WEST PALM BEACH – In one of the year’s best breakout moments so far in Palm Beach County, a running back from Forest Hill showed everyone what that actually entails.
Enter Melvin Hubbard, a senior who is just getting started as a key contributor for the Falcons.
This past Friday night (Sept. 10), Hubbard display a high level of athleticism and versatility in his team’s 46-14 home win over Inlet Grove. He finished the game with 14 carries for 133 yards and one touchdowns, while adding an interception on defense that went 35 yards for another score.
Hubbard’s overall performance was good enough for our MVP of Week 3 honor.
“Melvin Hubbard made plays all over the field,” Forest Hill head coach Jim Basford said. “He jumped a screen on defense for the pick-six. He constantly made people miss when running the ball on offense.”
Hubbard is more of an athlete type, as he starts at both running back and cornerback.
“He helps us all over the field,” Basford said. “He plays multiple positions on offense as well.”
Hubbard’s pick-six occurred during the first drive of the second half.
“I recognized the formation from watching film the previous week,” Hubbard said. “I knew what play was coming, so I jumped the gun.”
Hubbard recapped his own performance against Inlet Grove.
“I feel like it was one of my best games so far,” said Hubbard, who also recorded a forced fumble in the Falcons 32-point win over the Hurricanes. “My coaches put me in the best position to make plays, and that’s exactly what I did.”
Forest Hill senior athlete Dmitry Peters concurred.
“He just showed up and showed out,” Peters said. “He made plays on both sides of the ball that was needed for us to win. Him being so versatile and explosive really helped get us the win.”
Now moving forward, Forest Hill (1-2) is working to win more games this season and ultimately be in contention for a Class 8A playoff spot.
“I think we still have a few things with need to sharpen up and fix as a team,” Basford said. “I think we are talented team that just needs to put it all together. But it’s always nice getting in the win column. We had two tough games to open the season, and I think we learned about ourselves a little bit in those defeats. Our team goals are still in place, so we are going to work each day to accomplish them.”
NEXT GAMES FOR FOREST HILL
Week 4: Away at John I. Leonard (1-2) – Friday, Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m. kickoff
Week 5: BYE
Week 6: Home vs. Lake Worth (0-1) – Thursday, Sept. 30, 6:30 p.m. kickoff
NOTE: Forest Hill is in District 8-8A with John I. Leonard, Lake Worth, Park Vista, and Santaluces.
