Story
Jupiter Christian knows road to state championship goes through Glades Day and Kelvin Taylor
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
by
Matt Porter
Jupiter Christian coach Bill Powers has had just about enough of Kelvin Taylor.
"We were sick of hearing about him two years ago," said Powers, speaking in a light tone, but clearly not kidding.
With good reason. The Eagles have had two prime chances at a state championship, but Taylor - the state's all-time leading rusher - has ended those dreams.
Jupiter Christian and Glades Day have split the six games they've played against each other since 2008, when Taylor was a 14-year-old eighth-grader. But in two Class 1B regional final games (2009, '10), Taylor has dominated, rushing for a total of 708 yards with 10 touchdowns. Glades Day went on to win state titles in both those years.
Now, Taylor again stands in the way as the teams meet Friday in Belle Glade for the Class 2A regional final.
"It still comes down to Kelvin Taylor vs. Jupiter Christian. That's the bottom line," Powers said.
In last year's regional final, Taylor ripped up Roger Dean Stadium's outfield for a state-record 437 yards and five touchdowns. In 2009's game, he dominated for 48 minutes before scoring the winning touchdown and two-point conversion in overtime. After that game, Glades Day coach Pete Walker called Taylor, then a freshman, the best tailback in the state.
He's proven that all over again this season, breaking Emmitt Smith's state record for rushing yards in a career (now 9,185 and counting) and adding to his state-record touchdown total (144). He's the reason why the Gators (8-3), who have won the second-most state titles in Florida football, are the odds-on favorite to win their eighth.
"The last couple of times we've played him, he's brought it on every play," Powers said. "He's a different running back now than he was back then, there's no doubt about that. He wasn't nearly as physical and committed to getting it done."
Handed the starting role in 2008 as an eighth-grader, Taylor rushed for more than 1,584 yards and 28 touchdowns, including a 66-yarder in a season-ending loss to Jupiter Christian, which won the second of their two state titles. Taylor's Gators lost in the regional finals, finishing 5-6.
Jupiter Christian's 2009 regular-season win over Glades Day kept alive a 32-game winning streak, but the Eagles weren't prepared for what Taylor had in store for the postseason. In the regional final, he took down the Eagles almost single-handedly with 271 yards and five touchdowns and the winning sequence. He finished a four-game playoff run with almost as many rushing yards (1,163) as he did in ten regular-season games (1,429).
"That was really the first time he was a force," Powers said.
Last season, Taylor was still recovering from a partially torn meniscus in his right knee when the Eagles held him to 135 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a 38-14 win. By playoff time, he was healthy enough to give the 2,000-plus fans in Jupiter a night to remember.
Powers admits his defense this year isn't good enough to stop Taylor. They only hope to slow him down and outscore him. With Central Florida commit Kedric Bostic directing his multiple-set offense, Powers feels comfortable they can do it.
With his fleet feet, strong arm and quick release, Bostic has 2,500 yards of total offense and 34 touchdowns. By comparison, Taylor has 2,539 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns. The Eagles (9-2) have both outscored (431 to 359) and outgained (4,255 to 3,825) the Gators on the season.
Tuesday, Powers said the same thing he did in September: man-for-man, he has the better team.
"That doesn't mean we're going to win every football game, but I think if we played them 10 times, we'd win more than we'd lose," Powers said.
There's no one on his roster he'd trade. Unless, he conceded, Glades Day would send over No. 21 in exchange for a few of his guys. He may be sick of hearing about Taylor, but he'd consider rethinking that deal .
~ matt_porter@pbpost.com
GLADES DAY vs. JUPITER CHRISTIAN HISTORY
Since their first meeting in 2008, Glades Day and Jupiter Christian have met six times, with each winning three games. Glades Day has won both playoff meetings.
Sept. 24, 2011
Glades Day 34, Jupiter Christian 28 (OT)
At Dwyer High, Palm Beach Gardens. Eagles' missed field goal at end of regulation leads to John Barr TD pass in OT.
Nov. 26, 2010
Class 1B regional finals
Glades Day 35, Jupiter Christian 29
At Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter. Taylor: state-record 437 yards, 5 TD.
Sept. 3, 2010
Jupiter Christian 38, Glades Day 14
At Belle Glade. Trey Pendergrass, Kedric Bostic too much for Gators' D.
Nov. 27, 2009
Class 1B regional finals
Glades Day 45, Jupiter Christian 44 (OT)
At Port St. Lucie High, Stuart. Taylor: 271 yards, 5 TDs, scores winning TD and two-point conversion in OT.
Sept. 26, 2009
Jupiter Christian 28, Glades Day 21
At Benjamin. Taylor: 166 yards, all three Glades Day TDs in meeting of No. 1 and 2 teams in Class 1B.
Nov. 14, 2008
Jupiter Christian 28, Glades Day 13
At Belle Glade. Eagles, in midst of 32-game win streak, complete first undefeated regular season in school history.
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User Comments:
At the last game observer commented on November 23, 2011 at 6:41 p.m.: report abuse
Unless Jupiter Christian can come up with a strategy similar to that of Trinity Catholic and shut down Glades Day running game it is OVER before it even starts. They may not have totally shut him down but they at least kept him very limited with yardage and they definitely kept him out of the red zone. Jupiter Christian you have proven you can contend with Glades Day BUT it will all come down to remaining factors: Can YOU and WILL stop #21and the other one is: How bad do YOU really want it. It should be a good game but I'm not going to count you out. Is this YOUR time? Then GO and get it!!!!
GDS...all the way! commented on November 23, 2011 at 7:38 p.m.: report abuse
Bill Powers and JCS,
You have drawn a line in the sand and Glades Day will definitely give you a run for it. You may think all we have is KT but I can assure you-ALL our players are coming FULL THROTTLE !!!!!!!!!
Best believe---Walker and his boys will be ready to open that can of whoop azz...The question is are YOU and your boys ready to receive it ?!!?!?!?!?!?
GGGGGOOOOO GGGGGGGAAAAATTTOOOOORRRRRRSSSSS !!!!!!!!!
Here We Go commented on November 23, 2011 at 7:47 p.m.: report abuse
This Thanksgiving...we will all be enjoying some delish fried EAGLES courtesy of Glades Day :) ENJOY
Mr. Powers sure does love to talk commented on November 23, 2011 at 8:17 p.m.: report abuse
I think Mr. Powers needs to shut the hell up before he has to put his foot in his mouth...AGAIN!
Alex commented on November 23, 2011 at 9:06 p.m.: report abuse
Lets go gators and all those teams tht are Hateing keep on Hateing cuz all I got to say is 3peat lets go
#MuckLife commented on November 23, 2011 at 9:27 p.m.: report abuse
Glades Day got heart yeah kt the best player but when it comes to heart glades day has the most. In the swamp we dont give up a fight from when i played to these kids. Powers is upset that he was in the paper and now KT took the spot light. I gotta say the teams are a good battle but in the swamp at home with over 50 players that played in the past on the sidelines or in the stands durning half time that locker room is a different place. Glades day 42-27 3 peat
Be Real commented on November 24, 2011 at 12:59 a.m.: report abuse
Lets Be 100 All glades day has is KT and Streach .Calvin Darvell has impressied me this year but nigel allen dosent make this any easier on those safeties he gets burnt on every bomb he is playing somewhat out of positions. Im not puting down Nigel I mean this as motavation i think jupiter christian will attempt to exposed the young man and he better be ready cause im pulling for GDS.
Mike Ditka commented on November 24, 2011 at 6:56 a.m.: report abuse
Kelvin will have another great game. As noted in the article, he is a different player when it matters most and cannot be stopped in post season mode. The difference in this game will be the Gator Defense, which is really starting to click! The linebacker corps made more plays than you could count last week. Look for Penton, Britt, McKillican and Zipperer to frustrate Bostic all night long! Go Gators - Defense wins football games!
JCSFootballfan commented on November 24, 2011 at 9:56 a.m.: report abuse
To everyone who says that GDS actually has a good full team, have you seen what happens to them without Taylor getting the ball 499 out of 500 times. They lost to Trinity Catholic 45-0! Without KT, Glades would be nothing
@JCSFootballfan commented on November 24, 2011 at 11:08 a.m.: report abuse
So what I'm hearing you say is that since KT WILL BE PRESENT on Friday you're scared ????
Hahahahahahahahahahaha-----I would be scared of us too!
Let's GO !
@JCSFootballfan commented on November 24, 2011 at 11:46 a.m.: report abuse
So what I'm hearing you say is that since KT WILL BE PRESENT on Friday you're scared ????
Hahahahahahahahahahaha-----I would be scared of us too!
Let's GO !
GDS support commented on November 24, 2011 at 12:23 p.m.: report abuse
Man. That was weeks ago. We have grown as a better team since then. Just stay off the computer and we will see u Friday night
PBC commented on November 24, 2011 at 12:26 p.m.: report abuse
@GDS support.. Jcs has gotten much beter since then too and who else notices that everyone on this post that is talking sh** is supporting Glades Day. I hope JCS whoopz that azz
Mr. Powers sure does love to talk commented on November 24, 2011 at 1:11 p.m.: report abuse
@JCSFootball Fan
And what about Kedric Bostic? If you shut him down and take him out, JCS is also a very one dimensional team.
open faced eagle sandwich commented on November 24, 2011 at 1:59 p.m.: report abuse
the only thing worse than JC's run defense is Bill Powers neverending case of mouth diarrhea. for as much as powers runs his mouth, KT will run more, and that's saying a lot.
idiots commented on November 24, 2011 at 2:24 p.m.: report abuse
How is Powers running his mouth? everything he said is complimentry to Taylor and his performences the last couple years.
Should be a great game Friday night
palm beach commented on November 24, 2011 at 3:09 p.m.: report abuse
The only team and people i see running their mouth is GDS and their fans.
95 State Champ commented on November 24, 2011 at 4:47 p.m.: report abuse
I think Coach Powers does talk a little to much, somethings even if you feel that way shouldnt be said in the news paper. But I guess having a good team for a few years gives you the right to talk if your a program trying to build a tradition! So Powers stop running your fat mouth and let your team play the game. You have a fine football team who plays with class and great fans but you my friend always find a way to stick you foot in you mouth. Glades Day has been winning State rings for 3 decades and dont have to come on the internet to tell people how good our program is we are known all over the state of Florida. And there is one thing I can promise you and that win or lose Glades Day will play FRIDAY night for there school, there families and everyone who has played on that field before them. And Glades Day will fight until the last second is gone because that is what every team before them has done and every team after them will do because that my friend is TRADITION IN THE MUCK!!!!!
JCSFootballFan commented on November 25, 2011 at 8:41 a.m.: report abuse
@Mr. Powers sure does love to talk: Ya obviously a one dimensional team that still as another freak running back and 4 or 5 shut down receivers. That sure sounds like a one dimensional team HAHA.
JCSFootballFan commented on November 25, 2011 at 8:51 a.m.: report abuse
and to the people who say that KT will win with home field advantage I think I should remind you that besides our game with Glades Central two years ago we are undefeated in the muck over the last five seasons
JCS 89 commented on November 25, 2011 at 9:07 a.m.: report abuse
Hey #95 State Champ
How do you explain that 45-0 Trinity loss and "family and fight until last second"? Pretty sure some of them mailed it in early.
Chad commented on November 25, 2011 at 9:41 a.m.: report abuse
It’s funny how the JCS coach always says “we have the better team”, “man for man WE are better”??? Well that sounds to me like JCS needs a new coach! Same story each year and same results…
95 STATE CHAMP commented on November 25, 2011 at 11:27 a.m.: report abuse
JCS fans like I said before you guys have a fine football team but if GDS only has one player (KT) then just stop him and win the game. Oh by the way his highlight tapes are mostly of JCS because everytime he has played against JCS it has been down right ugly. So with that being said quit being like you loud mouth coach and tell you team to just tackle number 21. Good luck to both teams and Go GATORS!!!!!
@95 State Champs commented on November 25, 2011 at 11:47 a.m.: report abuse
Here's a fact. Even with the best runningback in the country you're 500 against little JCS, and your 3 wins a 2 overtime wins and 1 by 5 points. If your didn't have THE BEST RUNNING BACK IN THE COUNTRY your team would not be relivant.
BTW when he does leave your school will be closed in a year
95 STATE CHAMP commented on November 25, 2011 at 11:59 a.m.: report abuse
That really doesnt matter at all because a win is a win. And hell JCS must really suck if they cant stop one guy. From what you said its 11 JCS guys against KT so dang that does say much for your team or your coaches. So again tell JCS to just tackle KT. And stop being like your big mouth coach.... See you tonight!
95 STATE CHAMP commented on November 25, 2011 at 12:11 p.m.: report abuse
And by the way I don't know if the school will be closed or not when he leaves and I have no clue why that has anything to do with tonights game LOL. But you just be there tonight because you may have to suit up in your cheerleader outfit and help your boys from JSC tackle KT LOL. And your admission to tonights game will keep GDS open for another year after KT leaves thanks CHEERLEADER LOL.
who cares commented on November 25, 2011 at 1:08 p.m.: report abuse
i bet if yall played trinity catholic yall wouldnt even have at least 100 yards of offense so i would shut the
wishbone commented on November 25, 2011 at 1:32 p.m.: report abuse
i bet JC doesn't make it off the bus if they scheduled trinity
Robieee19 commented on November 25, 2011 at 1:56 p.m.: report abuse
I don't care what anyone says, keep talkin your trash about GDS. Thats no problem cause tonight were gonna go all the way and make history!!!! Count on that JC.
Baby D commented on November 25, 2011 at 2:16 p.m.: report abuse
Enough about the past...let's soar into the present (tonight's game). With K Taylor, because he will play, GDS is going to dominate. JCS is coming to the muck, where the beasts are unleashed...not to frighten all you JCS fans and players - just to fore warn you of what to expect. GDS will not go down tonight because we (Muck city fan all day) have plans for a match up with whomever in this year's state final. Leggo GDS. K Taylor, let it do what it do!!!
Jcs commented on November 25, 2011 at 4:29 p.m.: report abuse
Jcs has not lost in the much for the past 3 years.
95 STATE CHAMP commented on November 25, 2011 at 10:21 p.m.: report abuse
JCS great game you guys played your hearts out and there isn't any quit in your team!!! To coach POWERS never doubt the TEAM Kelvin is the best player in the country no doubt but his team is pretty dang good too. And to GDS one more game baby and then your in Orlando!!!
JEFF EMMETS commented on November 25, 2011 at 11:59 p.m.: report abuse
IT'S GOOD TO SEE THAT WARREN EXITS AT JUPITER CHRISTIAN, 1,1OO MILES SOUTH. "LETS GO BRICK". ALL DRAGONS ARE PROUD OF YOU, COACH POWERS. CLASS OF 66
Coach Powers commented on November 26, 2011 at 11:37 a.m.: report abuse
What an awesome compliment Jeff. Class of 77
kelvin commented on November 26, 2011 at 2:20 p.m.: report abuse
The truth hurts. You guys don't have much of an argument about anything that he said. Kelvin ran the ball almost every offensive play. He was constantly stopped at the point of attack and almost all his 300 plus yards were manufactured by him and him alone.
Your defense gave up almost 500 yards in total offense. Without Taylor this was a JCS BLOW OUT.
You talk about tradition. LOL As always your team is full of jr and sr transfers and still without KT you lose to Clewiston 20-0. What a joke. you sat your best player to make sure he was healthy for his game with JCS and were willing to lose to a rival like Clewiston.
Your defense stinks, your line stinks, your special teams stink and you QB stinks. Your coaches are nothing more then hired recruiters from Wellington, RPB, LaBelle and Seminal Ridge.
Your pushing Kelvin through school without any academic credibility
Nice win by the Kelvin Taylor Gators and thank you Coach Powers for telling it like it is.
NFC 45 Kelvin 20
Chain Gang Crew commented on November 27, 2011 at 10:33 a.m.: report abuse
Great game, happy the Gators won. My hats off to the other team for not giving up
and playing with plenty of heart
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