Miramar uses balanced attack to dominate Belen Jesuit in Region 4-3M semifinal

Miramar ended Belen Jesuit’s Cinderella run on Friday night with a convincing 31-7 victory in the Region 4-3M semifinals.

And whenever the Patriots (8-4) make it to the regional finals, they eat Thanksgiving leftovers before the game.

“Everybody brings food from their houses, and we share,” Miramar coach A.J. Scott said. “It’s a tradition when you make it to the third round.”

If Friday was any indication of next week, the Patriots will have a good chance against No. 1-seed Homestead, which survived an upset bid from Southridge in the semifinals. Miramar used an explosive offense, along with its trademark “Dark Side” defense, to score 24 unanswered points to start the game and pull out the victory.

That brought the Wolverines (5-7) back to reality after upsetting South Broward in last week’s quarterfinals.

FIU commit Eric Nelson, who finished with over 230 receiving yards and two touchdowns, helped Miramar score on its opening three drives. He began the game with a 34-yard touchdown grab and followed that up with an 85-yard score midway through the second quarter. A senior, this is his last postseason run with the Patriots.

“I play every game like it’s my last,” Nelson said. “I run every route like it’s my last. I catch every pass like it’s going to be my last. Trying to make the best out of every opportunity.”

Running back Jordan Jones was the only other Patriot with multiple touchdowns, both rushing, and wide receiver Tyler Godfrey had the other score — a 12-yard reception on Miramar’s second drive.

“At Miramar, when we have an offense, that makes us great,” Scott said. “We’ve been good with a good defense, but when we have an offense that makes us great.”

On the defensive end, the Patriots forced three turnovers and didn’t allow any points. The Wolverines’ only score came from a 30-yard pick-six of quarterback Kael Alexander, who still threw for three touchdowns on the night.

Miramar’s first turnover came toward the end of the first quarter thanks to a bad snap, and defensive lineman Eric Etienne recovered the fumble. A few plays later, Godfrey had his touchdown reception to make it a two-possession game.

Defensive back Jaheim Williams had both of the Patriots’ interceptions, and defensive lineman Shamar Meikle had two sacks. Meikle also had a quarterback hit, which made Andres Miyares throw his second pick to Williams late in the fourth quarter, essentially ending the game.

“We prepared. And as a coach you’re always happy when you prepare for something and the kids execute the game plan,” Scott said. “The defense played lights out … I’m just proud of my boys, like a happy father of 65 kids.”