DELRAY BEACH – It was time for Glades Central to flex its overall game on another level.

In what was a 21-7 takedown of Delray Beach American Heritage on the night Friday, Oct. 20, the Raiders (5-2) got the boost they needed on offense and defense. They got it done in more ways than one.

Just when the Stallions thought they had it in them to potentially force overtime, the Raiders secondary found a way to extinguish those aspirations. Down 15-7 and close to midfield, senior quarterback Ryan Rizk attempted a Hail Mary pass but was promptly picked off by junior athlete E.J. Jackson as time expired in the game.

As Jackson caught the interception, he zigzagged his way down the field and reached the end zone almost untouched for the game’s final score.

With the defensive touchdown, it effectively sealed Glades Central’s first win over American Heritage since 2011 – a five-game losing streak to the Stallions that ended in style.

“E.J. had the biggest play of the game,” said Glades Central junior quarterback Davius Richard, who threw for two touchdowns and an interception on the game’s first play. “Ever since he came here, he’s been working really hard and getting those interceptions for us. He’s been really good.”

Jackson, who transferred from Cardinal Newman in the offseason, spoke on how he got it done at the very end.

“Well, I did it last year as well when I was with Newman,” Jackson said. “But that play was a sack (21-20 road win over American Heritage in 2016; effectively eliminated Stallions from Class 3A playoff contention and clinched postseason berth for Cardinal Newman). The sack was a loss for eight years, and now with this pick, I took it back for six.”

Jackson also forced a fumble and recovered it in the end zone early in the third quarter. It happened as American Heritage was poised to cut into Glades Central’s 8-0 halftime lead.

“Our coaches said, ‘Never give up on the play,” Jackson said. “I saw the ball rolling on the ground, and I just went to go get it.”

Glades Central’s secondary finished the game with three interceptions, two of which came from senior defensive back Jamarian Green.

“He’s the real deal,” Jackson said. “He’s the best cornerback in Palm Beach County. I can’t say anything else.”

On the offensive side of the ball, Glades Central’s two touchdowns prior to Jackson’s game-ender came in the air. With 7:58 left in the first quarter, Richard found junior wide receiver Jymetre Hester on a route and put him in position to outrun a host of American Heritage defenders for a 47-yard score.

“I just told the quarterback to trust me,” Hester said. “I broke inside and told him to throw it to me. It worked out perfectly.”

Right after the score, senior wide receiver DeJuan Miller punched the ball in the end zone for a two-point conversion, which made it 8-0.

And after halftime, Miller got his own touchdown catch from Richard. This one came off a 6-yard pass on a fourth-and-goal play with 6:32 left in the third quarter.

After the extra point, Glades Central had a 15-0 lead.

“He’s a great athlete,” Jackson said of Miller. “I would like to see him go on and play D-1 (Division 1) football.”

Glades Central got a good challenge from American Heritage, which cut the lead to 15-7 after Rizk found senior wide receiver Michangelo Joseph for a 7-yard score and the ensuing extra point went through with 3:47 left in the fourth.

American Heritage junior defensive end and Florida State verbal commit Michael Morris recovered a fumble in the game, which presented yet another obstacle to overcome for Glades Central.

All in all, it was a relatively well-rounded win for Glades Central.

Next stop:Cardinal Newman (Friday, Oct. 27 in the road).

Glades Central is on a three-game winning streak and must win out with some help to qualify for next month’s Class 4A playoffs.

“Everyone played together as one,” Glades Central junior running back/athlete Steve Barrett said. “We just have to keep working hard and playing as a team. We’re going to get there.”

NOTE: American Heritage (4-4) will have a bye next week before closing its regular season against Westminster Academy. The Delray Beach team will need plenty of help to avoid missing out on the Class 3A playoffs for the second straight year.