Both teams opened their 2012 district season with 2-1 records which may be misleading to some. Cypress Bay was dominant in their wins against Deerfield Beach (29-6) and South Broward (42-12), while losing at home to nationally prominent, St. Thomas Aquinas who they led near the midway point of the game two weeks ago. Flanagan shut out Pembroke Pines Charter (48-0) and beat and offense-minded Douglas team (42-36), only to lose to a solid Lakeland team on the road last week.
Many believe District 12-8A is an open race with at least 5 schools that have the skills set to make the playoffs. A loss by either team will make the journey difficult with more competitive, Western, Everglades and a streaky Miramar looming in future weeks.
Cypress Bay is led by their Big 3 of Jaranta Lewis at quarterback who has already thrown for over 400 yards this season under the school’s new offense. Running Back Matt Dayes who has rushed for over 250 yards leads a running back core that averages nearly 7 yards per carry and Wide Receiver Alex Montgomery continues his dominance by averaging over 30 yards per catch.
Flanagan has succeeded by running a balanced attack under the direction of Quarterback Ryan Stanley who has averaged nearly 200 yards passing per game. Keavon Mitchell has led the team receptions but opponents should be very aware of Christopher Nealy who averages 16 yards every time he runs with or catches the ball.
Cypress Bay cannot afford to look ahead of this game as they prepare for Miramar. Last year, Cypress Bay escaped with a 28-21 win over Flanagan at home. It was a game where the Lighting built a 21-7 lead only to see it dissipate thanks to big plays by the Falcons Jeremy Smith which included a 99 yard kickoff return. While both teams have a lot of depth in their running game, Flanagan utilizes many more people among their receiver corp. I expect a high scoring game.
You can follow Adam Kosnitzky at @akosnitzky
