SEBASTIAN — Coming off their impressive triumph over Okeechobee last week, the Sebastian Sharks look to even their record against the formidable Jensen Beach Falcons.(3-1) comes to Shark Stadium tonight to take on Sebastian River High School (1-2) at 7 P.M. The Falcons are a tough opponent, but the Sharks are ready for another test after last week’s 35-7 dismantling of Okeechobee.
Jensen Beach’s offense is similar to the North Broward attack that abused Sebastian for 32 unanswered second half points in their 39-19 loss so the Sharks have something to prove against the 3-1 Falcons. Offense
SRHS made the most of a golden opportunity last week with its 35-7 triumph over Okeechobee. Coach Randy Bethel could have left his first team players in and run up the score, but he didn’t. Instead, he gave other players on the depth chart a lot of playing time in the second half to give them some valuable game experience. Senior RB Fred Macon (320 yards) didn’t run for 200 yards, but then again, he didn’t have to. Tonight against the Falcons, he will have to. The Sharks will also need another efficient game out of QB Wesley Wilson (58 percent on passing attempts). Getting the ball to his most dangerous receiver, Stephon Clark is a must.
Jensen Beach is the favorite coming into this contest because of its offense. Senior QB Dustin Paonessa is the playmaker the Sharks have to keep under control to have a chance to win. He’s put up strong stats this year, completing 28 of 50 passes for 506 yards and 6 TDs. His favorite target is senior WR Brett Theisen (11 catches, 297 yards and 4 TDs), but it’s worth noting that most of his production came in a shootout against No. 1 ranked 1b Jupiter Christian. Theisen he went off for 6 receptions for 202 yards and 4 TDs in that contest. The Falcons can run the ball too, and junior RB Tevin Wilson is solid (213 yards, 4 TDs).
Defense
The Sharks look at this, their first District game, as the start of their season. With mixed results thus far, SRHS is hard to judge defensively. The talent is certainly there with players like Daniel Lee (23 tackles), Cortez Ash (20 tackles), Calvin Christian (2 INT), and Macon (4 sacks).
The Falcons will be missing nine key players tonight due to disciplinary action. The extent of their punishment and what they did to receive it is unknown. This defense gave up 45 points to Jupiter Christian. Senior Safety Ryan Burke (27 tackles, 1INT) is the man to watch on this unit.
Analysis
When he scheduled North Broward Prep to open the season, SRHS Coach Randy Bethel knew what he was doing. The Sharks are hungry and will take advantage of Jensen Beach’s new starters. If the Sharks play up to their potential they will win by a TD.