GMAC the latest of what Miami Norland hopes is more championship hardware

After the ribbons were handed out and the championship trophy was presented, Miami Norland coach Daryle Heidelburg reminded his team that the goal remains to win more hardware.

The Vikings made another statement on Friday night with their methodical 16-3 victory over Miami Columbus to capture the GMAC championship game at Traz Powell Stadium.

With the victory, the players and coaches were presented with championship ribbons, while the school received the trophy.

“Like I told the team, anytime the word championship is associated with it, it’s something I want to be a part of,” Heidelburg said.

Norland (8-0) certainly has come of age this month, and is a serious contender to win the Class 2M state championship.

In the last three weeks, the Vikings beat three elite teams. The string started with a 20-19 comeback win against Miami Booker T. Washington, and last week, the Vikings outlasted Miami Central, 29-26, in overtime.

Taking care of Columbus (7-2), the defending Class 4M state champions, capped the impressive run.

“I talked to the guys,” Norland quarterback Ennio Yapoor said. “I told them, ‘Yeah, we just beat Miami Central, but listen, Columbus is still a great team.’ We came out here ready to work.”

As expected, points were hard to come by for both teams.

The lone touchdowns were 1-yard scoring runs by Juan Rodriguez early in the second quarter, and by Yapoor with 4:53 left in the game.

Noah Sidan booted a 36-yard field goal in the second quarter, giving the Vikings a 9-0 lead at halftime.

Columbus closed the gap to 9-3 on Robert Czeremcha’s 19-yard field goal with 10.9 seconds left in the third quarter.

“It wasn’t our cleanest game, but we still fought through it,” Heidelburg said. “I want to commend Columbus. They are champions. Any time we can beat a caliber of team like that, we’ve got to take the win.”

Norland’s defense repeatedly came up big, and defensive back Larry Tarver sealed the win with an interception, which he returned to the Explorers’ 17 with 3:04 remaining.

Columbus also was without quarterback Alberto Mendoza, who is out with a finger injury. The expectation is the senior will be back by the playoffs.

Vicente Gonzalez got the nod at quarterback, and in the second half, the Explorers started moving the ball on some good runs by Edward Bandy. Tight end Benjamin Blackburn also got involved with a couple of catches.

But Columbus wasn’t able to make many explosive plays, and Norland effectively contained the run.

The toughest part of Norland’s schedule is now complete, but there is still work to do.

“I’m sure it’s taking a toll on these kids, and the coaches,” Heidelburg said. “But like I’ve said, we keep finding ways and we keep fighting. But it doesn’t stop. We have now become the target. Before, we were the hunters, and now we are the hunted.”