Former Deerfield Beach High coach Art Taylor won his first game at Zion Lutheran in a kickoff classic game against host cross town rival, Highlands Christian, 35-12, while Deerfield Beach disposed of North Miami Beach, 26-8, at Lockhart Stadium on Friday night.

The Bucks’ victory gave first year Deerfield Beach coach Adam Ratkevich his first win at the school. Donte Dotson had nearly 300 yards of total offense with three touchdowns, including a 75-yard kickoff return to start the game.

Zion Lutheran has a 33-player roster, which is up from the 14 they had last year. Some kids moved in from mid-
dle schools and some are younger brothers of players who previously played for Taylor.

“This has been exciting,” Taylor said. “You look for challenges, and this is a good challenge. They ended with 14 kids last year, and we have a lot of people helping out to build this program.”

Zion Lutheran got off to a strong start in its victory over Highlands Christian. The Lions committed four penalties on its opening drive, yet drove for the score on a 10-yard scoring run by Tevin Rob-inson. Zion lead 28-0 before Highlands cut the lead to 28-6.

Justin Seays finished with 171 yards and two touchdowns, while Isiah Philpart (116 yards) and Robinson (99 yards) each scored once. Michael Gray ran for one score and threw for another to account for the Knights’ points.

Taylor said there were improvements made to the school’s locker room, blocking sleds and scoreboard, among other subtle changes.

“It has been a growing process and we are really trying to incorporate a Christian atmosphere there. It is a great opportunity for these kids to get a great education at the school,” Taylor added. “I see everyone in the school coming out to practice to check us out. It is nice that there is another football program in Deerfield Beach. These kids are working so hard. They don’t quit and they are hungry.”

Ratkevich, who came to Deerfield Beach after a stint at Northeast High School, said he is excited about being at the school.

“I am extremely excited about being a Buck,” Ratkevich said. “It is the best coaching job in Broward County as far as I am concerned. We have some fine young men and we had some trials and a few bumps along the road that happens in a transition everywhere, but they came together and looked like a football team tonight.”

Ratkevich said the Bucks dominated in every phase of the game against North Miami Beach. He said the team has made great strides in moving to a spread offense from the Wing T that the Bucks previously ran.

“There was a lot of learning curve,” Ratkevich said. “They were successful in the past, so the kids look at you funny when we are putting in new stuff and say, ‘but it worked pretty well before coach.’ They saw how hard the coaches worked and the kids have bought in because they believe in us.”

Bucks, Lions have successful debuts with new coaches