BY GENE NARDI
The Palm Beach Central High School boys lacrosse squad retained local bragging rights by edging Wellington High School on Friday, March 22.
WHS hosted the fifth Outback Rivals Cup, which ended in a 13-10 win for the Broncos — their fifth-straight cup victory. With the rapid growth in popularity of lacrosse, there seemed to be no difficulty filling the stands for this classic match-up, coined the “Clash of the Titans.”
Both teams struggled at the start, but it was the Broncos that would draw first blood, nine minutes into the first quarter, to take a 1-0 lead. The last three minutes of the first period provided intense action as the game opened up. Palm Beach Central commanded a 3-1 lead.
By the end of the first half, the Broncos racked up an 8-3 lead. The Broncos dominated the first half of play, slicing through the Wolverine defense with accurately placed shots. Wellington had opportunities to find pay-dirt, but Palm Beach Central goalie Shawn Chanutin came up big on several plays.
The second half was not to be denied any less action. The Wolverines came out quick with two scores to close the gap, but Palm Beach Central found a way to respond with a goal of its own. Though Wellington outscored the Broncos 7-5 in the second half, it was not enough. Palm Beach Central dug deep to hold on, edging the Wolverines for the 13-10 win.
Top performers for Palm Beach Central were Nick Ferro with 5 goals and Sammy Peede with 4 goals. Nick Griffin, A.J. Blouin and Alex Hood combined for 4 goals. Wellington’s Tyler Kuhlman scored 5 goals and had 2 assists. Patrick Oporto and Jason D’Aoust combined for 5 goals.
Both teams are now off for spring break. The Broncos will return Tuesday, April 2, when they host Palm Beach Gardens for a 5:30 p.m. game. On Thursday, April 11, Wellington hosts Palm Beach Gardens at 7 p.m.
Above: Wellington’s Thomas Oporto and Palm Beach Central’s Sammy Peede face off for the ball.
