WELLINGTON, FL – With what was easily the game of the week definitely did not disappoint in its expectations. From a dominant rushing display from Benjamin giving an early lead, to heart and grit from Palm Beach Central to rally back.
Benjamin unloaded its dominant running back room on the Central defense early to establish a dominant start. Chauncey Bowens put Benjamin on the board in the 4th minute for our first score of the game. Benjamin’s defense kept the tempo going with Adam Baloguon-Ali picking off Caleb Butler in Bronco territory to give the Benjamin offense a nice starting point as Jayden Vega extended the score to 14-0 off a QB keep. Lily White kept her perfect streak going on the season with a field goal to give Benjamin a 17-0 lead heading into halftime.
Central found its rhythm in the 4th quarter after a quiet 3rd as Caleb Butler found Kamare Williams to get on the board for the first time all night. Central continued their counter with a goal line push from Leon Williams, putting Central five points down from Benjamin.
With five minutes left in the quarter, Central finally had firm control over the game as Nedrick Boldin punched in a rushing touchdown for a Central lead. However, Benjamin wasn’t going to go out quietly. With two minutes remaining, Benjamin got their lead back as Vega found Ali in the endzone to give themselves a 24-20 lead. Central, did not let it slide by quietly. After a crucial error from Benjamin’s special teams unit on the kickoff, Central got the ball back in perfect position. As the clock crunched down, Butler led the Broncos down the field with a series of short passes finally hitting Preston Parker Jr. with 47 seconds left in the game. Benjamin had one final chance, but Central’s defense locked in and shut down the offensive threat from Benjamin to complete the comeback and win 27-24.
Palm Beach is now the lone undefeated team in Palm Beach County, sitting atop of the charts at 6-0. They will continue to defend their home next week as they welcome Forest Hill on Thursday. As for Benjamin they fall to 5-1 as they look to bounce back at home next week on Friday against Pahokee.
