West Palm Beach, FL — The Kings Academy Lions came out swinging Friday night, but it was the Glades Central Raiders who stormed back in the fourth quarter to pull off a thrilling 22–19 comeback victory.

Kings Academy struck first when ATH Levi Champion kept it himself and powered into the end zone, giving the Lions a 6–0 lead with 4:17 left in the first quarter. The Raiders’ next drive showed promise until senior defender Chase Croteau came up clutch with a drive-ending sack on fourth down to preserve the early lead.

Midway through the second quarter, Croteau made another huge play—this time blocking a Glades Central field goal attempt to keep the shutout intact. Before halftime, Kingston Deloach connected on a 25-yard field goal to extend the Lions’ advantage to 9–0 at the break.

The Lions’ defense continued to shine deep into the third quarter. With just under four minutes remaining, Croteau blocked yet another punt, setting up Kings Academy at the Raiders’ eight-yard line. Though the Lions couldn’t punch it in for six, Deloach stayed perfect, drilling another 25-yard field goal to make it 12–0 heading into the fourth.

That’s when Glades Central flipped the script. With 9:17 left in the game, quarterback Taj Barnes fired a dart to Algernod Crawford in the end zone, putting the Raiders on the board and cutting the deficit to 12–7.

Kings Academy responded quickly as Tyce Porcher broke loose for a 75-yard touchdown run, extending the Lions’ lead to 19–7. But the Raiders refused to fold. Barnes and Crawford linked up once again for another touchdown, trimming the lead to 19–14 and breathing new life into Glades Central’s sideline.

Moments later, the momentum completely swung when the Lions fumbled, and Wade Antoine pounced on the loose ball deep in Kings territory. Barnes capitalized immediately, scoring his third touchdown of the night on a quarterback sneak, then converting the two-point attempt to give the Raiders their first lead 22–19 with under two minutes remaining.

Kings Academy had one final possession, but Glades Central senior Sauvernson Paul sealed the deal with back-to-back sacks on third and fourth down to end the game.

The Raiders erupted in celebration after scoring 22 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, completing one of their most resilient performances of the season.

Up Next: The Muck Bowl

With the win, Glades Central (8–1) now turns its attention to one of the most storied rivalries in Florida high school football “The Muck Bowl” as they prepare to face Pahokee next week in what promises to be another electric showdown.