Marcus Benjamin @_benjaminmoney
Plantation, FL – With under four minutes to play American Heritage was driving down the field either for a game tying field goal or a potential game-winning touchdown trailing 17-14. Heritage’s running game seem to be wearing down the Gibbons defense as the Patriots seemed like they were bound to score in some form or fashion gashing them for chunks of yardage.
Then fate changed.
Heritage attempted what seemed to be a safe pass out to the flat at the Gibbons 25-yard line, when junior Michal Antoine struck the receiver as the ball hit his hands. The ball deflected in the air and Sidney Porter plucked the ball out of the air and streaked down the sideline for a 75-yard interception for a touchdown with 23 seconds left in the game.
“We practice in practice see ball take ball, said Porter. “All week we’ve been preaching offense wins games, defense wins championships and we showed it tonight.”
Last year’s 58-57 triple overtime classic, was regarded by many as the best high school football game ever witnessed. The win advanced American Heritage (Plantation) through the 5A state playoffs and helped the Patriots capture their fourth state title in five years. During that span, the Chiefs failed to record a victory over their bitter district rival losing seven straight times. Tonight, redemption happened for the Chiefs of Broward County. Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) (5-2) defeated American Heritage (Plantation) (6-2) 24-14 and earned a first time victory over Heritage for all seniors and Head Coach Matt Dubuc.
“We’ve had some tough Friday nights at this place,” said Coach Dubuc. “This is going to give us the ability now to host a playoff game I hope. We’re in the driver seat and it’s awesome.”
The win moves Gibbons into first place in the district and practically guarantees a playoff spot. Heritage came into this game with one loss to the top ranked team in the state Carol City (7-0), while Gibbons suffered their first two losses of the season to powerhouse Miami Central (7-1) and Milton (GA) (5-2). Since the loss to Milton, Gibbons has now reeled off five straight wins.
“The tough loss in Georgia, we were about as down as you can be as a program. Over the last five weeks our guys used that game to say that was not who were are. We got pushed against the ropes tonight and we fought our way off. Without Milton Georgia we probably don’t get this win.”
Gibbons came out focused as senior Nik Scalzo engineered their first drive of the game which ended with a beautiful pass to sophomore Troy Stellato for a 15-yard touchdown. The Kentucky commit Scalzo, went 9/21 for 74 yards and a touchdown.
.@NikScalzo throws a dime to @troystellato for the early @GibbonsFootball lead. Gibbons scores on first drive and up 7-0 on Heritage two minutes into the game. pic.twitter.com/HkkI6Ldgup
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminMoney) October 13, 2018
The running game really got going for the Chiefs as Pittsburgh commit Vincent Davis ran for 111 yards on 21 carries. Tajae Davis added 43 yards and scored for the Chiefs second touchdown to put them up 14-0 early in the first.
“They gave us a run box so we took the run,” said Coach Dubuc. “They emptied the box for us and our running backs took advantage of it.”
Heritage naturally battled back in this game as junior Emilien Douglas scored on a controversial play where his knee appeared to be down. Lavelton Williams also added a score for the Pats to help tie the game just before the half.
Heritage benefits from no call from knee down on this touchdown catch an run by @1k_doug. Great play to get up and run by the 2020 @AH__Athletics WR. 14-7 as we start the 2nd. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/kO77QWcY2h
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminMoney) October 13, 2018
Daton Montiel would add a 25-yard field goal in the second half as both defenses held the opposing offenses in check. Heritage would miss their lone field goal attempt that would have tied the game at 17.
Heritage will look to bounce back as they take on district opponent Miami Jackson next week. Cardinal Gibbons gets closer to a coveted district title as they host Hallandale next week.
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