Shayna Lagos

Jupiter High’s football team kicked off the 2023 season with their first win against Dwyer in over 20 years on Aug. 25.

For decades, the two rival schools have gone head to head with Dwyer taking the win. This matchup had a record number of sales in JHS history, with a total of nearly 4,000 people present. 

“There’s obviously nerves going into just about every game, but since it was Dwyer, they were obviously elevated. And that’s really against every rivalry game. Gardens, South Fork, Dwyer, you always get elevated nerves,” David Runner, junior, said. 

The past two years, JHS came within a few points of winning. This year, the boys football team was able to defeat Dwyer 24-11.

“A couple years ago, we were on a three year losing streak and we broke that,” Runner said. “We could have won the past two years but we showed some character issues.”  

The boys improved by training hard together and performing throughout all three phases of this game, within the offense, defense and special teams. 

 “[The players] recognized that as much as they wanted to win, the only way that it would happen is if they could calm themselves and execute in all three phases of the game,” Kevin Embick, JHS football coach, said.

With this growth came even more dedication and desire to win games this season. 

“I’m excited to have grown upon the past two years. We’ve been growing as a team,” Runner said. 

The team is also looking forward to their upcoming games, however challenging they may be.

“I’m excited for them to play Gardens and I’m excited for this week–for Park Vista, Martin County next week,” Embick said. “So just every week gives these kids an opportunity to see how good as a team we can be.”

The boys proved how well they can play together in this opening match. 

“We finished the game, we acted on all cylinders and we really just played well as a team,” Runner said.

This first victory has provided a hopeful mindset for the future of the season. Along with the excitement, the coaches and players are hopeful in showcasing their talents in this year’s playoffs.

“I’m excited to see a group of seniors, who have been dedicated to this program for four years, get a chance to play in the playoffs,” Embick said.