Wellington, FL – Palm Beach Central rolls in first round of the playoffs.
The Palm Beach Central Broncos were a favorite going into Friday nights playoff match up against a good Seminole Ridge hawks team. The Broncos were a 69% favorite to win according to New Era Preps twitter polls. The Broncos and Hawks are very familiar with one another after already playing Oct. 13th in a district game where the Broncos prevailed and beat the Hawks 8-3.
Early on in the game Palm Beach Central and Seminole Ridge traded three and outs, this seemed to be a defensive game as both squads defense refused to give ground. The soggy field, heavy rain, and lightning delays contributed to the slow start by both teams. The Broncos would strike first after Quarterback Nick Atkins lobbed the ball to runningback C. Stewart who ran a swing route out of the backfield and broke free for a long touchdown.
The Nick Atkins show would begin during the second quarter as he closed the first half with two touchdown passes after throwing a bullet pass to wide out B. Robinson. The Broncos defense was lights out in the first half and didn’t give up any points. Broncos had a 12-0 lead going into halftime.
The second half was much of the same as the Broncos marched up and down the field to score. Nick Atkins added on three more touchdowns in the second half. The Broncos defense was stingy all night as they did not let the Seminole Ridge offense get anything going. The Broncos defense was able to come up with two interceptions. Defensive back K. Bowles and J. Santiago picked off The Seminole Ridge quarterback.
During post game interviews with Broncos Quarterback Nick Atkins he was asked about his five touchdown performance and stated “It’s my 18th Birthday tonight and this is a great birthday present. My offensive line gave me all day back there and my wide receivers made plays all day long.” Broncos Head Coach Tino stated “All three phases of the game were working tonight offense, defense, and special teams. We watched film and attacked them in a different manner tonight.”
The Palm Beach Central Broncos dominated in all three phases of the game as they rolled to a 32-0 win over the Seminole Ridge Hawks. The Broncos defense was key in this match up as the Broncos did not give up an inch. This game will leave a bad taste in Seminole Ridges mouth as no team wants to end their season like this but it will definitely fuel the rivalry between the two.
The Broncos improve to (9-2) on the season according to FHSAA website and will move on to the second round of the playoffs to play Western who also holds a (9-2) record. The Broncos have home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
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