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Miami, FL — Two favorites to win state championships in 2020 clashed at Traz Powell Stadium on a windy Thursday night.
Three-time defending state champion Miami Northwestern suffered their first loss of the season to the nation’s best high football team last week. The Bulls traveled to Bradenton, FL, and were humbled by IMG Academy to the tune of a 49-14 loss.
Miami Palmetto is perhaps fielding its best team in its school’s history in 2020 and has many ‘power five’ caliber players on its roster. The Panthers dominated the defending 4A state champions Miami Booker T. Washington 28-8 two weeks ago and were dominant again against Homestead in a 35-7 victory last week.
The Bulls bullied the Panthers and did so by not allowing a single offensive touchdown winning 17-7 Thursday. Miami Hurricanes commit Tim Burns Jr. records a red zone interception and forces a blocked field goal to stop Palmetto from scoring on offense.
“Last game, I had a bad performance,” said the Northwestern cornerback Burns (featured image). “We wanted to come out with a better effort. As far as the defense, we came out outstanding. We were stopping them when we needed it.”
Both offenses struggled mightily in this game but big plays on defense and special teams would prove to be vital. Perhaps the most athletic play on the night came from senior defensive end Patrick Payton. The Nebraska commit jumped up and snatched a bullet pass in flight and ran it in for a Bulls touchdown.
Patrick Payton @PatPayton6 makes the athletic pick six to help @mnwbullsfootba1 take the lead 10-7 over Palmetto in the second quarter. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/JqG2EQAV5j
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) November 6, 2020
“In the last two victories that we had, Mr. Payton has made a touchdown,” said Head Coach Max Edwards. “Without him, we would be 0-3, with him we’re 2-1 and I’m blessed that he decided to come back home and play for me for his senior year. His play has been outstanding.”
Payton played for Northwestern as a freshman and played his sophomore and junior years at Miami High. The score would give the Bulls the lead in the second quarter that would not be relinquished for the rest of the night. Northwestern relied on its defensive prowess to clean up mistakes throughout the game for the team in blue and gold. In the second quarter, a muffed punt by Northwestern set the Panthers up deep in Bulls territory. On that ensuing drive, senior Palmetto quarterback Kevin Smith rolled to his right, but Burns undercut the route and ended the scoring threat with an interception.
Miami @CanesFootball commit @TimBurnsJr1 gets the interception in the end zone to stall a Palmetto drive mid second quarter. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/m7CzKJc0Jd
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) November 6, 2020
“I basically baited him,” said Burns. “I made it seem like I was going to close-down on the out route. The whole time I was playing between both (receivers).”
Palmetto started this game with an electric 100-yard kickoff return by Mike Jackson.
Palmetto @PantherPride305 takes the opening kickoff 100 yards for the touchdown. @MikeJacksonjr_ is FAST! @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/59vs4zKbzO
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) November 6, 2020
Northwestern would strike back with a scoring drive that ended with a Leo Zuazo 36-yard field goal to make it a 7-3 game in the first quarter.
Both offenses sputtered for most of the rest of the game and Northwestern failed to convert after a turnover just before the half to keep the game close. Senior defensive back Antwan Massie recovered a fumble in Panther territory with 21 seconds left giving the Bulls an opportunity to extend their lead, but three consecutive passes defended by Florida Gators commit Jason Marshall halted the chance as time expired in the half.
HALFTIME – @GatorsFB commit @jasonjr3_ denies @CanesFootball commit @GodChildM3_ in the end zone on three straight plays to keep the score 10-7. @mnwbullsfootba1 leads @PantherPride305. @FootballHotbed @FlaHSFootball pic.twitter.com/KdPaSfpLSF
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) November 6, 2020
Turnovers and penalties committed by Northwestern throughout the game would give Palmetto several chances to take the lead, but the Bulls would stand strong time after time. In the 3rd quarter, sophomore Gabe Hardman intercepted a Northwestern pass deep in Bulls territory but a field goal attempt by Palmetto would be blocked preventing yet another Panther score.
“I didn’t block it, but I knocked the guy into the ball,” said Burns. “I came off the edge and ran straight into the outside blocker and he went stumbling back.”
The play helped Northwestern maintain a slim three-point lead at 10-7 in the second half. On the ensuing drive, fellow Hurricanes commit Romello Brinson made a 40-yard reception in double coverage to help move the ball quickly down the field.
Romello Brinson, wide receiver, Miami Northwestern, stiff-arms, Miami Palmetto defensive back Corey Collier (Photo: Chuck Bethel Photography)
Zuberi Mobley would cap the drive with a three-yard touchdown run to extend the Bulls lead to 17-7.
Big 40-yard catch here by @CanesFootball commit @GodChildM3_ @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/0uHnjt6CwT
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) November 6, 2020
“They play for 48 (minutes),” said Coach Edwards of his team. “They keep fighting so I’m not mad at the win. I’m just disappointed at situations we just kept putting ourselves in.”
Miami Northwestern’s (2-1) quest for four straight state titles begins next week at Key West in their first playoff game of 2020. Miami Palmetto (1-1) will officially start their run at their first 8A state championship against Orlando Dr. Phillips next week.
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