BY GENE NARDI
The Wellington High School football squad traveled to Pahokee High School on Friday, May 30 to take on the Blue Devils, handing Pahokee a 16-7 loss after a 30-minute lightning delay.
The Wolverine victory avenges last year’s spring game loss to the Blue Devils.
The game played in a steady rain for most of the first half. Wellington needed just three field goals and a touchdown to take down the Blue Devils.
The Wolverines drew first blood after a Mike Howard interception was capitalized with a 21-yard field goal by Alex Ng to take an early 3-0 lead.
Wellington gambled with an on-side kick and recovered the ball in Pahokee territory, which led to another Ng field goal to end the first half 6-0.
A pivotal goal-line stand by the Wolverine defense prevented Pahokee from getting into the end zone.
Early in the fourth quarter, Wellington quarterback Devin Bolden connected to Kyle Branch for a 32-yard touchdown pass down the middle on a crucial fourth-and-two play. Ng’s kick extended the Wolverine lead 13-0.
The Blue Devils responded on the ensuing kickoff with a 75-yard touchdown run, closing in on the Wellington lead 13-7.
The Wolverine defense would respond by pressuring the Pahokee quarterback to capture two more interceptions.
Ng would drive in one more field goal for the 16-7 win.
Ng’s boot was integral for the win. He scored 10 of the 16 points for the Wolverines. Howard, Jean Rene and Ahmmon Richards each had an interception. Branch is credited with a touchdown reception.
“It’s a lot of hard work and discipline, and we’re not done,” Wellington coach Thomas Abel said.
ABOVE: Alex Ng kicks one of his three field goals for Wellington.
