PALM BEACH GARDENS – It was his first game back this season.

After dealing with a bout of adversity, Palm Beach Central junior running back Tyler Young dug deep and gave his very best last Friday night (Oct. 22) against Palm Beach Gardens.

In what turned out to be a close 26-21 win for our area’s No. 1-ranked team, Young proved to be the game’s most impactful player and difference maker.

Given the stakes that were in play, Young’s two touchdowns was enough for him to be selected as our MVP of Week 9.

“Well for starters I am blessed, especially after getting injured and being out for seven weeks,” the 5-foot-9, 165-pound running back said. “I was not able to show everyone my ability and talents on the field. Being MVP on my first week back means a lot to me. It gives me hope that I am strong and able to come back even better than before. This means to stay on the lookout because ‘2’ is back.”

Up 11-7 over Palm Beach Gardens in the second quarter, Young found a way to get open for a touchdown catch from junior quarterback Ahmad Haston at the 7:10 mark. With the extra point, Palm Beach Central’s lead grew to 18-7.

“It was a great play call by our coaches, and we had great protection from our o-line,” Young said. “Our quarterback (Ahmad Haston) threw me a great pass and I was able to find the end zone.”

The next score by Young was the final one of the game. It came at the 5:49 mark of the third quarter, when he powered his way into the end zone on a short run.

This play – which preceded a successful two-point conversion – helped to give Palm Beach Central a 26-21 lead that held until the final buzzer sounded.

“My second touchdown was in the red zone,” Young said. “I knew we had to score because at that point we were down by three. When I took the hand off, I saw the end zone untouched.”

Young summed up his game experience.

“The only thing that came up for me was to thank God,” Young said. “All glory to God.”

PHOTO CREDIT: Keith Forde