Both Northwestern and Palmetto had long waits to start their regular season due to the coronavirus. Heading into Thursday night’s showdown in Miami, Northwestern had two games under its belt, while Palmetto only had one game.
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Northwestern, ranked No. 24 in the High School Football America 100 national high school football rankings, used a strong defense to top the No. 71 ranked Panthers 17-7 at Traz Powell Stadium. The Bulls defense didn’t allow an offensive touchdown and forced three turnovers in the victory.
Palmetto got out to a 7-0 lead when Mike Jackson returned the opening kickoff nearly 100 yards.
Palmetto @PantherPride305 takes the opening kickoff 100 yards for the touchdown. @MikeJacksonjr_ is FAST! @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/59vs4zKbzO
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) November 6, 2020
Trailing 7-3 in the second quarter, Nebraska-recruit Patrick Payton came-up with a Pick-6 to give the Bulls the lead for good.
Patrick Payton @PatPayton6 makes the athletic pick six to help @mnwbullsfootba1 take the lead 10-7 over Palmetto in the second quarter. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/JqG2EQAV5j
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) November 6, 2020
With Palmetto driving for a go-ahead touchdown in the second, the Bulls got another interception.
Miami @CanesFootball commit @TimBurnsJr1 gets the interception in the end zone to stall a Palmetto drive mid second quarter. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/m7CzKJc0Jd
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) November 6, 2020
Zuberi Mobley scored the final touchdown of the game in the third quarter.
Zuberi Mobley dives in for the touchdown for @mnwbullsfootba1. The Bulls extend the lead on Palmetto 17-7 late 3rd quarter. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/t6ca3YDgLF
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) November 6, 2020
Palmetto now heads into the Class 8A playoffs next with with a 1-1 record. Three-time 5A champ Northwestern (2-1) will play Key West in its opening round game.
