(Photo/Palm Beach Post)
By Jaime Morros:
#4 Miramar arrived prepared for battle at a sold-out #1 Atlantic (Delray Beach) regional semifinal game, with players reciting the term "upset week." Atlantic made some early defensive stops, preventing many aerial completions, and remaining resilient in late downs. A touchdown from Lincoln Graf to Deandre Desinor gave them a 7-0 lead on their second play of the game. In response, Miramar successfully went for two and returned with a rushing score of 66 yards. They were ahead 8–7 in the second quarter as a result. With a 30-yard connection to wide receiver Legend Felican and another 30-yard completion, this time for a touchdown, to James Jones, quarterback Lincoln Graf led the Eagles on a sprint down the field after they regained possession of the ball. Both teams would commit many TFLs and sacks throughout the defensive play that would last the remainder of the half. By halftime, the Eagles would lead 14–8.
Atlantic would emerge from the half energized and eager to get started. This was demonstrated by their rapid scoring in the third quarter, a 20-yard rushing touchdown from Lincoln Graf, and Graf's 15-yard pass to Teddy Hoffman, an FAU commit wide receiver. Atlantic took a 28–8 lead and continued to dominate the game. However, Miramar wasn't quite ready to head home, as they answered with a touchdown pass from 50 yards out, reducing Atlantic's lead and giving the Eagles a 28–15 edge.
Graf would make a stunning pass to Hoffman, putting Atlantic within striking distance of another touchdown. After cleaning up, running back Dylan Elie would sprint in for his day's first score. Atlantic, 35-15. Despite the deficit, Miramar's junior quarterback, Jayvin Smart, remained unflinching and would toss for another touchdown, bringing the game within 12 points after another successful 2-point convert. Atlantic 35-23. They had another opportunity to score on a lengthy rushing play after the Patriot defense made a timely stop, which had Atlantic and their supporters on the edge of their seats. After leading by 20 points, could Atlantic lose this game? Atlantic 35-29. It was time for Atlantic to make the wise move and wind down the clock with about three minutes remaining in the contest. Miramar would call their final timeout when the Eagles secured the first down on third and six with 1.22 left. After forming their victorious configuration, Atlantic started to rejoice. On November 29, the Eagles will play the #2 St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders at home.
