Story
Jason Lieser's football picks: Pahokee will make playoffs, but road to state title a bumpy one
Thursday, November 05, 2009
by
Jason Lieser
Pahokee lost two games without even playing this week. It's been a nightmare for the school and a frustration for the football team.
The Blue Devils reported the participation of an academically ineligible player in their blowout wins against Inlet Grove and Cardinal Newman and both victories have been forfeited.
Pahokee still will clinch a playoff berth this week, but those forfeits will cost the Blue Devils the district title and at least one home playoff game.
Any district champion Pahokee faces in the playoffs will have home-field advantage.
The Blue Devils beat Fort Lauderdale-University by a combined score of 107-6 in their past two post-season meetings and Pahokee will win handily again this week.
However, North Broward Prep will beat Coral Springs Charter (3-5) to claim the district 7-2B title.
Instead of hosting a first-round game against the District 8-2B runner-up, Pahokee now will have to go on the road against Hollywood-Chaminade, that district's champion. Chaminade is ranked No. 4 in Class 2B in The Associated Press poll, two spots behind Pahokee. In an improved Class 2B, the Blue Devils' quest for a fourth straight state title is now even more treacherous than it was a week ago.
While that district is close to being settled, the brutal tangle in District 8-6A is about to extend to Monday night.
First-year Boca Raton coach Keith Byars inherited 12 returning starters and an off-field mess, but has the Bobcats close to going undefeated in one of the state's strongest districts. Boca Raton will beat Park Vista by at least two scores to take the crown, and the Cobras will fall into a three-way tie-breaker.
Atlantic is a heavy favorite against Palm Beach Central and should handle the Broncos to tie Park Vista and Seminole Ridge at 2-2 in 8-6A. Plan on those three teams meeting Monday at Park Vista to fight over the runner-up playoff berth.
American Heritage and Glades Central will have no trouble winning this week to claim district titles and can start thinking about opening-round home games. The Raiders' and Stallions' combined margin of victory could be near 100 on Friday.
Palm Beach Lakes is likely to coast, as well. A win against Okeechobee this week would put the Rams in the playoffs for the second straight year. They would travel to face Fort Lauderdale-Stranahan in the first round.
In District 5A-12, all four teams remain in contention for two playoff spots heading into Friday. A tie-breaker is possible, but Royal Palm Beach and Lake Worth should win to finish first and second, respectively, and reach the post-season.
Jensen Beach and Forest Hill both hope to pull off significant upsets to extend their seasons, but they will not get the wins they need.
Olympic Heights, which is 4-4 after going 8-22 the previous three years, will get its first post-season berth since 2002 by beating Fort Lauderdale this week.
No. 2 Dwyer's game against West Boca Raton, one of the area's top defensive teams, has no bearing on anything, but it would be impressive if the Bulls hold the Panthers under 40 points.
THE PICKS
Cardinal Newman 16, Inlet Grove 14
Boca Raton 24, Park Vista 14
American Heritage 38, Fort Lauderdale-Calvary Christian 7
Merritt Island 35, Jensen Beach 20
Atlantic 40, Palm Beach Central 7
Lake Worth 27, John I. Leonard 20
Crescent City 21, John Carroll 14
Royal Palm Beach 31, Santaluces 20
Boynton Beach 33, Spanish River 7
Dwyer 35, West Boca Raton 0
Hollywood Hills 25, Forest Hill 12
Palm Beach Lakes 27, Okeechobee 0
Olympic Heights 20, Fort Lauderdale 17
Glades Central 52, Suncoast 0
Pahokee 39, Fort Lauderdale-University 7
Benjamin 28, Florida City-Barrington Christian 9
Glades Day 61, Deerfield Beach-Zion Lutheran 0
King's Academy 34, Fort Lauderdale-Westminster Academy 7
South Fork 28, Fort Pierce Central 26
Pope John Paul 21, Miami-Ransom Everglades 14
Boca Raton Christian 27, Village Academy 21
Fort Myers-Dunbar 21, Clewiston 20
Seminole Ridge 35, Wellington 10
Summit Christian 27, Berean Christian 25
Sebastian River 23, Martin County 14
Treasure Coast 28, Jupiter 16
Fort Pierce Westwood 42, Eau Gallie 0
User Comments:
Knowledge commented on November 5, 2009 at 11:35 a.m.: flag
Jonathan those John Madden playstation plays are garbage you call. Hook-up has more plays then that on his bad day. Play station plays want win you state this year nor will natural talent of the players! Man oh Man. Knowledge touch nerves call EMS! Fred Pickett, Hall and Dunkley are a Beast, coache Jay dont understand football with that caliber of players any body can get it. Stop focusing on your child career and focus on the team Jonathan.
Buccaneer Fan commented on November 5, 2009 at 12:28 p.m.: flag
Two Corrections:
King's 55
Westminster 0
Hollywood Hills 55
Forest Hill 0
ray commented on November 5, 2009 at 12:58 p.m.: flag
Olympic Heights has the smallest defensive line in the county. However, check out the list of coaches. With those coaches Atlantic would be talking state championship.
Davis commented on November 5, 2009 at 1:46 p.m.: flag
The Palm Beach Gardens Gators have won its last three games and not included in your predictions. The Gators should beat Centennial for 4 in a row. Gardens plays West Boca next week for homecoming....Sure would be nice to see the Post finally cover one of the Gators' games.
J.J. commented on November 5, 2009 at 1:49 p.m.: flag
I agree with you knowledge! Coach Johnson may not have as much talent as he had 2 years ago, but those 3 players are good and they make big plays. They need to be able to showcase their talent just as often as Dejoshua does.......
My advice to Johnson is make the adjustments now or pay later (No Championship Rings)!
Knowledge commented on November 5, 2009 at 3:54 p.m.: flag
Alright JJ we on the same page Man oh Man! Pahokee Coaches has to many favoritism; cause my cousin go with your brother sister uncle, my auntie and his grandma was raise together I'm going to play him over Joshua. Josh should have been discipline for what happen in Oregon. Coaches kids just like PK kids they all need to be discipline. Josh should have been suspend or kick off the team for his action at NIKE Head Quarters, (GLOVES) No Check no New Uniforms Thanks. Coaches play the kids not just your son, homeboy kids, girlfriend kids, and inlaws kids. If you can play an ineligible kid for two games, and not play a kid that is eligible MAN oh MAN!!!!!!
sayWHAT!! commented on November 5, 2009 at 4:19 p.m.: flag
LET'S GO RAIDERS!! LET'S GO GATORS!!
RAIDERS/BLUE DEVILS FAN commented on November 5, 2009 at 5:24 p.m.: flag
KEEP YOUR HEAD DEVILS. YOU STILL HAVE NOT BEN BEAT YET.
Jasons Not the SWAMI commented on November 5, 2009 at 6:43 p.m.: flag
Wow Jason what did you look at to make such a prediction. Park Vista averages 35 points a game, Boca puts up 30. The Cobras allow 20 a game and Boca allows17.The common games were Atlantic,Ridge,andCental. Both teams blew out Central with the same point differential.Ridge lost by 2 because they missed a game winning field goal or we wouldn;t even be having this conversartion.Vista beats Ridge by 9. Boca beat Atlantic with last minute heroics Atlantic upset Vista in the last minute at ATL. with a hail mary. As for styles Boca likes it in the air Park Vista likes to run .Check the weather report for tomorrow. It calls for lots of wind . Not good for a throwing team. Which of these factors did you leave out and what am I missing. I give Boca Home field advantage. What's that worth 2-4 points.Jason stick to the news an odds maker your not!Vista is getting their starting linebacker back and has got good support from Mason , Freeman, and Lesler in recent games.The defense for Vista has found some other players notably Tre Velot who has stepped it up for the Cobras. Cobras want it! Boca is comfotable will not be as motivated. Vista wins this one and takes back the District crown to the SnakePit!
Spoiler commented on November 5, 2009 at 6:54 p.m.: flag
Palm Beach Central it's time to let your talent go! Atlantic has been on a slippery slope down. " BIG SHANE" show your Miami material and fire your boys up. Win at least one district game and be "THE SPOILER" for Atlantic.
Jason Lieser commented on November 5, 2009 at 9:22 p.m.: flag
You criticize my analysis, which is totally fine to do, but then you come back with "Cobras want it!" ??? That means what?
You got me, by the way. I was really lazy today so I didn't check the wind forecasts. Do you know the dew point, too? That would help me make smarter picks.
ladybluedevils commented on November 5, 2009 at 10:13 p.m.: flag
I agree with Jason, Pahokee will win this week, but will really have to focus hard in the playoffs. However, I believe that we can do it. Pahokee is a tough team, with alot of talent...and they play four quarters of football without giving up. That's something most teams lack. I was impressed by their display of courage, and perserverance in the Lakes game. The sideline was calm and never got fustrated, because when that happens, the team will start to lose composure. And at Knowledge and JJ, I do agree that Coach J needs to do a little better with the Play calling, but I don't think he is showing favoritism towards his son. Remember against the Lakes game, Perez played almost the whole game, but never really did anything to help the team, except for his TD to Josh, in fact in My opinion, he hurt the team alot that game. If Coach J was showing favoritism to Lil J, then he would have put him in at QB immediately. That didn't happen until like 5:00 mins left in the game. Im just saying, Put a little faith in the Blue Devils, support them, because right now with their situation, they need the whole town behind them. Keep your head up Devils, I and I'm sure the rest of Pahokee is behind you!!!! BLLLUUUUEEEE DEEEVVIIILS!
Jason Lieser commented on November 5, 2009 at 11:59 p.m.: flag
I am totally lost in trying to figure out the Pahokee QB situation. As of tonight, I have been given the indication that De'Joshua Johnson will start this week, but you never really know.
pat commented on November 6, 2009 at 12:04 a.m.: flag
Troy Lieb 4 touchdowns tomorrow. count on it.
ladybluedevils commented on November 6, 2009 at 12:48 a.m.: flag
It's simple Jason. Emanuel Perez usually Starts at QB against Weaker defenses, then The Job is given to Dejoushua Johnson against strong defenses, because of his quckness and ability to run and scramble away from pressure in case the O-line collaspes. If we had a Quarterback that was accurate like Perez, and was Quick and shifty like Johnson, then our QB problem would well....there wouldn't be a problem! We need a complete QB...
you picked what? commented on November 6, 2009 at 6:53 a.m.: flag
jason, i cannot believe your picks!!! glades central WILL NOT SCORE 52 points on suncoast....they only get......51, come on, don't you know it is cloudy with a chance on meatballs tonight? get your facts straight!! :) :)
Jason Lieser commented on November 6, 2009 at 8:09 a.m.: flag
Funny.
Gator Pride 88' commented on November 6, 2009 at 8:12 a.m.: flag
Royal Palm losing 67-0, Need to win game just to win that weak lousy district,
Think the Principal and AD know now they made a mistake ?? Studstill needs to come back and be on Gardens Staff. They are goin places. RPB kid already wants to come here
Jason is a Ratard commented on November 6, 2009 at 8:17 a.m.: flag
Hahahaha u should just quit your job u suck!!!!
Gary The Blogger commented on November 6, 2009 at 8:23 a.m.: flag
Gator 88' Please join us outside Duffy's on Northlake tonight 6pm as we have a rally to bring Coach Stud back to PBG. X Coach Tim Tharp and X Coach Mike Doyle and X Coach Kevin Fleury are expected to speak. X RPB assistant Mike Rudnet will be there too.
Knowledge commented on November 6, 2009 at 8:56 a.m.: flag
Pahokee will lose tonight nuts crossed !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Triple Threat commented on November 6, 2009 at 9:10 a.m.: flag
The Game of the Week should be Cardinal Newman Vs Inlet Grove. After all, these two teams are the only ones that beat Pahokee this year. :)
RPB Football Fan commented on November 6, 2009 at 9:13 a.m.: flag
I agree they need to let Mr. Studstill coach the team again. Let someone else handle the paperwork just let him coach football. He knows football - see last years results. This new coach has his head up his A_ _ . He coached back in 1989 that's 20 years ago. High School Football has changed alot in 20 yrs. He needs to go back to coaching Golf. Who cares what the golf team does. Its Football that makes a High School stand out. A school gets lots of media coverage if they are successful. This is whats good for the kids trying to get noticed by college recruits. There are only 1 or 2 kids that will get a scholarship from RPB fwhat happens to the rest of the kids who are just as good and play just as hard as the 2 kids getting the scholarship. This has been the worst year for my Senior in High School - no school spirit, no support for the Football team. I am glad this is my last year at RPB after having kids there since "2000". This school has been nothing but an eyesore for the Village of RPB no support from the Community. Over half the kids that go to the school don't even live in RPB. You wonder why Wellington is an A school. It takes SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT from the community
antonio brown commented on November 6, 2009 at 10:01 a.m.: flag
i think pk is sorry and they want get to state and they will lose to gc in the muck bowl go raiders
Riviera Beach commented on November 6, 2009 at 10:03 a.m.: flag
LadyBlue, wasn't Buxton the backup QB to Shepard when he was a sophmore. Why does he not play that position at all anymore. I hope PK wins cause it is a shame to take those games away form those boys. As for Dwyer it will be another shut out. State Bound. D Block!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hawkeye commented on November 6, 2009 at 10:16 a.m.: flag
RPB Football Fan sounds like you got a personal problem. Notice you didn't mention the loss of 29 Seniors from last years team..no defensive starters back..they got the same coordinators and system from last year (do you even know what Defense they run or what type of O they run NO just as I thought). Actually RPB "FAN". sounds like you don't know you're azz from your elbow when it comes to football. From what I hear the seniors this year are not leaders. Believe me when I tell you that big pregame speeches don't win football games. I guess you don't want any outsiders coming into your precious village school...you mean the kids who won for you last year. Get Real, Peace out, Move ON...go to the rally for Stud comin back to Gardens tonight skip the RPB-Sant game,,,they both stink anyway
Jason Lieser commented on November 6, 2009 at 12:01 p.m.: flag
You know what? Gotta admit this. I walked outside this morning and it was very windy. That guy had it right.
Pahokee Fan c/o 94 commented on November 6, 2009 at 12:10 p.m.: flag
This for Knowledg
e A person who has know knowledge at all about the game. Coaching is a very hard job. i guess you didn't know that. i admit that coaches put the kids in bad situation sometimes. but those coaches do not go out on the field and run the plays. I don't know what you be looking at. And a far as lil jay. Back up off of him because if it wasn't for him taking over the QB job last year we wouldn't have won. What they said happen in Oregon was not true. They didn't have any reason going on that trip anyway. We were doom from the start. So knowledge talk about something that you know and that's nothing
tkafan commented on November 6, 2009 at 1:44 p.m.: flag
hey bluedevalfan. the jit(what)???ur talking about is Evan Moore.He played for Tka in the 8 grade truth b told he should have started varsity then! now that Tka does not play u anymore i would lov 2 c Evan play 4 the bluedevils that would b unfair 2 the comp... and dont forget about his twinbro he is a pitbull!!! now back 2 reality i cant c Evan going 2 the bluedevils but what do i know i could not believe he went to LW! if they make the playoffs u now know...He is the reason!!!
tkafan commented on November 6, 2009 at 1:44 p.m.: flag
hey bluedevalfan. the jit(what)???ur talking about is Evan Moore.He played for Tka in the 8 grade truth b told he should have started varsity then! now that Tka does not play u anymore i would lov 2 c Evan play 4 the bluedevils that would b unfair 2 the comp... and dont forget about his twinbro he is a pitbull!!! now back 2 reality i cant c Evan going 2 the bluedevils but what do i know i could not believe he went to LW! if they make the playoffs u now know...He is the reason!!!
Loxahatchee Pete commented on November 6, 2009 at 2:41 p.m.: flag
Thought I would never-ever say this, but, go Boca Bobcats and Atlantic Eagles! The Ridge needs you and then we meet again.
DEW POINT commented on November 6, 2009 at 3:10 p.m.: flag
To Jason I think your crack about the dew point was a little cocky and condescending . You see what I mean about the wind.In reference to Park Vista wanting it more, isn't the fact Sullivan defected to Boca a slight motivator for Vista. The Boca players shouldn't have a warm fuzzy feeling about Ed'S LOYALTY AS HIS FIRST PICK WAS AMERICAN HERITAGE however the financial agreement didn't extend to his brother .What a shame they could have been together with another Park Vista defector James Potts. Jason I Hoped I cleared these issues up for your over worked tiny pea shaped brain.So tell me how did you make such an a$$nine prediction.
Jason Lieser commented on November 6, 2009 at 4:14 p.m.: flag
Dang man. Was just joking around with you. And my brain is at least three times bigger than a pea.
Also, asinine is not a profanity, so you don't have to use dollar signs for the S's. Asinine is a totally legitimate word, as in "It is asinine to post comments like yours."
OAKRIDGE BOYS commented on November 6, 2009 at 4:17 p.m.: flag
Well said LOX PETE.If Vista wins were dead.Boca will win instead. .Good thing them Park Vista fans are not right in the head. Jason likes my poems I like his smart a$$ sss quotes and forums. It"s the cats time to eat the snakes. Just do it for LOX PETES sakes! To that guy flappin about the breeze he just broke wind and it is runnin down his knees.Atlantic takes central with .ease.The falcons get blanked and can barely weeze.Looks like a Threeway on Monday that will be HAWKFUNDAY.BYE,BYE Cobras,and Eagles go make some noise for the OAKRIDGE BOYS
Jason Lieser commented on November 6, 2009 at 4:25 p.m.: flag
Weirdest guy ever. I don't know why, but that always makes me laugh.
ASinine commented on November 6, 2009 at 4:25 p.m.: flag
Jason thanks for the FCC rules.I can sop making asinine comments but you will always be known as MICROBRAIN! Get it you foolish boy.By the way what' S THE WEATHER LIKE UP BY YOUR PEA BRAIN.
Jason Lieser commented on November 6, 2009 at 4:29 p.m.: flag
Haha. I don't know if I'm talking to the same person or not since you guys get to use fake names on here, but in all honesty, I was just messing with you about the dew point and the other stuff. I really do hope you didn't take offense.
And you brought up some decent points about the game in your original post. I just happen to see it differently.
Jason Lieser commented on November 6, 2009 at 4:34 p.m.: flag
And, as a point of fact, it is only fair for me to bring up that I have completely whiffed on the last three big games in 8-6A. I had Atlantic over Ridge a few weeks ago and then last Friday I picked Atlantic and Ridge to win and they both lost.
ASININE commented on November 6, 2009 at 4:40 p.m.: flag
JASON I LOVE YOUR COMMENTS.I NEVER TAKE OFFENSE.THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO DEBATE. I JUST LOVE THE TAUNTING BACK AND FORTH AND MOST OF THE TIME I DON'T HAVE A STRONG OPINION EITHER WAY. THANKS FOR LETTING US VENT,BE PROVOCATIVE AT TIMES AND EXPOE ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE DISCUSSED.THIS IS AMERICA THE BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD WHERE WE CAN HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND VALUE DIFFERENCES
Jason Lieser commented on November 6, 2009 at 5:13 p.m.: flag
Ok cool.
ladybluedevils commented on November 6, 2009 at 7:04 p.m.: flag
LOL these comments are too hilarious! But to Riviera Beach, Buxton never really got the chance or experience to develop into a true QB, so they moved him to DB, which he's much better at...He got recruited from UM as a DB. And At bluedevilfan....I'm not a coach, just a fan of Pahokee Football, but I can tell you this...If that kid was to come to Pahokee..it would be out of his own initiative...Pahokee doesn't recruit players. I know that. But thanx for the Suggestion though :-)
Hurricane Pride!! commented on November 6, 2009 at 7:59 p.m.: flag
What's up now Jason? That's why Inlet won right?
Man, we played one hell of a game today.
proud chief parent commented on November 6, 2009 at 11:17 p.m.: flag
CHIEFS WON!!!!! been shouting all season we could do it and they did. very proud to be a chief parent!!!!! FANTASTIC JOB GUYS.
ladybluedevils commented on November 6, 2009 at 11:58 p.m.: flag
YAYYYYY! Great way to respond after such a tough week! Pahokee wins 33-0 against University (The School really is called Nova Community High) but anyways, I know they must feel really good about themselves. It's still going to be a rough road to another championship, but I do believe that we can do it. Great Win Pahokee....Let's keep it going. 6-3 (on paper) 8-1 (in reality) ;-P BLUUUEEE DEEEVVILLS!!
PK's1stLady commented on November 7, 2009 at 10:54 a.m.: flag
It's MUCK BOWL time!!!! For the past few weeks, I've read the comments and came to the conclusion that no matter how talented both teams are, we continue to have haters, & it's mostly people from the EAST coast. It is not due to jealousy but rather the East's good feeling of putting someone down while at the same time increasing their own ego. They hate the fact that the MUCK owns Palm Beach County when it comes to HS football. Yes, the 2 teams from the West dominate over 15 teams from the East. So save your little comments like "PK wouldn't do GC like that" & all other statements that try 2 divide us because aside from the Muck Bowl, we are one and its US(the Muck) vs THEM(the East Coast). So stop trying to turn us against each other because you can't beat us.
ladybluedevils commented on November 7, 2009 at 1:08 p.m.: flag
I agree PK'sfirstlady...We're one except for the Muck Bowl. But You know I'm the Blue Devils Number 1 Fan, So I'm the 1st Lady Honey, LOL J/P Blueee Devillsss!
D Block Fan commented on November 7, 2009 at 2:30 p.m.: flag
I guess its just impossible now to hold Dwyer under 40 now, no matter what defense come at them.
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