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.
All eyes on tonight
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) August 17, 2023
@PBCbroncosFBALL @ATLEaglesAth_s @CP_Photo2004 @clarasales04 @Shotby_Dan pic.twitter.com/HiOS9qtgcE
Oh hey @Deestroying 👋 pic.twitter.com/nxbios2yaw
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) August 18, 2023
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.
Palm Beach Central defense with a big stop in the red zone! @PBCbroncosFBALL takeaway and return. Scoreless at the end of first half. pic.twitter.com/HuVzEX7ht2
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) August 17, 2023
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.
FINAL: Atlantic takes down Palm Beach Central in Kickoff Classic @AHS_BALL
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) August 18, 2023
Atlantic 15
Central 0 pic.twitter.com/96ieizsBzi
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.
#UMass commit Da'Marion Alberic
— FutureDraftStyle (@FutureDraftStyl) August 18, 2023
@DamarionAlberic with the long TD run for Atlantic. @ATLEaglesAth_s @CoachMurray_Z6 @UMassFootball pic.twitter.com/iI6UOE49Gj
Post game interview with Atlantic RB De’Marion Alberic after their 15-0 win over PBC pic.twitter.com/et6YvS2bFS
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) August 18, 2023
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.
Lincoln Graf and Mark Hanniford deep connection for the touchdown @GrafLincoln @Mark7Jr @ATLEaglesAth_s @CoachMurray_Z6 @sjmerzius pic.twitter.com/kf5kEaVhF9
— FutureDraftStyle (@FutureDraftStyl) August 18, 2023
Post game interview with Atlantic QB Lincoln Graf after their 15-0 victory over PBC@GrafLincoln pic.twitter.com/LIuQ3Bpmy3
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) August 18, 2023
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.
Not sure this video is going to do justice to the sound of this hit by @AHS_BALL 2024 LB Jayden Parrish (@FSUFootball commit)
— Jon Santucci (@JonSantucci) August 18, 2023
@JaydenParrish_7 pic.twitter.com/LGsydsPzqv
Post game interview with Atlantic LB Jayden Parrish after their 15-0 victory over PBC pic.twitter.com/9vot0nhSuN
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) August 18, 2023
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.
