Boca Raton takes shutout into 3rd before weather stops game

PALM BEACH GARDENS — Boca Raton had an impressive performance on defense during the first half and held a 3-0 lead at the start of the third quarter against host Dwyer before lightning and rain stopped the action on Friday night.

After Boca Raton (4-1) received the kickoff and was lined up on the field for the first play on offense in the second half, the contest was stopped for a lightning delay. The suspended game is scheduled to resume on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

The two teams were locked in a defensive struggle in the first half. Boca Raton standout senior running back Trey Rainey was held in check by the Panthers defense. Dwyer (4-1) came up empty on two possessions in the red zone.

The Bobcats were stopped after a fourth-down incomplete pass in Panthers territory early in the first quarter.

The Panthers were unable to capitalize with an early scoring chance after senior quarterback Antonio Ashby connected with junior wide receiver Elijah Hopkins for a catch-and-run deep into Bobcats territory. The Panthers reached the 13-yard line, but failed to convert on fourth down after a pass attempt to the end zone.

On the ensuing possession, junior quarterback Jacob Cashion fired a pass down the middle of the field to senior

wide receiver Jerome Puckett for a 64-yard gain. Senior Artur Chagaev connected on a 42-yard field goal as the Bobcats jumped out to a 3-0 lead late in the first quarter.

Ashby left the contest with an injury early in the second quarter. Senior Xavier Scott stepped in to play quarterback during the next series on offense. Sophomore Shyeia Deveaux closed out the first half and served as the signal caller for the Panthers.

Freshman running back Xanai Scott helped to lead the Panthers downfield during their final drive of the first half. The Bobcats defense forced a turnover on downs from the 16-yard line with six seconds left prior to halftime after an incomplete pass to the end zone.