This rivalry between Palm Beach Lakes head coach Alonzo Jefferson and Dwyer defensive coordinator Bobby Sifrit is of the friendly nature. Sifrit and Jefferson are former teammates from their playing days at Cardinal Newman. Jefferson was the Palm Beach Post’s Offensive Player of the Year in 1982 at running back, while Sifrit took care of the blocking at fullback.
“I played here and coached here for 20-something years and he’s probably still the best running back I’ve ever seen in high school down here,” Sifrit said. “He was something special. I didn’t get to see most of it because I was blocking for him, but he was just unreal.”
The two remained close friends over the years and when Jefferson was coaching at Palm Bay, the Pirates would come down to play Dwyer in kickoff classics or spring games.
“He’s like my best friend,” Jefferson said. “We hang out and talk about football even when we’re not playing each other. It’s been a good rivalry over the years because of our friendship.”
Their friendship also means they have a good idea of what to expect from the other’s team. Jefferson knows all about Sifrit’s defense at Dwyer, while Sifrit says he expects to see the same Power I from Lakes that they ran at Newman.
A big crowd of their classmates from Newman is expected to be at the game, which should add to the atmosphere.
Sifrit added, in true friendly rivalry fashion, that he’s sure he could beat Jefferson in the 40-yard dash right now.
And who wouldn’t like to see that? Mad Skills anyone??