Central moves one win away from 4-peat (and maybe national title) after pounding Lakewood

Miami Central is on the cusp of something special — one victory away from coming out on top of the toughest classifications in Florida High School Athletic Association history, claiming a fourth straight state championship and perhaps, if enough breaks right and voters are convinced, even winning a national title — and there was still no slowing down in the Class 2M semifinals Friday.

There was, however, finally moment of celebration. Even Jube Joseph’s always stoic demeanor cracked. The coach lined up his team, called them to attention, paused and then broke character.

“We’re going to the ‘ship!” he shouted and then there was jubilation.

Once again, Central is headed to the state championship after a drama-free 39-21 win against St. Petersburg Lakewood in Miami and an even greater opportunity awaits.

The Rockets (13-0) are the No. 3 team in the country, according to MaxPreps. Plantation American Heritage, the opponent they’ll face on Friday, De.c 16 at 7 p.m. in Fort Lauderdale in the Class 2M final, is No. 10. The nation, Joseph told his players, will be watching.

“That was our intention coming into the season, from spring ball,” said Joseph, who was Central’s defensive coordinator for the last three years and can now win a state title in his first season as coach. “We knew we had a special group of kids and we knew that nobody’s going to work harder than us in America.”

Added star quarterback Keyone Jenkins: “It gives us a chance to stamp our names.”

The Rockets scored their first touchdown on the fifth play from scrimmage, then a second on the 14th. By halftime, they were already up 32-7 and rolling to an easy victory at Traz Powell Stadium.

It’s what Central has done all year and nothing changed with a spot in the 2M championship on the line.

Jenkins led a hyper-efficient, often-explosive offensive attack to by going 15 of 20 for 258 yards and two touchdowns, and rushing six times for 14 yards and another touchdown. Star defensive lineman Rueben Bain anchored a suffocating defense and recorded his 27th sack of the year before sitting out the entire second half with Central blowing out Lakewood.

With touchdowns on 4 of 5 drives to start the game and no punts until at all, the Rockets never let the 2M semifinal be in any sort of doubt.

They started the game by winning the coin toss and opting to receive the opening kickoff, and they were up 7-0 in less than three minutes. Jenkins started with three straight short passes to star wide receiver Corey Washington and Central quickly moved into Raiders territory. Two plays later, Jenkins fired a slant to star wide receiver Lamar Seymore for a 24-yard touchdown and 7-0 lead with 9:37 left in the first quarter.

The Rockets then forced the Spartans (9-5) into a three-and-out, took over at their own 45-yard line and were back in the end zone four plays later, even after a holding penalty backed them up 15 yards.

After the penalty, Jenkins threw a curl to Seymore and the wideout, who’s orally committed to the Pittsburgh Panthers, broke a tackle and took off for a 48-yard gain. Running back Nicholas McCall ran for an 8-yard touchdown on the next play and Central was up 14-0 with 7:34 still left in the opening quarter.

“Our coach told us to come in and dominate every play,” Jenkins said.

Jenkins, who’s orally committed to the Auburn Tigers, completed passes to five different receivers and four players ran for at least 10 yards. McCall led the way on the ground with nine carries for 61 yards and two touchdowns, and Seymore led the way through the air with three catches for 85 yards and the touchdown.

Washington, who’s orally committed to the FCS Western Carolina Catamounts, added six catches for 59 yards a touchdown, too.

“Offensively, we’re doing what we have to do,” Joseph said.

They’re toughest test, though, awaits at DRV PNK Stadium.

American Heritage is the toughest team the Rockets have faced since their season-opening win against Bradenton IMG Academy. The stakes are higher than they’ve been in years. They’re a win away from perfection and a slew of new trophies.

Bain, who has started since his freshman year and eager to win his fourth straight ring, doesn’t view it as pressure, though.

“It’s a chance,” he said, “to make history.”

This story was originally published December 3, 2022 at 12:15 AM.