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Deerfield Beach, FL — Last year left much to be desired for the Deerfield Beach fans. The Bucks stopped its 8A Gold Tri-County Championship run at Traz Powell stadium with a heartbreaking 27-24 loss to Miami Columbus.
The “Beach Boys” led by Head Coach Jevon Glenn have established a program that has continued to produce high-level talent year after year and is looking to bounce back. The young Bucks of 2021 should develop into a competitive team and are off to a great start with a 26-8 win over rival Fort Lauderdale Stranahan Thursday night at J.D. and Alice Butler Stadium.
It Was Over When…
Deerfield scored early in the second half to make it a 26-0 lead. Running back Jazuin Patterson (5-10, 190) is among the senior leaders that will be depended upon to make plays in big moments. Patterson is a complete workhorse type of back that is not afraid of contact and has the break-away speed to get into the end zone. Patterson scored from a short distance and added the two-point conversion to make it a four-score game in the second half. His first score went for about 30 yards. Most starters were pulled from the game after Patterson’s second score.
Senior running back Jazuin Patterson @j4thegreat1 muscles his way over the goal line to extend the @DB_BucksFB lead over Stranahan. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/IVXKhznCfx
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) May 28, 2021
The 2022 prospect has over 30 major offers that include Alabama, Florida, Florida State, and Miami.
Jazuin Patterson, Running Back, Deerfield Beach
Most Valuable Player
Quarterback Michael Merdinger has full control of the high-tempo offense. Now in year two with the program, the (6-2, 180) sophomore seems comfortable with his band of receivers and came to Deerfield for both academics and athletics. Merdinger is an international baccalaureate program student which gives him the opportunity to earn college credits while in high school.
“I decided to go to Deerfield because I knew it was a good school for both academics and football,” said Merdinger. “I also wanted to get a fair opportunity to play varsity early.”
Michael Merdinger, Quarterback, Deerfield Beach
Senior receiver Joseph Kennerly had about eight receptions, junior Tastean Reddicks caught a jump ball pass on a 2-point conversion, and junior Marcus Williams had perhaps the most explosive play of the night connecting with Merdinger for a long score.
“We had to do seven-on-seven this year,” said Coach Glenn. “With a new quarterback and new guys in the mix we had to get the guys comfortable with each other early. I like the progress they’re making.”
Honorable Mention
Joshua Lloyd – The sophomore defender puts relentless pressure on the quarterback and had a punishing sack and forced fumble.
Big hit by Joshua Lloyd @L2F30. The 2024 @DB_BucksFB talent will be a problem for years to come. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/twf9iSmOeg
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) May 28, 2021
Keith Thompson – The 2024 linebacker attacks the football aggressively and was in the backfield on several occasions.
Harlem Howard – The junior cornerback had an interception in the second half.
Hezekiah Masses – Perhaps the best defensive back on the field was in on several pass break-ups.
How far will Deerfield go in 2021? It’s a mystery right now, but what is for certain is that the 2021 8A state champions will likely have to go through Deerfield to earn the title. Deerfield has yet to win a state title in its storied history.
