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Pompano Beach, FL— American Heritage (Plantation) returns to the state championship for the first time since the Covid-19 2020 season. It was made possible by a one-loss season and a great effort against formidable state power Jacksonville Bolles High the tune of a 21-14 victory in the 2 Metro FHSAA state semi-final. Heritage was led by Brandon Innis and Mark Fletcher, two five-star talents and a formidable defense including fellow blue-chip recruit, Damari Brown.
The Patriots wins sets up an All-South Florida 2 Metro FHSAA final between Miami Central, the No 3 ranked team in the country. It’s the first of its kind in some time given the new configuration of teams playing in the state finals based on changes to the FHSAA classification system. And because the teams are reseeded after the regional final, you get the best match up in the state finals and it couldn’t be a great time to be a Florida High School football fan.
To make things even more interesting, the game will be played in Fort Lauderdale at DRV PNK stadium, home to Miami’s MLS soccer team. This affords all of each school’s fans and supporters the opportunity to see them play in state final without traveling out of town.
One interesting note is that this game will feature two first year head coaches. Heritage’s Mike Smith and Miami Central’s Jube Joseph are both first time head coaches but not new to their respective programs. Both took over for coaches who were promoted. Smith after Pat Surtain took an assistant defensive backs’ coaching job with the Miami Dolphins and Joseph after Roland Smith became the director of High School Relations for the University of Miami.
Kickoff is next Friday at 7 pm.
Damari Brown No. 2 for American Heritage
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