Bostic, Haston lead Broncos to 8th straight Wellington Cup

WELLINGTON — Palm Beach Central senior quarterback Ahmad Haston passed for 228 yards and three touchdowns and senior safety Justin Bostic returned two interceptions for scores as the host Broncos defeated Wellington 41-14 to capture the District 10-4M championship and the Wellington Cup on Friday night.

Senior wide receiver Javorian Wimberly had five catches for 89 yards and a touchdown and senior Luby Maurice Jr. recorded three receptions for 69 yards and a score. Senior running back Tyler Young had a 39-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to help the Broncos pull away.

Palm Beach Central (8-1) has won eight consecutive meetings against Wellington. First-year head coach Kevin Thompson was presented with the Wellington Cup after the contest.

“It feels good and it’s a big deal,” Thompson said. “We worked really hard for it and we deserve it. We have had it for a long time and it’s good to have it stay home.”

The game was scoreless at the end of the first quarter. Wellington failed to convert on fourthand-3 at the Broncos’ 18-yard line during the first quarter.

The Broncos offense opened the scoring as Haston connected with Britton Holmes Jr., who was left open as he raced untouched down the right sideline a 74-yard touchdown with 9:33 left in the second quarter.

The Wolverines (5-4) marched downfield and they had another scoring chance before a missed

42-yard field goal attempt. The Broncos made another big play on offense as Haston fired a deep pass over the middle to Maurice Jr. for a 58-yard touchdown with 1:06 left in the first half. Haston converted a two-point conversion pass to Wimberly to make it 14-0 entering halftime.

“The way our offense is set up and the concepts that we run, our coaches do a good job getting us in a position to make plays,” Haston said. “We were able to get the big play and the deep route open and score touchdowns off of explosion plays.”

The Broncos pulled away in the third quarter as Young bounced out to the left and had a 39-yard touchdown run to push the lead to 21-0.

Bostic stepped in front of a pass and had a 70-yard interception return for a touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter.

“It was the mindset coming into the game to bring a lot of energy,” Bostic said. “It feels good because it takes a lot of pressure off our offense. It feels good to win the Wellington Cup all four years and in my senior year.”

Wellington was able to cut the deficit to 28-7 in the fourth as senior quarterback Ryan Anthony rushed for a 1-yard score.

Bostic made another big play on defense for a 47-had interception return for a score later in the fourth.

“He is a great safety,” Thompson said. “Bostic is that guy that makes our defense go. We are just really proud. He has done a great job.”

The Wolverines answered back on the ensuing possession as Anthony powered his way for a 1-yard touchdown run.

Haston connected with Wimberly for a 50-yard scoring pass for the Broncos late in the fourth.

“We knew it’s a rivalry game and a big matchup and we would have ups and downs during the game,” Haston said. “We kept fighting and running our offense and we knew eventually we were the better team and would break away. It feels amazing winning the Wellington Cup all my years. We worked vey hard and I am just proud of our team.”

The Broncos defense created three turnovers in the second half, including an interception by Tony Williams.

Anthony passed for 149 yards and rushed for 48 yards and two scores in the loss.

“Ryan is gritty and he is the best competitor I have ever been around as a head coach,” Wellington coach Danny Mendoza said. “I have never been around a kid with his intangibles and athletic ability and everything that he brings to the table.”

Mendoza said the Wolverines will be prepared to bounce back against Seminole Ridge in the regular-season finale.

“They were quick, athletic and fast and we had to stop the big play,” Mendoza said. “We kept it close early and had our opportunities to take care of business down in the red zone. We were unable to finish. Our guys fought all night. It’s what you love to see. We know the season is not over. We have a very good chance to make the playoffs. We were in this position last year. The mindset is the same. We need to reset and lock in for a playoff spot next week.”