Story
Commentary: Victory means more to Glades Central than it would have to Dwyer
Monday, September 05, 2011
by
Greg Stoda
Photo by Allen Eyestone / The Palm Beach Post
On a sweltering Labor Day – a national holiday celebrating the United States' workforce from sugar mills to office corridors – the kids who punched the clock first, last and hardest won:
Glades Central 24, Dwyer 10.
And perhaps that was appropriate.
Nothing against the losing Panthers' loyal fans who traveled east-to-west across Palm Beach County to fill the visitors' stands at Effie C. Grear Field on a 90-degree Monday afternoon. Nothing at all, because it would have been easy for the Dwyer rooting section to have stayed home and watched the nationally televised game on ESPN.
But there's something special about high school football in The Glades.
It just seems, well, a little more important out where the sugar cane grows than it does anywhere else in these parts. Let's just say there weren't any T-shirts proclaiming Class of Pick a Year membership in Dwyer blue-and-white, but there were several in Glades Central maroon-and-gold.
The traditions run generations deep at Glades Central, and, sure, maybe the Raiders (six state titles) play with a tinge of resentment against a team such as Dwyer in powerhouse showdowns like this one.
"Oh, if we lose, we'll never hear the end of it," one Glades Central fan worried at halftime with Dwyer holding a 10-7 lead.
That almost certainly would not have been the case, because the Panthers probably would have been happy to get away with their first win in six meetings. But the point to be made is that Dwyer has garnered enough of a share of attention – an enormously successful program complete with high-profile recruits – to move in next to Glades Central on the national scene.
It's not that the Raiders have anything to prove to the Panthers, because, hey, a six-love count speaks plenty loudly all on its own. But there was an undeniable sense of satisfaction in the Glades Central glow of victory.
"I think a lot of people think we aren't going to be as good as we usually are," Raiders receiver William Likely said. "I don't worry about any other team we're playing, but I want us to take care of our business every time we play. We have a reputation to keep."
And that's it, exactly.
There's a sense at Glades Central that every team is playing for all the ones that came before. The teams are a fabric of the community in a proud manner unique to small-town America.
It's almost like a debt due on an annual payment.
It's why Likely said what he said despite Glades Central's standing as a favorite to win another state championship.
"We love the pressure," he said.
Likely returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown, but the Raiders didn't score again until the fourth quarter. Likely then set up the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter with a long reception, then scored another one with a 45-yard catch. A late field goal was decoration.
The game was sloppy, and by that measure not the best national advertisement for an appreciation of the best of Palm Beach County high school football. But it's worth noting that it was cleanly played – a single personal foul by my unofficial sideline count – in cramp-inducing heat.
There was little posturing.
There was no demonstrative exchange of taunting.
It spoke to a mutual respect.
But it still was difficult to shake a Labor Day notion that a loss would have resonated more deeply in the sugar mills and been felt more emotionally by Glades Central than it will be by Dwyer.
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User Comments:
chunk 84 commented on September 5, 2011 at 10:35 p.m.: report abuse
great job raiders were very proud of our raiders
Raider4Life commented on September 5, 2011 at 10:42 p.m.: report abuse
Great game coverage ESPN. Thanks for a great game Glades Central and Dwyer.
Go Raiders!!
ih8ignorance commented on September 5, 2011 at 10:47 p.m.: report abuse
You know it was fitting that Lil Will Likely was mentioned in this article..... This kid is a model kid, well spoken, humble, quiet etc. The kid carries a 3.8gpa, never misses practice, outworks everyone, and he happens to be the best football player in Palm Beach County. Well DBlock, I said it earlier that Dwyer doesnt know how to beat GC.
die hard raider fan commented on September 5, 2011 at 10:50 p.m.: report abuse
Way to go Raiders, good game Panthers!
coop10 commented on September 6, 2011 at 12:18 a.m.: report abuse
we still on fire i bet you guys don't want to put gas on us now can someone say we the best
THRILL WILL commented on September 6, 2011 at 7:08 a.m.: report abuse
THANKS "ESPN" GO R.A.I.D.E.R.S
THRILL WILL commented on September 6, 2011 at 7:10 a.m.: report abuse
@LESLIE WIN UR GAME & STOP CRYING...........(LOL)
Ball Coach commented on September 6, 2011 at 8:08 a.m.: report abuse
Good job Coach Blackmon and Staff. Way to stand up in the paint. Will in a cast of others deserve a game ball, the defense was superb. Way to keep the kids composed under national spotlight. It was kinda of disrespectful how the post had Dwyer #1 considering how many D-1 prospects we have. All in all way to go G.C. Fla Varsity. Com . G.C. all over that. . (We On One).
Dillon Barker commented on September 6, 2011 at 8:48 a.m.: report abuse
That kid from Brooklyn is probably still hearing footsteps... welcome to south florida football.
S.M. commented on September 6, 2011 at 8:57 a.m.: report abuse
It's feels so good to be a Glades Central Raider! Way to go team! Maroon....Gold.....Let's go RAIDERS!!!!!
Common Sense commented on September 6, 2011 at 9:10 a.m.: report abuse
Since when did Dwyer become a "program with a rich history"? PBG has more of a rich history than Dwyer (First & only Big School State Championship). They are a good mid-level school but you can hardly call their program, one of rich history. I root for all the teams from PBC but have a real problem with schools like Suncoast being mediocre, at best, because Daniels & his staff come into Riviera Beach & pluck most of the talent. They are not by themselves, as small as Riviera Beach is those kids are split across 5 high schools. As you that will jump all over these comments just ask somebody about the richness of Riv. Bch. football when the residents of that City went to Suncoast. Lastly, wouldn't it be great if PBC had a State Champ in every classification?
Dwyer Fan commented on September 6, 2011 at 9:16 a.m.: report abuse
I think a win by Dwyer would have meant just as much to them as it did to Glades.Good game Dwyer!!!
Raider Fan commented on September 6, 2011 at 9:25 a.m.: report abuse
For so long all of the focus has been put on just football and not academics, I would like to say that William Likely III is a model student as well as as football player. I would like to say a job well done guys I think it's football that keeps us moving but there is so much more.... We here in the Glades are committed to excellence and strive for the best. From the football players to the coaching staff I would like to say a job well done... Gregg Davis, Dominique Gibson, and Aaron Baker yall did a super awesome job and continue to excel on the field as well as in the classroom.... Shout out to the cheerleaders they looked awesome and showed lots of spirit. Coach Vereen we haven't seen this much spirit in years! The attire was good for the climate.
TEQUESTA commented on September 6, 2011 at 9:27 a.m.: report abuse
W.O.W This was an awesome game! The highly touted (respectfully so) Dwyer was no match for "The Raiders". The talent displayed by Will Likely#4 was awesome to watch. This young man is hungry and it was definitely his time to shine. Great job Will! The best thing is that he has a 3.8gpa, humble,respectable and well liked. The sky is limitless for a yound man that displays all the elements of wanting to be successful not just on the field but in life. Hat's off to you Will! A lot of people got major respect for you! Keep your head up and on straight! On to the next- Like they say ANYBODY can get it but you gotta want it!!!!
Raider02 commented on September 6, 2011 at 10:10 a.m.: report abuse
Way to go Raiders... Coach Blackman keep up the good work. WE READY
Raider Alumni commented on September 6, 2011 at 11:07 a.m.: report abuse
Way to go Raiders and Dywer! Even though the game wasn't all that good the Raiders came back in the end. This means that next week we have to step it up a lil more! Raider Fans......see ya on Saturday!!!!
Longtongue Leroy commented on September 6, 2011 at 12:19 p.m.: report abuse
I wonder how enthused BG will be when the FCAT scores come out. An earlier post said GC strived for excellence....hmmmmm. YES, the f/ball team strives and achieves, but.........
WHY are there so many wannabes on the sidelines with Tad? Sam King hangs onto Tad like a love lost child. Too many chiefs confusing the kids. This was stopped with Bueno and Snead, Jet brought it back and now its' in full force.
Too many clowns out there: Hey Coach, get rid of the ham fats...sheesh.
Will is my Babymomma's grandson!!!
OP4 commented on September 6, 2011 at 1:06 p.m.: report abuse
Congrats to the Raiders on playing a good 2nd half. Best of luck on the rest of the Season, see you in Orlando. !Rocket Football, Nuff Said!
RICK commented on September 6, 2011 at 1:34 p.m.: report abuse
I WAS SO DISSAPOINTED THAT I DIDN'T SEE THIS GAME, I THOUGHT I HAD TAPED IT, BUT WHEN I GOT HOME I REALIZED I DIDN'T. I WAS OUT DOING A LAST MINUTE GOOD DEED . I HOPE THIS GAME IS SHOWN AGAIN. I CONSIDER BOTH TEAMS CLASS ACTS. I'M VERY PROUD OF THE TEAMS IN DADE, BROWARD AND PALMBEACH COUNTY. IT'S A PLEASURE TO SEE THEM ON TV. MAY THE BEST TEAM WIN AND I PRAY FOR SAFETY. PSALMS 40
Raider Fan commented on September 6, 2011 at 2:24 p.m.: report abuse
LONGTOUNGE LEROY GO FIND SUM ELSE TO DO!
The Sportsman commented on September 6, 2011 at 3:02 p.m.: report abuse
What a stupid comment that victory would mean more to Glades Central than to Dwyer.Greg Stoda apparently never played sports. All athletes play to win. When one team comes out on top, that's what competion is all about. It doesn't matter if the athletes are from the Glades or anywhere else.In this game Glades Central showed they were the hungrier team on that day. Nothing more nothing less.Well done Raiders.
John Doe commented on September 6, 2011 at 5:29 p.m.: report abuse
I disagree with COMMON SENSE about Dwyer not being a program of rich history. Dwyer has only been in existence about 16, 17 years(I don't know the exact number, but not long). In the past 10 years, they have been a powerhouse in 5A. They may only have 1 state title to date but they produce as many Div 1 athletes as anyone around in recent years.
What I do agree with COMMON SENSE on is the fact that Riviera Beach kids are split between so many schools. I think it's actually more than 5 schools(Suncoast, Lakes, Gardens, Inlet Grove, Dwyer, Jupiter, and Cardinal Newman). All of Belle Glade kids go to GC. If all of Riviera kids went to one school, it would be the same or better... 90% of Dwyer players are from Riviera Beach.
Jay -Rock commented on September 6, 2011 at 7:50 p.m.: report abuse
Greg Stoda what make you think Dwyer didn't need this win worst then GC. We are the Big Bullys of the county , beat up on every team and talk trash in the process. See a win to us is buy any means . So don't feel sorry for us like Dwyer didn't need this win . The first time GC lose to a team in palm beach we willl make front page . Dwyer needed this win not only for bragging right but for to say they Got that 1000lb Gorilla off their back.
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keisha commented on September 8, 2011 at 11:27 a.m.: report abuse
want to shoutout to them #1 raiders great game lets keep it dat way state bound all da way plantion get ready to see that maroon and gold baby lets go #1 #7 #4 #80 #28 #3 #5 #8 #9 #69 and all da rest of yall boys.
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