Marcus Benjamin @_benjaminmoney
Delray Beach, FL – Western’s impeccable postseason run in 2017 was cut short by Atlantic (Delray). After the 35-22 loss to the Eagles in the regional finals, the Wildcats were committed be known as team that would be back the following year. Western (Davie) upset Deerfield Beach in the first round last year and are off to a similar start here in 2018. The Wildcats defeated Atlantic Friday night 21-7, so they not only avenged last year’s loss to the Eagles, but it also seems the ‘Cardiac Cats’ are indeed back for another run in 2018.
“We are giant killers that’s what we do in Davie,” said Head Coach Adam Ratkevich. “We’re always the underdog, we know that coming in, but that’s how we play football, that’s how we’re built. We came here to shock the world and we did.”
Senior quarterback Jesse Rivera led the way for the Wildcats accounting for three touchdowns (1 passing, 2 rushing). He often rolled out of the pocket and found his receivers downfield and Atlantic never was able to get a consistent pass rush.
“That was our scheme,” said Rivera. “We knew they were good up the middle, we knew they had a good D-Line and we couldn’t run up the middle like that, we knew we had to get out of the pocket and that’s what we did.”
The game plan worked to perfection as Western scored on their opening drive. The 6’3” quarterback worked his way down the field with timely runs and throws to get his team to the one yard line. Rivera would score on the QB sneak to help put the Wildcats up 7-0.
After shutting out the Eagle offense in the first half, the Wildcats would give up a touchdown after their offense gave up a fumble on their first possession in the second half. Two-way player Henry Bryant III scored from one yard out to tie the game at seven mid third quarter. Eagles were moving into Wildcat territory again looking to build off the first score, when senior Myles Wilson came up with momentum changing play of the game. Wilson intercepted the Kalani Ilimaleota‘s pass and ran it back to the Atlantic 38-yard line.
.@myleswilson__ of @WHSFball shifts the momentum with this interception and works it into Atlantic territory. Key stop for the Wildcats. pic.twitter.com/cQcBNr1FVB
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminMoney) November 10, 2018
Western would capitalize on the turnover scoring on a five-yard touchdown pass from Rivera to junior Shamarr Wright. The underdogs were up 14-7 early fourth quarter with that score. The Wildcats would get another key interception from Justin Hodges to end a potential Atlantic rally. Rivera would punch it in for the final time from one yard out after the turnover to seal the upset victory over previously undefeated Atlantic.
“My quarterback has a 138 QBR rating, he has 22 touchdowns and one INT and he’s gone over 2,000 yards,” said Coach Ratkevich. “I think he’s the best quarterback in South Florida.”
Western will play Palm Beach Central next week as PBC will look to get some revenge of their own as they were also eliminated by Western last year.
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