Story
Glades Central looks to continue strong season by plowing past Pahokee
Thursday, November 11, 2010
by
Matt Porter
Even without star receiver Kelvin Benjamin, Glades Central is a near lock to win Friday night's Muck Bowl, and a heavy favorite to advance to the Class 2B state finals.
Both teams are young, but while Pahokee (3-6) has struggled, Glades Central (8-1) has grown up strong and hopes to use the game as a springboard for the postseason.
"Hopefully they'll play well and it'll build their confidence," Glades Central coach Jessie Hester said. "You don't want to go into the playoffs with any doubt."
Without Benjamin, who is no longer eligible to play due to age restrictions, the Raiders' offense has begun to run more. For the first time since its season-opening win against Dallas-Skyline, Glades Central racked up more rushing yards than passing (228-127) in last week's 39-0 win over Suncoast.
Benjamin, who attends a couple Raiders practices a week and will play in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl on Dec. 31 in Myrtle Beach, S.C., was a safety net for quarterback Jamarious Rowley. Benjamin's size (6-foot-6) and ability to catch anything thrown near him meant Rowley could get away mistakes. Now, Rowley must scan the defense in greater detail before the snap, and ensure his throws are pinpoint.
"We're going to go as he goes offensively," Hester said. "We need to make sure he's comfortable out there, and doing everything that we ask of him."
Hester's receivers - juniors Jaime Wilson and Jaqavein Oliver, and seniors Davonte Allen and Robert Burgess - are adjusting to their new roles as well. Any one of them could be the No. 1 wideout on a given night.
"None of them have the ability that K.B. had, but they're all very capable of going out and having big games," Hester said.
Glades Central's aggressive defense has allowed a touchdown or less in six of its nine games. Senior defensive end Robert Way, last year's Palm Beach Post Small Schools Defensive Player of the Year, has a team-high 13 tackles for loss.
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User Comments:
THRILL WILL commented on November 11, 2010 at 8:18 p.m.: report abuse
GLADES CENTRALS STUDENT ATHLETE WILLIAM LIKELY,III SCORED AN 20 ON THE ACT TEST CONGRADULATIONS AND HE IS ONLY A 10th GRADER!!!!!!!!!
hahaha commented on November 11, 2010 at 8:36 p.m.: report abuse
Really?? Bragging about a 20 on the ACT? Thats terrible even for a 10th grader.
RAIDERFAN4LYFE commented on November 11, 2010 at 9:50 p.m.: report abuse
@hahaha stop being such a petty hater(even though I can't see you. it's still UGLY). @THRILL WILL keep encouraging William that being a student-athlete is pertinent. The kid is in 10th grade and probably took the test for the first time. Many kids take it just to see where they are and what they need to do to improve. Sounds like this kid is a strategist on and off the field. CONGRATULATIONS on your score of 20 William and keep progressing forward. GOOD LUCK on your game tomorrow!
THRILL WILL commented on November 12, 2010 at 7:46 a.m.: report abuse
@HAHAHA PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT UR COMMENT WILL BE USED AS MOTIVATION!!!!!!!!!!! IF GOD IS 4 US WHO CAN BE AGAINST US
proof commented on November 12, 2010 at 10:29 a.m.: report abuse
1. while a 20 on the ACT isn't great, it's hardly terrible for a soph. considering that a. much of the math material is taught over the coming years and b. many would-be college athletes struggle to break that.
2. Glades plays in 2A not 2B.
Bigdawg61 commented on November 12, 2010 at 12:59 p.m.: report abuse
Getting a 20 on your ACT as a Soph isnt bad at all. He'll take it a couuple more times and end up with a 25-26. ZTaking standardized tests is kind of like playing sports the more you practice the better you get
Ms.T commented on November 12, 2010 at 1:13 p.m.: report abuse
It depends where you are hoping to attend college. Different schools will accept different scores. State schools usually do not take anything below 19 but some require higher results. There really is no "passing grade" on this test. It simply predicts your success in college. A twenty or over is usually what colleges require, though. Congrats to your son!
THRILL WILL commented on November 12, 2010 at 3:45 p.m.: report abuse
THANK U 4 ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT
Raiders4Life commented on November 13, 2010 at 11:28 a.m.: report abuse
Thrill Will,
Use all the negativity for motivation and determination, like the person earlier commented on. This is exactly what we need to do for our kids, continuing to encourage and support them no matter what. Be proud of your son no matter what others may think. Great job young man! A "20" is not bad at all...keep moving forward and always put GOD first in your life.
GO RAIDERS!
Macco commented on January 12, 2012 at 11:31 a.m.: report abuse
To think, I was confused a miutne ago.
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