National Media & Showcase Platform
FloridaHigh School Football

Central Reach State Title Game For Second Straight Year, Blast Palmetto 49-20

0 Comment045
Email, RSS Follow
Pin It
Print


Miami, FL — Last season, Miami Central and Palmetto met in the 6A Florida High School state semifinal round, and the game came down to the wire with the Rockets escaping Manatee County with a 34-30 win.  Central would go on to win easily in the state championship game, but the game against the Tigers was their toughest against a team outside of South Florida in the 2019 playoffs.

This year, the two teams would meet again in the same round Friday night, this time in the rain at Traz Powell Stadium.  

The outcome was not close.  

Miami Central dominated Palmetto with an emphatic 49-20 win to advance to the state championship game for the second year in a row.  Sophomore quarterback Keyone “Lyghtz Out” Jenkins threw for five touchdown passes and rushed for another score to help the Rockets coast to a playoff victory.

“This is my first time, I’m so excited,” said Jenkins about making it to the state championship game.  “But the mission is not over.”

Jenkins, who joined the team this summer from Miami Carol City, feels he now has full control of the offense.  The 2023 prospect completed 16 of his 23 passes for 366 yards and five touchdown passes.  

“I’m new to the offense and new to the system,” said Jenkins.  “I’m learning every week and getting better and better.”

Palmetto would get on the scoreboard first, however, as senior running back Jacquez Hughes maneuvered his way to paydirt for a 12-yard touchdown in the first quarter.  Jenkins on the first play of the second series threw a dime to Texas A&M commit Yulkeith Brown for a 74-yard touchdown (Two-point conversion failed).  Brown also played as a defensive back during the game.

Yukeith Brown, Athlete, Miami Central

The Rockets would blast through the Tiger defense on their next possession with Jenkins scoring on the ground with a 12-yard touchdown rush.  The sophomore added five rushes for 24 yards and also scored on the ground with a two-point conversion.  


Lightz Out would continue the aerial display hitting Robert McMinn in stride for a 50-yard touchdown.  The two would connect from the red zone right before halftime to help make it a 27-7 game at the break.  


The patented Central running game would come on late in this game as senior Amari Daniels finally would break loose for an invigorating touchdown run at the end of the third quarter. The score would help increase the Rocket lead to 33-14 going into the fourth quarter.  


Daniels, a Texas A&M commit, would finish with 17 carries for 111 yards and the touchdown.  

In the fourth quarter, the lefty Jenkins would add touchdown passes to junior Zaylan Reese and his second to the senior Brown to bookend his big night.  


Miami Central (7-1) will look to win their seventh state title which would move the Rockets into a tie with Miami Northwestern for the most from Dade County.  Northwestern was eliminated by American Heritage Plantation in the 5A playoffs two weeks ago.  Palmetto (9-4) will have to wait until next year to see if they can reach their first championship game since 1986.


“This what we play this for, to win state championships,” said Head Coach Roland Smith.  “We have an opportunity to win another one and I’m excited about that, but it’s not over until we go up there and take care of our business.”

Share
Dillard Thrives Despite Adversity And Change, Dominates in First Round Playoff Previous post

Marcus Benjamin works as the senior writer and editor for FootballHotbed.com. He attended Florida A&M and Florida Memorial University completing a bachelors degree in communications in 2010. He's covered high school football in the South Florida area since 2010 for the Miami Herald, Miami Sports Tribune and ShawSports.net. He is married and lives in Fort, Lauderdale, FL.

Related Articles

FloridaHigh School Football October 26, 20240

JV Championship Series: Homestead Outlasts North Miami 26-22

Follow Miami Gardens, FL- The Homestead Broncos Junior Varsity Team earned a birth in the inaugural Football Hotbed JV Championship Series Final this week outlasting the North Miami Pioneers 26-22.  It was a thrilling match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. The Broncos showcased their resilience and teamwork, coming from behind to secure the victory. The game was marked by impressive plays, with standout performances from both teams.  The game’s overall MVP was 2027 quarterback Jahmir McCall of Homestead High.  The Broncos’ quarterback delivered a stellar performance, throwing two touchdown passes and maintaining composure under pressure. Freshman running back Jermaine Green caught the first touchdown reception out of the backfield and the go-ahead touchdown was secured by 2028 wide receiver Gemani Smith. Meanwhile, the defense held strong during critical moments, thwarting the Pioneers’ advances with key tackles and interceptions.  The game sealing pass deflection was made by 2028 defensive back Leone Leonidas. The Pioneers played an excellent game, especially offensively led by their sophomore quarterback, Chammbrayy Campbell.  He hooked up with North Miami 2027 wide out Michael Cabre to open the game’s scoring.  The post-corner pass was perfect and Cabre made a great adjustment to the ball for the touchdown reception. Overall, the Pioneers couldn’t overcome playing sloppy toward the end of the game as turnovers and penalties killed drives.  They turned the ball over with a fumble into the endzone and had an interception on the 1-yard line on drives that would have probably ended up as scores. On the final drive of the game, the Pioneers were thwarted by the Homestead defense that had bended but not broken all game.  As the Broncos celebrated their hard-fought win, they set their sights on the upcoming final, determined to bring home the championship trophy. The team’s coaches praised the players’ dedication and spirit, acknowledging their hard work and commitment throughout the season. Fans and community members eagerly anticipate the final match, ready to support their team with unwavering enthusiasm.The historic Football Hotbed event for Junior Varsity teams is full-sanctioned by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) who is enthusiastic about the events promise in years to come.  Homestead will play Miami Central in the championship held this coming week.   Jahmir McCall with the Portal 305 and Olin Cushion, III JV Championship Series Highlights: Check out this amazing pass and catch from @NMPioneer_FB junior varsity standouts 2027 QB CHAMMBRAYY CAMPBELL to WR MICHAEL CABRE #hotbedworld vid by @ChrisFodde @FHSAA pic.twitter.com/aFXfa8zLf6— Football Hotbed (@FootballHotbed) October 26, 2024 Photos: JV Championship Series @HSHBroncos and @NMPioneer_FB made history. #hotbedworld https://t.co/VWfp1x7Npw— Football Hotbed (@FootballHotbed) October 26, 2024 Arties Knight, head JV Football Coach, Homestead High

Florida May 21, 20240

Spring Football Excitement Across South Florida

Follow There has been a tremendous amount of excitement across South Florida the past several weeks as teams have begun wrapping up spring practices and having inter-squad scrimmages and spring games. These scrimmages and games are an early indicator of the skill and talent level each school will look to display come the fall.  Once again, South Florida took the majority of the state’s football championships at the Metro Division level that is now defunct. Columbus, St. Thomas Aquinas and Chaminade won the 4M, 3M and 1M titles respectively.  Miami Norland finished as the runner up to Tampa’s Berkley Catholic High School.  This spring, established coaches like Southridge’s Pierre Senatus are upbeat about their program’s potential after having a few seasons under his belt.  In juxtaposition, Miami Northwestern’s first year head coach, NFL Veteran Teddy Bridgewater, is working out the kinks after his first intersquad scrimmage and spring game.  Stay with Footballhotbed.com for the developments of this off season across the Southeast. SPRING PRACTICE: Caught up with head coach Pierre Senatus @LifeCoachPierre on the first day of spring practice in year three of his tenure, fresh off a deep playoff run. #hotbedworld @Brandon_Odoi pic.twitter.com/z0u6AQzqjh— Football Hotbed (@FootballHotbed) April 30, 2024 Coach @teddyb_h2o 🗣️NFL Veteran QB Teddy Bridgewater in his first appearance as head coach at Miami Northwestern during his school's first spring scrimmage talks organization and effort. #hotbedworld pic.twitter.com/r7oOKmiew7— Football Hotbed (@FootballHotbed) May 5, 2024

Brandon OdoifeatureFlorida April 25, 20240

Under the Radar Spotlight: 2026 LB Demitris Mincey

Follow Fort Lauderdale, FL– The linebacker position is…

Leave a Reply