FORT PIERCE — The Okeechobee Brahmans fell to the John Carroll Catholic Rams 23-0 on Sept. 18, bringing their record to 1-1 this year.

Leading the Rams was one of the top quarterbacks in South Florida, Jay Allen. Last season Allen lit up the Brahmans, scoring five touchdowns, two rushing and three passing, in a 35-0 blowout. Coming into his senior season with even more experience, he was going to be handful for the Brahman defense.

Although it was a loss, this game had a different feel thaN recent match-ups between the two teams.

Despite a game that seemed to have the potential for an offensive explosion for the Rams, Okeechobee’s defense was surprisingly stout, especially against the run. Of the three touchdowns the Rams scored, only one was on the ground. That came early in the first quarter on a 6-yard scamper from a Rams back.

Allen was able to make two plays through the air that put the game out of reach, a pair of 30-yard touchdown passes in the second quarter to make the score 20-0.

In the second half the Brahman defense kept John Carroll Catholic out of the end zone completely, allowing only a field goal. Allen had only three completions out of 11 attempts in the second half. Okeechobee senior Jayquavious Thomas snagged an interception from Allen in the first quarter and senior Joshua Suarez had a great pass break-up in the end zone of another Allen pass.

Offense is where Okeechobee struggled against the Rams. The Brahmans just couldn’t get any momentum going throughout the night. Okeechobee only managed to pass for 26 yards and run for 48. John Carroll Catholic was able to force six Brahman turnovers.

This is the second shutout the Rams defense has produced this year. Last week they shut out Port St. Lucie 27-0.

Next Okeechobee will play their first home game of the season. Like many other teams, the Brahmans have decided to host their senior night early this year, wanting to make sure they have the chance to honor their seniors in case COVID-19 decides to wreck plans later in the season.

The Brahmans host the South Fork Bulldogs at 7 p.m. in Okeechobee. Tickets for the game will be available at the gate only; no presale. Each player and cheerleader parent will be allowed to purchase up to four tickets at the gate. All other tickets will be first come, first served up to 400. The gate opens at 5:15 p.m.