Story
Seminole Ridge falls to Weston-Cypress Bay, ending state title hopes
Friday, November 30, 2012
by
Matt Porter
Seminole Ridge's seniors trudged through the final stretch of a season-ending lap around the field, some arm in arm, some heaving with sobs. Their younger teammates waited at the goal with their coaches, helmets raised in salute.
Parents and fans stood at the edge of the track, some with tears in their eyes, all clapping. The band was there, too. A couple of college recruiters waited to talk to the Hawks' seniors.
Their opponent, Weston-Cypress Bay, had already packed up and left. Along with the elation from a 31-14 win, Lightning (11-2) players carried the right to call themselves Class 8A regional champions and a date with Miami-Christopher Columbus in the state semifinals.
Seminole Ridge (8-3) lost the first week of its season to flooding from Tropical Storm Isaac, then its first two games. It charged to the regional finals with a senior-heavy defense and its trademark running game, but got no further.
"In life you have ups and downs," Hawks coach Matt Dickmann said. "We rallied and ran off eight wins. We were going good until halftime."
Cypress Bay reeled off 31 straight points, reversing a game the Hawks dominated. Despite defensive pressure on Cypress Bay's offense and two first-half touchdowns from senior Silas Spearman (165 total yards), the Hawks committed too many second half mistakes against a team that is making its second state trip in three seasons.
"We panicked," Lightning coach Mark Guandolo said of his team's first half, in which its rushing attack gained just 13 yards and it scored just a field goal. "We had that deer-in-headlights look."
The Lightning found its blocking, springing senior Matt Dayes for two second-half touchdowns. He finished with 15 carries for 63 yards.
Seminole Ridge junior quarterback Zach DeCosta completed three passes in the first half for 119 yards. His 53-yard touchdown to Spearman made it 7-0 with 5:56 left in the first. Spearman followed it with a 10-yard touchdown run on Ridge's next drive.
DeCosta finished 10-of-20 for 164 yards, with a touchdown and two interceptions.
After Cypress Bay got a 26-yard field goal from junior Jonathan Semerene late in the second, senior quarterback Jaranta Lewis drove the Lightning up the field. But Hawks sophomore safety Jalen Young's interception kept it 14-3 at the half.
In the third quarter, Seminole Ridge nearly stopped Cypress Bay at third-and-23 from the Hawks' 22. Senior cornerback Omar Pierre-Louis nearly intercepted a pass, but Cypress Bay receiver Kadeem Goulbourne caught it for a touchdown.
After a Ridge punt, Dayes broke loose for a 43-yard touchdown. On the first play of the fourth quarter, he scored from 5 yards out, for a 24-14 lead. Lightning defensive back Alex Montgomery returned a DeCosta interception 56 yards for a touchdown with two minutes remaining.
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User Comments:
uuuuuuugh !!! commented on December 1, 2012 at midnight: report abuse
Toooooooo many penalties and turnovers....defense was on the field toooooooo long........ gota to be able to throw the ball........ Great effort boys hold your heads up HIGH !!!!!!!!
Steven come back commented on December 1, 2012 at 7:16 a.m.: report abuse
If we had Steven, we would have won that game!!!!!!
PBCentral said commented on December 1, 2012 at 7:17 a.m.: report abuse
Sorry for your loss would have liked to see a pbcouny team move on. It was a good run. Be proud!
HawkFan316 commented on December 1, 2012 at 7:37 a.m.: report abuse
A few thoughts from a casual fan who never played H.S. football. First, congrats to Cypress Bay. Those guys hung in there after a tough first half, made some adjustments and took over in the second half. Well played, good luck and I hope we meet again. Secondly, this game reminded me of last years playoff loss to PBG in which we were out coached. The Hawks started out well and even let DeCosta throw the ball which lead to both our scores. However, once we were up 14-3, Dickman seemed to think the game was over and reverted to the grind it out running game. The problem was that C.B. isn't PBC. It became obvious to everone in the stands that we were going to have to turn the page and we never did. Lastly, despite some frustration at the loss I believe Matt Dickman should be Coach of the Year. The Ridge lost their 1500 yard rusher from last year, starting QB to Glades Central, and a week or more of practice to a storm and anyone who witnessed how lousy we played in the first two game of the year against Park Vista and Dwyer would be amazed at how well the kids came together and turned their season into a successful campaign. Great Job Hawks! Can't wait till next year.
i agree commented on December 1, 2012 at 7:57 a.m.: report abuse
Well I couldnt agree more HAWK FAN 316. We had them on the ropes and the coaches thought we could run the clock out by power running for the next 3 quarters, NOT ! What got us thru the season , again stopped us cold in our tracks in playoffs. Yes Hawks do have great coaches but , dammmmmmm flip the pages in the play book once in a while .Great Run Boys !!!
Great effort commented on December 1, 2012 at 8:04 a.m.: report abuse
Coach of the year,maybe not. Its about time a team from Palm bch in 8A made a run for it.Yes they had a good year so did a lot of other teams.Dickmann has been a wiinner for a lot of years its time to win the big one.Coach of the year should go to someone that turned a program around,or took it to the next level.Congrats on great effort.
mona commented on December 1, 2012 at 9:03 a.m.: report abuse
Great Season HAWKS. Learn from all your efforts this season and continue to be a leader in Palm Beach County Football.
smh commented on December 1, 2012 at 5:59 p.m.: report abuse
From dickman. i will be leaving after the 2015 season
Get rid of the wing T commented on December 1, 2012 at 7:16 p.m.: report abuse
Coach Dickmann if your going to be hear for 2 more years.change it up every body knows about your Wing T offense it might work against weaker teams from palm beach county.but not against power houses from browsed and Orlando.like Dr Phillips took you out 3 years ago. Get with the times and run either a spread offense or I formation offense.with the o line you have and the running backes you have you would have a better chance of winning the Big Game.Come On Man.Get with the times.Fans are tired of your same old same old Wing T offense that every one and their grandmother knows that your going to run.that's why the teams that you lose to that stack the box take. You down.
Agree commented on December 2, 2012 at 9:13 a.m.: report abuse
Must agree Wing T at this stage.SR definatley has enough talent to run different style offense. Can promise you a wing T will not even come close to a state championship in 8A.The teams today are way to explosive.Maybe just content beating local teams.
Idiots commented on December 2, 2012 at 10:10 a.m.: report abuse
Didn't the team that just beat them run a wing t too?
Who is the idiot commented on December 2, 2012 at 11:42 a.m.: report abuse
Your a sharp tool that was a wing T?
PB Fan commented on December 2, 2012 at 11:58 a.m.: report abuse
Cypress was NOT a wing offense. Offset I or Pro, but no wing set.
@ pb fan commented on December 2, 2012 at 5:43 p.m.: report abuse
Couple of points. Up until this year cypress bay was an old school right and left formation wing t team. This year yes they did line up with a tail back and full back BUT what do you call that player that would line up on the right and left side of the formation?? It is called a wing!! Don't say it is a H back!! Still blocking as wing t concepts.
REALIST commented on December 2, 2012 at 6 p.m.: report abuse
CB runs wing t plays folks, just like major colleges run wing t based plays. Ran buck sweep with the wing,trap and waggle. Must know the game folks. Coach D has been very successful doing what he does. Look what happened to Jupiter when he left. You will never find a man that works harder for the good of the kids. They have less talent and the staff gets more out of those kids than any one around. You're spoiled at the Ridge. Watch what happens when he resigns or moves on. The staff has build a great program no matter who leaves or stays. Know one knows weight lifting better than him. That program was built on hard work, iron and sweat.
@REALIST commented on December 2, 2012 at 6:09 p.m.: report abuse
I agree with everything you said except Ridge has less talent. For the past 4 years Ridge has had exceptional talent both on offense and defense.
Hawk Fan commented on December 2, 2012 at 6:15 p.m.: report abuse
Whatever,Dickmann needs to get with the times.
Get rid of the wing T commented on December 2, 2012 at 7 p.m.: report abuse
No matter it CB ran the wing T Ridge has not beat anybody out of palm beach county. With it.If his coaches were teaching better Technique on offense and defense maybe their players would be going to Top ABC's College Schools in which no player has yet.Get with the Times Dicknann.Pro style offense or I formation.Since your o line and back's are so good.then you might beat a powerhouse out of palm beach county.or do we have to Waite till Dickmann leaves before they change that Tired offense.or will hillker take over and run the same old stuff.Let's hope not.
Get rid of the wing T commented on December 2, 2012 at 7:03 p.m.: report abuse
BCS SCHOOLS
@Get rid of the wing T commented on December 2, 2012 at 8:16 p.m.: report abuse
Furthermore, formations don't get kids in college: Talent does, but you wouldn't know that you buttt.
Just Saying commented on December 2, 2012 at 8:19 p.m.: report abuse
Ridge has one player in D-1 at UCF and several D-1AA's also Ivery league and DIII
IDIOT commented on December 2, 2012 at 8:24 p.m.: report abuse
I hope my son gets go to a top ABC school
Just saying commented on December 2, 2012 at 9:03 p.m.: report abuse
Who is the idiot,how many colleges or pro teams run the wing T?Sorry but its little league football.Say what you want its an outdated offense.
idiots commented on December 2, 2012 at 9:11 p.m.: report abuse
Cypruss bay did NOT run a wing t. Shows how ignorant you are of the game. They ran and offset i. And how many offers does sr's offense have ? Not many . Get with the times and quit running the same 4 plays . Throw the ball and stop playing so conservative.
were are ridges players going commented on December 2, 2012 at 9:46 p.m.: report abuse
Ridges coaches need to help their players get to big time colleges like Dwyer gardens.palm beach central.these schools are getting their students to big time colleges.instead of all the weightlifting they need to hit the books and get that GPA up.everybody knows how they helped the big time running back from the ridge last year.Come On Man.Get rid of that Wing T get with the times.and hit the Books and help these student athletes move on to big time Colleges.
were are ridges players going commented on December 2, 2012 at 9:46 p.m.: report abuse
Ridges coaches need to help their players get to big time colleges like Dwyer gardens.palm beach central.these schools are getting their students to big time colleges.instead of all the weightlifting they need to hit the books and get that GPA up.everybody knows how they helped the big time running back from the ridge last year.Come On Man.Get rid of that Wing T get with the times.and hit the Books and help these student athletes move on to big time Colleges.
Stupid is as stupid does commented on December 2, 2012 at 11:02 p.m.: report abuse
@where are ridge players going! You are the stupidest poster of all time. That big time running back had a 3.7 last year and chose to go to Florida tech because of there engineering program. You are just a hater!! Here we go again! Wing t talk. Just because you can't find anything else to say. Offense is only half the team.
what ever commented on December 3, 2012 at 12:40 a.m.: report abuse
Seminole ridge players are fine with there gpa's and college recruitment. They have 3 kids playing in the Nike All-Star game, Florida vs Georgia All-Star game what all star game are your players playing in. Also they have another 5 playing in the Out Back All Star game.
Butch Miller commented on December 3, 2012 at 10:52 a.m.: report abuse
Great Job Seminole Ridge great coaches great players great parents keep you heads held high you are winners!
Stupid Is commented on December 3, 2012 at 12:10 p.m.: report abuse
You all listen to the FAT man!
please commented on December 3, 2012 at 1:07 p.m.: report abuse
If that player would have had better offers with full ride your trying to tell everybody. That he would have gone to Florida tech.Get Real.
Rankings have not come out yet commented on December 3, 2012 at 2:07 p.m.: report abuse
Most experts agree that their engineering program is a little better then Georgia Tech's but not as good as M.I.T..............yet. It's always sunny in Loxahatchee. They'll try and tell you a kid went to a junior college because he likes the teacher to student ratio.
WOW commented on December 3, 2012 at 2:37 p.m.: report abuse
Yeah stupid Colgate is an awlful school to go to
WOW commented on December 3, 2012 at 2:42 p.m.: report abuse
Let's see with the kids go to this year. with all of you big time college graduates it'll be interesting to see. I'm guessing there will be probably about 6 go this year.
Sneaky Pete commented on December 3, 2012 at 3:06 p.m.: report abuse
Oh, by Florida Tech, you meant Colgate. I understand.
Your a moron. Nobody in the world would choose Florida Tech for academics.When your whole link to civilization is reading the classified ads and the Town Crier, you're going to have a tough time dealing with reality.
what ever commented on December 3, 2012 at 3:35 p.m.: report abuse
Ok everybody, it doesn't matter what school they go to as long as they get there education and earn a degree. D1,D2, all have the same degrees. So lets encourage the kids to go for education not just football.
WOW commented on December 3, 2012 at 3:45 p.m.: report abuse
This is what happens when you place an idiot in front of a computer. the technology is to advance. let me spell it out for you Colgate; Florida tec. our academic schools . Seminole Ridge has sent student athletes to both schools. it appears that you have limited knowledge or education that is why are you on this blog talking about big time schools it's about education first stupid -!
@wow commented on December 3, 2012 at 4:04 p.m.: report abuse
On your essay you wrote to Colgate, did you forget to capitalize the first letters in sentences also or are you an engineer and just not care? Maybe that extra "o" and "d" in the first sentence is too advanced also. Don't tell your frat buddies from Colgate that your scumming around with the Florida Tech engineers.
I agree with what ever. Don't come on here and blow smoke about where your angels go because of academics. They go where they can get a ride and there is nothing wrong with that. I'm sure the DB from a couple of years ago went to UCF because he wants to be a surgeon. Maybe it was just because he got a shot from a Conference USA school?
@@WOW commented on December 3, 2012 at 6:43 p.m.: report abuse
Well bright eyes, I was texting from my phone when I replied to the stupid comments that you had posted. As I stated before, It's about the academics to a lot of kids that attend Ridge. Ridge has had great success in getting those who want to advance to the next level. Now, because it does not meet your artificial expectation means nothing. It shows the lack of education that you have. I would venture to say that you have no college education and probably was a underachiever in High School. Why else would, I suspect a grown man come on these blogs and bash students and a program that has been successful. Furthermore, Ridge seniors this year have received and receiving multiple offers from what you referred to as "Big Time Colleges". Again the self-appointed logic that you have brought yourself to believe is asinine. Grow up little man, free education is free. Now sit on that and check your spell-check button!
THUNDER CAT commented on December 3, 2012 at 6:49 p.m.: report abuse
It amazes me how these wannabe blog jocks come on here and speak so negative about kids who they know nothing about. Instead of cheering for them they find fault. I guess you have to be on the news committing some type of crime to get praise from some of these idiots. God forgive you if your kid is trying to better himself by doing the right thing. Come on People
what ever commented on December 3, 2012 at 8:52 p.m.: report abuse
Everyone on here is trying to bash Coach Dickmann about sending kids to Big time schools all d1/D2 schools are big time. Only idiots will say something so stupid. Lets get off Sr and get on PBC, also PBG what offers do they have? None besides Tiny mite going to FAU if his gpa and act/sat allows.
check your facts commented on December 3, 2012 at 9:24 p.m.: report abuse
For your information palm beach central has sent a few players to university of Florida and university of Miami.and gardens has sent players to good colleges.dicknann has built a good thing at the ridge but only a couple of players have gone on to big time football schools getting to college is big .dickmann just might not have the contacts that other high schools have good luck to this years players and players comming up.
Miller commented on December 3, 2012 at 9:27 p.m.: report abuse
Butch. If the ridge is so full of good coaches why did you take your son out before he went on to college.
@@@wow commented on December 3, 2012 at 9:53 p.m.: report abuse
Relax Hilly79. Don't get dragged into defending your program. In 20 years Matt will be gone and you'll be charged with continuing teaching the ancient art of wing football.
Realist the Realest commented on December 3, 2012 at 10:11 p.m.: report abuse
Some things said in these comments show how stupid the average fan/parent is. As someone who does know, allow me to educate you.
High school coaches don't get kids scholarships. They are car salesman but you can't sell someone a Pinto when they are in the market for a Benz. They don't even come on your lot. Now, this mostly involves higher level players. If you are the prototype, they find you. They found players in French Lick, Indiana and Live Oak, FL before the days of the internet. They will find talent. Recruiting services convince you it is about your highlight tape. It isn't. Jack Daniels doesn't have to do a thing for the Matt Elams of the world. I am not saying he doesn't work for his lesser kids but if you give him the credit for Green, Brown, Elam, etc, you are guilty of the logic fallacy of causality.
Elam and Co. make Daniels great. I am not saying that he is a bad coach or doesn't do his job. In fact, let me be clear; I think he is a very good coach but without the studs coming in from the Raw and elsewhere, Dwyer would be no good. If Dwyer only played with kids from that area, they would be horrible (maybe occasionally competitive), believe it, regardless of who was coaching them.
Coaches can put in calls for those tweener kids but these are kids who won't go DI; heck, they aren't good enough to go to a FCS school like Appy State, much less a UF. But Appy State wants UF's castoffs and kids who are slightly undersized, not your kid.
The average high school player is just that, average. With a strong desire to play, a good player can go NAIA or DIII. In many instances, between grant-in-aid, work study, etc, they have "scholarship" but in many instances, it is basically pay-to-play. You can go to practice, work your arse off and (through loans, etc) pay the reduced rate of $15K a year (not the "normal" $30K at the school), congrats, you are a college football player. I am not saying this is bad but if you think any coach can convince Muschamp or Jimbo to sign your 5'10", 5.0 40 kid who makes plays in HS, you are on crack.
You people have been hoodwinked and bamboozled. You think b/c your kid was a Pop Warner stud and that you paid for a personal trainer, etc that you can build a D1 kid (whether that is football or baseball or basketball) and if your coach just tried harder, everyone would see their greatness, but you can't. To parallel, I have watched little league forever. I have seen a shift where parents "invest" in batting cages, nutritionists, swing coaches, travel ball, etc and the percentage of kids who can make it to college or the league is the same as before the onset of all those things. The parents would have been better off putting their money in an actual college fund. I would say it is 70% genetics, 20% work ethic, 5% luck and coaching.
You repeat the same pat cliches and think moving them to another program will give them "exposure" but that's nonsense. The Armwood transfer that cost them the state title went NOWHERE (and he went from powerhouse Dr. Phillips to powerhouse Armwood). The Dr. Phillips safety this year who signed with UF was on the recruiting boards even when he was playing at abysmal West Orange HS. If they found them in the past (without internet, nat'l high school coverage, combines, etc) what makes you think they can't find them at Forest Hill, even if FH stinks? If you are 6'3", 220 and can run like a gazelle, you think a college recruiter cares that you play at FH? They will be happy that you don't have more "hype."
Grow up and educate yourselves b/c I have had to read the same crap for years from people who really have no idea how it works. Step back and look at this objectively, not as the bitter parent who didn't have the genetic goodsto produce the next Manning, Tebow or Ray Lewis. Accept your shortcomings. Accept the shortcomings of your kid. Appreciate their high school sports experience for what it did do for them (and remember that failure is part of it). Work to find a post-secondary situation that will fit your child/athlete, whether it is at a small school program or not. Realize that most coaches work very hard and that they would love for your kid to play college ball but that that avenue is for the best in high school, just like only the best college players make it to the pros.
what ever commented on December 3, 2012 at 10:21 p.m.: report abuse
Well said!!!!!
@ check your facts, I'm talking about last year and this year. Since everyone was talkin about the running back from Sr last year not going D1. Read the post and understand it before you post.
Realist the Realest commented on December 3, 2012 at 10:37 p.m.: report abuse
Thanks whatever!
I was inspired after attending a game and running into a guy I knew a few year's ago. He was bellyaching that the coach wasn't doing anything for his brother. I asked him as politely as I could if his college had any DL the size of his brother (5'11" 180).
Another thing: Go to a game you don't care about and notice how unbiased the officiating is. I despise listening to talk of "homerism" and people bringing up this call or that call. The other team won't see that way and a neutral party won't see it that way either. The losers always whine like punks. Most officials do their job. Are their idiots? Most assuredly. I would imagine most could care less (or have enough clout/chutzpah to influence) who wins the game.
@Realist the Realest commented on December 3, 2012 at 11:04 p.m.: report abuse
Thank you
Hawk Nation!!!! commented on December 4, 2012 at 7:06 a.m.: report abuse
Stop using this blog to defend the ridge!! These people that pretend to be ridge folks and others are just trying to bash the ridge! We know as a hawk family what the coaches do for OUR kids!! We know how hard OUR kids work! We know how hard OUR coaches work!! We know how hard OUR parents work!! When you have a PROGRAM like ours everyone wants to knock you down! Since they can't knock us for losing, players being entitled, coaches doing things not in the up and up and or players doing things wrong then they will say anything. This statement about ridge not sending players to college is just coaches trying to keep their players from coming to a winning program that does the right thing all the time!! Any player that wants to play football in college the coaches work their butts off for them. From the BCS player to the third string LB. THAT IS A FACT!! It happens every year! HAWK NATION FOR LIFE.
OH REALLY commented on December 4, 2012 at 7:11 a.m.: report abuse
@REALIST & REALEST,I DISAGREE ON THE JC, D2, & D3 PLAYERS.A GOOD COACH WILL RECRUITE THESE COLLEGES.THE VAST MAJORITY OF THESE PLAYERS WOULD NOT HAVE GONE TO COLLEGE.THIS BRAKES THE CYCLE IN MOST CASES.
@REALIST & REALEST commented on December 4, 2012 at 9:50 a.m.: report abuse
You said alot in your writing - a lot of true and correct information!!!!!!!!
did any commented on December 4, 2012 at 10:21 a.m.: report abuse
Did any Ridge players make the All American team.good season Ridge.
no players on offense commented on December 4, 2012 at 10:28 a.m.: report abuse
ridge produces no players on offense. Period.
what ever commented on December 4, 2012 at 10:51 a.m.: report abuse
Why did your school produce any
what ever commented on December 4, 2012 at 11 a.m.: report abuse
Seminole Ridge has some good players on offense #2,53,73,76,6,and 21. Might not be all Americans but outstanding players.
Hawker commented on December 4, 2012 at 12:03 p.m.: report abuse
Man I love our Coaches. But the only wing I wanna see at a football game is a basket of Tree's Chicken Wings... That wing t starting to stink Hawk Nation.
Butch Miller commented on December 4, 2012 at 1:27 p.m.: report abuse
well we moved to South Carolina and what does that have to do with whether or not they are good coaches. You should be proud of the men who coach at Seminole Ridge First Class all of them.
what ever commented on December 4, 2012 at 2:41 p.m.: report abuse
I have faith in the Ridge coaches, because that do not go around recruiting players like everybody else. They play with what they have , that's why they hold 3 district titles. Cheaters never win, and you coaches know who I'm talking about.
BEN D OVER commented on December 4, 2012 at 3:04 p.m.: report abuse
@WHAT EVER, MORE LIES SR RECRUITS THE MUCK.LOOK AT THE BACK FIELD,D LINE, D BACKS.STOP THE SPIN.
what ever commented on December 4, 2012 at 4:13 p.m.: report abuse
Al those players stay in loxahatchee, and all played in the acreage together. Get your facts straight before you post.
BEN D OVER commented on December 4, 2012 at 5:49 p.m.: report abuse
@ WHAT EVER, MORE LIES JUST LIKE THE ROIDS.
what ever commented on December 4, 2012 at 6:04 p.m.: report abuse
Your a idiot
@ben over commented on December 4, 2012 at 7:47 p.m.: report abuse
You all act like if a kid's parents or grandparents from the muck they are yours. It doesn't matter if a kid goes to elementary and middle school somewhere all there life. You act like he is recruited from the muck. Shut up
not true commented on December 5, 2012 at 4:22 p.m.: report abuse
Not all the players played in the acreage.Like # 2 and # 8 the receiver did not play in the acreage daddy ball league.so the ridge does have some players from the muck so what.but ridge fan don't state something that's not true.most of the players are from out in the acreage.and yes players do go to college and it's on the player to play hard and get seen by college recruiters. But the coaches should help in getting his players to the best college for each player.and it's on the player to get good grades also.and coach should help player's with the college clearing house requirements to play college football as in the past some players did not have the reqirments to play at the next level.and maybe if dicknann gets rid of the wing t maybe some offensive players will get better looks from recruiters.
WOW commented on December 8, 2012 at 12:08 a.m.: report abuse
#2 lives in Loxatchee and has multiple interest from D-1 colleges, Also plays defense.
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