West Boca loses star Javian Mallory in first quarter, still rolls by Palm Beach Central

WELLINGTON — West Boca delivered another strong performance to remain unbeaten through the first two weeks of the season. Sophomore running back Jayden Lockhart rushed for two touchdowns in the first half as the Bulls rolled past host Palm Beach Central 28-7 on Thursday night.

West Boca (2-0) led 14-0 at the end of the first quarter and had a 21-0 advantage at halftime.

“We preached all week to the offense about coming out and running the football and let’s get 14 early,” West Boca coach Dylan Potts said. “We thought we could really dominate the game if we did that. We came out here and got the win against a really good Palm Beach Central team.”

The West Boca defense created three turnovers in the victory and has allowed just 20 points through the first two games.

“Our defense is playing lights out,” Potts said. “We are very deep on the defensive line. Our secondary has been playing lights out
as well and our linebackers have really stepped up. Overall, it’s a very talented defense.”

West Boca junior standout running back Javian Mallory had two carries for 21 yards during the opening drive. He was held out as a precaution with a quad injury for the remainder of the contest.

West Boca had a seven play, 68-yard scoring drive to begin the contest. Lockhart bounced out to the right and went untouched into the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown run with 7:53 left in the first quarter.

West Boca started its next series at the Palm Beach Central 30-yard line after the Bulls forced a punt. Sophomore quarterback Trey Moran rolled out to his left for an 8-yard touchdown run to increase the lead to 14-0 with 5:19 left in the first.

Palm Beach Central (1-1) marched downfield on their next possession before senior Damon Allen recorded an interception at the Bulls 17-yard line. On the ensuing possession, junior quarterback Mason Mallory had a 77-yard touchdown pass to junior Mark Hanniford called back due to an ineligible man downfield penalty.

West Boca junior Xavier Reid forced a fumble in the second quarter as the Bulls started on offense at the Broncos 40-yard line.

West Boca lined up for a 40-yard field goal attempt on their next series. Hanniford took a high snap as the holder and was tackled in the backfield on the play.

West Boca pulled away late in the second quarter. On fourth-and-goal, Lockhart rushed up the middle for a 1-yard score to extend the lead to 21-0 with 39 seconds left in the first half.

Mason Mallory threw a 10-yard scoring pass to sophomore wide receiver Jayden Elder to increase the lead to 28-0 with 3:52 left in the third quarter.

“We came into this game thinking it was going to be a dogfight,” Mason Mallory said. “The offensive line and our receivers played well. Our running back room played amazing. Our defense always holds it down. We looked great and I am really proud of this team.”

Palm Beach Central senior running back Frankie Vomero raced up the middle of the field deep into Bulls territory late in the third quarter. Junior quarterback Chance Routson tossed a 9-yard scoring pass to Nedrick Boldin on the final play of the third.

The game was stopped for a 30-minute weather delay with 8:06 left in the fourth quarter.

Senior Aaron Ford recorded an interception for the Bulls late in the fourth.

West Boca sophomore Jacorrion McCrary, sophomore Anderson Gracilien and Lockhart all rotated in the backfield.

Mason Mallory and Moran both played at quarterback on different possessions throughout the game.

“They both are really good players and I have all the faith they both can win us any ball game we are in,” Potts said. “We hang our hat on playing a lot of players and developing kids.”

West Boca (2-0) had rallied for a 14-13 victory against Benjamin in their season opener.