Was Palm Beach Lakes on Verge of Ending Jupiter’s 18 Games Regular Season Win Streak?

By Julien: Palm Beach Lakes made an early statement against Jupiter High School. It was a big district game with Jupiter on a 18 regular season game streak. Jupiter won the coin toss and deferred.

After the coin toss, Palm Beach Lakes quarterback Jordan Johnson kneeled on a sideline for a personal solo prayer. Next play, Jordan started the game efficiently, completing his first pass and quickly establishing a rhythm through the air. A few possessions later, Johnson later connected with wide receiver Hershell Reynolds on a 20-yard touchdown pass to give the Rams the early lead.

Lakes nearly extended its advantage to 14–0 lead a few plays later. The ball was snapped early, Jordan scrambled and connected with Kawan Ingraham on a beautiful pass but the touchdown was erased because of an illegal block in the back. The 15-yard penalty kept Jupiter within one possession and shifted the momentum of the opening quarter to Jupiter.

Jupiter’s defense responded by creating the game’s first turnover. Defensive end Ace Bogedan forced a fumble on Johnson, and Jack Rief recovered the football to give the Warriors an opportunity to answer. Jupiter opening drive was focused on giving the ball to Nick Bothe and let him make a play.

Jupiter used the turnover and a Palm Beach Lakes personal-foul penalty to move the ball inside the Rams’ 20-yard line. However, a false-start penalty slowed the drive, and Palm Beach Lakes defensive tackle Raphael Acker delivered an important stop against the run. The Rams defense ultimately protected the 7–0 lead through the end of the first quarter.

The atmosphere surrounding the district contest was energetic, with Palm Beach Lakes marching band helping create a loud environment throughout the opening period against Jupiter. However, lightning entered the area in the second quarter forcing both teams off the field.

Because the contest carries district implications, Palm Beach Lakes and Jupiter will have to wait until September 17 to finish what began as a competitive matchup. When play resumes, the Rams will look to build on their early lead, while the Warriors will try to capitalize on the momentum created by their defense.

Overall the first quarter was a feeling out process for both teams trying to see what the opposing team game plan was. The game should be 14-0 for Lakes to start the 2nd but Lakes made an aggressive mistake on a touchdown that was called back. But Jupiter will fight. Jupiter has not loss a regular season game in 18 games (including district). Can Jupiter’s winning culture be the difference or will Jordan save the day for Lakes?