Pahokee, Fla.– Last weekend was a special one in Palm Beach County. School is officially back in schedule and football has returned to the 561 via the pre-season kick off classic.
As the Friday Night Lights’ returned to South Florida, one week 0 matchup featured quite the unexpected upset, as the Pahokee Blue Devils downed the Pre-Season #3 Santaluces Chiefs 9-3. The Blue Devils’ defense stole the show, stunting a powerful Santaluces rushing attack to a a hibernation-like evening. Offensively, Pahokee RB Mari Singleton shined during his junior season debut, tallying over 100 yards from scrimmage.
Ultimately, what sealed the victory for Pahokee last Friday night wasn’t senior experience, in fact, it was because of the right arm of their young man under center. Blue Devils QB Braylon Peterson, a Class of 2031 prospect, recorded his first start for the perennial Muck powerhouse, and despite his youth stepped up and showed out. The 8th grade gunslinger recorded 10/14 (71% completion) for 78 yards and the go ahead touchdown late in the second half to stamp the Pahokee win.
Peterson’s poise and precision through the improbable victory earned him a nomination for NewEraPrep’s Breakout Player of the Week, Week 0 honors, where he’d win the fan poll via landslide.
After giving the 2031 star some time to soak in the win, I had him reflect on the upset and what It means to him personally, alongside team morale
“It feels great getting that win against a tough team… Being able to put the 561 on notice just shows the work you do in the offseason doesn’t go unnoticed…” Peterson stated. “I think this victory was good but we could definitely play a lot better on the offensive side and clean some things up for next week, especially me, I still feel like I can play better and elevate my team to bigger wins this season.”
As I presume many of the readers of this piece may not know about an 8th grade QB from the Muck, I had Braylon formally introduce himself to the 561’s devoted fans by summarizing his skillsets as a student-athlete
“I’d say my biggest strength is playing a complete game…I’m calm in the pocket, I don’t rush my reads or force the ball out, I take what the defense gives me.”
In order to secure the Week 0 victory, Peterson had to brave an elite Santaluces front 7 that even the most seasoned of QB’s fear. While it certainly wasn’t the cleanest of pockets at all times, Braylon made sure to pick himself up every time and lead his squad to victory.
“Honestly, when I got sacked early in the game, that kind of got me going…Santaluces is a talented team and I have tons of respect for that program, but I had to do my 1 of 11 job every snap and lead.”
Now the regular season is officially here. Despite being so young, there’s only one thing on Braylon Peterson’s mind: returning Pahokee to the State Championship.
“We’re coming for it all we’re going to go win States!”
Last season, the Blue Devils made it to the 3rd round of the FHSAA Rural Division Playoffs, ultimately falling 30-3 to Blountstown. Pahokee’s last State title win came in 2008 after a perfect 14-0 campaign.
Will the underclassman Braylon Peterson help lead his Pahokee Blue Devils back to the promised land?
Cover Photo Credits: @ 7KVisuals / IG
