Plantation — For weeks now, high school football fans have looked forward to Aug 30 for “The Battle of the Backs.” It definitely did not disappoint. While many argue which top-tier running back was the best on the field, Sony Michel, Dalvin Cook or Joseph Yearby. It was easy to tell who had the best defense. That my friends was the Miami Central Rockets.
(Photo by Nash Williams)
With the strong defensive showing, that led Miami Central to a 42-20 victory over the American Heritage Patriots.
The Rockets, fresh off a 44-13 preseason win over Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer, held the top player in Florida, American Heritage running back Sony Michel, to a mere 56 yards on just 12 carries.
“Defensively we did a great job. I just think one thing we have got to improve on is limiting the opponent’s explosive plays.” said Miami Central head coach Roland Smith who notched his first win as a coach.
Going into halftime, the Rockets held a slim 21-14 lead over the hosting Patriots. Heritage’s two touchdowns in the first half came from that big play capability that they have and will catch teams by surprise. On the first play from scrimmage American Heritage defensive back took a 50-yard run all the way to the end zone which got the action started quickly.
Although the No. 2 team in the nation wasn’t going to be rattled. Their one-two punch of running backs Dalvin Cook and Joseph Yearby combined for 346-yards (147 and 199 respectively) on 36-carries which resulted in 6-touchdowns on the night for the duo.
“We played pretty well.” said Yearby. “This is just going to get us ready for Booker T. Washington come next week.”
