PALM BEACH GARDENS- Theres no better way to cap off homecoming week than upsetting your cross county rival.

Tonight (October 20), Palm Beach Gardens hosted cross county rival #1 Palm Beach Central for their homecoming matchup. Going into tonight, most considered this a questionable decision, however the gamble was a smart one. 

Gardens had all the momentum throughout tonights matchup. The catalyst for the Gators success tonight came from the performance of quarterback Keyon Stephens. Stephens was electric tonight, with over 100 yards on the ground, as well as over 100 in the air. Stephens was responsible for all three Gardens touchdowns, as he rushed for two, and completed a 50 yard dot to Nomo Davis.

The Gardens defensive corps came out to play tonight, as guarding the PBC skill positions is no easy feat. Gardens had multiple pass breakups and FAU Commit safety Mike Wright III had a clutch interception late in the second half. In the trenches, Gardens was constantly applying pressure on the Central backfield, which resulted in multiple QB hurries and sacks.

The most underrated aspect of Gardens’ win came from special teams. Many will say that PBC’s dangerous returners set up the final two drives in the Broncos’ victory over Benjamin two weeks ago. Gardens sought to eliminate this problem, and they executed. On almost every kickoff, PBG K Gavin Newby did not kick to the primary returners, instead launching squibs to other unsuspecting players. 

Palm Beach Gardens just made a statement to the entire county. After rising to a 5-3 record, the Gators have all of the momentum going into the end of the regular season. 

Palm Beach Gardens will host Jupiter High on Thursday, October 26. Kick off is slated for 6:30 P.M.