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The legend of district 16, in Region 6A of Florida High School football got another notch in its belt Thursday night. With under two minutes to play in the fourth quarter, the Miami Norland Vikings lined up in a ‘single wing concept’ offense, faked the run and threw a pass Anthony Johnson who scored after streaking down field on a seam route and catching a wide open pass.
Johnson, the sophomore athlete, dove into the end zone and thus sealed the come from behind victory for the Vikings over the District champion Miami Northwestern Bulls 28-27.
“Our goal is to win a championship like all schools,” said Norland head coach Daryle Heidelberg
It seemed difficult to believe as the Vikings were down 27-7 at the half to the Bulls.
“I explained this to the kids during halftime…and if they wanted a chance, they had to win this game. I’m so proud of them and how they didn’t give up. This win was big, not only for Norland but for Miami Gardens as a whole,” Hedelberg said.
Outside of Hialeah Miami Lakes, the quadruple powerhouse of district 16 in Florida’s 6A classification is absolutely legendary and the most brutal competition in the state, perhaps even the nation. Think of defending 6A state champion Miami Carol City who unseated five time champion Miami Central and District runner up Miami Northwestern in 2016. This year the Chiefs have already lost to Northwestern and play Central tonight at Traz Powell Stadium for a critical seeding match up.
Norland had been thought to be the lesser of the four evils, but not after Thursday night’s win. They’ll make the playoffs and have a chance to be competitive, based on their upset victory and the moxy they showed.
