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Marcus Benjamin @_benjaminmoney
Miami, FL – It’s referred to as the SEC of high school football and this game had a similar feel to the SEC championship game. In college football, the SEC conference has won seven of the last ten national championships and the teams currently in District 16-6A have won seven state championships in the last ten years. Miami Central won five of those titles while Miami Carol City claimed a title in 2016. Both teams came into the game undefeated on the field in the state of Florida and the winner of this game would claim a district championship. Carol City would emerge as the victor in tonight’s contest with a 36-28 win at Traz Powell Stadium.
“I like the way we came out,” said Head Coach Benedict Hyppolite. “We played them real physical. When you can win the physical battle you can do it again.”
Head Coach Benedict Hyppolite
The Chiefs jumped out to a 16-0 lead in the first quarter. The uptempo offense lead by Senior quarterback Daniel Richardson seemed to have the Rocket defense on their heels and Central found themselves playing catch-up all night. Richardson found his speedy junior receiver Thaiu Jones-Bell streaking open for the Chiefs first score. Carol City would then take advantage of a Rocket miscue of a mishandled punt that Central would recover for a safety for the Chiefs. Richardson would march his team down the field on their next possession that would end with a Richardson touchdown rush.
QB Daniel Richardson @doc_d12 rushes into the endzone as his @CarolCitySr1 Chiefs jump out to a 16-0 lead early 1st quarter on Miami Central. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/7lHNvT9IZr
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminMoney) October 27, 2018
“D-Rich” went 18 for 25 for 168 yards and two total touchdowns.
“I just wanted us to play fast and play physical,” said Coach Hyppolite. I wanted to make sure that we dictated the pace of this game.”
This week Carol City forfeited two victories due to ineligible players. The Chiefs opened the season with two dominant wins over strong opponents and were on pace to complete an undefeated season. The first, over defending 5A state champion American Heritage (Plantation) 34-16, next they shutout 8A state title contender Miami Columbus 35-0. The Chiefs forfeited these two victories as Carol City self reported that they used two ineligible players during those two contests. Carol City violated the registration process involving international students. The team came together as a unit despite this adversity and their goal of state title remains well in reach.
“It brought us closer together as a family,” said Hyppolite. “That was something we’ve been battling all year. We have to focus on the things that we can control and that’s something we took care of in house.”
The Chiefs are undefeated on the field this season, but currently have an official (7-2) record because of the forfeited games. The findings were obviously disappointing for the school which aspire for not only a state championship, but also a national championship. Amidst the controversy, one could not help but wonder how Carol City would perform against their crosstown rival in the biggest game of the regular season.
Central would battle back in this game as senior running back Lexington Joseph scored from one yard out to make a 16-7 game going into halftime. Joseph carried the ball 18 times for 80 yards and two scores.
The second half would belong to the Chief running game and senior running back Nay’Quan Wright. He rushed 17 times for 88 yards and a touchdown in this rivalry game.
Senior Running Back Nay’Quan Wright
Senior running back Nay’Quan Wright @B0SSMAN_5 imposed his will in the second half versus Miami Central Friday night. He would finish with 88 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown. @FootballHotbed @CarolCitySr1 pic.twitter.com/SwrFNzCnLm
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminMoney) October 27, 2018
Senior running back Katravis Geter would also add a touchdown rush from one yard out to extend the Chief lead 23-7. Central did not go down easy however as they countered with a strong touchdown run by junior running back Juan Henry to make it a 23-14 game late in the third.
Sixteen yard touchdown run here by junior RB Juan Henry as he runs through a tackler. @Roc__Nation trim Chief lead with 2:34 left in the 3rd. Score 23-14. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/KtRIwczxwv
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminMoney) October 27, 2018
Wright would score from two yards out on the ensuing drive to make it a 30-14 game early in the fourth quarter.
Seniors Nay’Quan Wright and Daniel Richardson
The Rockets were looking to counter once again, but that’s when sophomore Travis McNichols stepped in front of a pass and charged to the goal line for a touchdown to make it a 36-14 game with 7:18 left to play.
Travis McNichols with the pick six here as Carol City @CarolCitySr1 is closing in on a district title. Score 36-14 with 7:18 left in the game. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/FLkNITBrnz
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminMoney) October 27, 2018
Central would make a some late scores to make it interesting, but a failed onside kick recovered by Miami commit Jarvis Brownlee would ultimately seal the victory as Wright ran the clock out. A rematch of the two schools is a real possibility as both teams anticipate to see each other in the postseason.
“There are some things as coaches that we can correct. We’ll watch film in the morning and see what we can correct for a possible rematch.”
Carol City will finish off the regular season against American (Miami Lakes) Thursday and Central (8-2) will look to take their frustrations out on their first playoff opponent in two weeks.
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