Lightning delay halts football game between Vero Beach and St. Frances Academy
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 12:04 AM
Last updated Sep 5, 2026

A high school football game between Vero Beach and St. Frances Academy was interrupted by a lightning delay on Friday, Sept. 4, at the Citrus Bowl. The stoppage occurred with 10:51 remaining in the first quarter with St. Frances Academy in possession of the ball at the Vero Beach 46-yard line. Spectators were cleared from the bleachers following the lightning strikes. Vero Beach senior quarterback Wonderful "Champ" Monds IV did not participate in the game and was observed with a sling on his left arm during pre-game warmups. Freshman Makai White started the opening drive for Vero Beach in his place. St. Frances Academy, a program based in Baltimore, holds a national schedule and is currently ranked No. 2 overall in the United States by MaxPreps.
- •Lightning forced a delay at the Citrus Bowl with 10:51 remaining in the first quarter.
- •St. Frances Academy held the ball at the 46-yard line when play was stopped.
- •Vero Beach quarterback Wonderful "Champ" Monds IV was sidelined with an arm injury.
- •Freshman Makai White started at quarterback for Vero Beach.
- •St. Frances Academy is the first non-Florida opponent at the Citrus Bowl since 2004.
- 12:04 AMYahoo Sports — Vero Beach football game vs. St. Frances Academy delayed by lightning
"Vero Beach faces a lightning delay against St. Frances Academy early in the first quarter at the Citrus Bowl on Friday, Sept. 4.
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