West Palm Beach, FL.- Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to the main event!
Tonight (September 13) the Santaluces Chiefs face off against the Palm Beach Central Broncos in a head to head matchup that’s been eluding us for the past few years.
This matchup features two of the best passing offenses in South Florida. The stakes are high, the emotions are high, and the highlights should be beautiful. The 3-0 Santaluces Chiefs are hoping to continue their undefeated streak, while the 2-1 Palm Beach Central Broncos are looking to secure a win over a top tier team in our area.
Without further ado, let’s dive in and break down this matchup, projecting what’s to come in a few short hours.
Santaluces
Like I said earlier, it’s no secret that Santaluces has one of the best offenses around.
The Chiefs’ offense is headlined by an elite senior WR trio that perfectly compliments one another’s play styles. Senior wideouts Jamar Browder, AnaTay Smith and Izzy Marion have all dominated early this year. While they are all complete and elite receivers that truly can do it all, Jamar Browder’s 6 foot 4 frame provides a lethal jump ball threat, while Smith and Marion’s shifty YAC abilities create matchup problems on the outside and in the slot. AnaTay and Izzy’s natural athleticism allows for an expanded playbook, as they both have the potential to sub in as a wildcat QB or RB.
AnaTay Smith (@AnaTaySmith2) heaves it downfield to Jamar Browder (@JamarBrowder) who hauls in the grab.
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) October 14, 2023
14-14 | 5:55 3Q pic.twitter.com/6IoLenEq6F
Defensively, the Chiefs are led by a strong DB core headlined by Caden Gordon and Landon Earl, alongside a front seven fortified by star linebacker Tre Robinson. I expect the Santa defense to apply serious pressure tonight, finding their way into the backfield multiple times.
Palm Beach Central
Let’s switch our attention over to our gracious hosts for the evening, the Palm Beach Central Broncos. After a few rocky starts, the Broncos appear to be getting back on track offensively following a change in play call. Like Santaluces, PBC makes a strong argument in the “Best WR Core” debate, as star seniors Nedrick Boldin, Preston Parker Jr. and Kamare Williams have shined early. Broncos’ QB Chance Routson is coming off a confidence boosting 5 touchdown game last week, and one thing I know about Routson is when he gets hot, he stays hot. I expect a big night from the FlightSchool Pilots.
Palm Beach central finds the Endzone first as Chance Routson hits Kamare Williams for a 35 yard touchdown
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) September 6, 2024
9-0 PBC
3:34 1st pic.twitter.com/ctkhdzibyi
Defensively, Central has shown some question marks, but also growth over the past few weeks. PBC’s front seven led by star linebackers Antoine Sharp and David Harmon alongside defensive linemen McOwens Innocent and Nas. Ware should provide pressure in the trenches throughout the night.
Analysis
This game has the potential to be one of the better nights of football we’ll witness this season. Two very talented squads are about to collide, but only one can come out on top.
Before I give my take, I’d like to go on record and state that in my professional opinion, summer 7v7’s do NOT matter or translate into success in the fall. Therefore, the outcome of the FAU 7v7 was NOT taken into account.
I firmly believe this game will be an offensive shootout. There is a very strong chance this game will come down to who has possession last. With that being said, I think PBC secures their first home win of the season, coming out victorious 42-38 in a high octane fireworks show.
