Sparked by RB Joseph, Goleman repeats as GMAC independent champion in football

For the second consecutive year, the Miami Barbara Goleman football team can call itself champions.

There were no state titles to be won, but when the Gators squared off against Westland Hialeah at Traz Powell Stadium, the GMAC Independent Championship was on the line.

Thanks to the heroics of many but mostly running back Jamaal Joseph, Goleman came through with a 42-0 victory against the Wildcats to capture its second consecutive GMAC Independent title.

“Winning a second straight GMAC independent title is huge for our program, school and community,” Goleman head coach Ariel Cribiero said. “This league has allowed teams that have had difficulties competing with bigger programs in the past to build up their own programs. Moving forward we will take a wait-and-see approach but we are proud to be the marquee program in our league that is full of great coaching staffs and schools.”

After a close first half that saw the Gators (9-2) lead just 6-0, they took control in the second half with a barrage of scores led by Joseph. After scoring on a 4-yard run for the game’s only score in the first half, Joseph tore off two more touchdown runs of 54 and nine in the second half and also ran in three different two-point conversions. He finished the night as the game’s leading rusher with 134 yards.

“We knew going into this rematch game that we had to be on our toes,” said Cribiero whose team defeated Westland 24-12 in the regular season. “We knew they were a very capable team with great athletes. With that said we felt that we were better on the offensive and defensive lines and that showed in the result.”

Other big contributors for Goleman were Avari Marshall, who had an 8-yard touchdown run, and linebacker Norrie Alexander, who had a 35-yard scoop-and-score touchdown on a fumble.

This story was originally published November 22, 2021 at 2:23 PM.