Story
Spring football: Dwyer answers many questions in 43-26 victory over Fort Pierce Central
Thursday, May 24, 2012
by
Jeff Greer
With an already-loaded defense, Dwyer needs to find consistent quarterback play and a solid offensive line to help get the ball in the hands of its talented receiving corps.
However, if Thursday night's 43-26 win against Fort Pierce Central is any indication, the Panthers will be just fine this fall. They looked smooth and in control in front of more than 20 college coaches from schools including Miami, USF and Wake Forest .
Clay Meister started at quarterback, and led both of Dwyer's two-minute-drill series. He completed his first three passes, and though he had a few quality balls dropped, Meister finished 11-for-21 for 125 yards. He also ran for a touchdown.
Rob Nittolo also played significant minutes at quarterback, starting the second half. He completed six of his seven first-half passes, including three for touchdowns, and established a clear connection with Clint Stephens, one of Dwyer's fast and strong receivers. Nittolo was 7-of-9 for 127 yards and three touchdowns.
Both looked confident calling plays, reading the line of scrimmage and throwing the ball.
"We knew we had two good guys in our system," Dwyer coach Jack Daniels said. "We still have a long way to go but we made a lot of progress tonight."
Stephens (119 receiving yards, TD) and Johnnie Dixon (66 yards, TD) entered last season as Dwyer's young receivers . They reached the point now where they're virtually impossible for high school defensive backs to cover. But Dwyer also showed off another weapon : Ezra Saffold, who had 41 yards receiving and a touchdown. The junior was a constant threat with the ball in his hands, and weaved his way to the game's opening score on an impressive 28-yard catch and run.
Cortney Lowery also scored twice for Dwyer, once on a run and another on a kickoff.
Fort Pierce Central showed that it can play with Dwyer, a team the Cobras could see in the Class 7A playoffs this fall. But they'll need to find some answers on the offensive line and at quarterback to return to the regional finals.
Both DeMarcus Semer, who started, and Sam Vaughn struggled at quarterback, but mostly because they had no time. Dwyer's front seven, with BCS prospects such as Malik Brown and Shawn Boone, terrorized Central's offensive line, which lost three starters from last fall.
Vaughn got rare daylight in the third quarter, sprinting 70 yards for a touchdown, and his swing pass to J.J. Stevens went for a 25-yard score in the second quarter. Josh Knight made a nice catch on a slant and ran 21 yards for a fourth-quarter touchdown.
But those plays went against the flow. Central gained just eight first downs overall.
Another BCS-level recruit, Central running back Marcus Levy, hardly got going, running seven times for 14 yards and sitting out most of the second half.
jeff_greer@pbpost.com
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User Comments:
observer commented on May 25, 2012 at 12:14 a.m.: report abuse
I have followed Dwyer most of the spring and have been impressed at how they have used the last month to develop thier young talent. Everyone talks so much about kids that transfer into dwyer and that maybe true, but tonight I saw a concerted effort by the coaching staff to play as many of the young guys as they could. If i had to guess, I would say that 50 or 60 different kids saw the field tonight. Pretty amazing. As much bad publicity as Dwyer gets on these blogs, it seems to me the coaches and supporting staff have built something special. They may not win states every year, but it was pretty cool to watch a team play four quarters of football with great intesity and passion against a quality opponent regardless of what string was in the game. Kudos.
Spectator commented on May 25, 2012 at 1:44 a.m.: report abuse
@Observer
Hey smart guy,
The reason why you saw so many different kids on the field is because, The freshman and jv were put on the field for the fourth quarter. However, Dwyer continued to play their varsity players at the some positions. It was a two score game entering the fourth quarter when the under classmen got on the field. Dwyer put a senior backup RB in and he ran wild against Central's fresh/soph. But its cool, we'll see them in the playoffs.
This simplistic writer describes the game as lop-sided. Truth of the matter is, Central's defense shut down Dwyers running game as well. Each time FPC scored a TD, they drove the length of the field against Dwyer's defense. Dwyer did that once against FPC defense. Dwyer could not run move the ball on the ground. Look at the stats for this game and see which team had more yards rushing. I will say they (Dwyer) passed the ball pretty well, as expected do to FPC's secondary still growing up. The secondary was the week link on that defense last year! Truth be known, they (FPC's secondary) looked awful tonight. I believe their secondary will get better by the start of the fall. They have too...They will do whatever it takes!
Moreover, Dwyer'e varsity team only drove down the field for a TD, one time the entire game. The other scores were all inside FPC's 30 yard line do to turnovers and a failed 4th dwn conversion call by the HC. I am 100% certain Coach Sheafer would not have gone for a fourth and 1 from our own 30 yard line during the reagular season. One fumble inside the 5 yd line. One backward pass fumble returned to the 9yard line. That'e a 21point swing- take away the TD scored by he jv and the crucial turnovers the game would have been very very interesting..
I hope to see you in the playoffs Dwyer!
Dwyer fan commented on May 25, 2012 at 6:06 a.m.: report abuse
Just for record the running back for Dwyer in the last qtr, # 21 is Alonso Smith a rising jr not a sr and played JV last season,
Delusional commented on May 25, 2012 at 6:51 a.m.: report abuse
@spectator
A lot of kids played last night.
All year they had been saying they wanted Dwyer.
Well last night they got them!
This guy is unreal.
If you don't count that last TD which never would have gotten off if there wasn't a mistake by the official on the clock that game was even more of a blow-out.
I have no idea what you saw last night but you were the only one that saw it.
FPCis a very talented team but last night they got Blasted
Be honest commented on May 25, 2012 at 7:05 a.m.: report abuse
You guys still talking.
This guy says, "I hope to see you in the playoffs Dwyer"
Be honest,
No You Don't!!!
@Spectator commented on May 25, 2012 at 7:40 a.m.: report abuse
I hope you aren't a coach. You are making excuses. Dwyer is the better team. SMH!! 21 will be a Jr next year. I can't believe is guy. Both teams will be good. Dwyer will be better.
Spectator is foolish commented on May 25, 2012 at 8:05 a.m.: report abuse
A wise person knows when to shut up. Clearly, this guy doesn't. Using this toprepare for a different potential playoff second chance is a great idea.
Coming in here and trying to rationalize a butt kicking by talking about pieces of the game to make it seem like it was something different than what it was is just ignorant.
audience commented on May 25, 2012 at 9:16 a.m.: report abuse
@jeff Greer why do you always write articles about dwyer its many other game that go on but the only thing they get is a score update don't you think we want to hear more about rising schools with great talent that's not well known. Give articles on every game not just dwyer it seems as if no other school exists in your head but dwyer a.h won state the only team in the county to win state this past season and we don't know who scored who started or anything in there preseason game other than the little five sentence article you wrote so please do me a favor and be fair or just stop talking about dwyer all together. Please and thank you
High School Official commented on May 25, 2012 at 9:26 a.m.: report abuse
Palm Beach Central and American Heritage won last night.
PALM BEACH CENTRAL 26, WESTERN 14
Heritage-Delray beats American Heritage 17-0 in Spring game
Riviera Beach commented on May 25, 2012 at 9:34 a.m.: report abuse
Mr. Audience, you must be new to the Palm Beach Post. Jeff and Matt can only go to one game a week. That is the game they report on. This week just happens that Jeff is a Dwyer and I would bet Matt will be at GC tonight. Trust me they don't cover Dwyer every week but they do cover them more than most. Why, because they play in alot of big games. They try to cover the best games and matchups. If Dwyer is not playing a good team, they won't be covered.
Dwyer Dad commented on May 25, 2012 at 10:03 a.m.: report abuse
Boy, we played alot of Freshmen and Sophmores last night (for Dwyer), finished the game with a freshman QB - great kid - defense was dominent, recievers were awesome, and Nittolo was super cool thru about 4 series, and Clay worked hard at QB as well. No one mentioned Jared Ward, running back a picked up fumble and dominate at MLB. This year will be fun for us and the haters will be on the war path. Too much depth in all positions :) And also, the other schools will get plenty of press, including Fort Pierce, which was a well coached ball team, great talent and enthusiasm on their sidelines and great effort on the field, solid group of players and coaches up at FPC, it was fun being out there with them. Really like that FPC head coach, great with the kids. We'll see them in the playoffs at our place. Later haters :)
Lenny commented on May 25, 2012 at 11:45 a.m.: report abuse
Since my son convienced me to let him play football I decided to let him play. After the game I decided he will get hurt playing for Spanish River. Clue #1 River played WB'S Jv., and lost.
Dad just wants to know commented on May 25, 2012 at 12:12 p.m.: report abuse
So this post is for Dwyer coaches:
Now that the spring game is over, what weaknesses do you see on your team and from what PBC schools will you be recruiting these players over the summer to fill these voids???
Last year you plucked kids from the private schools (Kings, Newman & the NY)- who will you pillage from this year?
Year of the Wildcat commented on May 25, 2012 at 12:13 p.m.: report abuse
hate to bust your bubble but dwyer ain't even best team in our distict this upcomin year. RPB got the weapons and shut down D . Dwyer will be runner up so Fort Pierce and the rest need to worry bout the Cats. It ain't bragging if it tru
RivieraBeachShark commented on May 25, 2012 at 12:26 p.m.: report abuse
Hey Spectator, just as everyone has said, #21, the running back that you said was a Senior, is a rising Junior and played JV last year. You have no idea of what you are talking about and just slapped together some baseless diabribes that are self serving. I do hope they meet in the Regional Finals next year. I think that FPC is a very talented squad who can play with anyone. Are they where they will be in the Fall? Of course, not, but neither is Dwyer. That game reminded me of the Pop Warner days,when many of the same Dwyer players played for our teams battled against Ft. Pierce.
To everyone else:
I saw a deeper, more balance Dwyer team last night. The quarterback play was much further along than I could have EVER imagined that it would have been been. They are also deep at running back AND they run a 4 wide set that is just scary. The offensive line pass blocked well and the kicking game was solid. This new installment of develped players players will represent very well!!!! I just can't wait till August 24th... :)
The Ridge commented on May 25, 2012 at 12:37 p.m.: report abuse
Nice win, although FPC slightly overrated. See ya out in Loxahatchee in Sept.
@Wildcat, both WTD and FPC will put a running clock on you.
@Year of the Wildcat commented on May 25, 2012 at 12:45 p.m.: report abuse
It isn't true if it's just plain stupid. Keep dreaming at that second tier football program.
@ Dad just wants to know commented on May 25, 2012 at 12:53 p.m.: report abuse
Hey, what grade is your son in? Does he have a 2.0? We'll see what we can do to make room for him. What is your cell?
LETS GO DWYER commented on May 25, 2012 at 1 p.m.: report abuse
I don't know who you guys were watching last night but Dwyer looks good.They will only be better in August. I honestly see them beating Glades Central this year. This team seems more talented than last year AND more hungry. The defense is still excellent and the offense is also. Yes FPC isn't what they said they were and I really don't see how they are considered the best in their area based on their play last night.I can see Dwyer winning it all, yes states also this year. Last night was nothing compaired to how they will be come regular season.Even after the starters were pulled FPC still looked sloppy..GO PANTHERS
Fan commented on May 25, 2012 at 3:55 p.m.: report abuse
CONGRATS TO LIL ROB AND EZRA THE TRUTH FUTURE OF PBC FOOTBALL AND DWYER FOOTBALL
Jay Rock commented on May 25, 2012 at 6:50 p.m.: report abuse
Lets go dwyer you cry the same tone every year we going to beat GC. You are 0 for the last 7 or 8 tries. But if it make you feel good saying that , keep talking. It most hurt to know you consider a 2nd rated team year after year, behind The RAIDERs. Enjoy your first place the post give you each year while we enjoy 10 years of bragging rights.
Hipster commented on May 25, 2012 at 8:32 p.m.: report abuse
Johnnie Dixon to real for this!!
Lover commented on May 25, 2012 at 8:32 p.m.: report abuse
Panther pride :)
Acknowledge commented on May 25, 2012 at 8:45 p.m.: report abuse
Yea, Johnny Dixon is the real deal, as well Clint and Ezra
@Jay Rock commented on May 26, 2012 at 12:08 a.m.: report abuse
Guess GC doesn't have to worry about Dwyer this season, Atlantic already seems to have gotten their number.
LETS GO DWYER again commented on May 26, 2012 at 8:13 a.m.: report abuse
GC lost to Atlantic...find something else to do besides read my blogs about Dwyer if you don't like reading them. Yea Dwyer is 0-7 against GC but thats where the hard work and dedication comes in at. GC will fall this year,not only to Dwyer but to a couple more teams. Don't get upset this is only high school football and the same way you Raider fans stand behind your team, the PANTHER fans stand behind Dwyer. They come to our house this year and Dwyer is ready to take the crown. The same way everyone wants to beat GC they want to beat Dwyer also. Its called bragging rights and Dwyer want it all this year...
Fact commented on May 26, 2012 at 11 a.m.: report abuse
@Lets Go Dwyer
This comment was edited numerous times because jeff would not let me post what I wanted. But that's ok. I hope this is more toned down and friendly enough for him.
@ Lets Go Dwyer
The question is, "who were you watching?" Just like Dwyer played their jv team in the fourth quarter, so did Central. Both teams did, after the long TD drive (by Central) ending the third starting the fourth. Of course FPC was going to look sloppy it was a spring game with FPC showcasing a revamped offensive line a Soph QB (Sam Vaughn) and Jr QB (DeMarcus Semner).
Just like Dwyer's going to get better by regular season, so is FPC! This indeed belped FPC more than hurt them. They are going to train like never before during the off season. I am not sure how many offensive linemen Dwyer returned from last year's team. FPC returned two starters from last year's offensive line, not to mention the loss of their stud QB. No one is rationalizing on this end nor being pessimistic. What I'm simply saying is, it takes a little time for a (basically new) offense to build timing and chemistry. FPC runs a pretty complex offense requiring not just the QB to read defensive coverages, but the RBs and WRs as well. This is why most defenses have trouble with this offense. Because these kids are reading their opponents defense and audibaling to a run/block/pass play that counters the defensive scheme at that time. Again, (new line, new qbs) this takes time, everyone has to be on the same page with reading coverage and blocking. It is a true College level offensive system, advanced for most at the high school level. Only elite defenses do well against Central's offense- Dwyer has that..
Both programs have very good coaching staff. Both will be two completely different teams by mid season- No doubt about it.. Remember last year when Dwyer got blown out by Miami Central in their kick off Classic? Now, do you remember that same Dwyer team by mid/late season? Two different Dwyer teams right? Case, point.
Good Luck Dwyer, as I said I personally hope to see these two teams compete again in the playoffs. Will be a totally different game- No doubt about it!
Fact commented on May 26, 2012 at 11:24 a.m.: report abuse
Also, just for the record the 4th quadter tds weren't # 21. It was #23 I think his name is louren or something like that. Hard to make out his name from the speaker system on the vister's side. The kid is thick and looked pretty damn good against our fresh/jv squaud. The reason why i know this is because there were kids from Vero Beach's team that were there scouting FPC's . They were laughing and pointing out that #23 that ran the kick off back was a varsity player. That was in the 4th quarter my friend. It was classsless of Dwyer's head coach and will come back to hunt him and his team in the real end.
Who was ??? commented on May 26, 2012 at 9:11 p.m.: report abuse
Number 34......looked pretty good.......How come the did not play Moss, Harvey, or #6?
STOP IT I SAY commented on May 27, 2012 at 9:55 a.m.: report abuse
If im not mistaken,FPC commented on a previous how they were the best team in their area and they were going to run up the score on Dwyer. Don't get mad cause you are eating those words now....The kid that ran the ball back for the touchdown was not a varsity player but trust me after that he will be.As for Miami Central blowing Dwyer out last year,i wouldnt call it a blowout and you never heard Dwyer once complaining about that lose. Dwyer players don't get on here and trash talk any school or player they just read and react on the field.It doesn't matter how many returning players on Dwyers offensive line you tell your players to watch what they say on blogs because this gives the other team motivation
Fact is a lame commented on May 27, 2012 at 12:07 p.m.: report abuse
@fact ur retarded an just mad u lost
Who was commented on May 27, 2012 at 12:10 p.m.: report abuse
They played moss #12 he played alot
JoeB commented on May 28, 2012 at 1:11 p.m.: report abuse
Only way FPC and Dwyer meet is if FPC gets by Manatee in playoffs. Manatee very good again this year.
@who was??? commented on May 29, 2012 at 1:53 p.m.: report abuse
34 was Hayden Harrow. Moss, Evan, and Matt #6 all played a bunch of minutes
Fact commented on June 2, 2012 at 1:14 p.m.: report abuse
Hey d•mb €ss you don't call that Miami Central 33-14 game a blow out? Wow! Wow!
Andrey commented on June 10, 2012 at 2:29 a.m.: report abuse
Have you ever considered about aiddng a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and everything. However just imagine if you added some great images or video clips to give your posts more, pop ! Your content is excellent but with images and clips, this site could undeniably be one of the best in its field. Fantastic blog!
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