This article was written by Alex Becker, class of 2019.
Friday night’s 47-9 win over Miami Jackson High School Generals extended the No.3 ranked Patriots win streak to 21 games on the annual senior night. The annual senior night honors the seniors and their last season with the team, with signs, pictures and presents from parents and cheerleaders.
The game was lined with fans, parents and collegiate scouts. Highlighting the guest list was University of Florida football head coach Jim McElwain and University of Georgia defensive coordinator Mel Tucker. There are currently many Patriots with offers to play at the two schools, as well as current alumni playing at the schools. Former Heritage cornerback Marco Wilson is currently a Florida Gator, while former Heritage running back Sony Michel is a Georgia Bulldog.
The Patriots struck first with one-yard quarterback sneak by senior Cameron Smith to make the score 7-0. After an interception by No.1 ranked cornerback in the nation Patrick Surtain II, Smith led the team down the short field and capitalized on another one-yard quarterback keeper to extend the lead to 14.
After a long drive by the Generals, kicker Nilson Henriquez nailed a 21-yard field goal to make the score 14-3. The Generals were next to score with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Jamarie Harrison to make the score 14-9.
Patriots came right back only moments after with a quick drive capped off with a three-yard touchdown run by junior running back Tyler Jones.
The following drive a stiff Patriots defense held the Generals to a three-and-out. The snap on the ensuing punt went long and traveled through the end zone for a safety, putting the Pats up 23-9 in the second quarter.
Senior running back and return man Miles Jones set up another short field for the Patriots after a good return following the safety. Jones capped the drive with four-yard rushing touchdown to make the score 30-9.
The Patriots were the first to score coming out of the halftime break with a 37-yard field goal from senior kicker Jared Elstein to expand the lead to 33-9.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, Miles Jones caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Smith to make it a 40-9 game.
The last score of game came late in the game by senior running back Jordan Johnson on a four-yard rushing touchdown.
A senior night bundled together with a 47-9 blowout made for a great combination for the Patriots 21st straight win. The win streak is the main reason the Pats are ranked No.3 in the nation by MaxPreps. The Patriots look to continue the streak next Friday against Hallandale.
