Just about three hours prior to kickoff, a massive thunder storm circulated through the Boca Raton area. After the weather eventually cleared, and the beauty of the Everglades returned to the horizontal view from the stands of Frank A. Barbieri Field, one thing was certain- it’s football time here at West Boca Raton High.
Despite what the final score of tonight’s contest might imply, it certainly wasn’t a pretty night, but that’s just exactly what makes our beloved game so great. The midsummer showers turned the field of the Bulls into a muddy slip and slide, leading to players from both sides struggling to find their footing in the liquid grass. Snaps were bobbled, Dwyer’s icy white jerseys were painted an ungodly new color, tacklers were penguin sliding across the sideline, kickers were whiffing kicks and slipping around. Some might call it madness, others refer to it as just part of the game.
Contrasting the elemental madness, West Boca opened tonight’s district matchup with a statement. QB Trey Moran unleashed a dart over the middle to WR Kyle Andrews, who would run untouched to the end zone for a 90 yard touchdown on the first play of the night.
Moments later, West Boca’s offense found themselves back on the field, as QB Omari McNeal marched his offense back into the end zone, as he connected with WR/TE Calerbe Hermane for a 27 yard pass, before finding his speedy slot receiver Zacharias Walls with a 15 yard touchdown.
For the remainder of the half every time the Bulls had possession of the ball, the drive would end with someone dancing in the end zone. Moran would throw his second passing touchdown of the night, this time to running back Anderson Gracillien. On their following possession, West Boca flew down the field, mostly impart to two incredible rushes from McNeal, and the drive would finally be capped off with a jet sweep from Billy Clancy. Finally right before half, the Bulls scored on yet another big play, as Quinton Miller Jr escaped for a 45 yard rushing score.
With just under two minutes remaining in the the first half, West Boca was just a few points away from triggering the running clock for the remainder of the contest. That’s when the Bulls’ defense wanted to get in on the scoring frenzy.
On a busted screen play from the opposing offense, West Boca’s star defensive back Jaydin Broadnax intercepts the Dwyer pass in stride, and screams down the sideline for a 52 yard interception return touchdown. As the Louisville commit Broadnax flies into the end zone, he treats all the spectators to his best Cristiano Ronaldo impression (see video below).
Even though they were up 40-0 at the beginning of the 3rd quarter, West Boca showed zero signs of stopping. Omari McNeal and Kyle Andrews connected for their second touchdowns of the night, before starters were officially pulled from the contest.
Our final score of the evening came from someone who’s quietly embodied the spirit of West Boca Raton football- senior Malique Joseph. Joseph, who is officially midway through his senior year, was the Bulls’ starting center for the previous three seasons, before changing his position to Tight End during fall camp. In tonight’s victory, Malique recorded four catches for 65 yards and his first career touchdown reception. After Joseph hauled in his milestone catch, he let the crowd know that he “Just wanna rock”, by hitting the viral dance made popular via social media.
Following the win, I caught up with West Boca’s Head Coach; Dylan Potts, who had this to share on the night:
“I thought we handled all three phases of the game well. We set the tone after that first play to Kyle, who had a great night tonight. Our Quarterbacks did a great job of spreading the ball around, and using their legs when we needed to. I’m very happy with the complete game we played tonight.”
West Boca Raton continues to roll through the regular season. Their next task certainly isn’t an easy one, as the Bulls now prepare to host Western next Friday Night.
