In a thrilling season opener, the Pahokee Blue Devils pulled off a statement victory Friday night, edging Palm Beach Central 27–25 in Wellington.

Pahokee’s defense set the tone early, limiting the Broncos’ high-powered offense to just six points in the first half. The Blue Devils made key stops on two early Palm Beach Central drives that reached inside the 35-yard line, sending a message from the opening snap that they wouldn’t be intimidated.

Behind that defensive effort, Pahokee carried a 14–6 lead into halftime.

The second half, however, quickly turned into an offensive showcase. On the very first play after the break, running back Samuel Arnold took a screen pass 80 yards for a touchdown, electrifying the Blue Devils’ sideline and crowd.

Palm Beach Central responded with urgency, piecing together back-to-back scoring drives. Quarterback Chance Routson muscled into the end zone from a yard out to close the gap, then followed with a 7-yard strike to Jayden St. Fort, cutting Pahokee’s lead to 21–18.

Momentum appeared to swing fully toward the Broncos when their defense forced another three-and-out. But disaster struck on the ensuing punt, as Palm Beach Central muffed the return and handed Pahokee prime field position at the 25-yard line. The Blue Devils wasted no time capitalizing—quarterback Xavier Mitchell connected with Antoine Lawrence on the very next play for a 25-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 27–18.

Palm Beach Central managed to score late in the fourth quarter, but the comeback attempt fell short. Pahokee’s defense held firm in the closing seconds, sealing a signature 27–25 victory.

The win is a major confidence boost for the Blue Devils, who made an early-season statement by knocking off one of Palm Beach County’s perennial powerhouses on their home turf.

Cover Photo Credit: Marlon Williams, NewEraPrep