DELRAY BEACH- Ladies and Gentlemen, at long last, high school football is back!
After months of patiently waiting and anticipating the 2023 season, we are officially underway! While there were numerous games tonight, our main event was the highly anticipated matchup between Palm Beach Central and Atlantic High.
Last season, this game was cancelled due to inclement weather, which continued to build the hype for tonight. When two high profile teams matchup, especially early in the season, there is going to be fireworks. To build the buzz even more, Youtuber Deestroying and his camera crew made an appearance at tonights matchup.
Throughout the first half, both offenses appeared to struggle, and both defenses held strong. Both Atlantic and Palm Beach Central had first half interceptions. Palm Beach Central also recorded a clutch fumble recovery deep in their own territory.
At the end of the first half, the score remained tied at 0-0.
During the second half, you could see Atlantic turn into a different gear. The Eagles defense continued to hold the Broncos offense to numerous three-and-outs throughout the remainder of the game. After halftime, the Atlantic offense found their groove, recording two touchdowns. At the end of the game, Atlantic kicked a mid range field goal to set the final score of 15-0.
Offensively for Atlantic, running back Demarion Alberic (’24) was flying across the field. Alberic was easily tonights offensive MVP, recording 115 yards rushing and a touchdown to set the Eagles up 6-0. Alberic is a very fast twitch, shifty back that kept the PBC defense on their heels all night.
Like I said earlier, quarterback Lincoln Graf (’25) found his footing in the second half, recording over 150 passing yards and a deep, wide open touchdown to receiver Mark Hanniford to set the Eagles up 12-0.
Graf has shown serious improvements this summer both as a passer and a leader. Lincoln Graf has seriously taken the reigns to this Atlantic offense, and will be a force to be reckoned with all season long.
Defensively for Atlantic, Jayden Parrish (’24) dominated per usual. The FSU commit linebacker could not be stopped tonight, recording 15 tackles, two sacks, and multiple tackles for loss. Whenever he was playing, Parrish was the best player on the field.
Parrish is such an electric player. He is every running back’s worst nightmare to meet in the gap. Jayden Parrish’s strength, hard hitting ability and field vision make him the most elite defensive player in Palm Beach County.
Tonight just was not PBC’s night. Despite a great start defensively, as well as some big runs by running back Leon Williams, the Broncos just couldn’t put it together in the passing game.
My Takeaways:
This game was definitely a rough start to the new era of Palm Beach Central football, however, the only way you can go from here is up.
As for Atlantic, this shutout win will serve as a big confidence boost for the Eagles as we roll into the beginning of the regular season.
