Dunlop kicks game winner in overtime to beat rival Homstead 13-10!
When Palmetto and Homestead met last night it was a battle between two district rivals. Palmetto came into the game needing a win to keep their playoff chances alive. Homestead will now have to win out and have some luck to make it to the playoffs themselves. In a district that is as tough as any in Florida this was a game that could go down as one of the best of 2009. In regulation both teams fought hard and finished the 2nd half tied 10-10. In overtime Homestead lined up to kick the game winning field goal. What happened next was a strange and it could have cost Palmetto the win. Homestead decided to kick a field goal on third down. Their kick was blocked by Palmetto and the Panthers started to celebrate. The refs ruled that the kick was blocked behind the line of scrimmage and Homestead got to attempt another kick on 4th down. Their final kick went wide left and Palmetto had a new lease on life. On their next possession Homestead made some mistakes which cost them and they had to throw up a hail marry on 4th and 25. When Palmetto got the ball back Head Coach Larry Coffey decided to kick the ball on first down. He sent senior kicker Dylan Dunlop out to win the game. Dunlop did the job as his kick went right down the middle of the uprights and Palmetto won 13-10.
Led Palmetto with 10 tackles, 4 sacks and three tackles for loss!
This was a game that was decided by both defenses and special teams. Palmetto defense was rock solid after the first half. They pretty much took over the game in the 2nd half. Led by University of Tennessee commit Delvin Jones, Palmetto was able to be very disruptive on defense. Delvin finished the game with 10 tackles, 4 sacks, 3 tackles for loss and a batted down pass. He was all over the field and his play inspired his teammates to do well. Delvin also showed great sportsmen ship late in the game when Homestead quarterback went down and Delvin helped carry him off the field. He has shown major improvements on and off the field this season.
Not only was Delvin impressive on defense so was LB Michael Dallas, DB Randal Evans, DB Ruben Pierre, DT Jamaine Brooks and LB Andrew Parker. All of these prospects made an impact on the game. Look for Evans and Dallas to see their offer list grow in the coming weeks. Brooks is a 6’3, 280 pound defensive tackle that has drawn some interest from BCS schools of late.
Wilcox 79-yard td tied the game at 7
On offense for Palmetto RB Edwin Roberts (2010), WR-Eldridge Wilcox (2012), OL Matt Myers (2010), OL Mark Parra (2010), OL Darrin Pinnock (2010), OL Michael Nettles (2010) and Ron Regula (2010) should all draw interest after the season ends from college coaches. Wilcox had a 79- yard touchdown which helped tie the game at 7 to start the third quarter.
Revere is a player to keep an eye on for the class of 2011!
Keep an eye on: Andre Revere (2011-LB)-He was making tackles the entire field for Palmetto. Look for Andre to possibly move to the defensive line next year and make a bigger impact on defense. Also watch out for class of 2013 DB Wendell Dunn. He is one of the more talented prospects on the Palmetto football team. Anthony Clark (2011-wr) is another player to be put on the watch list. He has had a pretty good junior season.
Darrin Kitches had 9 tackles for homestead defense!
For Homestead their team is led by the defense. DE Darrin Kitchens led Homestead with 9 tackles and 1 quarterback sack. We look for him to end up at defensive back or linebacker in college. Kitchens has speed and quickness to make plays all over the field. Not only did Kitchens have a good night so did his defensive line mate Mike Dozier. The talented defensive tackle was in the backfield all night and made it difficult for Palmetto to run the ball between the tackles. He is very stout against the run.
Senior defensive back/running back Demetrius Pettway also made his presence felt. He had one interception which stalled a Palmetto drive and knocked down at least 2-3 more passes. He also ran the ball well when given the opportunity.
Baxter is a fast rising star for the class of 2011!
Look into the future: DB Keith Baxter (2011), Ath. Jeson Jeanty (2012), RB/Ath. Kevin Fudge (2013) and DL Pedro Sibiea (2012) are all prospects that ESS will continue to follow over the next few seasons.
Final Thoughts: Both teams fought their hearts out in what was an evenly matched game between Homestead and Palmetto. The Panthers relied on their big offensive line and running game to try and win the game. They will continue to rely on their rushing attack the rest of the way. Their defense also played very well. This game put them right back in the hunt for a spot in the playoffs. They need to win out and have some things fall their way but Palmetto could still make it in. For Homestead they also need to win out and have a few things fall in their favor. They have talent on both sides of the football so beating them won’t be easy. Look for both teams to have an exciting finish to the rest of their seasons.
