Killian entered this season hoping to recover from a disappointing 4-6 finish in 2007.

The Cougars took a giant step forward Thursday night.

Led by their star senior running back Lamar Miller, and an aggressive effort on defense and special teams, Killian knocked off one of Miami-Dade County's top-ranked team, North Miami Beach, 35-20 at North Miami Stadium.

North Miami Beach (1-1), ranked No. 3 in the state in Class 6A and in The Miami Herald's South Florida Top 20, had not lost to a Dade opponent since losing to Northwestern two years ago in a state semifinal.

Miller scored three touchdowns and ran for 227 yards on 25 carries to pace the Cougars (2-0), who came in ranked No. 17 by The Miami Herald and were not ranked in the state poll.

''I think it's a matter of showing up to play every week,'' Killian coach Steve Smith said. ``The kids believe and the coaches believe that we have improved and are capable of winning these types of games.''

Just as several teams in Dade and Broward this week, Killian was not allowed to practice fully until Wednesday due to excessive winds caused by Hurricane Ike passing near Florida. It didn't seem to affect the Cougars much, however.

Miller looked unstoppable at times, especially on a 95-yard touchdown run midway through the first quarter that gave the Cougars a 21-6 edge.

That was followed by a sharp special teams play that gave Killian a comfortable lead for good. The ensuing kickoff landed short of NMB wide receiver Jonathan Cyprien, who was unable to field it before Killian players recovered it at the Chargers' 7-yard line.

Miller made them pay on the next play by scoring from seven yards away to increase the lead to 28-6.

Killian's defense also played a major role in the victory, limiting North Miami Beach to only 33 total yards rushing.

''We came in as underdogs and we faced adversity all week not being able to practice much because of the winds,'' senior defensive lineman Robert Brown. ``Then our bus took a wrong turn on the way here and we couldn't even warm up right. But we dug deep and did what we had to do.''

The Chargers' passing attack did have its moments.

NMB senior Nico Flores connected with Jonathan Cyprien for a 74-yard touchdown strike in the second quarter.

But Flores, who threw for 222 yards, was intercepted late by senior defensive back Keith Reaser ending any hopes of a comeback.

OTHER GAMES

• Coral Reef 33, Ferguson 13: Coach Chevas Clements' ''three-headed monster'' led the offensive charge over the host Falcons (1-1) beat Ferguson at Tropical Park.

Daniel Monrue, Phillip Hopper and Zack Day totaled 267 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns between them.

Monrue led the way with 147 yards on 19 carries, while Day had 212 all-purpose yards, including a 72-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Quarterback Andrew Llaca was responsible for the Barracudas (2-0) other score, a two-yard run early in the first quarter.

-- MELISSA ARTEAGA

''I want to make something happen every time I touch the ball,'' Mallary said. ``This is my last year. I want colleges to take notice.''

Mallary got 75 yards on an electric punt return in the first half when he barely kept himself off the turf before cutting back and speeding to the end zone.

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