Unlikely stars shine as Vero Beach holds off Centennial in matchup of undefeated teams

PORT ST. LUCIE — Vero Beach High School’s football team extended its regular season win streak to 49 games when it held on to beat St. Lucie West Centennial 20-15 in the District 8-8A opener Friday at South County Regional Stadium.

But unlike most of the previous 48 wins, this one had some very unlikely heroes.

Offensive lineman Billy Laziman jumped on a fumble in the end zone early in the fourth quarter for what proved to be the game-winning touchdown.

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Centennial was in position to at least make a big play and possibly score in the final minute, but Vero Beach wide receiver Demarcus Harris — playing as an extra defensive back — wrapped up Centennial receiver Datwan Blackwood, Eman Anderson knocked the ball loose, and reserve linebacker Jimmy McKinney recovered the fumble in the end zone to seal the win.

“You don’t know how it’s going to turn out,” Vero Beach coach Lenny Jankowski said. “We talk to our players all the time, it’s usually the guy that doesn’t expect to win the game or to be involved with the win that comes up big for you. That’s why it’s the best team game on the planet.”

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Quick thoughts from a game that absolutely lived up to the hype …

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• It would be a surprise if Vero Beach and Centennial (along with Treasure Coast) don’t all advance to the regional playoffs. There’s still more than a month remaining in the regular season, but these teams are very talented. There’s a reason why District 8-8A had three of the top four teams in the region when the FHSAA released its inaugural playoff power rankings earlier this week.
• University of Miami defensive coordinator Manny Diaz was on the sidelines watching the game and was treated to some outstanding defensive play. Vero Beach’s front seven continues to play well and rarely gave Centennial quarterback Blayne Watkins time in the pocket. One Vero Beach assistant coach recently commented that the team’s current group of linebackers (Jack Karshner, Eman Anderson, Davon Hicks and Evian Irving) is as good as — if not better than — the group two years ago (Corvin Moment, Patrick Moody and Davion Cross). The current linebackers aren’t as big as that trio, but they’re all fast and physical.

• Centennial played most of the game with only five defenders in the box, but was able to shut down Vero Beach’s running game and made several key plays behind the line of scrimmage. Defensive end Jamari Stewart, who appears to be fully recovered from an early season knee injury, combined with Clonet Charment and Jadarius Bernard to consistently frustrate Vero Beach’s offensive line.

• Vero Beach quarterback Nick Celidonio now sits alone atop the Treasure Coast’s record books. The senior finished the game 16 of 20 for 279 yards and a touchdown, bringing his career total to 6,741 yards — 68 yards more than former record holder Stone Labanowitz (South Fork, 2012-16). It’s an impressive feat for more than the obvious reasons. Unlike Labanowitz, Celidonio didn’t play varsity football until midway through his freshman year. Celidonio, who was at John Carroll Catholic for his freshman and sophomore seasons, also has played under three different offensive coordinators during his varsity career. It’s not often a player can enjoy the type of success Celidonio has under those circumstances.

• Centennial defensive back Dwight Toombs (No. 4 TCPalm Super 11) had one of the biggest hits of the season in the third quarter when he blew up a bubble screen in the third quarter. It was just another impressive play in a season full of highlights for the senior.
• Running back Cedrick Wilcox IV gives Centennial a game-breaking rushing threat. Despite being a focal point for Vero Beach’s defensive game plan, Wilcox scored two more touchdowns Friday, bringing his total to eight touchdowns the past three weeks. Centennial coaches think Wilcox needed a few games to adjust to the Eagles' scheme. Fellow running back Kevin Smith did a nice job in limited time Friday, including a 55-yard run in the third quarter that set up a field goal attempt.

• Despite Centennial’s impressive secondary, Vero Beach had success throwing the deep ball. Demarcus Harris (No. 3 Super 11) caught a pair of long passes, and Javien Cuff scored a third-quarter touchdown on a 35-yard pass. When Celidonio had time to throw, Vero Beach receivers found a way to get free.  

• Centennial came into last year’s game against Vero Beach undefeated, then proceeded to lose five in a row. It would be stunning if that happened this year. The Eagles are more mature this season. This loss will hurt, but they’ll quickly realize that they still have a lot to play for.
• Vero Beach already has wins at Venice, Pahokee and Centennial this season, but things won’t get any easier. The Fighting Indians next two games (Fort Pierce Westwood and Treasure Coast) also will be tough tests. Extending the win streak to 50 or 51 games won’t be easy.