By Dave Brousseau
BCAA Writer
DAVIE – The first play after the second half kickoff, Blanche Ely running back Shawn Paschall sprinted 85 yards with the football firmly gripped under his right arm.
As it turned out Paschall’s scoring run was the difference in the outcome as the North defeated the South 10-7 in the 27th annual BCAA All-Star football game at Nova High on Thursday.
The final score was the second time the All-Star game was decided by the exact results since the South defeated the North in 2014.
The North now leads the series 18-9.
“I had just told my O-line and receivers I’m going to score on an 85-yard run just like I did against St. Thomas,” said Paschall. “I don’t have too much more to say other than thanking the BCAA for putting me in the All-Star game.”
The result of the game wasn’t secure until there were 55 seconds remaining in regulation when Taurus Damon Jr. (Plantation) intercepted a pass in the endzone.
The South had driven from the 50 following a North punt to the 10-yard line prior to the pick.
“This was a great experience for everyone competing,” said North coach Quentin Short of Piper. “The kids played their tale off especially with the big play at the end. Both offenses struggled all night, and the defenses played well.”
Following Paschall’s touchdown that put his team up 10-0, the South team responded on the ensuing kickoff with a Lavon Moss (Miramar) 2-yard run up the middle with 3:36 left in the third quarter, cutting the deficit.
The offensive and defensive players of the game for the North were Trent Dubuc (Cardinal Gibbons) and Damon Jr. (Plantation). For the South team the offensive and defensive players of the game were Keidran Willis Jr. (Pembroke Pines Charter and Zachary Dorelien (Nova).
“The most important part was making sure the kids have fun.” Said South coach Keidran Willis Sr. of Pembroke Pines Charter. “I think this was a great experience for all the players. "Our kids had a chance to win the ball game, but it didn’t go out way.”
Other than placekicker Isaias Posada Rios converting on a 24-yard field goal attempt with 5:26 left in the second quarter, offenses struggled, and defenses shined in the first half.
Five players for the South registered five sacks in the opening half.
Christian Mata of Piper spent the majority of the first escaping defenders, occasionally finding running room, allowing the North to find scoring chances twice.
The South had their best scoring opportunity late in the second quarter, but Flanagan quarterback Devon Gonzalez couldn’t find and open receiver for a touchdown.
Dave Brousseau can be reached on X at @dbrouss76 – or via e-mail at:
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PHOTO CUTLINE: (Left to right): Zachary Dorelien (Nova), Keidran Willis Jr. (Pembroke Pines Charter), Shawn Paschall (Blanche Ely, MVP): Trent Dubuc (Cardinal gibbons); Taurus Damon Jr (Plantation).
@CoachKT__