The Patriots (6-0) defeated the Stranahan Mighty Dragons (2-3) tonight by a score of 51-0 for their Homecoming game.
Junior running backs Abraham Alce and Jordan Johnson showed in the first half that the Patriots’ run game has improved. Alce scored two rushing touchdowns, and Johnson added another. Though the Patriots’ offensive line and run game has been generally underwhelming, in the first half, they were completely in sync.
The defense also looked stout in the first half. Senior cornerback Will Allen III scored his third defensive touchdown in three games when he scooped up a fumble and returned it for a touchdown in the second quarter, and junior cornerback Tyson Campbell added an interception of his own. At halftime, the Patriots led 28-0 and showed no signs of letting up.
During halftime students on the Homecoming court were accompanied by their friends or relatives onto the field. Seniors Ramiro Steinmann and Adrienne Morales were crowned Homecoming King and Queen by Upper School principal, Mrs. Elise Blum, and AHS Vice President Dr. Douglas Laurie.
The Patriots’ defense continued their dominance in the second half, forcing two fumbles on the Mighty Dragons’ opening drive and taking over after a turnover on downs. When junior running back Miles Jones received a pitch on the first offensive play of the second half and ran it all the way to the end zone for the fourth rushing touchdown of the night, it was lights out for the Stranahan High School Dragons.
Senior receiver Darnell Fleury relieved senior quarterback Jason Brown in the third quarter after a safety made the score 37-0. When the pocket collapsed on Fleury’s first play, he scrambled 48 yards for a touchdown to bring the lead to 44-0. Sophomore running back Tyler Jones added the last few points of the game with a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to bring the score to 51-0.
Most impressive in the Patriots’ win was the run game. Throughout the season, the running backs have been unreliable, but with six rushing touchdowns from five players, the Patriots proved that their run game is just fine.
The Patriots have a bye week next week. Their next home game will be against Cardinal Gibbons Oct. 14. The team will then travel to Miami Jackson Oct. 21 and Hallandale Oct. 28 for two away games to finish off the season.
To watch a stream of the game vs. Stranahan, please visit: http://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/american-heritage-high-school-plantation-plantation-fl/227dff92e4
