Miami Central HS wins third consecutive state title
MIAMI, Fla. (BVM) —聽The nationally-ranked Miami Central High School football team was once again named the Florida FHSAA 5A state champions.
Their third state championship title in a row, Miami Central finished the season with an impressive 12-game win streak. The game itself didn’t seem to be much of a challenge for them as they thrashed the Merritt Island Mustangs, 49-14. This is the Rockets eighth state title in 12 years dating back to 2010. Is this the best high school football dynasty that the nation has ever seen?聽
As for the game itself, Miami Central brought an overwhelming amount of force on both sides of the ball. Showing their complete dominance with 390 yards of total offense was just too much for the Mustangs鈥� defense to handle. Responsible for an abundance of the production was Joshisa Trader, a transfer student from Monsignor Pace, who absolutely shined in the big game. Trader accounted for 18 of the Rockets’ 49 points, including 212 all-purpose yards and put the team on his back. He will definitely be getting a lot of attention after this game.聽
However, much of Miami Central鈥檚 success can be attributed to their defensive efforts which limited Merritt Island to 14 points who had a point differential of 248 on the season. As history has shown, defense tends to win championships and that is exactly how the Rockets were able to hold off this powerhouse from eastern Florida. The defense for Miami Central put up an amazing statline and combined for 31 tackles, two sacks, two pick-six interceptions, one blocked field goal, and seven quarterback hurries. It is tough to win against a team that puts up video game numbers such as Miami Central did.聽
After the game, Miami Central head coach Roland Smith had high praisal for his coaching staff and his players after picking up the win just over the county line at DRV PNK Stadium, home of Inter Miami Football Club.聽
鈥淚 never take my opponent lightly as they were coached by my best friend,鈥� Smith said in an interview with 鈥淲e just had to play solid football and we did that tonight allowing us to win the game.鈥澛�
It is not everyday that you come across a high school football program such as Miami Central. A well coached and well disciplined team over the many years has brought great success to this outstanding organization. Not to mention, Miami Central is the alma mater to some current and former NFL stars, six of whom are currently active. Dalvin Cook and Devonta Freeman, current running backs in the NFL, are among the notable alumni who played and developed at Miami Central. Both players are also proud products of Florida State University who had illustrious careers.聽
It will not be long until there are more players from this school that make it to the NFL and it will certainly not be long until another trophy is raised by these young men from Miami-Dade county.
The Rockers will look to defend their title next year and will hope to make a four-peat, something they accomplished in the 2012 through the 2015 seasons.聽
