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Fort Lauderdale, FL — In the last five seasons, not many other South Florida teams have been more successful than American Heritage Plantation and Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale). The two have combined for five state titles within that time span with Heritage winning three titles and Gibbons winning two. Last year both teams brought home state titles as both no longer have to go through each other to win states.
“I wouldn’t say it’s too much of a rivalry,” said defensive end Marvin Jones Jr. “They beat us twice in like 15 years. It’s definitely a fun game to play in.”
This season Heritage came into the game with a losing record (1-2), but had two weeks off to prepare for its crosstown rival. Gibbons came into the game undefeated, but this was its first game this season against a top 10 team. In typical Gibbons-Heritage fashion, this one came down to the last play. With the game tied at 20, Heritage lined up for a 41-yard field goal attempt to win the game. Senior kicker Julian Ramirez booted it through the uprights to give the Patriots the win.
FINAL: American Heritage @AH__Athletics defeats Cardinal Gibbons with this field goal as time expires, 23-20. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/m3QqQzlJeD
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) October 2, 2021
“It felt really good,” said Ramirez. “I knew I was going to make it, I feel really confident in my abilities. I’ve been practicing for this.”
Ramirez’s long in practice is from 62 yards.
Heritage was in control for most of the game until Greg Otten stripped the football from quarterback Brandon Inniss and recovered the football deep into Heritage territory.
Greg Otten, Defensive End, Cardinal Gibbons
Gibbons would add a field goal to tie the game at 20 setting up the eventual game-winning drive. Inniss completed 10-16 for 62 yards, zero touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
“The defense made a hell of a stop on third down and limited them to a field goal,” said Head Coach Pat Surtain. “We needed one more drive. We drive the ball, we’re going to win this game. Many guys stepped up. We had to turn to a freshman running back and we got the job done.”
Starting Heritage junior running back Mark Fletcher hurt his ankle in the second half of this game and junior running back Jerry Dinkins was seen on crutches after the game. Heritage had to turn to freshman Byron Louis at running back and depended on converted quarterback Inniss to move the ball downfield.
Brandon Inniss, Athlete, American Heritage Plantation
“He’s a dude that we describe as a football player,” said Coach Surtain of Oklahoma commit Inniss. “No matter what it takes for the team, he’s willing to step in and do it. He did a terrific job tonight with only a week of preparation. It looked like he’s been there for five years. That’s what you expect out of great players, he came through and stepped it up for us tonight.”
After a scoreless first quarter, Heritage scored a field goal and added a one-yard touchdown rush from Fletcher. Gibbons would add a field goal just before the half as the Heritage defense stopped Gibbons from crossing the goal line after a big run from Chiefs junior quarterback Dylan Rizk.
HALFTIME: American Heritage @AH__Athletics leads @FootballGibbons 10-3. Gibbons gets field goal just before half expires. @KinlockJaeden stops quarterback @dylanrizk11 from scoring a touchdown here. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/dhXOsj0u3U
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) October 2, 2021
The Patriots added a field goal to its lead early in the second half, but this is the point where running back Kamari Moulton made his impact in this game. The junior got the edge and used his track speed to get down the sideline for a 67-yard touchdown.
Kamari Moulton, Running Back, Cardinal Gibbons
The touchdown was the first of the game for Cardinal Gibbons coming just before the end of the third quarter.
Heritage extends lead over Gibbons. @fletcherjr_mark scores from one yard out. @AH__Athletics leads 10-0 with 3:37 left in the half. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/Nof5Z0Ud9B
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) October 1, 2021
After Heritage countered with another touchdown from Fletcher, Moulton got into the end zone for the second time himself again using his speed to get the edge making it a 20-17 game with under eight minutes to go. Fletcher rushed for 119 yards on 19 carries scoring twice.
Mark Fletcher, Running Back, American Heritage
Once again @HulkMoulton helping @FootballGibbons stay in this game. He scores here. Gibbons trails Heritage 20-17 with under 8 minutes to go. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/HNi4ncIvrP
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) October 2, 2021
“I know the guys are happy and we needed this win and I’m going to let them enjoy it, but we got to get ready for the next one because it does not get any easier for us,” Surtain said.
Heritage will travel to Jacksonville to take on 3A state champion Trinity Christian while Gibbons host Pinecrest (Fort Lauderdale next week.
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