty clearly outplayed them. Dwyer's defense was decent, but Manatee moved the ball well all night. In the first half, they moved it at will. And this discussion about the officiating is absolutely ridiculous. The officiating, without question, was in Dwyer's favor all night long. The first incident Greer cites, the Brown fumble, was no less of a fumble than the goal line fumble that Manatee lost (wiping out a potential TD) which was occurred well after the whistle should've been blown for lack of progress. The second incident Greer cites, when the Manatee player lost the ball after a big hit, should not even been mentioned. It was simply an incomplete pass. Dwyer's offensive line held all night long, and despite the please of the crowd and the Manatee coaching staff, Dwyer was only penalized for it a handful of times, such as when a tackle clearly occurred in the backfield. The personal foul calls against Dwyer were absolutely legit - they played beyond the whistle all night long. Dwyer also benefitted from numerous late hit "no calls," and a questionable roughing the passer call against Bauta that extended their drive and led to their second touchdown. Dwyer is a great team, but Manatee kept them in this game by virtue of their own miscues and poor officiating. That should be the headline.

Jimbo commented on December 10, 2011 at 9:31 a.m.: report abuse

All I know is Don Bosco Prep defeated Manatee 22-16 with some very suspect officiating. Good teams overcome all obstacles.

dorsey1 commented on December 10, 2011 at 9:42 a.m.: report abuse

Tough loss for the Panthers-Sometimes you have to overcome bad officiating.

Man,Dywer is snakebitten with bad refs-i.e. Glenville Ohio last year.

Great programs always bounce back-see Glades Central.

dorsey1 commented on December 10, 2011 at 9:45 a.m.: report abuse

Duke Johnson is the premier balla in the state!

365 yards on the ground last night with 4 td's in the come from behind win over Palmetto in 5A semi's.

Welcome to the U Duke!

mike commented on December 10, 2011 at 9:48 a.m.: report abuse

bad calls or not, Dwyer still scored after huge penalties and or converted.1ST downs after penalties .Theres nothing Manatees offense could do about those calls when they're defense was on the field. My point is, Manatee scored when they needed to and cry me a river. Dwyers QB was an amazing athlete last night. Were did he come from? Oh yeah New York, that is why I never heard of him from last year. Another one graduates and ya'll just happen to get a gift from out of state in time. That's a huge coincidence. It must be a coincidence hes committed to Georgia too! Ya'll remind me of that team you beat last week, except you use the magnet school to recruit (bend but not breaking rules if your side stepping them right?) against FHSAA regulations. Fact is, our school our players are all from Manatee we've been watching these kids play since they were in Pop Warner. We actually know the names and families of our athletes and that's more than you can say about your magnet school and Aquinas recruiting crap. oh... And our players probably all but a few are working middle class families who struggle to make a living. So whatever money buys in sports, true heart, commitment, integrity, and purity lives on in the sports at Manatee high school.

Hurricane Fan commented on December 10, 2011 at 10:01 a.m.: report abuse

I am happy the Hurricanes won, but as anyone watching that game on t.v. With replays you will clearly see that Dwyer had many incorrect calls. It is truly a shame that the Refs are so one sided at some of these games especially Playoff Games. To the Referees......how will we ever know who really is the best and truly deserves to be king of the mountain if you don't stop fixing these games? To some of you idiots commenting about it's little boys games, etc. These football programs require so much from these players. Everyday practice, holiday practice, Saturday film....etc. I bet most of you making these comments are dedicated to nothing.
Embarrassed Hurricane Fan

Riviera Beach commented on December 10, 2011 at 10:11 a.m.: report abuse

Wow some serious hateration going on. Dwyer recruits from all over the county? Almost all these boys are from Riviera Beach. Most of these boys grew up playing together as well. Besides alot of Manattee boys are from Palmetto. Similar situation. As far as underachieve. Your Crazy!!! Manatee is 16th in the country. They were favored to win. Same with STA last week. Last year Armwood was number one in the state and favored at home. Three years ago Booker T. was favored and also Plant. Please know what the heck your talking about before typing such nonsense. This years Dwyer team definitly overacheieved. Noboby was giving them any credit until they beat STA last week. These boys worked their but off and can play with any team in the nation. D BLOCK will be better next year. This was a rebuilding year. To Faton, it has been a pleasure watching you play. It wasn't easy coming in after Jacoby (the best qb in PBC history) and having to win over the fans and teammates. This kid is a winner and that is why he should be compared to Tebow.

mike commented on December 10, 2011 at 10:19 a.m.: report abuse

Palmetto is in Manatee county, Manatee county is a very small county and Bradenton and Palmetto are less than a mile apart. Palmetto hosted a semifinal last night losing on the last play 35-28, manatee and palmetto are like big brother little brother.

Observer commented on December 10, 2011 at 10:31 a.m.: report abuse

I bet most of you making these comments about "don't blame the Refs" didn't watch the game on television(so you could see the replays) or weren't there in person - your just running your mouth. I guarantee that if it was one of your kids out there that busted their butts all year long..... You'd be pi$$Ed off too! No matter what team is playing the Refs shouldn't be biased it is simply wrong. Yes it happens all the time but when it happens to "your team" you have every right to be upset!!

Riviera Beach commented on December 10, 2011 at 10:38 a.m.: report abuse

Shark, what was your take on the game?

RivieraBeachShark commented on December 10, 2011 at 10:50 a.m.: report abuse

@RivieraBeach:

My take is much like Mike Minns. "It's a football game," Dwyer defensive tackle Mike Minns said as he walked off the field. "There's nothing we can do about all that. We had a good year."

Am I livid about the calls? Heck yeah... I knew going into that environment, there would be some home cooking.. just didn't think it would be as blatant as it was. Was it like Glenville? pretty much. The calls in this game were spread out, but in Ohio, they made all those calls in succession. So, it definitely had an influence the outcome. Even after all that, we still coulda won. Futon, got shaken up, had to come out on the 4th and 5 play. Dixon dropped the catchable Puyol pass and that is just football. We'll be back....

Watchdog commented on December 10, 2011 at 10:57 a.m.: report abuse

Dwyer? Isn't that the team stacked with players that have no business attending that school. The kids don't belong there and live outside the schools district. I guess cheaters don't always come out on top.

RivieraBeachShark commented on December 10, 2011 at 11:11 a.m.: report abuse

To my Brothers and Sisters from the Glades:

I don't believe that Jeff intended to slight or overlook Glades Central. I and most other sensible people know that when it comes to football GC is the measuring stick around here. I know that both you and Dwyer will be back stronger than ever. Please don't be offended everytime someone in the media don't give you the public recognition that you deserve. Looking forward to next season....

be atch commented on December 10, 2011 at 11:33 a.m.: report abuse

whats the big deal about malik brown transferring, he was casper the ghost last nite, invisible, anyone notice puyol had crap running down his leg all nite. the call on batten was call of the game, what did he say? refs were horrible

MOVE ON commented on December 10, 2011 at 11:52 a.m.: report abuse

I saw bad calls on both sides, to be truthful. One team continued to play on while the other one let it effect them. Manatee should have won by more but calls kept the game in check. Dwyer had its chance to overcome and they didn't. Manatee worked thru the adversity and came out on top. Refs did not factor into the last drive that Manatee mounted. The defense gave up a td by a good play by Manatee's QB. Good teams find ways to win thru adversity. This is when real coaching is needed. I have watched some of Dwyers home games and other teams can say the same thing about officiating. Dwyer has gotten away with alot of know calls and questiable calls all year. Late hits, holding, fumbles ect. Last night this showed up and they folded. Not blaming the kids but if you have gotten away with certain things all year and the coaching staff doesn't work to clean it up, this is the results when you play at the big dance. Home cooking as people have refer to has been apart of the game since it was concieved. The better team won last night no matter what people think by working thru adversity. I really think if Manatee had played to their level from what I have seen in previous games this would not be a hot topic. GREAT GAME LAST NIGHT, MOVE ON!

D Gilmore commented on December 10, 2011 at 12:12 p.m.: report abuse

@ MOVE ON. Amen. You are exactly right. See my earlier post. Blaming the officiating is absolute nonsense. Dwyer had the officiating benefitting them most of the night with repeated no calls for holding, lining up in the neutral zone, and late hits. They were overly agressive and frankly, undisciplined, most of the night and ultimately paid for it. The Manatee miscues (2 missed FG's, missed extra pt, and controversial goalline fumble) and officiating were the only reason Dwyer stayed in this game.

Why so much hate? commented on December 10, 2011 at 12:26 p.m.: report abuse

As you can see Dwyer,Palm Beach Gardens, Royal Palm, Palm Beach Central, Seminole Ridge and Glade Central when you loss, you going to have "HATERS". Each week of the playoffs when a team was eliminated, we read the blogs full of hate for that week. No team is exempt.

Acording to a Manatee coach commented on December 10, 2011 at 12:38 p.m.: report abuse

According to the Manatee coach??
Manatee's kids were cursing all night.
Bad calls are a part of the game and that's why they usually equal out.
Last year at Armwood there were bad call but they were bad calls both ways, no big deal Dwyer lost that game.
Last night!!!
You'd have to be crazy to think that wasn't unusual the amount of bad calls that went Dwyers way.
There was holding last night on every play,,,,,both sides of the ball.
Manatee had a good team but had those had calls been equal, they would have lost.
There was a camera crew filming that game last night and I asked him did he do all of Manatee's games and he said that they did the entire area.
I asked was it alway like this and his exact words were, Let's just say they seem to get a lot of favorable calls"
You can say what you want, that was one of their people.

@manateefan commented on December 10, 2011 at 12:51 p.m.: report abuse

very true manateefan, sucks for dwyer all they ever do is blame someone else when they lose. its never their fault! ha, u lost! time to hang up the pads. great season, but u didnt accomplish ur goal of states. better start recruiting again. because manatee and aquinas will get even better.

Phillip Taylor commented on December 10, 2011 at 1:11 p.m.: report abuse

Very true. I was at the 40 yard line home side and there were so many close calls it was hard to see even on replay. To blame the refs is a joke. On the last play Dwyer had on 4th and 5 the ball was thrown right between the numbers and the kid dropped it. I guess that was the refs fault to. Quit whining.

Riviera Beach commented on December 10, 2011 at 1:51 p.m.: report abuse

Well said Shark, you always want the team that beat you to bring it home. Regardless of what anyone says, this team overacheieved this season. Shoot people thought they would lose to ATL and RPB. Terrific season.

Jeff commented on December 10, 2011 at 2:22 p.m.: report abuse

To All the Glades-Central Fans yes I missed including your Excellent Football Program. In my post if you notice I was mentioning Bigger Schools by Class. So here's my Praise and sorry I left you out. With that said Cocoa, Madison County and I can name a few more deserve the Praise Powerhouse. Glades Central moved up just this year from 2A. Cocoa has been in the way the last few years for Central. Plus you can't forget that winning streak. I also mentioned new Rivals and Norland replaces Cocoa. I also know that BG Central plays the Bigger Schools and WINS. SO heres your RESPECT.

Canesfan commented on December 10, 2011 at 2:42 p.m.: report abuse

Riviera Beach - It is you and all the other whiners from Dwyer. Look at the number of posts - most are from whiners not winners. Winners are always jerks to losers.

@wow commented on December 10, 2011 at 3:18 p.m.: report abuse

true but ... if you were to train for something all year and fell short after you put your blood sweat and tears in it you would be in tears as well

wow commented on December 10, 2011 at 3:21 p.m.: report abuse

to all the kids out there, i have some bad news for you. adults lavish attention on you because they are LOSERS obsessed with sports. the MOMENT you leave school, unless you make a Division 1 college team (which 97% of you won't) these same "adults" will abuse you when you look for a job, and try and make a life for yourself. you're being used, duped, suckered and bamboozled.

RivieraBeachShark commented on December 10, 2011 at 3:52 p.m.: report abuse

"Jeff" I hope you are not Jeff Greer. I mean if you are, I am totally surprised at the condescending way you are expressing praise and RESPECT for Glades Central football. I just hope and believe that you (JEFF in the most recent posts) is an imposter.

MHS Fan commented on December 10, 2011 at 4:20 p.m.: report abuse

I watched the game and was very impressed with the Dwyer QB! Very impressive.

I agree, the refs sucked, but the calls (and some non-calls) went both ways. That 1 PF call was a bs call on our last possession, which kept alive our drive.

As for those negatively commenting about Johnny Dixon crying, you people have no idea what we athletes go thru to win for our team, our community, and for ourselves. I will take a team full of Johnny Dixons any day, as I know he cares about winning and doing his very best!!

Jeff commented on December 10, 2011 at 5:19 p.m.: report abuse

I praised Dwyer for win over favored St. Thomas. Correctly said Manatee would get past the Panthers. I understand what its like not to get calls that go your way. I am a Fan and like to express that feelings of hurt are real. I Posted my thoughts regarding Florida as breeding ground. Earlier I mentioned the Powerhouse schools all around the State. One Fan said I left out BGC as Powerhouse. Palm Beach has 4 Powerhouse Teams when I just stated Dwyer. I just watched Heritage romp over Madison. I follow the Teams each year all around the State. I have no favorite and don't debunk any Football Squad. I just like the Competetion and efforts the kids deliver.

stop crying commented on December 10, 2011 at 5:58 p.m.: report abuse

From what i am reading its a shame that you all have nothing better to write about. Blame the REFS, Blame the REFS, how sad. Both of teams were outstanding and it was a outstanding game to watch for a high school football fan. Both teams laid it all out and left nothing on the field but there sweet. Some one had to win and one had to loose. The refs from this game came out of Lake County, Fl. Not near Manatee, not near WPB, but near the central part of the state. I seen games were refs will let teams play and seen alot were refs just want to be part of a game. Last nite refs wanted to be part of a game, on both sides. Manatee had a interference call in the endzone on 3rd goal from the 9th. Gave WPB new life from the 4 and they scored a TD. instead of lining up for a FG. Also WPB had a personal foul givin to them that kept a drive going to score there second TD. Now Manatee had a unsportmanship call for them that help them score on there last TD also. 2 Plays that get ??? was a non fumble agaist Manatee and a fumble that was not called. They one play was correct it was not a fumble, the REFs did a great job on getting all together at midfield and talked it over, you dont see that alot in high school football. The other I can say pretty clear he did fumble the ball. But that play did not cost WPB the game. it is part of a game. From watching the game, if you ask me WPB was not called for holding # 55 more then enough, they tackeled him, held him, jumped on his back, and did everything they could to keep that boy out of the back field. The 1st Manatee TD was a correct call, the reciever got stripped of the ball, pulled it right out of his hands. I hate to see a coach from the loosing team, cry about the refs cost us a game, its not fair to the kids that played that game. Sorry that one team had to come up on the short end of a night like this, Its game like these that make the state of Florida # 1 in high school football, Dryer players be proud and dont hang your head down. you all had a great year, and i hope to see you all again next year in the same position of this year.

Just a Fan commented on December 10, 2011 at 6:24 p.m.: report abuse

Wow alot of posts. wasn't even the Championship Game. Good game tonight Bolles vs Washington 7pm.

@ wow's first comment commented on December 10, 2011 at 6:38 p.m.: report abuse

freedoms? I don't know if you watch the news or not, but those "freedoms" are slowly dwindling away....but that's besides the point.

Dwyer had a fantastic year.

doc from new york commented on December 10, 2011 at 7:55 p.m.: report abuse

let us take our hats off to the two teams and applaud all the positives of this hard fought game!!! By doing this you will make the game an achievement of your lives to look back on in the years to come!
By the the way , i am yery proud of faton bauta, i had called him the tim tebow of high school football four years ago in new york! Faton is a team player,a hard worker,continues to learn,and wants to learn!! As a coach - teacher he represents my VALUE as a teacher! i am proud to have been part ,if only small,of his developement on and off the Field.

peter mckenzie commented on December 10, 2011 at 8:09 p.m.: report abuse

The football program at Dwyer has "thumbed its collective nose" at recruiting rules for more than a decade, in order to get the most talented players on its varsity football team. With a coaching staff as corrupt as that led by Jack Daniels, and a schoo administration (actually, administrations) that is willing to close its eyes to the obvious, it is hard to feel sorry when Dwyer loses in the playoffs. Perhaps the poor officiating is just the "yang" of Dwyer's "ying" recruiting violations.

State Football Official commented on December 10, 2011 at 9:03 p.m.: report abuse

In reference to all the posts above about the referees, let me chime in. I will remain anonymous, as officials are not supposed to make any comments to the press - but I will admit to being a Palm Beach County Football Official for many years. Additionally, I did not see the game, so I am not intending to comment on the actual officiating in this game. These are just smelly thoughts so everyone is working in real facts:

Playoff officials at this stage are selected specifically by the FHSAA, and are supposed to be the best officials in whatever Association has been selected to work the game;

These officials have probably only worked about 4 games together as a 7-man crew, as this is nit ther regular crew all year;

The officials working the game are from another county in the state, and generally not too close but not too far away (from Palm Beach, we regularly work games as fas Fort Myers);

The officials are working this game for $71 and the thril of being at the top of their hobby -- yes, hobby! None of us are "professionals" at this relying upon this for an income. Furthermore, despite th comments above, none of us are getting "paid off" or benefitting from working the games; and

Most of us are middle-age men who go out on the football field because we want to have fun and enjoy working with the kids. We don't go out on the field caring who wins or loses, and we don't officiate to "favor" anyone.

Do bad calls happen - sure! Are they on purpose - no way! Is it because we're doing out best and hoping to get it right - absolutely!

So for those of you blaming the refs - you can keep going if you want. But in reality, we're just another part of the game that has to be accepted - win or lose.

-- A Football Official

P.S. - And as to the comments about the unsportsmanlike calls and whether they should be ignored - the officials are harped on by the FHSAA that we are to never ignore two things - safety issues and unsportsmanlike conduct. Every school knows this and deas with it/ learns from it all year long. So I don't care what the conditions are, if a team is flagged for unsportsmanlike, they no doubt earned it and should have known better and showed better self control. Good news is that this is only a football game, and maybe the lessons learned will pay off later in life!

Good luck to Manatee next week, and to Dwyer next year. I look forward to seeing the young men from Dwyer on the fields in September 2012!

Performance Athletic commented on December 10, 2011 at 10:06 p.m.: report abuse

It is obvious that many of the comments that are still being posted relative to the "poor officiating" is just a way to help ease the pain of losing. No athlete, coach or fan likes to lose but at some point in time you will experience it and it hurts but the pain of losing also builds character - unfortunately by your posts i am not seeing it in this case from the majority of the posts still complaining about the refs from most likely east coasters. BTW Lake County is about 2.5 hours from Manatee to the north and how idiotic to think that any of those guys would take money to blow calls are you out of your mind or just from Palm Beach County??? Dwyer is a very good high school football team and may very well be back in the state playoffs but without their Tebow-like signal caller they are a pretty ordinary team that at least two other Manatee County teams would handle (i.e. Palmetto and Bradenton - Southeast) They were a formidable opponent but quite honestly the Canes east coast rival still resides in Lauderdale (STA) so put that in your pipe.
I was on the field after the game and the Dwyer QB seemed to be mature beyond his years not only physically but mentally - agree with comments above this kid is very special and should be exciting to watch on Saturday's. Hope he stays healthy and makes good choices on and off the field.- he is very exciting to watch! Would not be surprised if Urban did not try to get into his living room and change his mind. Hope he stays in the south though... i guess it dosn't really matter who the Canes play from Palm Beach, Broward or Dade because for any of them their quest for a state championship has to go thru B-town and the Canes! Next stop O-town."

Performance Athletic commented on December 10, 2011 at 10:14 p.m.: report abuse

PB Ref thank you for your post and i apologize for my comments that disrepct anyone from Palm Beach County. You are most certainly a man of integrity and i commend and aplaud you for taking on a hobby that brings nothing but complaints and accusations from poor sportsmen.

USF commented on December 10, 2011 at 10:21 p.m.: report abuse

Luckily, Dwyer won't have that #51 kid next year, because he was holding almost every play. Those "pro-Manatee refs" called PI against the Hurricanes on 3rd and goal (which set up TD #1), and a bogus roughing the passer on a would-be 3rd and 15 (which set up TD #2); and those were the ONLY scores Dwyer had. Manatee outplayed Dwyer all night. Next year, the Panthers should find a QB who can actually throw the ball and maybe a few WRs who know how to catch. You don't win a 7A championship by letting your QB run every play (ask Trey Burton, who is 10 times better than Bauta). Dwyer is lucky that Manatee left 12-16 points (without ANY what-ifs regarding penalties) off the board, because you're looking at a 31-14 blowout disguised as 19-14 battle.

Bradenton commented on December 10, 2011 at 11:47 p.m.: report abuse

Riviera Beach Shark.. Might want to take a look at the map again - it is 2.5 hours to Lake County from Bradenton...It is just outside of Orlando...I've driven it.

Defending Dwyer, to WOW, why would you be upset that a player put their heart and soul into the game - I respect the Dwyer players and any player who does that - we need more people like that in life. Regarding your comments, the MOMENT you leave school, unless you make a Division 1 college team...I don't know how it is in Palm Beach but in Bradenton we do look after the players after they leave school whether or not they go Div. 1. From being hired as a sheriff's deputy or by a private employer, the community respects the tradition of Manatee football and is always there for them...Former players often move back to Bradenton when they get married so that their sons can play for Manatee - next Friday there will be 3 players playing for a Manatee state championship, just like their dads did in the 80s and 90s.

Observer commented on December 11, 2011 at 12:39 a.m.: report abuse

@RBS- your logic is circular, your arguments are dumb, quit disgracing the Dwyer community (and PBC at large) with your admittedly IGNORANT comments.

I hope everybody else can recognize how twisted a person's perspective must be for them to take a 3rd party's attempt at providing some factual basis for the conversation and turn it into a prima facie admission of guilt. There's simply no connection there.

Observer commented on December 11, 2011 at 1:02 a.m.: report abuse

It was also circular because you assumed the truth of your conclusion and then used your skewed premises to support it (e.g., only a guilty person would defend controversial events- the fact that a person I presume to be a "crook" is doing so proves my point). I suppose I was too caught up in the absurdity of your strawman to point this out to you.

As for ignoring, are you too good to take your own advice?

Observer commented on December 11, 2011 at 1:46 a.m.: report abuse

Do you really honestly believe it's plausible that the officials who worked last night's Dwyer-Manatee game somehow received more than their game fee in such a way that the outcome of the game was affected? Is that an argument you're making?

Football commented on December 11, 2011 at 5:29 a.m.: report abuse

I can't believe Manatee fans are actually trying to defend the officiating. Unbelievable, I won't waste my time pointing out all the terrible calls going against Dwyer because these Manatee people are nothing but illogical crazed fans. "You can't handle the truth"

TJM commented on December 11, 2011 at 7:19 a.m.: report abuse

To State Football Official-----How do you explain the ending of last year's Dwyer vs. Cleveland Glenville game in Columbus, Ohio? And don't say the refs called it correct as they saw it, I will lose all respect for you.

What a Joke commented on December 11, 2011 at 9:08 a.m.: report abuse

it's only high school football....get a life.

CANE4LIFE commented on December 11, 2011 at 9:48 a.m.: report abuse

EVERYONE HATES YOU WHEN YOU'RE GOOD!
Dwyer was out executed, whether the officials called a horrible game or not! Manatee still got the job done when they needed too! Sandberg put the team on his back and showed why he is the best QB in ALL of Florida! Dwyer fans are almost as big of cry babies as STA fans and that's pathetic. Better luck next year Dwyer. GO CANES!!

GTRFan commented on December 11, 2011 at 11:32 a.m.: report abuse

Hey lames4life, so by “out executed,” would you be referring to Dwyer's 41% higher offensive production in the game? And when you state Sandbag is “best QB in all of FL,” would you also say that all of the major recruiting agencies simply got it wrong since his status in “NR” (not ranked)? Even your own fans and local papers are clear on who the best player on the field was Friday – Bauta. As to calls, take two closely matched teams, sprinkle in some suspiciously timed and blatantly incorrect calls against Dwyer, and you have a recipe for some home cookin’. I have noticed ref issues in playoff games are an annual constant in FL HS football (until the statewide TV coverage of finals in Orlando). Then the games seem to be called so cleanly. I think FHSAA should draw refs from opposite side of the brackets (North-South) for playoffs – the increased ticket prices and higher attendance surely justify a lousy extra $100 or so per ref to travel.

CANE4LIFE commented on December 11, 2011 at 2:29 p.m.: report abuse

@GTRfan-no by out executed I mean manatee got the job done when they needed too! i.e.-"sandbags" 21 yard rushing touchdown late in the 4th quarter, when Dwyer on the other had could not, i.e. dropping a pass deep in manatee's red zone on 4th down. That's how they got out executed. As far as officiating goes, there were calls that were questionable for both teams. I'm not taking anything away from Dwyer or Bauta, all I'm saying is that a "sandbag" got it done when his team needed him the most while Bauta was on the sideline when his team needed him the most.

Coach22 commented on December 11, 2011 at 3:19 p.m.: report abuse

@State Football official....If you watch the game tape you may feel the same way you felt about the Ohio game...that the officials got taken by the moment and forgot they were suppose to be impartial. Def get a copy of the game. Then comment. Look forward to hearing from you after you see it. The association in Ohio apologized after the ohio game. Wouldnt be surprised if there was an apology from Lake County Association.

Fan commented on December 11, 2011 at 5:01 p.m.: report abuse

@WOW - if ignorance was money you'd be the richest man in the world!

sweetpea commented on December 11, 2011 at 5:51 p.m.: report abuse

Ok people it's hs football ok so dwyer lost but stop put them down and being so negative i went to dywer and ok yes they have good football team but if you ask me I think both schools did a wonderful job so it is time to move foward and get ready for next year. Happy Holidays!!!

Richard Acton commented on December 11, 2011 at 7:42 p.m.: report abuse

FOR ALL OF YOU DWYER WHINERS: Champions overcome the officials, and do not place themselves in a position to allow officials to decide the outcome. Manatee has had it's share of questionable calls in the recent past in the playoffs. The bottom line is Dwyer had a chance to win the game at the end, but at 4th and 5 from Manatee's 30 (+ or -), your team failed to convert! Game over! STOP WHINING!

Dwyer Chick commented on December 11, 2011 at 9:06 p.m.: report abuse

You all are just sad.You don't have a heart if you're making fun of this.Obviously,you've never worked hard at anything in your entire life and had it ripped from you.Especially back to back!It's like last years game against Glenville.The ref's made bad calls and we should have won.Everyone knows it.Just like we should have won this game.Our football team worked their asses off so shame on YOU heartless,cold,tools that are calling us "whiners" and "sore losers".Get off your asses and go work for something as hard as you can that you REALLY want and have it ripped from your grasp.

Then maybe you'll get it through your ignorant brains.Quit hating on Dwyer and just accept that we won.80% of these posts agree that Dwyer got robbed.So quit trying to be "different" and go against the grain with your hater comments because you damn well know we won that game.We beat Glenville.We beat Manatee.We're the damn best team you've ever seen.

D-BLOCK FOR LIFE!<3 Love to all the boys!

SAMMI commented on December 12, 2011 at 7:53 a.m.: report abuse

That's Sad Those Boys Worked All Year Dwyer Is Never Favored No Matter What && The People Talking Mess About Coach Daniels Just Shut Up He's A Great Coach Too Them Kids He Work Them Boys Hard && They Still Give Rerspect DWYER IS MOST HATED WE LOVE IT #RUDE NATION OHKAY God && All Of Us Know What Happen C/O12

Jimmy D. commented on December 12, 2011 at 8:40 a.m.: report abuse

Hold on a minute! I just checked to make sure... Yep, Dwyer lost... get over it, enjoy the great season you had, and now start looking and negotiating for the next crop of stud players to foster for next season.

Riviera Beach commented on December 12, 2011 at 10:12 a.m.: report abuse

The Dwyer hate is still strong as ever. First it was this team was not that good and would lose 3 to 4 games in the regular season. Then it was no way they beat STA. Finally, when they lose it's they underachieved. Well make up your mind already. The trueth is if they are hating, it is a good thing. It's when nobody is talking about that you have a problem. In the last four years Dwyer has lost 7 games. Three to GC and nobody ever brought up the refs in those games. Also the Armwood game last year, the refs were not a major factor. Now for the three questionalble games. Cleveland Glenville= everybody saw that game on national tv. Even ESPN said they were robbed on at least 2 of the calls at the end. 2. Plant three years ago= Now that was some home cooking. Ref took the game away from Dwyer. 3. Manatee= wasn't there but two usually none bias papers in the PBP and Sun Sentinal wrote articles about strange plays and calls. In the end Dwyer lost and that is football but all 7 games Dwyer has lost in the last four years have been close hard fought games. To beat Dwyer it is going to be a struggle and again that goes back TO COACHING!!!!! Great Season!!!! As most Dwyer fans know this was the year to beat Dwyer, the underclass is loaded, especially that soph class.

RivieraBeachShark commented on December 12, 2011 at 11:31 a.m.: report abuse

Im done with HS Football for this season. Sometimes, when the "establishment" is involved, there is not a whole lot that we can do about injustices other than expose them. Perhaps the FHSAA will at some point in the future establish more rigorous controls that will reduce officials abilities to act with partiality and also create a review process that is more than just token measures to show good faith. Ultimately, their credibility is at stake. On to basketball now....

fb observer commented on December 12, 2011 at 12:20 p.m.: report abuse

Everyone says you should close your mouths and keep playing. Imagine if you had worked so hard for something, just too see it ripped away. I wasnt at the game so I cant choose sides. All I know is that if something on my job is unfair, I will speak up! What are we telling these young men? Hey you're being treated unfair, just play ball and forget about. Lets not forget that yes its a game, but its also important to those players. You've got to have passion to train in the summer time in this heat, lift all those weights. Remember you have a voice, let it be heard. One more thing, I havent been to a HS game once and didnt hear bad words from both teams. IJS

Manatee Music commented on December 12, 2011 at 12:30 p.m.: report abuse

I graduated from Manatee in 82 and played Football there, 4 different kids in my family also played at Manatee. I am proud to be a Manatee supporter but have to say that the penalty's against Dwyer were troubling as a Football fan but thankfully accepted as a Manatee guy. Dwyer supporters have a legitimate grip about the outcome of the game and the Manatee guy who said they dominated the game must have been home in his West Bradenton House watching PBS when the game was being played. If anything the QB from Dwer dominated Manatee. Manatee is off the win the state title but as a Football fan I can not honestly feel comfortable about it.

R U Blind? commented on December 12, 2011 at 1:35 p.m.: report abuse

@Phillip Taylor. I watched it several times and the Fumble for TD and non Fumble by manatee @23 player were painfully obvious. I respect your loyalty to your school but it doesn't help our cause with guys like you denying what only a blinded fan could. Let's be above this as manatee fans and admit Dwyer got screwed and the game was poorly officiated and favored Manatee in almost every situation---It shines a better light on Bradenton annyway we are the ones playing for the title not them

Jimmy Greek commented on December 12, 2011 at 2:58 p.m.: report abuse

Dwyer recruited everybody but an Official or two.....too bad Dwyer, start looking for a new bunch. This bunch couldn't get it done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bull commented on December 12, 2011 at 3:38 p.m.: report abuse

@Observer If tthat is the results of hard work by the officials I would hate to see if they didn't work hard. They sucked

Riviera Beach commented on December 12, 2011 at 4:34 p.m.: report abuse

Jimmy the Geek, real original pal. How long have you been waiting to type that. Since week 2? As for people talking about number 1 Jonnie Dixon. The boy is a sophmore and a really good player. Remeber the name, this will not be the last time you hear of him. Jonnie and Clint will be the best wide out combo in the county next year and in two years the state. Future is very bright at Dwyer. Again good season. Hey RAIDERS, next year you come to the Panthers Den week one.

RivieraBeachShark commented on December 12, 2011 at 5:03 p.m.: report abuse

@Phillip Taylor... there is not one Dwyer fan that blamed the refs for the Armwood loss. We gave that one away with questionable decisions out of our players control. We have learned from that one. I am confident that if that scenerio presented itself again, there would be a difference approach to it....

Observer commented on December 12, 2011 at 5:31 p.m.: report abuse

@RBS- you must have me confused with someone else, I'm just a local HS football fan trying to inject some sense into a chaotic discussion- I have no affiliation with or connection to any local schools, I just love the game. As for 'green', not sure how green you can be at my age...like I said, you must have someone else in mind.

As to the substance of your message, I agree, it's much easier to step back and see the whole picture when you don't have a horse in the race. I think that's an important function of people like Neutral HS Fan and I- to point out things partisans don't want to see or can't see because of their allegiances.

Big Doggy commented on December 12, 2011 at 5:44 p.m.: report abuse

Good for you Manatee Music

Hammy commented on December 12, 2011 at 7:01 p.m.: report abuse

@Observer Very Very rarely? Must of been a rare night in Bradenton. The first TD manatee scored was on a phantom fumble and then they didn't call a fumble on number 23 of manatee when it clearly was a fumble---to add insult to injury they flagged Dwyer unsportsmanlike conduct (15 yards) after the Dwyer player was visible upset. That's a 14 point swing! Funny thing was the player was correct--too bad he couldn't call a flag on the official because that's who should have been penalized.

Just A Fan commented on December 12, 2011 at 9:50 p.m.: report abuse

Why is everyone blaming the ref for throwing a flag just because the players were "upset"? How about before teaching his players X's and O's, Coach Daniels teaches his players the meaning of keeping their heads on and controlling their tempers. This will likely be a much better lesson learned for their futures!

RivieraBeachShark commented on December 13, 2011 at 6:58 a.m.: report abuse

@Observer...Okay.. perhaps there was another "observer" using the same tag. He had indicated that he had just returned from States during an exchange on Saturday. if you are the same person, I erroneously assumed you were an AH fan. Being "green" to a situation, does not necessarily have anything to do with age, but with familiarity with the ropes of the situation. If neither applies to you then I stand corrected.

I am still laughing commented on December 13, 2011 at 5:36 p.m.: report abuse

HAHAHA! DWYER LOST... and BEST YET... THEY'RE STILL BLAMING EVERYONE BUT THEIR MIRROR!!!

Frozen in Time commented on December 14, 2011 at 1:51 a.m.: report abuse

Next year and years to come with the new Playoff Brackets there will be plenty of time for Payback. Even with new players and rosters people will never forget. The Games have just begun.

tlcdirector@comcast.net commented on December 14, 2011 at 2:43 p.m.: report abuse

You might find this article interesting....

www.wfaa.com/sports/Dallas-ISD-plans-UIL-protest-over-referees-call-135484058.html

Observer commented on December 14, 2011 at 5:43 p.m.: report abuse

Watched the Dallas Skyline video- is it me or are the making a formal complaint based on a complete misunderstanding of the rule (that it's where the player lands, not whether the ball crosses)???

Michelle McCarthy (Minns) commented on December 15, 2011 at 5:29 p.m.: report abuse

Yea so what guys cried i mean they worked so hard to win. I know that people arent juding a man that cried because im sure yall would've cried if you tried so hard at something and failed at it. <3 I love you Mike im so proud of you <3

Canesfan commented on December 17, 2011 at 4:32 p.m.: report abuse

RB - Imagine, you with a little more opinion. 1. Sitting on the turf then stripped? You can't be serious. As for the player not going for the ball, he should have been coached better to play to the whistle. You must just like keeping it stired up. 2. The play wasn't a reverse, in was a swing pass that he didn't even have time to step up field before he was hit. No possesion. Did you watch those films with a bottle of Jack or coach Jack or both?
When I watched the televised replay of the game, I was struck by the fact that the coach had clearly convinced all the Dwyer fans that the officials were against them by the volumn of "boos" at the very first penealty call against Dwyer.

Riviera Beach commented on December 19, 2011 at 12:40 p.m.: report abuse

Your talking the wrong play. #23 ran a reverse and was 10 yards up field before being hit. The refs didn't call incomplete, they ruled he was down.

nanuriganhocokrrtion commented on December 9, 2012 at 5:41 p.m.: report abuse

Uhh are you making this up? This post is some f-ed up sh*t kid. Ive met braindead chimpanzees who were smarter than you.

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