The Wellington-Palm Beach Central football rivalry continues to stay heated.
The Broncos defeated the Wolverines 34-20 Monday night to claim the annual Wellington Cup trophy and move to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in district play.
However the game wasn’t without fireworks – before, during and afterwards.
Palm Beach Central Principal Darren Edgecomb (left) and football coach Tino Ierulli accept the Wellington Cup Trophy following last night’s win over Wellington. (Photo courtesy of Twitter)
On its Facebook page Monday, Wellington’s football team claimed that its home field was vandalized prior to the game.
“The rumors are true … WHS Football field was vandalized again this year, like past year, prior to this PBC game,” the Facebook post read. “We are working hard to do what we can to clean up the damage and will be ready to play tonight!”
Witnesses also say about a half-dozen, shirtless students – allegedly from Palm Beach Central – ran from one end zone to another during a fourth-quarter timeout.
According to a longtime Palm Beach Post reporter who covered the game, one of the students was tackled on the sideline by a Wellington football player.
The reporter did not know if any of the students were eventually caught, or arrested.
Witnesses also said there was an altercation in the parking lot following the game, though nothing got out of hand.
“There was no great commotion,” the Post reporter said.
Palm Beach Central athletic director Ray Atkins said Tuesday he was unaware of any incidents at Monday’s game that involved Palm Beach Central students.
He went on to say the rivalry between the two Wellington schools is heated, but respectful.
The teams face each other annually on the football field, with the winner being awarded the Wellington Cup.
“It’s a rivalry, but we have mutual respect with each other,” Atkins said. “It’s always been respectful. These players grew up together and played with each other, and they want to win. It’s heated, but there’s never been any bad blood.”
“The stands were packed and there was a lot of excitement and enthusiasm by both the Wellington and Palm Beach Central fans,” added Wellington athletic director Pattie Fitzhugh. “With that being said our administration had their hands full.
“We want to see a fun rivalry with both teams competing as hard as we can.”
