Thursday's football roundup

Thursday, October 20, 2011
by Andrew Abramson

Boynton Beach converted just five first downs Thursday night, but the Tigers made big plays when it counted, defeating Jensen Beach 14-9 to clinch a playoff berth.

It's just the second playoff appearance in school history for Boynton Beach, and the first since the school played in a five-team district.

"It means a lot for us seniors, for the students, the players, and for the community," said Audrey Dieujuste, who scored the winning touchdown.

The Tigers (5-2, 3-0 district) trailed 9-6 with 1:36 remaining when Dieujuste scored on a 9-yard run. Earlier in the drive, quarterback Jake Lutzen connected with Jevon Sheppard for a 50-yard reception. It was the second big play of the night for Sheppard, who scored on a 43-yard touchdown reception late in the first half.

But for most of the game there was little offense for the Tigers, and Dieujuste called it "a relief" when his touchdown gave the Tigers the lead.

"I knew our defense could hold them, we just needed a score," he said.

Jensen Beach kicker Kevin Barry gave the Falcons their only points, converting 27-, 26- and 33-yard field goals. The last one gave Jensen a 9-6 lead with 3:16 remaining.

The entire second half was full of penalties, and words were flying between the teams.

After the game, Boynton Beach Coach Rick Swain refused to have his team shake hands with Jensen Beach (2-5, 1-1 district), worried that a fight would break out. Swain said it was only the second time in his 39-year career that he's refused to line up his players for the customary hand shake.

"I was worried for the safety of my players," Swain said. "And I didn't want us going into the playoffs with one of our players ejected."

Swain called the game ugly, and he told his players they need to improve their attitude. But he praised the Tigers' resolve.

"We're usually a ground-and-pound team, we haven't had a lot of big plays this year," Swain said. "(Jensen Beach) had a great defensive plan, and we got lucky tonight. We had some lucky breaks in the passing game."

Olympic Heights 26, Forest Hill 13: Running back Lil John had 28 carries for 134 yards to lead the Lions (2-5) over the Falcons (1-6) in Lake Worth.

The Lions jumped to an early 12-point lead after Richard Thompson and Devin McKinney each rushed for touchdowns in the first quarter.

Then on the first play of the second quarter, Forest Hill quarterback Isiah Echevarria looked for a receiver but instead found Olympic Heights defensive lineman Devin Davis, who intercepted Echevarria's pass and returned it 35 yards for the touchdown.

Mike Bullard's touchdown got Forest Hill on the board and Matthew Graham intercepted a McKinney pass and returned it 4 yards for a touchdown as the Falcons pulled within 19-13.

Olympic Heights sealed the win late in the fourth quarter when Diegaulle Sama returned a punt 37 yards for the final touchdown.

- Brandon Wise

Santaluces 54, Spanish River 7: Seven different players scored as the Chiefs (2-5, 1-3 District 13-7A) routed the Sharks (3-5, 0-3) in a district matchup in Lantana.

Spanish River threatened on its opening possession, advancing inside the Chiefs' 20 yard-line on a 44-yard halfback-option pass from Mike Adams to Reggie Love. Santaluces, however, halted the drive.

Spanish River coach Ray Berger said the inability to score demoralized his team, which he said was still "beat up" after last week's loss to Lake Worth.

"You jump on them and get in the red zone, but come out empty," Berger said.

The Chiefs scored first on their sixth play from scrimmage when freshman quarterback Lamar Jackson connected with junior David Dorzeme on a 45-yard pass play.

Santaluces coach Daryl Drinkwater said the Chiefs were eager to prove "they are a better team than they showed" in last week's rout by Dwyer.

About a minute later, senior Fredlet Dort ran 27 yards for a touchdown.

The Chiefs opened their lead to 21-0 on Jackson's 35-yard touchdown run later in the first quarter.

The Chiefs' defense got into the scoring action in the second quarter.

Junior Artez Fulton fell on a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown. Soon after, senior Carl Young intercepted a pass and returned it to the Sharks' 2 yard-line. As quarterback, Young ran it in two plays later.

On the first play of the Sharks' ensuing possession, freshman Andy Dorzeme returned an interception 25 yards for another touchdown.

Reggie Love scored the Sharks' only touchdown on a 24-yard pass from Adams in the third quarter.

- Paul Ivice