South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Making some history
Haston comes up big again as Broncos reach their 1st state semifinal game
WELLINGTON — Palm Beach Central is heading to the state semifinals for the first time in school history .
Senior quarterback Ahmad Haston scored a go-ahead 1-yard touchdown in the third quarter and the host Broncos rallied from a
10-point first-half deficit to hold off Palm Beach Gardens 14-10 in a Class
4M regional final Friday night. Palm Beach Centrals first-year head coach Kevin Thompson credited his staff and players for reaching the final four. The Broncos advanced to the regional final last season and suffered a home loss.
“It means a big deal,” Thompson said. “No matter what, you’re always going to be the first group to ever do it. It’s great to have them buy in.
“They had so much respect for me and so much love for me that they rallied behind me.”
Haston, a UMass commit, passed for a touchdown in the first half in addition to his second-half, go-ahead score.
“It’s an amazing feeling coming back to the drawing board with the boys and working so hard to get to this moment,” Haston said. “I am proud of my team [for] rallying together and just holding it down for each other and playing smashmouth football to pull out the victory.”
Palm Beach Central (12-1) stepped up on defense and held the Gators scoreless in the second half. The Broncos created two turnovers late in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. Seniors Nicholas Toussaint and Agustus Mckoy helped to lead a spirited effort on defense.
Palm Beach Central, leading by four with nearly four minutes left, was unable to get a punt off and got tackled deep in its own territory, but a defensive-holding penalty was called to allow the Broncos to line up to punt once again. After the punt, the Gators had possession at their own 32-yard line.
Palm Beach Gardens senior quarterback Brand Campbell led his team downfield to the Broncos 26. The Broncos defense stepped up with a sack, and senior defensive lineman Luis Saldana had a fumble recovery at the 30 with just under two minutes remaining.
The Gators defense forced a three-and-out and the offense took over at its own 49 with nearly a minute-and-a-half left. The Gators committed an intentional-grounding penalty on third down.
On fourth down from its 39, Palm Beach Central senior safety Justin Bostic recorded an interception to seal the victory with just less than 50 seconds remaining.
“It feels great to be the first team in school history to bring [home] a regional championship,” Bostic said. “It’s just staying locked in. In the third quarter we were able to come back and play our style of ball.”
Palm Beach Central, which trailed
10-0 for the second consecutive week, made a statement on offense late in the second quarter to gain momentum. Haston rushed 32 yards into Gators territory during the drive. Haston fired a 30-yard scoring pass to sophomore wide receiver Nedrick Boldin to cut the deficit to
10-7 entering halftime. Haston and senior running back Tyler Young both led the Broncos offense late in the third quarter. Haston picked up multiple first downs during the series and displayed his ability to scramble outside the pocket. On second-andgoal, he took the direct snap and powered his way into the end zone to give the Broncos a 14-10 advantage with 3:56 left in the third quarter.
“I just wanted to fight for every inch and be the deciding factor on how we get downfield,” Haston said. “I knew it was wet [with] some muddy conditions and it was not the best passing environment. I just knew we had to pound the ball.
“Tyler did a great job. The offensive line fought every down and I am proud of those boys.”
The Broncos, who according to fhsaa.com will host Apopka in one of the 4M state semifinals, had another scoring chance in the fourth after reaching the Gators 21. Palm Beach Gardens junior cornerback Keyon Stephens recorded an interception with nearly seven minutes left.
The two teams were locked in a scoreless tie at the end of the first quarter. Palm Beach Gardens had a scoring chance but was unable to capitalize, with a missed field-goal attempt during the first quarter.
The Gators opened the scoring as senior Malcom Tucker connected for a 35-yard field goal with 11:47 left in the second quarter.
The Gators defense made a big play to increase the lead as senior cornerback Desean Butler stepped in front of a pass for an interception, raced down the right sideline and went untouched into the end zone to make it 10-0 with 5:47 left in the second.
The Broncos offense, though, responded as Haston found Boldin for a 30-yard score with 2:31 left in the first half.
Palm Beach Gardens, which won the district title, had a 30-13 victory against Wellington and 35-28 win in overtime against Monarch leading up to the regional final.
“They played some good football tonight and I wish them the best of luck in the playoffs,” Palm Beach Gardens coach Tyrone Higgins said. “We just could not get things going.
“They have a really good defensive front. It’s not an easy feat. My guys fought hard.”
Higgins credited the effort of Campbell and the senior class for developing the culture and mentality of bringing the Gators football program back deep into the playoffs.
“I am going to miss them,” Higgins said. “Watching them hurt is never an easy thing. I am going to miss every senior that is here.
“We have some guys that have been in the program since I have been here. They fought hard and proved a bunch of naysayers wrong.”
Palm Beach Central also defeated Palm Beach Gardens 35-14 in the regular season. Palm Beach Central has won six consecutive meetings.