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Miami, FL — It doesn’t get any better than Miami Central and Miami Northwestern when it comes to rivalries in Miami-Dade County. Fortunately in 2021, because of the inaugural GMAC Championship, we get this rivalry twice in one season. The Rockets topped the Bulls 24-21 in the first contest on a last-second field goal.
This game was not a contest.
Central dominated Northwestern 49-6 at Traz Powell Stadium Thursday night. The GMAC pairs teams from across Dade County in a bowl-like game to end the season and this game seems like the beginning of yet another title run for the Rockets.
“We play our best ball at playoff time,” said Head Coach Roland Smith. “We knew if we didn’t turn the ball over five/six times like in the first game it wouldn’t have been close. I just told them if we just clean the act it wouldn’t be close.”
It Was Over When…
Keyone “Lyghts Out” Jenkins found Joshiah Trader for a 33-yard pass to the one-yard line that was eventually punched in by senior running back Ghana Oboh.
This pass play to @joshisathe1 of @Roc__Nation ruled down at the one-yard line, but @ghana_oboh punches it in on the next play.
Score now 28-0 over Northwestern early 2nd quarter. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/USD9h7NX5H
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) October 29, 2021
The score made it a 28-0 game early in the second quarter. The junior Jenkins, in his second back from a hand injury suffered in the opener, completed 6-of-11 for 130 yards in the first half. Jenkins would rush for a five-yard touchdown just before halftime to start a running clock on the Bulls.
HALFTIME: The running ⏰ is on at Traz. @LyghtzO puts a move on the Northwestern defender and dives for the goal line for the touchdown. @Roc__Nation up 42-6.@FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/QnRAMr0aTU
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) October 29, 2021
“Every week is about us getting better and better,” Smith said. “It’s not an easy task when you’re trying to make a run for the 5A state championship.”
In Jenkins’s absence, fellow junior quarterback Dyllon Tulloch has been exceptional at the quarterback position leading the Rockets to seven straight wins. Tulloch started tonight’s game with a two-yard touchdown run and also connected with Jonathan Harris on a 36-yard screen pass to make it a 21-0 game in the first quarter. Harris would also score on an easy one-yard run.
Miami Central @Roc__Nation extends lead to 21-0 as Jonathan Harris catches this one and scores with 4:03 left in the first quarter. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/TQnX0TkwSa
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) October 28, 2021
“When Keyone got hurt, he came in and did a tremendous job for us,” said Smith of Tulloch. “He did not deserve to go back on the bench when the starter came back. You don’t lose your job as a starter, but the kid was playing so well we just had to go with both of them so we just go every other quarter and it’s been going well for us.”
Big Time Players
The Central Running Backs – Oboh, Harris, and Ean Pope had the highlight plays in this game. Oboh started the game with a 40-yard run with the first play from scrimmage and never looked back. Harris scored twice and Pope ended the game with an impressive run that went outside and back inside in the fourth quarter.
FINAL: Miami Central @Roc__Nation defeats Miami Northwestern 49-6. @ghana_oboh scores here in GMAC championship. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/2Utsda4iSx
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) October 29, 2021
Reuben Bain, Defensive Lineman/Edge, Miami Central – The junior defensive lineman can play on the inside and outside and was unblockable. Bain was in on several tackles and caused disruption the entire game. Bain and senior Wesley Bissainthe would help the Rockets defense register six sacks on the night.
Jamari Ford, running back, Miami Northwestern – It was a struggle for the dynamic junior running back to get loose all game, but Ford did produce the lone touchdown for the Bulls. Ford caught what looked to be a lateral pass near the sideline, made a defender miss, and used his speed to outrun the Rockets all the way to the end zone for a 75-yard touchdown.
Corey Washington, Wide Receiver, Miami Central – The junior receiver returned a punt block the distance for Central’s second touchdown.
Both Miami Central and Miami Northwestern get a bye next week before rolling into the playoffs the following week. Central (7-2) (5A) and Northwestern (7-3) (6A) will be seeking their 8th state championships in school history.
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