Playoff Game Preview - Regional Semifinal vs. Cypress Bay

The Regional Semifinal is a re-match of the top 2 teams from District 11-8A. Miramar and Cypress Bay have a history of great games against each other (see the Series History article from Wednesday for more on that), and now they stand in each other’s way as both teams look to continue their seasons, and chase the 2011 Class 8A State Championship.

Enough with the preamble. Let’s look at the teams, and the keys to victory:

Cypress Bay Lightning (8-3, 4-1 District 11-8A, District Runner-up)
Playoffs: Defeated Taravella 33-3 in Regional Quarterfinals

The Cypress Bay Lightning are the second playoff opponent for the Miramar Patriots. I’ve already written an entire article on the history between these teams, so there’s no need to belabor that point again. But I will say these teams know each other well, and this figures to be the latest chapter in an already intense rivalry.

Cypress Bay is led by Coach Mark Guandolo, who has been at the school since it’s opening. Guandolo is a veteran coach with a very impressive resume. His teams routinely made the playoffs and won State Championships in his days at Chaminade-Madonna, and he has continued that success in his time in Weston. Guandolo’s teams have always been built around a couple central principles: physical Wing-T offensive attack that wears down the opponent and controls the clock, timely play-action passing with athletic Receivers and Tight Ends, and a stingy defense that forces opponents out of their comfort zone. We’ll take a look at the X’s and O’s later, but for now, let’s move on to the players that will play major roles for the Lightning in this game.

Offensively, there are a few players who will need to play well for Cypress Bay to emerge victorious. First and foremost is the player who controls the offense: Junior Quarterback Jaranta Lewis. Lewis has been starting since his Freshman year, and fully understands the intricacies of the Wing-T offense. His athleticism allows him to be a threat in the running game, and his arm has developed into a valuable weapon in the passing game. To be successful as a team, and finally solve the Miramar Defense, Lewis’ play must be flawless.

Helping take pressure off of Lewis are a pair of Running Backs in Junior Matt Dayes and Senior Deandre Brown. Both players are capable of having big games, and run hard for extra yardage after contact. Dayes is the more explosive of the 2 backs, and will look to bounce plays to the outside and use his speed on the edge of the defense. Brown is coming off a strong game in the Regional Semifinal vs. Taravella (14 carries for 91 yards and a Touchdown), and could easily replicate those numbers if the defense relaxes when he takes the field.

Also looking to contribute to the running attack is Junior Josh Kaiser. He started games after Dayes and Lewis sustained injuries against St. Thomas, and he is another player who is tough to tackle one-on-one.

Missing from the offense is Running Back Giscard Philizaire. The Senior sustained a broken leg against St. Thomas back in the 3^rd game of the year, an injury that ended his season. His speed and savvy have been missed through this season, but the Lightning have been able to insert other players such as Brown and Kaiser and replicate the missing production.

Another talented player is Junior Alex Montgomery. The 6’2’’, 210lb athlete starts on both offense and defense, and has made a number of plays on both sides of the ball this season. His height and leaping ability present challenges when on offense, and his lateral quickness allows him to make plays from sideline to sideline on defense. Montgomery is the favorite target for Lewis in the passing game, and absolutely integral to the success of the Cypress Bay offense.

Last, but definitely not least for this run-based team, is the Offensive Line. Anchored by Senior Danny Isidora (6’3’’’, 335lbs), the line has played well this year, opening holes for the running backs, and protect Lewis in passing situations. They are large, tough, and talented, and that is a staple of a Mark Guandolo coached team.

On the Defensive side of ball, Cypress Bay has a few standout players who look to team with Montgomery and stifle the Miramar Offense. Defensive End Daumantas Venckus and Linebacker Josh Witt are battle tested Seniors who are big time college recruits. Venckus, committed to Iowa, and Witt, committed to Miami, have played very strong football this season, and teams are wise to account for them on every play. They, along with Montgomery, have the ability to change the game on any play, and they will need to bring their absolute best to the field on Friday.

Senior Troy Bray handles the punting and kicking duties for Cypress Bay. He has been consistent this year, and he will need to continue his high level of play for the Lightning to be successful against the Patriots on Friday.

Overall, this is one of the best teams in South Florida, and a worthy challenge for any opponent.

Miramar Patriots (10-0, 5-0 District 12-8A, District Champion)
Playoff: Defeated South Plantation 38-0 in Regional Quarterfinals

Miramar continued the 2^nd undefeated season in school history by ousting South Plantation 38-0 in the first round of the playoffs. The Patriots got stellar play from a number of players in this game, and eventually pulled away after only leading 7-0 at the half.

Coach Damon Cogdell continues to have his team well prepared for playoff competition. With a career record of 10-3 in the playoffs, Cogdell will need to have his team well prepared to add another with to that total.

On Offense, Senior Running Back D’Vontis Arnold has emerged as the key player for this team. His 139 yards and 2 touchdowns on only 14 carries vs. South Plantation gave balance to the offense, and his hard running style wore down the Paladin defense. Finally able to play after missing the last 2 years with injuries, Arnold has made the most of his opportunities, and will need another strong game to provide balance for the offensive attack.

Quarterback Camren Hudge continues to utilize his weapons in the passing game. His ability to read the defense and pick out the right target is impressive. His receivers have let him down at times, however, with drops coming at key times during the previous game. Hudge has had trouble holding on the ball in the past few games, however. Fumbled snaps, and even a fumble when trying to throw a pass, have been the main culprits. Ball security must be a top priority in this game.

Malcolm Lewis and Sean Avant are players who have the ability to stretch defenses in the passing game. They will need to have big games to help their Quarterback out, and also lead the team towards victory. Charleston Jenkins and Devonte Mathis were held without a catch in the opening playoff game, and Tanares Robinson seemed to be a bit rushed. Those 3 players will need to have a more consistent performance against Cypress Bay.

The Darkside defense again proved why they are the best in the State. Seniors Tracy Howard and Marrell Jackson both had interceptions in the game, putting an end to South Plantation drives. Howard returned his pick 32 yards for a Touchdown, and gave Miramar an early lead. Jackson’s interception came in the end zone, and put an end to any thoughts that South Plantation had of upsetting the Patriots.

Usually overlooked by opponents and fans alike, the defensive line came through with arguably their best performance of the year against South Plantation.. D’Quan Williams, Willie Paisley, Mike Fluerinvil, D.J. Wallace, Fary Charles, and Trevon Coley controlled the point of attack all game long, and while they did surrender some yards to the Broward County’s leading rusher in Alex Collins, those yards proved to be empty, as the Paladins were unable to score on the night.

Linebackers Jermaine Grace, Mark Rucker, and Brian Williams played steady during the first round game. They were quick to add run support when the line wasn’t able to make plays, and pass coverage when South Plantation was forced to pass. Their contributions were not seen on a stat sheet, but they were nonetheless integral to the success of the Defense as a whole.

Freshman Kicker Malik Wisdom has gotten better as the season has worn on. His leg is very strong, and his technique is coming around as well. He made 2 field goals against Cypress Bay the first time these teams matched up, and could play a big role in the re-match as well.

Miramar had a strong second half performance against South Plantation, and turned a close 7-0 game into a 38-0 blowout. They passed the first test on the Road to Orlando. The next one, against Cypress Bay, figures to be tougher.

Why Cypress Bay might win: The Lightning’s power running Wing-T offense is able to move the ball, and control the clock. One of the key aspects of this offensive paradigm is control of the clock, and if they are able to move the chains, and eat up chunks of clock, this will shorten the game, and make every Miramar possession that much more important.

A strong defensive performance from one or more of the leaders for Cypress Bay is also necessary. Daumantas Venckus, Josh Witt, and Alex Montgomery will have to do their best to be disruptive on defense, and Cypress Bay will need to force Miramar turnovers for this team to swing momentum, and put pressure on the Patriot offense to score every time they get the ball.

Why Miramar might win: First and foremost, the Darkside defense plays another strong game and stifles the Cypress Bay running attack. The defense will need to play disciplined, and take advantage of every opportunity to get takeaways. With Marrell Jackson (11 interceptions), Tracy Howard (6 interceptions), and a host of other players need to live up to their reputations as playmakers come Friday night.

The offense needs to find their identity, and stick to it. Whether that’s quick passes (as seen against St. Thomas Aquinas) or power running (as seen vs. South Plantation), this team has the ability to move the ball and put points on the board. If the offense scores early, and puts Cypress Bay in a 7 or 14 point hole, the Lightning could be forced to change from their run based scheme, which would play into Miramar’s hands.

What to Watch For:

Is Cypress Bay able to control the clock on offense? Which one of their playmakers steps up on Friday night? What wrinkle will the Lightning use to confuse the Patriots? 

Cypress Bay has been the ultimate all-or-nothing team this year: they have won every game when they score a point, but have also been shut out 3 times (St. Thomas Aquinas, Miramar, Bradenton Manatee). Which team shows up on Friday?

Can Miramar forget about the slow starts from the last 3 games and regain their early and mid-season form? What can Tracy Howard do to impact the game? Can the players limit the penalties and turnovers that have plagued them over the course of this season?

This game will undoubtedly be incredibly competitive, and the victors will have earned a chance to continue their path on the Road to Orlando. Come out and see the next chapter in this budding rivalry on Friday night. The game will be played at Branca Stadium on the campus of Miramar High School, with kickoff coming at 7:30pm. Trust me folks, you want to be there.

The next stop on the Road to Orlando is here. Whose trip is going to continue? And whose trip is ending?

You gotta be there to find out!

Until Next time,

Cameron J. Underwood

Miramar Sports