West Boca Raton senior running back Javian Mallory was reduced to a mere spectator during his junior season as a hamstring injury cut his season short.

He was unable to suit up for the Bulls in 2024 as they captured the first 6A state championship in school history with a 26-7 win over Osceola at Pitbull Stadium on the campus of Florida International University.

This year, the UM signee not only had a front-row seat, but he also played a crucial role as the Bulls repeated with a 31-0 thumping of West Broward.

Mallory, who was named MVP of the game, ran for 117 yards and three touchdowns on the game, and the West Boca defense did the rest. It marked the first time since 2010 where a Palm Beach County team went back-to-back. It was also the first time in state history where a large public school from Palm Beach County to go back-to-back.

“I was happy for my team,” said Mallory, who entered the state championship game with 1,135 yards and 15 TDs, “but you know, being able to contribute this week, contribute today, it means a lot to me.”

“It’s a very, very emotional day,” Mallory said after the game. “Just being able to go back and do it again. I am very thankful for the guys and the coaches had my back, especially with everything I have gone through.”

Mallory scored on a 50-yard run to give the Bulls all the points they needed just four minutes in. The team got a scoop-and-score fumble return and a field goal to take a 17-0 halftime lead before Mallory added two second-half touchdowns. Coincidentally, his cousin Mason, who was at West Boca last year before transferring to St. Thomas Aquinas in the offseason, also was named MVP in the 5A game as St. Thomas Aquinas rolled to a 29-0 victory over Lakeland a day later.

“What he has done for West Boca and Palm Beach County, to be at a school all four years and the adversity he has been through,” said West Boca coach Dylan Potts, “with the battle he went though not being with us (healthy)…he’s special and I just don’t have words for you.”

Javian Mallory from West Boca High School, football player of the year, photographed on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.(Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/25/palm-beach-7a-5a-football-offensive-player-of-the-year/