Deerfield Beach running back Cassius McDowell runs through a St. Thomas Aquinas tackler
For years head coach George Smith and his St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders ruled Broward County with an iron fist. But move over this year St. Thomas fans because the Deerfield Beach Bucks made a huge statement Friday night. The Bucks beat the Raiders 43-41 in one of the greatest games played in recent Broward history.
Both teams entered the game undefeated and ranked #2 in the state in their respective classifications. The game swung back and forth. But in the end, it was Bucks kicker Dieago Ramos who supplied the winning points with a 19 yard field goal to give Deerfield Beach the victory. The kick was sweet vindication for Ramos who had missed two kicks earlier in the game. Running back Rodney Harrell rushed for 219 yards on 19 carries. Deerfield Beach is now 7-0 and ranked #2 in Class 6A behind Miami Northwestern. The Raiders dropped to 6-1.
This Deerfield Beach team is no fluke. The Bucks don't have any big-name blue chip recruits or any stars. It's just a team filled with good players that have rallied around second-year coach Art Taylor and play great team football. Before the regular season began, the Bucks gave Miami Northwestern a huge scare, losing 50-41 in a preseason jamboree game. At the time, there were whispers that Northwestern's defense wasn't very good. On the contrary, Deerfield Beach's offense is that good.
And before everyone anoints Northwestern as the 6A champions again, don't underestimate this Deerfield Beach team. I have a feeling these two teams will meet again the in the playoffs. If Northwestern doesn't come ready to play, look out. Let me remind Northwestern fans the last time the Bulls lost a game was in the 6A semifinals to Deerfield Beach in 2005 at Traz Powell Stadium--Northwestern's home field. So there is precedence.
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