By Xavon Christopher
BOYNTON BEACH, FL — The Florida heat wasn’t the only thing scorching the turf at the First Annual Summer School 7v7 Showcase, as six high school programs from across Palm Beach County and beyond put their skills to the test in a fast-paced, talent-packed event designed to give student-athletes a chance to shine.
With college exposure, competitive reps, and community pride all on the line, the showcase delivered big-time performances, emotional matchups, and a championship thriller. In the end, it was Boynton Beach High School that made history—outlasting all challengers to secure the school’s first-ever 7v7 tournament title.
Pool Play: Tigers and Cougars Set the Tone
The field featured Boynton Beach, Santaluces, Somerset Canyons, Seminole Ridge, Lake Worth, and Coral Gables. Early on, it became clear two teams were setting the standard: Boynton Beach and Somerset Canyons.
Both teams finished pool play with identical 2-0-1 records, their only tie coming in a highly competitive clash against each other. Coral Gables posted a solid 2-1 mark, while Santaluces and Lake Worth each went 1-2. Seminole Ridge struggled to find momentum, going 0-3 in the early round.
The playoff picture set up like this:
• No. 1 Boynton Beach and No. 2 Somerset Canyons earned first-round byes.
• No. 3 Coral Gables faced No. 6 Seminole Ridge.
• No. 4 Santaluces squared off with No. 5 Lake Worth.
Playoffs: Familiar Faces, Fierce Battles
Coral Gables and Santaluces took care of business in the first round, setting the stage for two compelling semifinal matchups: Somerset vs. Coral Gables, and Boynton Beach vs. Santaluces—a neighborhood rivalry with serious bragging rights on the line.
Separated by just 3.8 miles, Boynton and Santaluces brought more than competition to the field—they brought history. Many players had grown up playing with or against each other, but one storyline stood above the rest: Boynton QB Chris Siska, who transferred from Santaluces this offseason after throwing for 1,310 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2024, was now leading the Tigers against his former squad.
While Somerset rolled past Coral Gables, the Boynton-Santaluces game became an instant classic.
Boynton struck first to take a 6-0 lead, but failed to convert the extra point. With time winding down, Santaluces answered with a late touchdown and extra point to go up 7-6.
But the Tigers had one last drive left.
With just 10 seconds remaining, Siska dropped back and delivered a strike to (ATH) Melvyn Teilsca in the corner of the end zone for the game-winning score. The late heroics gave Boynton Beach a thrilling 12-7 victory and a ticket to the final.
Championship: A Defensive Statement
In the championship round, No. 1 Boynton Beach met No. 2 Somerset Canyons in a rematch of their pool-play draw. Somerset opened the game with a touchdown, but couldn’t convert the extra point, going up 6-0.
The Tigers responded quickly. Siska led Boynton down the field with confidence, capping the drive with a touchdown and successful extra point to give Boynton a 7-6 lead.
From there, the defense took over.
With under three minutes left, Somerset had one final shot. But Boynton’s defense held firm—refusing to give up a single yard in the final minute. The Tigers made the stop, ran out the clock, and hoisted the championship trophy.
Final score: Boynton Beach 7, Somerset 6.
New Era, New Standard
The win marks a major milestone for Boynton Beach football. It’s the first 7v7 tournament title in the school’s 24-year history and a major statement under rising first-year head coach Tre Smith, a proud Boynton alum who’s wasted no time installing a winning culture.
“We talked all week about toughness, execution, and finishing. They showed all three today,” said Coach Smith. “This is just the beginning.”
With rising stars, a locked-in coaching staff, and a new wave of momentum, one thing is clear:
New Boynton is here!!!!!!
