Patriot football opened defense of its Florida state title on Friday with a 50-20 victory over John Carroll Catholic, as senior quarterback Leon Strawder threw for 254 yards and four touchdowns.
Senior wide receiver Jamar Denison caught 12 passes for 147 yards and junior Jonathan Bueno Jr. rushed for three touchdowns, gaining 94 yards on 18 carries. On defense, senior linebacker Dylan Bennett had 11 tackles, including three for loss, and senior defensive end Rodarian Tellez added two sacks.
Heritage (5-5) plays its second-round game at 7:30 p.m. Friday at home against the Plantation Colonels, in a rematch of a September game that saw the Patriots post a 28-13 win. Plantation (7-4) defeated the previously unbeaten Dillard Panthers 21-14 in its first-round game.
Plantation is led by senior Desmond Christian, who scored the Colonels’ three touchdowns against Dillard — two as a receiver and the third as a defensive back, returning an interception 97 yards
The Colonels are quarterbacked by sophomore Zakari Johnson, who has rushed for nine touchdowns while averaging 13 yards per carry. He has also completed 57% of his passes and seven touchdowns.
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As the playoff series begins, Patriot football players are under pressure to make it to states in an attempt to secure a three year in a row win. They won against the John Carroll Catholic Rams 50-20 with senior quarterback transfer Leon Strawder getting a head start with 254 yards and four touchdowns; followed by star performances from seniors Jamar Denison with an outstanding 93.1 receiving yards, Roadarion Tellez with 11 sacks and Terrance Johnson with seven interceptions; junior Jonathan Bueno Jr with 56.4 rushing yards; and sophomore Micah Price accomplishing 6.5 tackles.
To secure the win, players pay attention to the other team’s moves and gameplay to take advantage and defeat. (Photos/Jude Hachem)
Through an intense game, the sports medicine team is always there for the football players to keep them active, healthy and hydrated. (Photo/Jude Hachem)
Besides the action on the field, on the sidelines Patriot cheerleaders, dancers and band support and empower the performance of the players on the field. (Photo/Jude Hachem)
The coach gives a pep talk to senior Reginald Camille. (Photo/Jude Hachem)
Players celebrate touchdown. (Photo/Jude Hachem)
