Prior to the 2022 season, each Keys athletic director and coaching staff faced some difficult choices as far as scheduling goes. The FHSAA rolled out a new classification system which forced schools in the Keys to choose: travel extensively throughout the season and maintain eligibility for a state title, find a nontraditional conference or play as an independent school. Key West chose the first option. Coral Shores has been a member of a conference of like-minded smaller schools across South Florida for several years now. Marathon opted for independence.
Marathon ends with first winning record in five years
Marathon’s independent school decision means it is now finished playing on the gridiron this season. Despite no playoff eligibility, the Fins still enjoyed their most successful season in years.
The Dolphins completed their season on Oct. 28 at home against NSU University School, a team they had beaten earlier this season despite a series of lightning delays and shortened quarters. This time around, the Sharks came out on top, beating Marathon 44-38.
Marathon’s offensive unit was all systems go Friday night. Thomas Eubank scored twice on short yardage attempts and Daeshawn Holmes caught an 8-yard touchdown pass tossed by Malachi Hawkins. Hawkins scored twice on the ground for the Fins, amassing 257 rushing yards on the night.
Though the offense was able to score at will on the Sharks, the Fins defense was missing multiple starters. They were without both starting cornerbacks at the first whistle, and the roster dwindled as the night wore on, a testament to the fatigue and wear and tear typical of a small squad forced to play both sides of the ball.
The Dolphins had a chance to win in the final minutes of the game, but a fumble at the goal line gave the Sharks the ball and a final drive for NSU University School gave them the win. Marathon ended the season at 5-4, securing a winning record for the first time since 2017.
Ransom Everglades takes advantage of battered Coral Shores roster
Coral Shores played Ransom Everglades on Oct. 28 in the FIFC state football semifinals. The ’Canes beat Ransom soundly on Sept. 30, but were plagued with some nagging injuries. Though they played until the end and more, the ’Canes fell to the Raiders 36-35 in an overtime heartbreaker.
With lineman Xavyer Arrington and quarterback Yemcel Moreno sidelined by injury for most of the game, the ’Canes looked to Isaac Holmes to call their snaps. Holmes ran for one touchdown on the night and added another one as a defender on a 51-yard pick-6. Moreno had a 9-yard rushing touchdown in limited play, adding a spark to the ’Canes offense. Chuck Jacobsen scored two rushing touchdowns, one in overtime, which appeared to keep the ’Canes alive in the matchup.
Tied up at 28-28 at the end of the game, Coral Shores got the ball first in the overtime period and scored with a Jacobsen run. The extra point put the Canes ahead, but not for long. Ransom managed to score quickly in their overtime possession and opted to go for 2 rather than play it safe and tie the game again. The conversion was good, propelling Ransom to a spot in the conference championship.
While Coral Shores won’t have a shot at the conference title, the team will bring everything it has on Friday, Nov. 4 in a redemption matchup against Palmer Trinity School. Palmer handed the Hurricanes their first loss early this season. A win would secure third place in the final conference standings for the ’Canes. The road contest will kick off at 4 p.m. at Palmer.
Key West tops Fort Myers Gateway, fights to stay alive in postseason
Key West hit the road Oct. 28 to play Fort Myers Gateway in a district matchup. The Conchs’ defense came up big against Gateway, allowing just 3 points scored on a field goal in the Eagles’ opening drive. Coach Johnny Hughes praised his defense, saying, “We did a lot of bending, not breaking.”
Once the Conchs got hold of the ball, the scoring was all Key West in the 27-3 win. James Reynolds scored two rushing touchdowns, Jakari Blackman had one, and quarterback Adrian Mira connected with Kevon Mills for a passing touchdown.
Key West now faces a powerful Bishop Verot squad in a district makeup game, rescheduled due to Hurricane Ian. The Conchs will be playing for postseason survival against the Vikings, who have a talented quarterback and a bevy of target options. The winner of FHSAA 2S District 16 is anybody’s guess at this point, but a win against Verot will put Key West in a three-way tie for first. Should the Conchs secure a win, the winner of the district and the team given the nod to move forward into the playoffs will be determined by the FHSAA power rankings.
Power rankings take various aspects of the game into account, including difficulty of schedule, opponents’ win/loss records, opponents’ prior playoff appearances and record. Essentially, a loss to a powerhouse team such as Cardinal Gibbons, which Key West faced earlier this season, is better than a win against a less talented team.
Kickoff on Friday, Nov. 4 is at 7 p.m. in Key West.
