Miami Norland beats Miami Central in overtime on a game-winning field goal - again
Sequels don’t often live up to the hype.
But Miami Norland and Miami Central’s encore topped the original.
And just like the first time, the Vikings made sure they enjoyed the same happy ending.
Just like he did back in October, Norland sophomore kicker Noah Sidan booted a game-winning field goal in overtime.
But this one meant much, much more.
The 27-yard kick lifted the Vikings to a 31-28 victory in the Region 4-2M final at Traz Powell Stadium and propelled Norland to the state semifinals for the first time since 2011. It also ended Central’s run of four consecutive state championships, leaving it one short of a state record.
The Vikings (13-0), who are ranked No. 13 nationally by MaxPreps, will play in their fifth state semifinal in program history and host Jacksonville Bolles next Friday at Traz Powell Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Norland is two wins away from what would be its third state title and first since 2011.
“People said last time it was a fluke, but I did it again and you can’t say anything now,” Sidan said. “It’s an amazing feeling and for them to have that trust in me is amazing. There’s a lot more coming too. State is next.”
While the outcome was the same for Norland, the path it took to the victory was the opposite of its first encounter with Central.
The Vikings overcame a 20-0 deficit in the second half of the team’s first meeting.
On Friday, Norland appeared to take a commanding lead with a 21-point outburst early in the second half.
But the Rockets (8-4), who fell short of the state semifinals for the first time since 2018, rallied from a 28-7 deficit with three methodical drives led by both of their quarterbacks J.C. Evans scored from 2 yards out early in the third. After Antonio Smith connected with Khaleal Sterling for a 25-yard touchdown pass, the Rockets got the ball back and tied the game on an 8-yard score with 56 seconds left in regulation.
Central’s defense forced Norland to punt with 35 seconds left. That’s when Sidan made a season-saving tackle on punt coverage. After speedy running back Jayden Ford broke loose, he crossed midfield and only had Sidan to beat. But the young punter/kicker stood his ground and brought down the speedy Ford to prevent a touchdown.
“I don’t know how I did that. I’ve had a few tackles but they were just push outs, but I’ve never dragged someone down,” Sidan said. “Especially (Ford), who is a beast and he’s going places. He tried a juke move and I knew he wasn’t going to go outside so I cut him and slammed him I guess. When I saw him on the ground, I was just grateful.”
Central had a chance to win the game in regulation as Kristian Hobbs lined up for a game-winner from 42 yards away. But Norland blocked the kick sending the game to overtime.
“That was the biggest play of the game,” Norland coach Daryle Heidelburg said. “No one has tackled (Ford) in the open field all season and for him to make that play, these kids know what it means. I have nothing but admiration for these kids right now.”
Central had the first possession in overtime. Evans had a shot to reach the end zone and leapt, trying to reach the goal line on third down. But Evans fumbled the ball, and Isaiah Scott recovered for Norland.
“We didn’t play to the best of our abilities tonight, but I am proud of these kids for fighting back,” Central coach Jube Joseph said. “We had them right where we wanted them, but that fumble hurt us. This isn’t the end of the Rockets. We’ll be back.”
The Vikings committed a personal foul after the whistle that pushed the ball back to the 22-yard line after gaining three yards on the first play of their overtime possession. But quarterback Ennio Yapoor ran for 12 yards to put Norland back in striking distance. Sidan, who continued warming up on the sideline throughout the fourth quarter, then hit the game-winner two plays later.
“They’re a championship team and we literally had to cut their head off to beat them,” Heidelburg said. “We went up 28-7 and my guys are smiling and they thought they had the game. And they showed that championship mettle by coming back and setting up to kick a game-winning field goal. But my kids have shown tremendous resolve all year.”
Yapoor ran for a touchdown, passed for another, and broke the all-time Miami-Dade County passing yardage record held by former Northwestern quarterback Taron Dickens. Yapoor’s 204 passing yards on 11 of 18 attempts gave him 11,143 yards all-time.
Yapoor put Norland ahead with a 28-yard touchdown run early in the third. Scott then helped break open the game with an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown. Ivory Aikens then caught a quick slant from Yapoor and sped 69 yards to the end zone.
Norland’s defense held Central’s running game to 74 yards overall.
“It feels way better and of course there’s always improvement,” Yapoor said. “We took our foot off the gas up 28-7 and we have to be better than that. But the team stayed in it and continued fighting. All glory to God. I’m one of his disciples and God makes great things happen.”
Norland, which had 27 players transfer in during the offseason, set out on a mission to achieve what it has already and attempt to win a state title.
Heidelburg expressed his pride in the bulk of his roster which has formed a core of four-year players who first arrived during the COVID-shortened 2020 season.
“Half of the kids on our team have been here for four years and that’s why I wanted them to be captains today,” Heidelburg said. “We do have a lot of guys that came in, but we have a good amount of kids that have been here since the COVID year when we played in the Tri-County championship and have been pushing. They’re a big reason for our success and they won’t let us lose.”
This story was originally published November 25, 2023 at 1:42 AM.
