On November 15, Key West defeated visiting Estero in a pivotal playoff game to move to 8-3. As the season progresses, the Conchs continue to improve, and their victory in the FHSAA 3A Region 4 quarterfinal was their first postseason victory in almost 30 years.
Throughout the four quarters of play, the Wildcats’ inability to contain the Conchs’ run-heavy offensive unit persisted. Estero found Jaden Fox especially annoying; in the victory, Fox scored four touchdowns and surpassed 1,500 yards for the season.
Head coach Johnny Hughes was ecstatic with his team’s performance last week and added, “He’s the engine that makes everything go.”
Roman Van Loon kept getting better, catching a touchdown pass from Cole Jackson. When starter Teak Guyet sustained a season-ending injury halfway through the season, Van Loon assumed quarterback duties. Key West’s defense was very deadly to the Wildcats, but the Conchs offense was on a roll last week, scoring 35 points against Estero.
The remaining seven points were handled by the defense. Estero was on the 1-yard line on one drive, but they fumbled instead of punching it in to cut the score, which let Josh Johnson, the defensive end for Key West, grab the ball and roar into the other end zone.
In terms of physicality, that was the best our defense has ever played, Hughes remarked.
Cypress Lake, a team that is remarkably comparable to the Conchs, is up next for Key West. Both clubs had stout defenses and strong scoring attacks, and their results against Estero, their lone common opponent, were comparable.
Hughes remarked, “They have some good kids, but it will be a good game if we play like we did Friday night.” Second-placed Key West in Region 4 will have home-field advantage over Cypress Lake’s sixth-seeded Panthers. Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium will host the game on November 22 at 7 p.m.
The opportunity to advance toward a state title is on the line. The regional final game is set for November 29 and the field of candidates has been reduced to 16. Miami Northwestern, a very familiar opponent, would be Key West’s most likely opponent in the regional championship if they defeat Cypress Lake this week.
Earlier in the season, the Conchs lost to the formidable Bulls of Northwestern 50-14, but they have improved significantly since then and were able to stay within striking distance until the last quarter.
Images from Keys Weekly/MAICEY MALGRAT
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