BOCA RATON – As the best overall player in Palm Beach County, Ashton Gillotte made sure to finish his high school football career on top at The Mecca.
In Boca Raton’s season-ending 24-17 win over Palm Beach Gardens on Saturday, Dec. 19, the Louisville signee ended his week to remember with three rushing touchdowns, which accounted for 18 of his team’s total points.
Here’s how the 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior and our MVP of Week 7 plowed his way to the end zone three times:
•First score came late in the second quarter on a 12-yard run to the end zone; kicker Peyton Giersbrook had a successful extra point as they both combined to tie game up at 10-10
•Second score occurred in the second half as Gillotte powered his way to the end zone on a 44-yard run; Giersbrook’s second extra point gave Boca Raton a 17-10
•Third score was essentially the game-winner on a 1-yard run to the end zone; Giersbrook’s third extra point provided for the 24-17 final score
Gillotte spoke with media members after the Bobcats (6-1) held off the Gators (4-3) for a seven-point win at Traz Powell Stadium in Miami.
“This year, they just started asking me to play at running back,” Gillotte said of his coaches. “Normally I was tight end last year, but this year I got to run the rock. That’s what my brother (former Wellington standout Devin Gillotte) did a little bit. I was just trying to make him jealous (laughs).”
Gillotte also had at least two sacks, one of which came on the game’s final drive to secure the 8A Silver championship for the Bobcats.
“I like sacking quarterbacks,” Gillotte said. “Being able to make them actually feel you, that’s something special.”
Gillotte also touched on how his final high school football game resulted in a championship win for Boca Raton.
“We got an opportunity that normally we wouldn’t get,” Gillotte said. “We took a moment to seize the opportunity. It just feels really good.”
In his first season as the Boca Raton head coach, David Angell could not have had a better ending to this season with Gillotte as his best player. He spoke on Gillotte’s impact on the team, particularly in this closeout game.
“He’s a do-it-all kind of kid,” Angell said. “He’s a guy you have to find a way to keep on the field. Obviously he’s a defensive player, but we had to get our best players on the field, and he’s one of them. He’s one of the best players Boca High has ever had. I’m so happy for him and his family. He’s going to do great things at the next level.”
Angell summed up Boca Raton’s Tri-County title run from this season.
“We really didn’t know how things were going to shake out,” Angell said. “Im just happy for the kids. I’m glad that we got to experience what it’s like to be a champion.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Veronica Gillotte
