WELLINGTON – It all comes down to this.
Just one game separates Palm Beach Central and Palm Beach Gardens from a spot in the Final Four of the Class 4M state playoffs.
Both Palm Beach Central and Palm Beach Gardens have played this season, meeting on Oct. 21.
In that matchup, Central pulled away for a 35-14 victory. Senior wide receiver Luby Maurice, Jr. led the way for the Broncos with three touchdowns.
Kickoff is scheduled from 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25.
PALM BEACH CENTRAL
Palm Beach Central will likely go as its quarterback, senior Ahmad Haston, goes.
The Broncos offense flows through Haston’s arm. When he’s firing, the offense is moving down the field with ease.
As much was evident in Central’s victory over Stoneman Douglas. Haston accounted for six touchdowns in the win, connecting with three different wide receivers for touchdown passes.
The UMass commit is spoiled for weapons to throw to, as well. Seniors Javorian Wimberly and Maurice Jr. lead the way, but keep an eye on Nedrick Boldin as well.
With 1:46 remaining in the 3rd quarter @ahmadhaston2 connects with @NedrickBoldin for 6‼️ @PBCbroncosFBALL 41@MSDEagles 17@EraPrep @ESPNTop63 @pbphighschools @FlaHSFootball pic.twitter.com/SqlZB8tRvZ
— Bronco Athletics (@pbcathletics) November 19, 2022
Although Boldin is younger than the last two, he’s still capable of making a major impact.
On defense, there are plenty of names that headline the group.
Last week, Central’s defensive line set the tone. Nick Toussaint and Aden Haston were among the defensive linemen suffocating a strong rushing attack from Palm Beach Gardens.
Justin Bostic is the leader of this defense, though. The Florida A&M commit is a magnet to the ball, hauling in multiple interceptions.
PALM BEACH GARDENS
A strong rushing attack has kept Palm Beach Gardens going this season.
Whether it’s senior Desean Butler, junior Landon Carr or any of their other running backs, the Gators are going to try and establish the run. Both Butler and Carr accounted for touchdowns against Monarch, setting up a win to get to this point.
Senior quarterback Brand Campbell leads the offense and has been a big reason why they’ve been successful.
CLASS 4M – REGIONAL SEMIFINALS
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) November 20, 2022
OT: @GatorsPbg have 35-28 lead over @MHS_Knights_FB @BrandCampbell5 to @_clopez24 for 6️⃣@m_tucker27: XP good (5-for-5)@CoachHiggins50 @FlaHSFootball @FHSAA pic.twitter.com/bInqXPSvQp
There are games where he’s taken over, and that may be the difference against Palm Beach Central.
Defensively, it’s hard to not turn your attention to the linebackers.
Palm Beach Gardens’ linebacker room is five-deep, including the aforementioned Carr.
Juniors Niko Platt and Christian Lopez are two names to keep an eye on in the room. Senior Jerrius Chavers is also capable of making big-time players.
In the secondary, Keyon Stephens and Michael Wright are two of the leaders.
Stephens came away with an interception against Monarch to secure the win in overtime. When he isn’t playing offense, he’s making an impact on defense.
Wright is capable of shutting down top wide receivers. We will see what he does tonight with the top talent that Palm Beach Central has at wide receiver.
