Dwyer defeats Ely, moves on to next round
November 18, 2011
Dwyer scored three first-quarter touchdowns en route to its 28-0 victory over Pompano Beach-Ely on Friday night, advancing the Panthers to the Class 7A regional semifinals next weekend.
Dwyer’s defense, which has allowed less than a touchdown per game this season, was its usual dominating self.
The Tigers (7-4) finished with only 27 yards rushing, and quarterback Darrien Allen was pressured repeatedly in the backfield by the Panthers (10-1, No. 3 in The Post). Allen completed 10 of 23 attempts for 76 yards, with his longest completion for 13 yards.
The Tigers also turned the ball over on downs four times, including twice in the second quarter after driving into Dwyer territory.
On the opening drive of the game, Dwyer’s offense appeared out of sync, picking up two delay of game penalties (and a holding call that was declined), but managed to advance to the Ely 36.
The drive appeared stalled on fourth-and-14, but quarterback Faton Bauta found sophomore Clinton Stephens down the right sideline for a 36-yard touchdown pass.
On Ely’s next possession, senior defensive back Julian Whigham intercepted Allen and returned it 32 yards for a 14-0 lead.
Fourth-down conversions were key for both teams. In addition to the touchdown pass to Stephens, Fauta converted a fourth-and-1 play in the third quarter to set up his second touchdown pass, a 7-yarder to Malik Brown.
Bauta completed 6 of 8 attempts for 91 yards and two touchdowns. The senior who committed to Georgia also rushed 14 times for 72 yards and a touchdown.
Dwyer’s Cortney Lowery led all rushers with 88 yards on seven carries.
