Story
Royal Palm Beach 13, Glades Central 9: Wildcats pull off kickoff classic upset
Friday, August 24, 2012
by
Matt Porter
BELLE GLADE -- The faces are new at Glades Central. The team is comprised mostly of unknown, unproven players.
What's also uncertain: If Friday night's contest was a one-game problem, or the beginning of something more serious.
Any team coming to Effie C. Grear Field is considered an underdog, and Royal Palm Beach pulled off a 13-9 kickoff classic upset.
Royal Palm's defense was good on all three levels. Junior safety Jimmy Moreland had an interception along with his six carries for 45 yards. The defensive front was dominant, sacking Glades Central quarterback T.J. Abrams six times.
The Wildcats' offensive line push was overpowering. Sophomore running back Demarcus Holloway (18 carries, 109 yards and a touchdown) sliced through the Raiders' inexperienced defense.
Glades Central's offense came from its kicker, sophomore Giovanni Lugo. He had field goals of 32, 37 and 23 yards.
But for as nervous and overmatched as Glades Central's offensive line was, for as shaky as its passing game was, much as the team relied on running back Aaron Baker (16 carries, 150 yards), for all the penalties (14 for 95 yards), the Raiders were in the game late in the fourth quarter.
Down 13-9, Glades Central senior defensive back Jesse Brown knocked the ball loose from the grip of Royal Palm sophomore running back Charles Perry, setting up the Raiders with 37 yards to go and less than eight minutes on the clock.
That led to fourth-and-4, 6:06 left. Coach Roosevelt Blackmon called a timeout. Baker got the ball. He didn't get enough.
But the Wildcats' ensuing drive stalled, thanks in part to the penalties that hurt them all game (12 for 125 yards).
Glades Central's top playmaker, senior Will Likely, then took a short pass over the middle, waited for his block, and turned on the jets. Thirty-eight yards. Next, Baker powered ahead for 9, then to the edge for 10.
Royal Palm's defense looked gassed but bulled Baker backward once, then sacked Abrams. On third-and-goal from the 11, senior Jake Wuerhle sacked Abrams for his third time, and the sixth time overall.
On fourth-and-goal from the 21, Abrams scrambled, and heaved it up. Incomplete.
"That's a very good football team," said Wildcats head coach Willie Bueno, who coached the Raiders to a pair of state championships earlier last decade. "They'll be all right."
Fans leaving the parking lot weren't so sure.
Other games
Cardinal Newman 14, Glades Day 7: Devonte Brown rushed for 108 yards and two touchdowns as the Crusaders held off the Gators in Belle Glade. Kelvin Taylor had 152 yards on 25 carries and a touchdown for Glades Day.
Wellington 22, Suncoast 0 (susp.): The host Wolverines had a kickoff return, a fumble return and a long run for touchdowns as they shut down the Chargers in a game called in the third quarter because of rain.
Park Vista 7, Lake Worth 0 (susp.): The visiting Cobras led the Trojans in the second quarter when rain halted play.
Vero Beach-St. Edward's 13, Boca Raton Christian 6: Joseph Lewis had a 62-yard reception, but the Blazers fell to the Pirates in Boca Raton.
In other contests, visiting Forest Hill shut out Spanish River 14-0, Jupiter Christian handled host Vero Beach-Master's Academy 40-7, visiting Pope John Paul II routed Marathon 61-14 and host King's Academy beat Benjamin 27-14. South Fork topped Clewiston 36-29, and Centennial routed Fort Pierce Westwood 31-0. Fort Pierce Central shut out Treasure Coast 35-0, and Vero Beach dropped Jensen Beach 41-6. Atlantic's game against Deerfield Beach was stormed out, while North Miami Beach defeated Boca 35-0. Seminole Ridge edged South Plantation 35-20.
.
User Comments:
srhs almni commented on August 24, 2012 at 11:10 p.m.: report abuse
I know this is a bit of a rebuilding year for Glades Central but, without excuses, you have to congratulate the Royal Palm Beach team for stepping onto that field and doing battle with a team that is nationally ranked (and proven) year in and year out. This is going to be an exciting football season!!! I remember RPB barely winning two games in one season a few years ago. Can't wait for Ridge v Royal Palm Beach.
Flap dem gums now commented on August 24, 2012 at 11:15 p.m.: report abuse
RPB you beat a ghost of the Raiders past, NOT, a great Glades Central team we have seen before. Go ahead and relish in victory, congratulations. Just know, that GC team you beat, aint that good.
No excuses commented on August 24, 2012 at 11:34 p.m.: report abuse
no excuses those guys put there pants on the same way as the guys that lined up across from them. royal palm just got the better of g.c. Just because a couple key players left last year doesn't give an explanation to the lost. also its just a kickoff classic.
Anthony Allen aka Hotsauce commented on August 24, 2012 at 11:39 p.m.: report abuse
Congrats to Royal Palm
Anthony Allen aka Hotsauce commented on August 24, 2012 at 11:40 p.m.: report abuse
Congrats to Royal Palm
Soul Sister commented on August 25, 2012 at 12:50 a.m.: report abuse
Glades Day lost... with their one trick offense? ...hehe.
Raiders4Life commented on August 25, 2012 at 12:51 a.m.: report abuse
Congratulations to the Wildcats! Remember, it is not over for the Raiders...don't count the Raiders out...no one knows how this season will end. Raiders reload, not rebuild. My Raiders will get better and better as the season goes on. I know my Raiders...we will use the game as an eye opener and learn from what did not work for us. Guaranteed, we will be back!
Rpb commented on August 25, 2012 at 1:09 a.m.: report abuse
Congrats wildcats & to the comment above royal palm does not have the same players from
Last year who have also graduated along as GC but they are a very hardworking team who has a great coach & I know you'll be hearing a lot about them this season. Goodluck wildcats have a great season
MUCK-ATEERS who never became men commented on August 25, 2012 at 1:30 a.m.: report abuse
to those glades fans who want to sit/stand and jack their gums on the opposing teams stands. Why must you go to the opposing teams side and scream and act foolish...GOD!!! it was sooo great to see how quiet ya'll were as the clocked ticked to 00:00...Have a little class...when you were braggin how bad you were going to destroy us, you sure were loud and childlike... GOD DON'T LIKE THAT KIND OF BEHAVIOR (it states in the BIBLE that" when I became a man I put away my childish ways) SO....REEEEEPENT and rid your self and your community of your loud and childish ways.......REPENT I SAY!!!! and grow up!!! act like men not little boys, those young ones are there and see everything you do and hear everything you say, set an example for those kids that look up to you old men who once played there...it looks as though you never grew up stay on your side!!! no other team wants your loud, foul mouth language and inapprorriate behavior on there side, we are trying our level best to raise our kids to know how to act. well... at least now we have examples to teach our kids of how not to act when you have guests over for some friendly high school football. We will be praying for you and your community. GOD BLESS
SwampGatorFL commented on August 25, 2012 at 8:58 a.m.: report abuse
I'm a Falcon alumni, way to go on the win.
ALL ABOUT THE MUCK commented on August 25, 2012 at 9:25 a.m.: report abuse
@Muck-A TEERS nicely said, them grown men do need to grow up and be better example to those kids and @Football Ref they do go to weightroom and lift weights.It's just a very young team almost 70% to 75% soph. team.They going to be alright. Congrats to RPB.
Unbelievable commented on August 25, 2012 at 9:30 a.m.: report abuse
Wow on how ppl put so much stock in kickoff classic games!!!! Anytime you win against Anything from the muck even down to pop Warner games the county is in shock and that school is in aww!!!! GC really appreciate being everyone measuring stick!!!! Oh someone please tell me win the last time RPB FOOTBALL not only won a regular season game but competed against GC!!!!
6x state champ may I add!!!!
Observer commented on August 25, 2012 at 9:58 a.m.: report abuse
Year in year out the question mark.fo.GC.is.O Line They need the Fresh an d JV coaches to do a better job developing a.nd teaching. No way should we also be looking.for.a transfer QB to start every season. GC relies too.much on skill.kids and needs to.look at how RidgeP Vista RPB.develop strong.smart.linemen.and QBs capable of playing.from.the pocket and.managing. game Also.Abrahms is not.the answer. Kid not athletic enough to make plays with feet Would ha e beat RPB with kid from.Ridge. Wouldn't have taken sacks. Still.think JET knew how to get points on. Board without. O line
ridge baby!!!!!! commented on August 25, 2012 at 10:23 a.m.: report abuse
it looks like Seminole is goin to win this year rpb is nothin!!!!!!!! to us and GC is used to be competiton but there in the middle of gettin there program back to da top the only team we have to worry about now is dwyer
Ja-Real commented on August 25, 2012 at 11:17 a.m.: report abuse
yeah, Observer - I agree with u, don't even think that qb they used last night is the answer..I mean, he couldn't put any points on the board. All points came from the kicker. But they do have another qb, no not the kicker kid, but that #18, they told me about him and I thought he was one of the lineman - boy he is tall and big. They need to put him! Another thing - can we recruit a OL Coach from another top program to come and coach our boys on the O-Line. It's going to be a slaughterer next week against Dwyer, so coaches - do your job!!!
RPB offense better tighten up! commented on August 25, 2012 at 11:25 a.m.: report abuse
First of all congrats to RPB for shutting up the forums and backing up the trash they talked on the forum. I am concerned with the offense and the fact that it was inside the 10 yard line and did not score atleast 4 times lastnight due to shoddy play calling. This team is capable of crushing Ridge, PBC,ATL and AHS but will not if they don't use the mismatches they have all over the field with the big receivers and that big runningback they have especially on goalline. The defense is top notch. Stay humble and take one game at a time. This game was not as close as the score shows as RPB completely dominate and needs to show a killer instinct.
@Matt Porter commented on August 25, 2012 at 1:12 p.m.: report abuse
Matt, I cant speak for other games but Vista @ LakeWorth was not halted for "rain."
Dude did you look up into the sky last night at all?????? It was halted due to lightning! These are the minor details that keep you from that Sports Illustrated job.
Peter King can rest easy tonight....
71 Raider commented on August 25, 2012 at 2:14 p.m.: report abuse
Keep your head up Raiders. You are young and inexperienced. Dig down deep in your Raider Pride and you will be okay. Listen to the coaches in practice, dig down deep in your soul and you will be okay.
Alan commented on August 25, 2012 at 2:58 p.m.: report abuse
I hope the OH coaches show their film to the state of Fl. Not only did the so called great officials let numerous holding, chop blocks, and line motion go they took away a down from the players. The Oh kids were about to score, and it should have been 3rd, and the official changed it to 4th. Game over. Coaches are fined, but refs need to be addressed. This was real bad. LOOK AT THE FILM.
Funny stuff commented on August 25, 2012 at 4:05 p.m.: report abuse
Man that big bad Ridge D gave up another 20 points ay? Sound awfully soft to me defensively. I don't wanna hear any more crap about this Ridge team that has given up 39 points in two games cause that tells me you stink.
Ms Muck commented on August 25, 2012 at 4:09 p.m.: report abuse
Recruiting from the muck really paid off. Congrats RPB !
@funny stuff^^^ commented on August 25, 2012 at 4:57 p.m.: report abuse
Ridge gave up 20, but they scored 35. South Plantation is ranked 3rd in Broward. Miami commit Alex Collins led Broward County last season in rushing w/1800 yds and 30 td as a jr. Don't worry, your funny stuff will get beat by Ridge.
sportsfan commented on August 25, 2012 at 5:03 p.m.: report abuse
also @ms.much, I believe a certain Mr. Washington left the Ridge to go to GC too. Funny that now, you (I won't say group you with anyone since you only speak for yourself) say something about other schools recruiting? GC has always been proud of their kids who stay and welcome others who have left their schools to go there (last year's QB) and....shall I go on? GC will be just fine with whoever goes and whoever stays, let the kids'work on the field speak for itself, and let RPB enjoy their 1st win in the Muck, whether it counts or not
Ms Muck commented on August 25, 2012 at 5:09 p.m.: report abuse
I totally agree. Aside from the qb you know what I mean.Plain ole RPB could not have won against GC in a kickoff or regular season.
Ms Muck commented on August 25, 2012 at 5:41 p.m.: report abuse
I agree. Whether they stay, leave, or come back, they're still from the Muck. Much Love !
Football Ref commented on August 25, 2012 at 5:50 p.m.: report abuse
@ All About The Muck. Those kids are weak its quite obvious whoevers the quote inquire strength coach doesn't know what he's doing.
Maine West commented on August 25, 2012 at 6:03 p.m.: report abuse
First off good job Royal Palm on the win. Second thing I want to address is GC is not a push over so, do not take the result of this game , as if GC team is a run over. GC keep your head up the kids show a lot of heart out there mismatch or not they gave 100%. Which will help them develp there skill. So, GC good luck with the football season and thank you for a chance to place a great school. Also, thank you for treatment of the Royal Palm team after the game. The teams gave it all on the field and left it there. Dwyer might think GC is going to be easy but, please do not sleep still a deadly force. Take care!!!
chill pickles commented on August 25, 2012 at 6:48 p.m.: report abuse
Yes, Glades Day lost because of an unfortunate fumble very late in the 4th and Newman got the job done by scoring, no question. These things happen. It was a great game. I loved seeing the awesome pre-game, during-game, and post-game interactions by the players and every single person in attendance. I must say that the Cardinal Newman fans and Glades Day fans seem to outclass you folks by miles and miles.
@RPB offense better tighten up! commented on August 25, 2012 at 9:23 p.m.: report abuse
Isnt it the same play calling from last year why you mad? Win in muck is impressive. Go tell coach your concerns if you real
MARK commented on August 25, 2012 at 10:43 p.m.: report abuse
Seminole Ridge ran the ball for at least 400 yards. The o-line killed a very big front 7 for South Plantation. The defense played solid except for two big runs by Alex Collins. The Ridge O-line is experience. It was the dominant force in that game. Our backs had huge whole to run the ball. We will kill Dwyer, PV, and PBC
RPB insider commented on August 26, 2012 at 12:15 a.m.: report abuse
we called off the dawgs in 2nd half Dont want to show rest of schedule how good we is/ GC lucky we hide stuff from Dblock Atl an Ridge real game we wud of rocked you TJ is not good qb that why he at GC
Maine West commented on August 26, 2012 at 9:55 a.m.: report abuse
You got to be kidding..........you come on here with this negative vibe about a game that was not covered by the post. I guess you did not get the memo for the week they were going to GC vs RPB game. So, however the update came atleast they came. Also, be more mature about some one personal life true or false this is a High School Sport page not a cyber bully page. I think you envy Jeff life and mad it is not you. We care about sport not the hating!!!! Now may we move on!!!!
Raiders4Life commented on August 26, 2012 at 4:01 p.m.: report abuse
It's entertaining reading all the "trash talking blogs." I think it is FUEL for all teams, especially the Raiders. So, keep talking! Good luck to all the teams this season.
get your facts right commented on August 26, 2012 at 5:09 p.m.: report abuse
RPB is not recruiting there parents just happen to move to a different city get over it RPB will also beat the Ridge mark my words.
WEST SYyyeeeeDDEEEE commented on August 27, 2012 at 2:01 p.m.: report abuse
wellington 22-0 win? i think so.
Add Your Comment:
We'd like your thoughts on this topic. I appreciate your willingness to share them. We want to avoid comments that are obscene, hateful, racist or otherwise inappropriate. If you post offensive comments, we will delete them as soon as we can. If you see such comments, please flag them to notify us. -- Tim Burke, Publisher and Executive Editor, The Palm Beach Post