OKEECHOBEE- The Okeechobee Brahmans defeated the Palm Beach Lakes Rams 12-0 in the 2023 Kickoff Classic on Aug. 17.

OHS  quarterback Ni'marion Bryant connected with Corey Wilkerson for a 4-yard touchdown near the end of the first quarter to put the Brahmans on the scoreboard. Okeechobee went for two and converted with a jet sweep by Carriss Johns to put the Brahmans up 8-0.

The Brahmans defense was dominant in the first half, forcing multiple turnover on downs. John White and Santana Alvarez delivered some big hits for Okeechobee that kept the Rams behind the sticks for most of their offensive possessions.

In the fourth quarter, a high snap by the Rams during a punt attempt resulted in a safety after the punter was brought down in the endzone while scrambling for the ball. The safety increased Okeechobee’s lead to 10-0. That same script played out again on Palm Beach Lakes’ next punt attempt as well, with the Brahmans adding two more points with another safety to make in 12-0.

The game was delayed about half an hour due to lightning. A thunderstorm rolled through the area in the early afternoon before the game.

Okeechobee now hits the road for back-to-back games to start the regular season. The Brahmans take on DeSoto County on Aug. 25 in the regular season opener. Then, Okeechobee will be in Vero Beach facing St. Edward's on Aug. 31.

They’ll be back at OHS on Sept. 8 when they host Ambassadors Christian Academy.