Broncos Top Village Academy 68-44 In Pre-Season Football

The Palm Beach Central High School boys varsity football team defeated visiting Village Academy 68-44 in the pre-season Kickoff Classic on Thursday, Aug. 23.

The Broncos jumped out to an early lead, scoring three times in the first quarter. With one minute to go, the Broncos were up 14-0 when running back Lloyd Howard ran in a touchdown to extend the lead to 20-0. Bronco kicker Cameron Golob scored an extra-point to make the score 21-0.

But the Tigers weren’t willing to be shut out and ran 66 yards in the final seconds of the quarter to score. A successful 2-point conversion made the score 21-8 going into the second quarter.

The Broncos responded minutes later with a touchdown by Tommy McDonald. An extra-point kick by Golob made the score 28-8 with about nine minutes left in the half. Though the Broncos’ running game was strong, the Tigers threw several successful passes to advance. One such pass landed them on the Broncos’ 5 yard line with 7 minutes left in the half. Another pass left them inches from the end zone, and finally the Tigers pushed in for a touchdown. The 2-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, and the score was 28-14 with 4:30 left in the half.

The Broncos answered again two minutes later when Howard ran in another touchdown. Golob’s kick was blocked, making the score 34-14. But the Broncos’ lead slipped in the final minutes of the half. With a minute remaining, the Tigers put in a touchdown and a 2-point conversion to make the score 34-22. Then, Palm Beach Central fumbled the kick return and Village Academy picked it up.

With 46 seconds left, the Tigers started from the Broncos’ 38 yard line and ran in a touchdown, making the score 34-28. A successful 2-point conversion narrowed the Broncos’ lead to 34-30.

Coming out of halftime, a Tiger touchdown momentarily put Village Academy ahead 36-34. But the momentum didn’t last. The Broncos fought back, scoring several more times to finish the game 68-44.

The Broncos open the regular season by taking on Seminole Ridge High School at home Friday, Aug. 31 for a 7 p.m. game.

Above: Lloyd Howard runs down the field for a Bronco touchdown.