Jacksonville, Key Biscayne Stand Strong in Florida
Jacksonville, Key Biscayne Stand Strong in Florida
Key Biscayne remains atop the Florida HS league with a 5-0 after a close-run win over Wellington.
The Rates did use the game to some players and Wellington did put in a good performance, as well, but KB Head Coach Javier Casserly said his team played well in the 1st half, and poorly in the second. All of that, in the end, is neither here nor there; Key Biscayne is 5-0 and, with that added experience for some players, nicely-placed to keep winning.
They will face a bit of a challenge April 12 against Jacksonville. The Wolverines shut out Boca 42-0 over the weekend to move to 3-1, tied with Okapi White, who lost to Key Biscayne by a try 33-26 on February 8. Okapi White then beat Jacksonville by six 25-19 two weeks later.
"It was a good rebound boost for the boys," said Jacksonville Head Coach Aaron Church. "After the close loss to Okapi White the boys worked hard to fix mistakes and it showed."
Flyhalf Nick Taylor showed poise and his decision-making punished an aggressive defense. ALl of that set the stage for the in-form Zander Erasmus, who scored an astonishing six tries against the Juniors. Erasmus has scored 13 tries in four games.
Flanker Matt Ramos and center Slade Castle-Pierce contributed well, also.
"In all it was a great team effort," said Church. "We were most proud of the shutout as the boys are taking it week-by-week."
Now Key Biscayne remains.
"Key Biscayne is playing some of its best rugby and Okapi is looking to keep its championship crown, so we know and believe if we play our best on the day we have a good chance, but it won't be easy," said Church, adding that the season is far from over.
Florida HS League | W | L | T | PF | PA | PD | Pts |
Key Biscayne | 5 | 0 | 0 | 158 | 75 | 83 | 20 |
Okapi Pink | 3 | 2 | 0 | 102 | 115 | -13 | 14 |
Jacksonville | 3 | 1 | 0 | 138 | 42 | 96 | 13 |
Okapi White | 3 | 1 | 0 | 126 | 93 | 33 | 13 |
Wellington | 2 | 3 | 1 | 143 | 147 | -4 | 13 |
Tampa | 1 | 3 | 1 | 106 | 134 | -28 | 9 |
Boca Jrs | 1 | 5 | 0 | 108 | 188 | -80 | 9 |
Ft. Lauderdale | 1 | 4 | 0 | 69 | 156 | -87 | 8 |