PALM BEACH- Tonight’s (November 17) primetime playoff matchup between Palm Beach Central and Boca Raton was one for the ages.
Fans in attendance had plenty of time to absorb the feature match, as tonight’s game lasted well over three hours. Tonight’s game kicked off at 6:30 PM, and the final whistle did not blow until 9:36 PM.
Despite the lengthy performance, the game was truly one to remember.
The offensive highlight performance of tonight came from Palm Beach central running back Leon Williams. Williams was unstoppable on the Ground tonight recording over 150 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown. Leon showed explosive burst and ballcarrier vision, weaving between his blockers for positive yards.
SCORE UPDATE
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) November 17, 2023
Palm Beach Central – 14
Boca Raton – 0
4:29 left in the first quarter @leonwilliamsiii: 2-yard TD run
XP good by @EthanD_Kicks @PBCbroncosFBALL @CoachT_22 @Andy_Villamarzo pic.twitter.com/VNyblmuwvp
Williams displayed his elite athleticism tonight, has he constantly made tacklers miss in the open field and even hurdled a defender. today’s game was special for Williams, as this could be the last game he ever plays at Palm Beach Central. The 5 foot 9 senior was very emotional after tonight‘s game, taking one last victory lap across Broncos stadium.
Listen to this interview with Williams where he breaks down tonight’s performance:
Post game interview with Palm Beach Central RB Leon Williams after the Broncos 34-28 victory against Boca Raton pic.twitter.com/WlBicCcH5r
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) November 18, 2023
Another offensive master class came from the performance of four-star Miami commit wide receiver, Waden Charles. Charles was electric tonight recording six catches for over 100 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Waden’s best play from tonight was a 26 yard touchdown reception, where he shed the defensive back, catching the ball in the open field over the middle. Charles then turned off field, sprinting into the end zone, making two men miss in the process. As always, Waden linked up with teammate and best friend, Kamare Williams, for a choreographed touchdown celebration.
9:22 2nd: @takeemdeep9_ makes a beautiful catch as @PBCbroncosFBALL reaches the @BocaRatonFB 11-yard line@CoachT_22 @coach_cristobal @CanesFootball pic.twitter.com/COBGZ5FaFN
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) November 18, 2023
SCORE UPDATE
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) November 18, 2023
Palm Beach Central – 31
Boca Raton – 14
10:26 left in the third quarter @cbutler3311: 26-yard TD pass on this play to @takeemdeep9_
XP good by @EthanD_Kicks @PBCbroncosFBALL @CoachT_22 @Andy_Villamarzo pic.twitter.com/B4NooO45wf
Listen to this post game interview with Waden, where he breaks down his performance tonight:
Post game interview with Palm Beach Central WR Waden Charles after the Broncos 34-28 victory against Boca Raton pic.twitter.com/4NClIqRGh0
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) November 18, 2023
Defensively Palm Beach Central’s secondary shined tonight. Cornerback Damon Allen was the feature tonight, recording, two interceptions, and the game sealing pass break up. Allen displayed elite physicality and field vision has both pics were contested jump balls.
FINAL
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) November 18, 2023
Palm Beach Central – 34
Boca Raton – 28@PBCbroncosFBALL (10-2): Survived Hail Mary attempt at buzzer by @BocaRatonFB (7-5 final record)@BroncosPBCHS: Advances to play at @MHS_Knights_FB in @FHSAA 4M-R3 final@CoachT_22 @Andy_Villamarzo pic.twitter.com/4YJiauzncD
Damon was not the only central corner to have an elite game today, as Safety, Sean Raymond also left his mark on the match. Raymond recorded four tackles, and three pass break ups. My favorite play from Raymond came late in the second quarter, when the 6 foot 1 senior, beautifully jumped a route batting the ball into the grass.
Listen to this joint interview with Allen and Raymond as they assess tonight’s game:
Post game interview with Palm Beach Central DBs Sean Raymond and Damon Allen after the Broncos 34-28 victory against Boca Raton pic.twitter.com/3267d2Pch6
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) November 18, 2023
Palm Beach Central advances to the FHSAA Class 4M Region final, where they will travel into enemy territory to face Monarch High. This game is hosted on Friday, November 24. Kick off is slated for 7:30 PM.