BOCA RATON – All it took was one kick to change the game last week for Artur Chagaev.

The Boca Raton senior athlete gave his team a 3-0 lead when he connected on a 45-yard field goal in the first half against Dwyer this past weekend. This moment galvanized the Bobcats and inspired them to eventually hold on for a 9-8 road win over the Panthers.

Chagaev’s presence alone was enough for our followers and voters to select him as our co-Breakthrough Player of Week 7.

“I believe it was towards the end of the quarter,” Chagaev said of his field goal. “I don’t remember exactly when, but my coach just sent me out there saying, ‘Just do your thing.’ And then, boom.”

Boca Raton defensive coordinator Jared De Freitas spoke on Chagaev’s breakout moment against Dwyer.

“His field goal was huge for us,” De Freitas said. “We knew going in it was going to be a every score possible game. His kick gave us the early momentum and we rode that through the delay. Every one kept saying we’re up 3-0. We knew they were beatable. If it ended 3-0, we were ready. He answered the call and we trusted him in going for a 40+ yard kick.”

FUN FACT TO KNOW: Chagaev plays multiple positions on the field. In addition to kicker, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound athlete plays at center on the offensive line, some defensive line on specific plays, and strong side linebacker.

Chageav’s refreshing level of versatility has helped Boca Raton (No. 6 team ranking; New Era Prep Top 10) improve to 5-1 on the season.