October 7 marked the renewal of one of the Keys’ longest-running sports rivalries when the Marathon High School football team traveled to face Coral Shores in the 53rd “Battle of the Keys.” Prior to kickoff, the ’Canes had a two-game edge over the Dolphins in their half-century rivalry. On Friday, they made it a three-game advantage, beating the Fins soundly 33-6.
The Dolphins came in with everything they had, fooling the cameraman and announcers along with the ’Canes defense en route to a surprise 42-yard touchdown run by Aaron Dolton. The extra-point attempt was no good, a precursor to Marathon’s special teams struggles to come.
Marathon’s defense held strong at first, led by a big Malachi Hawkins sack, and a three-and-out series looked encouraging for the Fins as the first quarter drew to a close. From there on out, though, it would be Hurricane season.
The Dolphins’ offense stalled on their second series, and a miscue on the ensuing punt gave Coral Shores the ball on the 23-yard line. Hurricanes quarterback Yemcel Moreno took full advantage of the field position, driving his team into the red zone and eventually scoring on a 10-yard quarterback keeper. The extra point put the ’Canes ahead early in the second quarter.
A bad snap on the Dolphins’ next punt gave Coral Shores the ball on the 8-yard line. This time, running back Chuck Jacobsen punched it in. Undeterred, Marathon began to move the ball again, but 6’5” Johnny Holly tackled the Fins’ Thomas Eubank behind the line of scrimmage with one minute to go in the half. At that point, the tide seemed to turn for Marathon, with a targeting penalty against the ’Canes giving the Dolphins 15 yards, a first down and a window of opportunity. The window soon closed, however, as Hawkins fumbled the ball, bringing the first half to a close with Coral Shores leading 14-6.
Marathon regrouped during halftime and came out swinging. An onside kick recovered by Sean Hale gave the Fins the ball and rekindled their hopes, but they failed to capitalize on the possession. Coral Shores took little time to put six second-half points on the scoreboard with Moreno scoring his second touchdown of the night on a 45-yard run. He scored a third on the ’Canes next possession, this time on an 18-yard run.
Refusing to give up, the Fins drove the ball downfield late in the game in an attempt to narrow the deficit. Xavyer Arrington put a stop to the drive, sacking Hawkins on a third down, but the Hurricanes’ big defensive end wasn’t finished yet. Arrington added six points on a scoop-and-score after the ’Canes blocked another Marathon punt.
Both coaches were excited for the matchup, and though every player from both schools left it all on the field, it was clear that Coral Shores was the better team under Friday night lights. The Hurricanes now boast a 6-1 record for the season and are riding a five-game win streak during which they have outscored their opponents 174-13. With an arsenal of underclassmen on the roster, their success is unlikely to fade any time soon. Marathon is now 3-3 and within striking distance of their first winning season in five years.
The Fins will return to Marathon to play Miami Country Day for homecoming on Friday, Oct. 14. Key West will resume competition, playing the 5-0 Wildcats of Estero High School the same night. Coral Shores will have a break this week. The Hurricanes were originally scheduled to play BridgePrep Academy at home on Oct. 14, but after a sound beating by Marathon a few weeks ago, the school’s football team disbanded for the year.
