Heritage made quick work of the Plantation High Colonels in their second-round playoff game Friday, as the defending state champions scored 41 first-half points en route to a 48-7 win.
Senior quarterback Leon Strawder led the Patriots’ first-half attack, throwing for two touchdowns and 172 yards on 8-for-16 passing. His big play was a 71-yard touchdown bomb to senior wide receiver Brandon Bennett that pushed the lead to 20-0 10 minutes into the game.
“I feel like I’ve found my place on this team. I’m enjoying the brotherhood, everyone enjoys that, but when we play, it’s time to get serious, ”said Strawder, who transferred to Heritage early in the season from Miami Northwestern.
The Patriots (6-5) will play at Archbishop McCarthy (10-2) at 7:30 p.m. Friday for the regional 4A championship, with the winner advancing to the state semifinals.
Heritage scored on its first drive against Plantation, with senior running back Jonathan Bueno rushing 20-yards for the first of his two touchdowns.
On the ensuing kickoff, senior defensive back Terrance Johnson picked up a fumble by Plantation’s returner and ran it back 20 yards for a second score before the Colonels had run a play.
Seniors wide receiver Jamar Denson, junior receiver Michael Stringer and sophomore Tremaine Mullen also scored touchdowns for the Patriots.
“It was a really competitive week of practice. I knew that the guys were ready, and when they start playing like that in practice, I know it’s gonna be a great Friday night,” head coach Mike Smith said of the team’s preparation for the game. “We also got a group of 2026 guys, so a lot of seniors knew this was probably their last time playing on this field. I think that motivated, but I’d say that this group, as a whole, is hitting their stride.”
