Two games in Florida’s Boys HS league were between undefeated teams, two being teams that have a long history of doing well in the state, and two that are little (or a lot) new to that level.

In both games, the more established team won.

Orlando defeated the Cape Pirates in a clash of 3-0 teams. Cape’s defense has been outstanding this season and they were physical and aggressive, setting Orlando on their heels early on.

“We tried to play the ball from our own half and their pressure caused us to knock the ball on quite a bit,” said Orlando Head Coach Chris Quigley.

Pirates flyhalf Brock Roper Capes and No. 8 Brennen George helped lead a solid Cape defensive effort.

It took until the 25th minute of the first half for Orlando to finally get on the scoreboard, tying the game at 7-7.

“At halftime we were able to work on some things,” said Quigley. “Our backs got a little bit steeper. They started to run their lines properly and trust our flyhalf, Justin Smith. He distributed beautifully all  game and also made some great coverage tackles.” 

With Smith moving the ball a little easier, Orlando was able to get some one-on-one matchups. That led to a couple more tries, and a 26-14 Orlando victory (score is under disagreement - might be 28-14). 

In the forwards, Jack Smith Ieuan Nation, and Sammy Voegele led the way for the Orlando forwards while Smith at flyhalf and fullback Chris Steeves played well. Inside center JuCorie Jones’s punishing runs created holes for the offense.

“None of our backs were particularly strong catching the ball Saturday but the defense is getting better,” said Quigley. “We had a lot of knock ons, but they really committed themselves to defense. It was key as the game went on.”

Voegele, Nation, Josue Avalai, and Jones all scored tries, with Smith kicking the conversions.

Meanwhile, Naples did well to beat an up-and-coming Key Biscayne team.

Naples had encountered trouble scoring points this season despite going 3-0, but they managed to score 43 this time, going up 43-15 and cruising to a 43-27 victory.

The Naples forwards dominated, with their scrum the stronger and their rucks and clean outs perhaps the biggest reason the Bears were able to score.

Flanker John Govern, hooker Raymond Moncion, and lock Axel Burgos led the charge up front, while the backs were able to use the better platform to make inroads with the ball. Scrumhalf Justin Liberman, center Nick Schmidt, and flyhalf Brandon Rokela enjoyed a little more time and space, and Rokela was good on six of seven kicks.

“What we are seeing is the development of a great group of young players who have fully bought into our system and are working their tails off,” said Naples Coach Paul Rokela. “There’s better stuff still to come.”

Also this past weekend, Daytona beat the Tampa Krewe 70-8 to improve to 4-0, while the Jupiter Sharks and Riviera Beach both won, as they both lead the South 2 Pool.

Feb 14 Florida HS scores:

Naples 43-27 Key Discayne

Miami 7-20 Jupiter

Daytona 70-8 Tampa Krewe

Orlando 26-14 Cape Pirates

Mavericks 0-77 Boca Raton

Riviera Beach 56-5 St. Thomas Squinas

Cardinal Gibbons 22-17 Trojans