West Palm Beach, FL.- Leading into last night’s varsity football matchup between the Santaluces Chiefs and the Palm Beach Central Broncos, it was clear the Broncos were looking to remind everyone they’ve still got it. Following a few down weeks, Central, one of the top teams in our area, were still looking for that statement win to cement themselves as being a contender.
That win came last night.
Last night, Central went out and played the brand of football that we’ve grown accustomed to seeing from them. From the opening kick of the evening it was evidently clear, this game wasn’t like the previous.
Midway through the first quarter, the Broncos formulated a drive that mixed strong runs from senior Frankie Voremo, an aerial assault in the passing game, and well drawn up RPO’s taken by QB Chance Routson. After breathing down the goal line, Chance punched in a 3 yard rushing touchdown, starting the game off 7-0.
After a quick volleyball match between three-and-outs from both sides, PBC star kicker/punter Ethan Dagastino pinned the Chiefs on the 1-yard line. Dagastino’s performance last night will NOT go unnoticed or under appreciated, as the senior pinned the opposition within their own ten yard line three times (10,7,1).
On the following drive, Palm Beach Central’s defense handled business, forcing a safety, and extending their lead to 9-0.
As time wound down in the first half, Santaluces began piecing together a drive in hopes of putting points up before the break. On the final play of the half, after a little bit of trickery and flea flickery, a pass sailed into the end zone, and was picked off by Central’s Nedrick Boldin on a diving play.
Early on in the fourth quarter, Central found themselves back on the goal line. On a designed QB run, the ball gets punched out just across the line to gain. As everyone from both sides jumps on the pile, it became evidently clear…..
Ladies and Gentlemen: WE GOT A BIG MAN TOUCHDOWN!
Central’s David Sorensen gracefully pounced on the loose ball in the end zone, securing his team points, and extending their lead to 16-0. This feat of athletic prowess from Sorensen would be a pivotal point in this contest, putting points up moments before a (way too long) weather delay.
After an hour and a half weather delay, play resumed.
Central’s offense came back on the field, and pounded the rock. Frankie Voremo stampeded the Broncos’ offense down the field, securing over 100 yards on the night, capping the drive off with a score. Central now led 23-0.
With under five minutes remaining in the game, Santaluces found there way back to the red-zone on a drive that eventually ended in a Chris Siska to Israel Marion 4 yard receiving touchdown. The Chiefs then converted on a 2-Point try to Jamar Browder, cutting the lead 23-8.
After an onside kick falls back in the hands of Santaluces, the Chiefs offense retook the field in plus territory. On one of the first plays of the drive, PBC Linebacker Emmanuel Toussaint comes away with a sneaky interception, putting his team back on the field.
PBC marched down the field with Voremo once again, getting the ball within the five. Unfortunately for the Broncos, there was an errant fumble, which Santaluces came away with just under two minutes remaining.
As the clock ticked away on the final drive, Palm Beach Central secured their first home win of the season, defeating Santaluces 23-8. The Broncos’ now move to 3-1, and will enjoy a much needed bye week next week.
