For the first time in its school’s history, the Patriots will advance to the Class 6A state final and face DeLand (13-1) on Friday at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla.
Miramar (13-1), which entered the contest with one of the top defenses in the state, surged to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter behind to two touchdown runs by Jeremiah Hicks. Hicks had a game-high 68 yards rushing to complement his two scores.
Jeffrey Godfrey, who entered the game completing 178-of-286 passes for 2,748 yards with 36 touchdowns and eight interceptions for the Rockets this season, helped cut the deficit to 14-6 by halftime after connecting with receiver Charles Gaines from 13 yards out. Godfrey, Miami-Dade County’s all-time passing leader, finished the game completing 13-of-22 passes for 212 yards with two scores and two interceptions.
With 1:20 left in the third quarter, Godfrey threw a 30-yard touchdown strike to receiver Joshua Reese, and added a two-point conversion, to tie it at 14.
Miramar’s defense, which gave up more than seven points for only the second time this season, did not allow Godfrey to continue his heroics. The Patriots forced four turnovers, while benefitting from the 213 yards Central drew off 21 penalties.
After trading possessions for much of the fourth quarter, the Patriots regained the lead after quarterback Ryan Williams connected with sophomore receiver Malcolm Lewis for a 56-yard touchdown pass with 1:39 remaining in regulation. Williams didn’t have a great game (9-for-18, 131 yards with one score and two interceptions), but all was forgotten after his pass to Lewis.
Then, as the Rockets tried to make one last push, defensive back Keondrick Lyn intercepted a pass from Godfrey to seal the win and send the Patriots to the Class 6A state finals.
Glades Day football captures Class 1B state title
Led by the dominance of running back by Kelvin Taylor, the Glades Day Gators slipped past Warner Christian 27-20 en route to the Class 1B state championship at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla. on Friday. Taylor, a freshman, rushed for 213 yards on 42 carries and four touchdowns. His 42 carries tied a state finals record set in 1972.
Millines leads Heritage-Delray to Class 1A state crown
Led by quarterback Darius Millines, the American Heritage-Delray football team defeated Trinity Christian 30-20 to win the Class 1A state title at the Citrus Bowl on Friday, the team’s second in three years. Millines, a senior, led the Stallions with 182 yards rushing and four touchdowns.
Future Phenom: Kelvin Taylor
After his dominant performance in the state championship game, Glades Day running back Kelvin Taylor has a list of accolades that will surely grow as his career progresses. Taylor, a freshman, has been one of the state’s top backs throughout the season, totaling 2,388 yards rushing and 45 touchdowns for the Gators.
The young stud has been the focal point of his team’s success this post season by rushing for 958 yards on 103 carries and 15 scores in three playoff games. With three years remaining, the 6-foot, 200-pound standout is already closing on 4,000 yards rushing for his career and is on pace to break Emmitt Smith’s state record of 8,804 yards. Despite playing only two seasons at the varsity level, Taylor has amassed 3,788 yards rushing.
TIP Award
This week’s Top Individual Performance Award goes to Dwyer’s Matt Elam, who led the Panthers to a 41-15 win over Seffner-Armwood in the Class 4A state semifinals. Dwyer, who has also helped lead Dwyer to a 13-game win streak, recovered a fumble, returned an interception for a score and rushed for 182 yards with two touchdowns in the win.
Recruiting tracker
A few of the region’s top talents announced their commitments last week. Columbus running back Jakhari Gore gave his verbal commitment to LSU. Gore has been one of Miami-Dade County’s top backs all season, totaling 1,813 yards on 152 carries and 29 touchdowns.
St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), the nation’s top team for much of the season, displayed what was arguably the top secondary in the country this year. Two of its top defensive backs have also given their commitments. Cornerback Cody Riggs decided to stay home and committed to the University of Florida, while safety LaMarcus Joyner chose Florida State. Joyner has been widely considered as the country’s top defensive back prospect but has helped increase his overall stock as an offensive weapon, totaling 690 yards and eight scores while playing running back and receiver for the Raiders.
State Championships
6A: Friday, Nov. 18
De'Ante Saunders, DeLand
File photo by Chad Pilster
Miramar (13-1) vs. DeLand (13-1) – The Patriots football program enters its first appearance in a state final with a defense that has been dominant all season. Miramar’s defensive unit has given up more than seven points only twice this season and has given up 100 yards rushing just once. The Patriots’ offense is averaging 26 points per game, while holding its opponents to only six points per contest.
Although it did a standup job against one of Miami-Dade’s all-time best quarterbacks in Central’s Godfrey, Miramar will have its hands full against a tough DeLand rushing attack led by De'Ante "Pop" Saunders and running back Shontrell Johson. Saunders enters the game with 1,685 yards rushing and 22 touchdowns this season, while Johnson has totaled 1,950 yards and 19 scores.
4A: Saturday, Nov. 19
Dwyer (13-1) vs. Niceville- It would be "nice" (no pun intended) if Dwyer can end its 13-game win streak with a 4A state title against Niceville on Saturday. With the way Elam is playing, that feat should not be too hard to attain. Elam, the 2009-2010 Gatorade Florida Player of the Year, has been the center piece of Dwyer’s success all season and should continue his dominance against Niceville.
3A: Friday, Nov. 18
Belen Jesuit (11-3) vs. Pensacola (13-1) – The Wolverines have surprised everyone all season with its stellar play. With one more game remaining, Belen has the chance to prove its worth among the state’s elite against a tough Pensacola team that has given up only six points in the postseason. Manny Sicre, Sergio Fernandez-Soto and Imani Davis lead a backfield that has amassed 3,286 yards and 46 touchdowns this season for Belen. Sicre leads the trio with 697 yards rushing on 97 carries (averaging 7.2 yards per carry).
