MSD varsity football shuts out Jupiter Warriors during Pink Out game

Safety+Jackson+Norkunas+%289%29+fights+past+the+block+set+by+the+Warriors+offense.+The+Eagles+defense+played+one+of+their+strongest+games+of+the+year+as+they+held+the+Warriors+to+0+points.

Carolina Ochoa Lozano

Safety Jackson Norkunas (9) fights past the block set by the Warriors’ offense. The Eagles’ defense played one of their strongest games of the year as they held the Warriors to 0 points.

Reece Gary, Senior Sports Editor

On Friday, Oct. 7, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School varsity football team hosted the Jupiter High School Warriors. This was the Eagles’ sixth game of the season as they entered the game with a record of 2-3, hoping to continue their momentum after beating Coral Springs High School in the Pig Bowl early in the week.

Ahead of the game, MSD’s Rowdy Eagles announced the theme of “Pink Out,” encouraging Eagles fans to pack Cumber Stadium in pink attire. Raising breast cancer awareness every October by wearing pink, “Pink Out” is a returning theme that is greatly celebrated by MSD fans.

At 7 p.m., Cumber Stadium’s inflatable Eagle rose for the players to run through, and the team lined up amidst an enthusiastic student section cheering them on.

The game started with the Eagles setting numerous blocks during the kickoff punt, giving the home offense an early jump. This led to the Eagles making their way to the opposing endzone quickly into the first quarter, allowing for an opportunity to score. On the three-yard line, running back Justin Spano (3) ran into the endzone for a touchdown, followed by a two-point conversion run as well.

“All the hard work that our team puts in, both together and individually, paying off is one of the best feelings ever,” Spano said. “After those rough couple games at the start of the season, we came back stronger and played more as a team.”

After a defensive stop for the Eagles, Spano had three big runs on the offensive drive, leading to another Eagles touchdown. Quarterback Ryan Spallina (15) then completed a pass to Tucker Jean (17), for the two-point conversion which made the score 16-0.

Receiver Clayton Cannon Jr. (1), caught an interception on the flowing Jupiter possession, giving the Eagles the ball again.

“I felt good. We have to keep up the great energy and effort,” Cannon Jr. said.

However, an Eagles three-and-out gave Jupiter the ball back. On their possession, Jupiter made their way downfield, but were still unable to score past the Eagles’ tight defense.

With pink-dressed fans cheering loudly, Spallina completed a pass to Spano for a thirty-yard touchdown. Intended for receiver Ryan Cruz, a two-point completion failed to try to extend the Eagles’ lead further. This drive ended the first half, giving the Eagles a commaning 22-0 lead.

Following a failed onside kick, the Eagles gained back possession to start the third quarter. Carrying momentum from the first half, the Eagles offense was ready to score again.

A 40-yard touchdown pass from Spallina to Cannon Jr. allowed the Eagles to grow their already commanding lead to 29-0.

By the fourth quarter, the Eagles’ offense began to slow down, only scoring a field goal during its duration. On the other hand, the Eagles’ defense remained strong, holding off the Warriors from obtaining any points.

As the final quarter’s clock reached its conclusion, the Eagles celebrated a dominating 32-0 victory.

“We needed to win, so we put on a show,” left tackle Jack Grubor (11) said. “When we take things one [game] at a time and focus on our strengths, we win.”

In an attempt to continue their streak of wins, the Eagles play Boyd H. Anderson High School on Friday, Oct. 14. With a season of 3-3 so far, the Eagles plan to capitalize on their current momentum to gain a winning record.