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6. AMERICAN HERITAGE
Location: Plantation, Fla.
2015 record: 10-2
2015 Final Super 25 ranking: Unranked
The Patriots have won two state titles in the past three years and have a new coach, former Miami Dolphins defensive back Patrick Surtain, who had been the defensive coordinator. He replaces another former NFL player, Mike Rumph, now the cornerbacks coach at the University of Miami.
They also have an ambitious schedule that includes Booker T. Washington (Miami), Colquitt County (Moultrie, Ga.) and Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.).
Key returnees include: QB Jason Brown, a Harvard commit; senior OL T.J. Slaton (6-6 and 339 pounds); senior WR Laress Nelson; senior DB Marco Wilson, a Florida commit; OL Kai-Leon Herbert, a Michigan commit; LB James Houston IV, a Florida commit; and DT George Ellis III, who has several major offers.
Three returning juniors are already drawing big-time interest in DB Patrick Surtain Jr., DT Nesta Silvera; and DE Andrew Chatfield (44 tackles).
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The Patriots also had a number of quality transfers. RB Jordan Johnson, DE Robert Hawkins and TE Robzel Sylvester came in from Plantation. OL Javier Garcia transferred from Belen Jesuit (Miami); WR Darnell Fleury transferred from University School (Fort Lauderdale); and LB Zach Simmons came in from Taravella (Coral Springs).
“We have a talented group,” Surtain said. “We have a bunch of guys coming back. We also got some transfers in, and we’re looking forward to the season. We had 95 percent (attendance rate) during the summer (workouts), and that’s when championships are won.”
SCHEDULE:
8/19 vs Booker T. Washington (Miami, Fla.) *
8/27 @ Colquitt County (Moultrie, Ga.)
9/2 vs Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, NJ)
9/9 @ Northwestern (Miami, Fla.)
9/16 @ Coconut Creek (Coconut Creek, Fla.)
9/23 vs Norland (Miami, Fla.)
9/30 vs Stranahan (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
10/14 vs Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
10/21 @ Jackson (Miami, Fla.)
10/28 @ Hallandale (Hallandale, Fla.)
* Scrimmage
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