WEST PALM BEACH – Palm Beach Christian’s football program has quietly flown under the radar, as they are one of the newer schools to Palm Beach County.
The Saints are looking to change the narrative in 2024, as they came out and secured a 32-27 statement win over Oxbridge Academy.
Things started off rocky for the PBCP as they muffed a punt in the end zone and Oxbridge defensive lineman Liam Guzzanti scooped and scored to get on the board first.
Prep answered right back, with a kickoff return by rising star Kawan Ingraham. Ingraham scored a total of three touchdowns and racked in 179 all purpose yards Friday night.
When asked about what fueled the Saints’ performance Kawan proclaimed:
“We give glory to God, we prepped hard for this game, and came out here to execute.”
Senior Quarterback Derrick Flanders put on a show for the Saints as well with a five touchdown performance. Derrick picked apart the Thunderwolves’ defense going 25 of 35 for 313 yards passing. Flanders dictated the pace of the game all night and got the ball to his playmakers.
Derrick Flanders went on to speak about his teammates “without number five and number six, I couldn’t do anything without them.” Flanders said “They are my playmakers.”
Ryan Ferdinand was a bright spot for the Saints. Ferdinand had 12 catches for 172 yards and one touchdown reception.
“The offseason has paid off.” Ferdinand said. “I have to thank my amazing coaches.”
On the defensive side of the ball, Jeremiah Parks flew across the field, securing four tackles, two pass breakups, and one fumble recovery. Parks held the Oxbridge receivers he guarded in check most of the night.
Saints Head Coach Eddie Poole has all of his student athletes prepared on and off the field which contributed to this big win over former state champion Oxbridge Academy but he didn’t take any credit for it.
“We preach family and we all love each other so much and God he’s our head.” Poole said. “The parents at our school do everything, we don’t even have to ask them. I love all the parents and administration that support us on our mission.”
Palm Beach Christian Prep will be a team to watch as they rise in the ranks this year. The saints seem to have a great culture they are building and the team has bought into the philosophy of their school and athletic program.
Oxbridge Academy next game will be at home versus Pine Crest Aug 22nd at 7pm.
Palm Beach Christian Prep will be at Berean Christian on Aug 23rd at 5pm.
