Florida’s HS competition was shaken a little bit with the news that the 3-4 Cape Pirates defeated 6-1 Tampa.

The Pirates emerged 14-13 winners in a game that may not have an enormous effect on the playoff picture, but it’s still an interesting result.

With the Krewe losing, and RBMA winning 41-27 over West Pines, it is Riviera Beach Maritime Academy that is in 1st place.

Cape Pirates have lost to Jupiter, Okapi, and Key Biscayne by an average of slightly less than eight points. Head Coach Steve Roper said his team has been moving forward all through those tight setbacks.

“We had a game plan on playing in there half so if they were going to score on us it would have to be long range tries and kicks,” explained Roper. “Our forwards were superlative.”

Lock Stephen Parsons and flanker Sebastien Hodge were outstanding. John Shimer partnered Parsons nicely at second row. Stephen Parsons was moved from flanker to center, and he helped shore up a fairly inexperienced backline, holding Tampa to just 13. 

“Our rookie backs have come a long way and we have them all back next year,” added Roper, who got his starting scrumhalf back from injury for the first time all year.

Meanwhile, with RBMA winning, that team improves to 6-1-1 while Tampa drops to 6-2. RBMA is now in 1st. Cape Pirates improve to 4-4. Daytona won 37-20 over Naples to pretty much ensure that Daytona will be in the Plate playoffs. We almost had another upset, as Jupiter held off Key Biscayne 29-27. The win puts Jupiter at 6-2 along with Tampa. 

Next week's Tampa v Orlando clash will be an important one for both teams, especially if Key Biscayne wins Wednesday's game against Okapi.