Like most of Florida, the Keys have a limited number of referees. That issue drove a last-minute change in schedule for the Marathon Dolphins last week, when they played their game one day early, facing the Eagles of Palm Glades Prep on Oct. 20. It would prove to be a busy night for Marathon, with their seniors being honored before the game and a special halftime celebration to honor the 25th anniversary of coach Andra Garvey’s phenomenal career.
Marathon struck first in the game on a Malachi Hawkins 8-yard run. Hawkins punched in the 2-point conversion himself, putting the Fins ahead 8-0 four minutes into the first quarter. Four minutes later, he added another 6. Dylan Globe ran in the conversion, putting the Dolphins ahead by 16.
Palm Glades answered with a long touchdown pass and 2-point conversion of their own late in the first quarter, narrowing the score to 16-8, but on the final play of the first quarter, Carlos Lezcano ripped a 48-yard run and was pushed out of bounds within one yard of the goal line. It took Thomas Eubank just one play to finish the job, and Hawkins added 2 on the conversion, putting the Dolphins ahead 24-8.
Palm Glades scored once more in the first quarter, and then it was a Fin fest. Hawkins scored his third TD of the night and added his own extra 2 points again. The woes continued for the Eagles, as Lezcano picked off a pass, turning the ball over deep in Palm Glades’ territory. Hawkins carried the ball 80 yards, just shy of the goal line, then Eubank scored his second TD of the night. Lezcano caught a rare Dolphin pass to add 2 more to the Fins’ score, putting them ahead 40-14.
With 5:47 left in the half, Palm Glades narrowed the score to 40-22, but the Dolphins seemed determined to put the Eagles away early as Hawkins scored again a mere 18 seconds later. Marathon wasn’t ready to retire to the locker room yet, though, and with a minute to spare before the half, the Fins struck again, this time off a Lezcano run and Eubank conversion. At the half, just in time to honor their defensive coordinator in style, the Fins were up 54-22.
Palm Glades had even less luck in the second half, starting their first drive with a pick from Marathon’s Aaron Dolton followed by a sizable return. Hawkins took the ball the final 27 yards, scoring TD number 5 for the night, and with the 60-22 score, the clock would run for the remainder of the game.
The Eagles lost their last bit of pep when Lezcano registered his second pick of the night late in the third quarter. He scored off a 50-yard run a few plays later and Yuni DeLeon kicked an extra point for Marathon, adding the final points of the game. From that point forward, the Fins fed the ball to their senior linemen, making their senior night memorable.
Hawkins had 321 yards on the ground, five touchdowns, and multiple conversions, sacks and tackles. Lezcano finished with a pair of touchdowns and 106 total yards, and Eubank added two scores as well. The 67-22 win ensured that 5-3 Marathon would end the season with a winning record, regardless of their game against University School on Friday, Oct. 28. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at home. The student section theme will be “Pink Out” and all fans are encouraged to participate by donning pink clothing and accessories.
