JUPITER, Fla. (CBS12) — Jupiter High School got a taste of ‘bowl season’ on Wednesday. The Appalachian State football team took over the Warriors field, preparing for the offensive juggernaut that is Western Kentucky in this Saturday’s Boca Raton Bowl.
For two Palm Beach County natives, this week is a bowl dream come true. Wellington and Forest Hill High Schools are well represented, with Stephen Passeggiata and Jordan Earle so excited to be home and playing in front of friends and family.
“When I told my mom she was screaming in the phone,” says Earle.
The Mountaineer starting defensive lineman can’t wait for the challenge of trying to stop Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe, who’s leading the country with 5,545 passing yards and 56 touchdown tosses. He’s even more excited to take this task on in front of family and friends.
“Even just (being on) this field itself,” reflects Earle, the former Forest Hill star. “It brings back a lot of memories from when I played down here.”
Wellington’s Passeggiata is on the scout squad, but with four years of eligibility still ahead of him, this experience at home is special.
“It feels great to be home,” says Passeggiata. “It was the best possible turnout because I get to go home (for the holidays) right after the game. I haven’t been home since last spring.”
And then there’s perhaps the most outwardly excited Mountaineer player of all, Deerfield Beach wide receiver DeShaun Davis
“I feel the vibes already just being in this area,” says a smiling Davis. “My house is 10 minutes away from the stadium. So just being in (this) area, I love it. I remember watching a college team come on (my( high school field, and it just looked like, wow, I can’t wait to be in that position.”
The Boca Raton Bowl kicks off at 11 AM on Saturday at FAU Stadium.
