By Dave Brousseau

DEERFIELD BEACH – For many of the previous 46 times the Deerfield Beach and Blanche Ely football teams have met, it was considered among the many Broward County games to watch each year.

Thursday’s rivalry game was a far cry from many of the memorable games played between the two teams.

In a game consumed by lackluster play, Tigers junior Travis Jackson scored the winning points on a six-yard pass from Qurban Henley in overtime to earn a 6-0 victory.

It was the Tigers (3-2) fifth straight victory over the Bucks since a 70-0 loss in 2021. Deerfield Beach had defeated the Tigers 10 consecutive times prior to the last five meetings.

“Henley used his legs to extend the play and get to the open guy,” said Blanche Ely coach Terence McFadden. “This was a dog fight after we shot ourselves in the foot several times. These kids showed so much resilience.”

Deerfield Beach (4-1) had an opportunity to win the game with 11.4 seconds left in regulation, but a 11-yard field goal attempt was blocked.

“It was a sloppy game, and the details matter in games like this,” said Deerfield coach J.T. Thomas. “Missed opportunities is the difference in a overtime 6-0 game. We’ll from this.”

The Tigers did manage 142 yards rushing, while holding Deerfield to only 15 yards on the ground.

Despite the loss, the Bucks still lead the overall series 24-23.

Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and is a longtime BCAA Correspondent. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.