Miramar blanks American as Patriots look to find balance that could make them elite
Miramar’s ‘Dark Side’ defenses have remained steady over the years.
But it’s when the Patriots can complement it with an equally reliable offense that they’ve become true state title contenders.
That process is ongoing for Miramar these days.
But on Thursday night, the Patriots showed glimpses during a 23-0 shutout victory over Hialeah American in a Region 4-3M quarterfinal at Miramar.
“Since I’ve been at Miramar, we’ve had a good defense almost every year,” Miramar coach A.J. Scott said. “But it’s when we have a good offense that’s what’s made us elite and made us different. Hopefully we can keep building on it. American had a great defensive plan, but we scored enough points.”
The Patriots (7-4), the No. 3 seed in the region, will next host No. 7 seed Miami Belen Jesuit, which upset No. 2 seed South Broward, next Friday. American (6-5) made its first playoff appearance since 2016.
“Coaching is what it’s about and much respect to Belen,” Scott said. “They made a helluva decision to surprise South Broward. The hungriest team is going to win and that’s not just the players, that’s the coaches too so hats off to them. They’re going to bring that same hunger to us next week and I have to have my team ready.”
Miramar’s defense got things started when Jivari Milton sacked American quarterback Santiago Villaman in the end zone for a safety. Sam Griffin and Courtney Terlonge each had a sack and Antione Thomas had a couple of tackles for losses.
Miramar’s defense held American to minus-3 yards rushing and only 163 yards passing.
American’s best chance to score came in the third quarter when wide receiver Shamar Fowles got behind Miramar’s secondary and hauled in a deep pass by quarterback Nathaniel Nelson. Fowles was racing to the end zone and would not have been caught, but he then tripped on the turf and fell at the Miramar 3-yard line. Miramar’s defense then stopped American on its next four plays for a loss on downs.
Miramar quarterback Kael Alexander, who threw two touchdown passes and completed 17 of 35 passes for 174 yards and an interception, extended the Patriots’ lead when he found Tyler Godfrey Jr. for a 25-yard touchdown pass. Cenard Bennett later caught a 21-yard touchdown pass from Alexander to give Miramar a 16-0 lead before halftime.
Running back Jordan Jones, who finished with 52 yards on 18 carries, ran for a touchdown as well.
