Key West improved to 8-3 with a decisive playoff win against visiting Estero Nov. 15. The FHSAA 3A Region 4 quarterfinal win was the first postseason win in nearly 30 years for the Conchs, who seem to just keep getting better as the season wears on.
The Wildcats struggled early on to stop the Conchs’ run-heavy offensive unit, and that did not change throughout four quarters of play. Jaden Fox was particularly vexing for Estero; Fox scored 4 touchdowns in the game, surpassing 1,500 yards on the season in the victory.
“He’s the engine that makes everything go,” said head coach Johnny Hughes, who was extremely happy with his team’s play last week.
Roman Van Loon continued to shine, connecting with Cole Jackson for a touchdown pass. Van Loon took over quarterback duties midway through the season when starter Teak Guyet suffered a season-ending injury. The Conchs’ offense was on a roll last week, scoring 35 points against Estero, but Key West’s defense was downright devastating to the Wildcats.
The defense took care of the other seven points. On one drive, Estero was on the 1-yard line, but instead of punching it in and closing the gap in the score, they fumbled, allowing Key West defensive end Josh Johnson to scoop the ball and rumble into the opposite end zone.
“That’s the best I’ve seen our defense play as far as physicality,” Hughes said.
Up next for Key West is Cypress Lake, a team strikingly similar to the Conchs. Both teams have prolific scoring offenses and stingy defenses, and the teams had similar outcomes against their only shared opponent, Estero.
“They have some decent kids,” said Hughes, “but if we play like we did Friday night, it’ll be a good game.” Key West, ranked second in Region 4, will enjoy the home-field advantage against the sixth-seeded Panthers of Cypress Lake. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Nov. 22 at Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium.
At stake is a chance to move on toward a state title. The field of contenders is narrowed to 16, with the regional final game scheduled for Nov. 29. Should Key West win this week against Cypress Lake, their most likely opposition in the regional final game would be an unfortunately familiar opponent: Miami Northwestern.
The powerful Bulls of Northwestern defeated the Conchs 50-14 earlier in the season; however, the Conchs have seen marked improvement since that matchup and managed to stay within striking distance until the final quarter.
Photos by MAICEY MALGRAT/Keys Weekly
