Miami Central upsets IMG in battle of nationally-ranked powerhouses, plus more results
Throughout its rich football history, Miami Central has often scored major road victories.
Friday night’s will likely be regarded among the best yet.
Underdogs against an IMG Academy squad replete with Power Five conference recruits, the Rockets rallied in the second half to beat the Ascenders, 20-14, on their home field in Bradenton.
While Central (1-0) entered the matchup a three-time reigning state champion and ranked No. 14 nationally by MaxPreps, the victory over No. 4-ranked IMG (0-1) firmly puts the Rockets in the hunt for a national title.
First-year Central coach Jube Joseph, who was the Rockets’ defensive coordinator the past three seasons, saw his defense dominate in the second half as they blanked IMG 14-0 over the final two quarters. Central’s defense stopped the Ascenders three times in the final five minutes and forced three turnovers in the fourth quarter overall.
Cornerback Shawn Smoak picked off a pass and returned it 34 yards for a touchdown with 11:09 left in the fourth to provide Central with the winning margin.
Amari Wallace recorded the game-clinching interception in the final minute to seal the win.
Four-star edge prospect Rueben Bain, who was often matched up at the line of scrimmage against IMG tackle Francis Mauigoa, a University of Miami commit, led a stout defensive effort by Central with three sacks. The last of Bain’s sacks came with three minutes left in the fourth quarter to hold off one of IMG’s last-ditch attempts to come back.
Central tied the game with 1:03 left in the third quarter when FIU commit Keyone Jenkins found Sekou Smith open over the middle. The Rockets converted the ensuing two-point conversion to knot the score at 14.
It was the second of two touchdown passes thrown by Jenkins, who hit Cataurus Hicks for a touchdown in the first quarter as well.
Central is vying to win four consecutive state titles for the second time in school history and win its Miami-Dade County-best ninth state championship overall.
The Rockets are off next week before taking on rival Booker T. Washington at Traz Powell Stadium on Sept. 9.
▪ Northwestern 32, Venice 26: Despite relinquishing a 16-point lead in the second half, the Bulls found a way to hang on and defeat the defending Class 8A state champions on the road. Linebacker Kareem Maycock picked off a Venice pass in the Bulls’ own end zone on the game’s final play to preserve the victory.
Northwestern (1-0) stopped Venice six times in Bulls’ territory during the first half including three losses on downs and held the Indians (0-1) to just a field goal.
Bulls quarterback Taron Dickens ran for three touchdowns and threw for another to help Northwestern build a 26-10 lead late in the third quarter. According to SunPreps.com, receiver Adam Moore caught eight passes for 93 yards and a touchdown and running back Marlin Cochran had 23 carries for 154 yards to lead the Bulls on the offensive end.
Northwestern followed up an impressive 42-24 victory over Jones High in last week’s preseason classic at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
The Bulls have zero drop off in their schedule as they return to action next week for the annual Soul Bowl against Miami Jackson on Friday at Traz Powell Stadium before taking on defending Class 2A state champion Chaminade-Madonna the following week.
▪ Broward Showcase - Cardinal Gibbons 11, DeMatha (Md.) 6: The Chiefs (1-0) bounced back from an ugly outing in their preseason classic with a stellar performance from their defense. Gibbons put together a key goal line stand early which set the tone for the victory. The two-time defending state champions host Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian next Friday.
MORE FRIDAY SCORES
Westland Hialeah 42, Hallandale 2; Miami Springs 13, Miami Beach 12; Coral Shores 48, Varela 0; Niceville 42, NMB 6; Coconut Creek 50, Bradenton Southeast 0; Carol City 28, South Dade 27; Goleman 39, Mater Academy 31; Calvary Christian 49, Belen Jesuit 6; Pompano Beach 30, Marathon 28; Archbishop Carroll 48, Florida Christian 0; St. Brendan 35, Sunset 0; Naples Golden Gate 24, North Miami 19; Miramar 26, Plantation 21; Fort Lauderdale 23, Deerfield Beach 15; Doral 48, South Broward 21; Jacksonville Raines 19, Monsignor Pace 13; Somerset Academy 33, North Broward Prep 0; Palmer Trinity 43, BridgePrep 0; Westminster Christian 50, Everglades Prep 6; Ferguson 27, Hialeah Gardens 6; True North 48, Palm Glades Prep 0; Somerset Silver Palms 14, Somerset Prep 8; Monarch 38, Boca Raton 2; West Broward 27, Cypress Bay 24; La Salle 41, Somerset Charter Homestead 0; Douglas 29, McArthur 20; Krop 23, Miami High 13; Southridge 2, Jackson 0 (forfeit); Pine Crest 30, Archbishop McCarthy 14.
This story was originally published August 27, 2022 at 12:17 AM.
