5A CHAMPIONSHIP – American Heritage, Defense Finish On Top
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TALLAHASSEE – If the person who said defense wins football games were to meet Plantation American Heritage head coach Pat Surtain and Defensive Coordinator Daryl Porter, they would get along very well. On Friday night, the team that stopped Miami…
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Continue ReadingTALLAHASSEE – If the person who said defense wins football games were to meet Plantation American Heritage head coach Pat Surtain and Defensive Coordinator Daryl Porter, they would get along very well.
On Friday night, the team that stopped Miami Northwestern’s three-year run, and knocked off 4A state champion Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, brought home a 5A state title.
The 24-6 win over Tallahassee Rickards in the 5A championship game at Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium, showed that this American Heritage team has amazing defensive players – and a real threat at running back in sophomore Mark Fletcher Jr., who ran for 127 yards and a score.
Because the Patriots have so many gifted football players, a performance like the one that safety Boogsie Silvera had was well worth recognizing. With 17 tackles, this impressive talent was around on just about every play.
The Patriots jumped out in front on a 2-yard run by Fletcher at the 5:55 mark of the opening quarter and a 7-0 lead.
American Heritage extended the lead to 14-0 at the :19 mark of the first quarter on a 49-yard scoring strike from Blake Murphy to Nick Whitton.
When Syracuse-bound standout Oronde Gadsden Jr. caught at three-yard pass from Murphy with 5:37 left in the first half, it was 21-0.
Michael Townsend’s 3-yard run with 10:53 left in the third quarter brought Rickards to within 21-6.
The Patriots ended the scoring with Christopher Maron Christopher Maron K Plantation American Heritage | 2021 FL ’s 29 yard field goal with 2:42 left in the game.
DEFENSE LEADS THE WAY
There are a number of quality defensive prospects on both sides of the ball.
American Heritage features James Williams James Williams 6'4" | 205 lbs | DB Plantation American Heritage | 2021 State FL , Brian Blades, Earl Little Jr. Earl Little Jr. 6'0" | 170 lbs | DB Plantation American Heritage | 2022 State FL , Marvin Jones Jr Marvin Jones Jr 6'4" | 225 lbs | DL Plantation American Heritage | 2022 State FL ., Jaeden Kinlock, Josh Hartman, David Vadala, and Belizaire Bassette.
Rickards boasts Lionel Whitaker, Jeremiah Williams, Kameron Bell, Malik Franklin, Terrance McPherson Jr., Orian Ellis, Akari David and Trevon Riles.
TOP ATHLETES RISE TO THE TOP ON OFFENSE
In addition to the defensive players who made an impact, there were some quality athletes.
American Heritage standouts Vinson Davis and Rico Watkins
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Foridakids1@aol.com. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.