Story
No. 8 Royal Palm Beach 35, No. 10 Santaluces 6: QB Ant McGrew lifts Wildcats
Friday, September 28, 2012
by
Steve Dorsey
Quarterback Ant McGrew delivered a stellar performance to lead Royal Palm Beach to a 35-6 district win Friday night against Santaluces.
McGrew accounted for 349 yards of total offense and No. 8 Royal Palm's defense shut down No. 10 Santaluces' running game as the Wildcats improved to 2-1 overall and also notched their district opener.
It was the first district loss in two games for Santaluces, which was coming off an emotional victory against Atlantic last week and seeking to improve to 2-0 in district play.
But McGrew simply was too much for the Chiefs to handle. McGrew completed 19 of 25 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns. He also was the Wildcats' leading rusher with 136 yards on 18 carries and scored two touchdowns.
"Ant McGrew was just awesome," Royal Palm coach Wilie Bueno said. "He was on with his passes and he was as good as I've seen him."
McGrew directed a methodical 76-yard drive to open the game and connected with Zeke Edmunds on an 8-yard touchdown pass to give Royal Palm an early lead that would quickly grow before halftime.
McGrew's 5-yard touchdown run on Royal Palm's second possession culminated a 50-yard drive for a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The Wildcats (2-1) drove 85 yards on their next possession, with McGrew taking it the final 3 yards for the score. McGrew then went to the air again for the Wildcats' next score, targeting Jo-Jo Williams for a 30-yard touchdown pass as Royal Palm scored on each of its first four possessions of the game.
"We wanted to have a fast start," Bueno said.
Santaluces took the second-half kickoff and drove 80 yards for its only score of the game, a 25-yard touchdown run by Dee St. Juste, but Royal Palm answered with another scoring drive on its first possession of the second half as Charles Perry plowed into the end zone from 3 yards out. Tyler Bugeja's fifth extra-point kick of the game accounted for the final points.
Royal Palm's defense limited Santaluces to 37 yards rushing and also recovered two fumbles and had two interceptions.
"Our defense was lights out," Bueno said. "We took away their running game and put pressure on their quarterback, and it worked pretty good."
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User Comments:
Wildcat mom commented on September 28, 2012 at 11:53 p.m.: report abuse
Wildcats did an awesome job tonight. I also want to commend the coaches on doing a better job tonight on play calling..... I'm not the best at understanding all the plays when it comes to football but the Offensive Coach had me worried!!!! Way to go Wildcats!!!
Ut oh commented on September 29, 2012 at midnight: report abuse
Looks like the big boys have separated themselves tonight. RPB is on track now people. That passing game and weapons will only get stronger.
@ut oh commented on September 30, 2012 at 9:43 a.m.: report abuse
looks like the big boys got beat by leonard, who got trashed by pbg.
Maine West commented on October 1, 2012 at 6:50 a.m.: report abuse
O.K. John I beat Royal Palm but, John I seems to be a one hit wonder!!! Royal Palm made adjustment and now they are ready. John I need to do the same!!!!
@@ut oh commented on October 1, 2012 at 7:22 a.m.: report abuse
Here we go with John I lol lol lol. PBG would get smoked right now just like they did in spring simply because they can't matchup so go stand in time out and put your gum on your nose little man.
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