Broncos defense comes up big after second-half rally

WELLINGTON — Palm Beach Central made a late defensive stand to turn away Wellington at the 5-yard line as the Broncos rallied in the second half and remained unbeaten to win the District 7-8A championship and the Wellington Cup with a 17—14 victory on Friday night.

Palm Beach Central (8-0) trailed 14-7 at halftime before junior quarterback Ahmad Haston tossed a 9-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Aidan Whitehall late in the third. Senior kicker Juan Dominguez hit a go-ahead 23-yard field goal with 6:54 left.

Wellington (6-3) marched downfield late in the fourth and reached the Broncos’ 5-yard line. Junior quarterback Ryan Anthony was stopped for no gain on third down on an outside run. On fourth-and-1, Anthony powered straight ahead and appeared to have the first down. The officials brought out the chains for a measurement and he was ruled short with 1:41 left. Palm Beach Central senior running back Markel King rushed for a first down to seal the victory.

“We practice those situations every day,” Palm Beach Central coach Scottie Littles said. “It was another great team win. The defense is doing a great job. I am just excited we were able to make one last play to come out on top. It’s good to have these experiences if we get in this situation in the playoffs. It was a hostile environment and great for high school football.”

Wellington coach Danny Mendoza said he wanted to put the ball in Anthony’s hands late in the game as opposed to trying a game-tying field goal attempt. He said it was unfortunate for his team on how the ball was spotted on the fourth-down play.

“I think we won all three phases of the game and sometimes it does not go your way,” Mendoza said. “I am proud of our guys and the work we put in. I am putting the ball in Ryan Anthony’s hands all day. Reece and Bryant came through tonight to put us in a position to win. We will go into next week fired up to look to secure a playoff spot.”

The Wolverines were stopped short on

fourth-and-1 at their own 42-yard line on the first possession. On the ensuing drive, the Broncos were dropped for a loss on

fourth-and-1 at the 11-yard line.

The Broncos took over after a punt and scored on the first play. Haston fired a pass behind the line of scrimmage to King, who broke a tackle and turned upfield for a 37-yard touchdown to make it 7-0 with

2:05 left in the first.

Wellington senior Reece Larson returned the ensuing kickoff for an 88-yard touchdown to tie the score.

After the Broncos lost a fumble at their own

10-yard line, the Wolverines were unable to capitalize. Junior running back Garrens Catul had a 10-yard score negated due to a holding penalty. The Wolverines missed a 36-yard field goal attempt on the drive.

The Broncos were driving in Wolverines territory on their next possession before Haston threw an interception at the 20-yard line.

Senior Mike Lucien blocked a punt at the Wolverines 24-yard line, but the Broncos offense came up empty on offense after an incompletion on fourth down.

The Wolverines jumped ahead on their final possession of the first half. Anthony connected on a deep pass down the left sideline to junior wide receiver Bryant Walker. The Broncos were called for a personal foul penalty after Anthony was hit late on a run out of bounds later in the drive. Anthony fired an 11-yard touchdown pass to Walker with three seconds left in the first half.

The Broncos missed a scoring chance on the opening drive of the second half. Junior wide receiver Javorian Wimberly made a catch over the middle of the field and was stripped of the ball as the Wolverines made the fumble recovery at the 11-yard line.

The Broncos offense responded late in the third quarter. On third-and-goal, Haston scrambled to his right and connected with Whitehall in the corner of the end zone for a 9-yard score.

“Ahmad stood in the pocket and made some clutch throws,” Littles said. “We are not who we are without that kid. He is doing a great job.”