Story
Seminole Ridge 17, Royal Palm Beach 14: Hawks ride seven-game winning streak into playoffs
Friday, November 09, 2012
by
Jeff Greer
Seminole Ridge coach Matt Dickmann knew his team's season-ending "Best of the West" rivalry game at Royal Palm Beach would provide the kind of playoff atmosphere he craved to prepare his players for next week's postseason opener.
And sixth-ranked Seminole Ridge's 17-14 win over ninth-ranked Royal Palm Beach was every bit as intense and instructional as he'd hoped, maybe even a little more. It wasn't until Ridge running back E.J. Elien cradled a make-or-break onside kick with 31 seconds to play that the Hawks sealed their hard-earned win.
Click here to see photos from this game.
"(Royal Palm Beach) is a playoff-caliber team," said Dickmann, who's guided Ridge to four consecutive playoff berths. "They're the best team (in Palm Beach County) not in the playoffs. I thought for us it's great to play a team like that going into next week."
Now Seminole Ridge (7-2) can turn its attention to its regional quarterfinal next Friday at home against eighth-ranked Park Vista, which stifled the Hawks in their season opener back in September.
Elien (75 rushing yards) had help from Elie Turene (65 yards, two touchdowns) and Silas Spearman (62 yards) as Ridge's running game relentlessly wore down ninth-ranked Royal Palm Beach, which was missing several linemen because of injuries. The ability to go inside and out with each of those backs -- and an ever-improving offensive line -- has been the difference during Ridge's seven-game winning streak that followed two losses to start the campaign.
"It was emotionally draining because those losses were hard," said Spearman, a senior. "We thought we were better than we were. We had to get back to the basics."
Royal Palm Beach (5-4) made it a game with a late 1-yard touchdown pass from Ant McGrew to Alon Sims, but it took the Wildcats so long to score, they were forced into an onside kick. They'd stalled inside Ridge's 10-yard line for more than a minute.
McGrew was 14-of-29 for 145 yards and the touchdown. He had to throw more than usual because of the injuries to his team's big boys.
But considering the circumstances, and the emotional drain from last Saturday's playoff-hopes-ending loss to Dwyer, Royal Palm Beach coach Willie Bueno was proud of his group.
The Wildcats burst back onto the area football scene last fall with a 7-4 season and a playoff berth, and though they missed this year's postseason, Bueno senses his team is close to clearing the last hurdle.
"Last year we lose that game by two touchdowns," he said. "We've closed the gap. But we have to get bigger and stronger from here."
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User Comments:
@coach Bueno commented on November 10, 2012 at 7:03 a.m.: report abuse
And more importantly a new offense and better offensive coordinator. Too much talent not to have beaten a good team in dry conditions and go 5-4
Whats up commented on November 10, 2012 at 7:31 a.m.: report abuse
I am shocked RPB went 5-4 this year. They were a top 5 team preseason. The talent is incredible up and down the roster. What happened?
Hawk eye commented on November 10, 2012 at 7:41 a.m.: report abuse
Where were all the RPB fans at the game ? This game should have been packed.RPB had better athletes again this year and if not for late score vs prevent D and an early fumble it could have easily been 17-0.
Justthefacts commented on November 10, 2012 at 8:24 a.m.: report abuse
@whatsup&@@coachb
No such thing as "too much talent". You have to understand HS sports and the game of FB. Did/Can you even read the article? The injuries were plenty this year. Injuries are the great equalizer. They change everything. Oh, but you two wouldn't know...never coached, never played. Shame on those who have nothing to say but critically wrong comments. RPB is clearly on the way up. Congrats Wildcats on your class and hard work; congrats to Coach Dickmann and staff on another Dist. Title and take care of PV best of luck thru your playoff run!
Final thought to 1st two bloggers- while restocking @ wallyworld this afternoon and day-dreamming about your next foolish and ill-informed remarks; remember the Golden Rule...might get you promoted to PT Dept. Mgr. in Pet Food Aisle!
Respectfully Submitted, JTF & I'm out!
@name-caller on Fem. products aisle commented on November 10, 2012 at 8:58 a.m.: report abuse
I would tell you I have credentials and coached for twenty years, but you obviously cannot read or engage in a battle of wits. Stick to your whiny loser mentality and wannabe delusions, but refrain from inaccurate criticisms of professionals and kids. My goodness, you've been late three times this week @ Circle D!
Did you get cut from Lakes Powder Puff team; so sensitive?!?
Well well commented on November 10, 2012 at 10:05 a.m.: report abuse
The RPB coaches don't have film to break down so these geniuses can now respond to their critics. Poor RPB they were the only team to have injuries this year. high School coaches who think they are above all others in football knowledge.
just a thought commented on November 10, 2012 at 11:15 a.m.: report abuse
I hate coaches who say "I have been doing this for sooo many years"
Listen, just cause you do something for a long time, doesn't mean you are good at it!
There are old coaches out there who have positions of power on coaching staffs who have no business being coaches/calling plays.
RPB played tough, but they underachieved this year. It wasn't because of the play calling though, the balls just don't always bounce your way.
Ridge has a great offense. What year is #2, that kid had a different gear than anyone else on the field. One critic I have for them is that I do not see them winning games playing from behind. DBs are suspect. A lot of dropped balls last night from RPB.
Good luck to Ridge.
Wildcat mom commented on November 10, 2012 at 11:50 a.m.: report abuse
It was pretty embarrassing that SR brought more fans and were louder than ours.mno school spirit
The Ridge commented on November 11, 2012 at 12:35 p.m.: report abuse
Ridge better play a better game than that to beat park vista ridges pass defense did not look good at all.if vista slows down ridges running game it could be a long night for the ridge because they have no passing game.Good Luck Ridge.
Ridge makes me sad commented on November 14, 2012 at 9:39 a.m.: report abuse
The fact that the Ridge/DICKMAN continue to run the antiquated Winged-T is SAD. They have good players! It's time to move on to the progressive football being played around you. Even the Rec Leagues have more interesting offensive strategies and formations.
Ridge fans are great, always more - always louder, even away games!
hmmm commented on November 17, 2012 at 9:46 a.m.: report abuse
Lol i played for Seminole ridge two years ago before I graduated and ever since that school started people been talking smack about the wing t. But yet no one can stop it? No one can shut it down? Why fix what isn't broke. Find a way to stop it and I'm sure he will change it but until then wing t it is
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