Both teams opened the 2012 season undefeated. The Western Wildcats are 2-0 and the Everglades Gators 3-0. Both teams have competed in District 12-8A but have been overshadowed in the district in the past by Cypress Bay and Miramar. Vastly different from last season where Western finished 5-4 and Everglades 4-6, these teams are already in the post season discussion. With Miramar showing their mortality thus far, and Cypress Bay learning a new offense, the winner of this game will move to the front of the division.
Western is led by veteran QB Wade Freeback who operated a pass oriented offense which included leading receivers Jimmy Gonzalez and Tarik Cummings. The defense only gave up an average of 10 points per game in the team’s victories against Douglas and South Broward.
Everglades High is led by QB Caleb Goodson. While the team operates a balanced offense, its success has been much greater from the air than the ground. While Joshua Shaw leads the team with 11 receptions, Andre Hallmon averages nearly 21 yards per reception. The defense gave up nearly 8 points per game in the team’s victories against Copper City, South Broward and Hollywood Hills.
While the game will take place at Western, look for Everglades to focus on last season’s game with a feeling of urgency. In 2011, Western beat them 19-7 by coming from behind and finishing with 16 unanswered points due to costly turnovers by the Gators. I expect the turnover margin to dictate the result of this game.
You can follow Adam Kosnitzky at @akosnitzky
