3,800 Heritage and Jones students, staff, parents and alumni gathered in the FIU South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium Friday, Dec. 13 7:30 p.m. to watch the two football teams battle for the state championship title.
Before the game begins, the coin toss between the referees and team captains takes place at midfield. The event was surrounded by alumni, photographers and even included Miami Dolphins media and mascot. (Photo/Jaiden Bomar)
For the first time since 2020, the Patriots have taken the Class 4A state championship title.
Initially down 7-0 to the Tigers, senior Gavin Harvey and junior Jamar Denson worked hard to gain a lead, with a field goal by Harvey during the end of the first quarter and touchdown to start the second quarter by Denson.
The Patriots led 17-10 going into halftime and opened the third quarter with a 97 yard kick return touchdown by junior Brandon Bennett, widening the gap to 24-10.
The momentum continued, with the team going up 31-17. However, during the beginning of the fourth quarter the Tigers were successful in tying the game 31-31. The Patriots answered this nail-biter moment with an 80 yard rushing touchdown of their own by senior Bryon Louis to retake the lead.
Late into the fourth quarter Harvey kicked another field goal to bring the game to 40-31, the final score. To secure the title, the Patriots needed to hold the other team for the four remaining minutes of the match.
Forcing and recovering a fumble, Junior Isaac Tanis did just that.
Regaining possession, the offense was able to burn the rest of the time left of the game, ultimately giving the Patriots the win.
The Patriots storm the field after winning the state championship game. Players and coaches ran, cheered and did acrobatics like backflips in celebration. (Photo/Jaiden Bomar)
