The Palm Beach Central High School boys varsity football team faced Palm Beach Gardens on Friday, Sept. 14 at the Broncos’ home in Wellington, falling short 10-6.
In a game that saw only two touchdowns, it was the Gators’ third-quarter field goal that clinched the win for Palm Beach Gardens. The Broncos, on the other hand, struggled to make moves and keep control of the ball.
The Gators started off strong, getting in an early touchdown. On their second possession, they drove the ball 98 yards. On the next down, they ran in the ball for a touchdown. An extra-point kick made the score 7-0.
It wasn’t until late in the second quarter that the Broncos put points on the board. Trinton Hanson jumped up to intercept a Gator pass, giving Palm Beach Central control of the ball on the 12 yard line. After several attempts to score, Tommy McDonald ran the ball 1 yard into the end zone. But an extra-point kick by Cameron Golob was blocked by the Gators, and Palm Beach Central fell short of tying the score, bringing it to 7-6.
For much of the remainder of the game, both teams seemed gridlocked on the field. With strong defense on both sides, neither team could move the ball.
Both teams also made mistakes. The Broncos fumbled the kickoff going into the second half, putting the Gators dangerously close to the end zone. But Hanson made a second interception, blocking Palm Beach Gardens’ chance at a touchdown.
Late in the third quarter, the Broncos fumbled the ball and turned it over to the Gators. Palm Beach Gardens advanced to the 37 yard line and, with 1:30 left in the third quarter, kicked a field goal to extend their lead 10-6.
Neither team was willing to give up the fight, though, and they clashed on the field for the remainder of the game. Unfortunately for the Broncos, they were not able to catch up and ended the game in defeat.
Palm Beach Central travels to Royal Palm Beach High School on Friday, Sept. 21 for a 7 p.m. game.
Above:Â Bronco quarterback Kyle Shafer lines up a pass.
