Boynton Beach, FL- The Battle has been won, but the war has just begun.
Tonight (August 23) we were treated to another high powered ranked matchup between the #4 Somerset Canyons Cougars and the #3 Santaluces Chiefs. This cross town matchup, dubbed the “Battle for Boynton” has been hyped all off-season, and did not disappoint.
After both teams traded failed possessions, the host Chiefs ignited the scoring first, as senior Israel Marion punched in a 5 yard rushing touchdown. Marion would go onto have a career breakout game, find out more momentarily.
Despite a long scoring drought elapsing on the clock, Somerset would strike next, as senior QB Jayden Harrington found WR Tay Briskey for a 7 yard passing touchdown. Following the play, Jayden would then punch in a 3 yard rushing score for a Cougars’ 2-Point Conversion.
Santaluces responded by marching down the field on the very next drive, as Izzy Marion records his second touchdown rush of the night as time winds down in the half. The Chiefs would secure a 14-8 lead over the Set going into halftime.
On an opening possession of the second half, a Santaluces drive stalled into a Three-and-Out, forcing a punt situation. Instead of a normal punt return, Somerset’s star EDGE rusher, Wiz Sterling got to the backfield in time to block the kick, scooping it and scoring, tying the game.
The Chiefs struck right back, as QB Jorris Shepherd found NC State commit WR Jamar Browder for a red-zone touchdown. Browder was a matchup nightmare tonight, using his 6 foot 4 frame to his advantage, bullying smaller DB’s lined up in front of him.
When all hope seemed lost for the Set, QB Jayden Harrington put the team on his back, using his natural athleticism to break off multiple crucial scrambles, including this physical TD rush. Harrington’s ability to extend plays is unmatched throughout the county.
Santaluces devised a beautiful drive, chewing the majority of the clock, as the Chiefs marched down the field. Jorris Shepherd methodically picked apart gaps in the defense, showing his veteran experience in late game situations. Capping off the drive was by none other then Izzy Marion, who rushed for his third score of the game.
With just under a minute left, game on the line, Santaluces’ AnaTay Smith comes up with a crucial Interception to ice the ball game. The Battle for Boynton had been decided, Santaluces defeats Somerset 27-21 in a beautiful chess match of a game.
