Defense keys Southridge’s thrilling win over Monarch to advance to regional finals
Miami Southridge has a rich football history which includes three state titles, two state runner-ups and numerous playoff appearances.
Historically, a lot of that success came on the backbone of great defenses.
The Spartans have rebuilt their program in recent years - and a strong defense is at the heart of it once again.
On Friday night that unit bent, but didn’t break on its way to helping Southridge outlast Coconut Creek Monarch in a gritty, 20-14 victory in a Region 4-6A semifinal at the Southridge Park.
The Spartans recorded seven sacks including one at midfield on Monarch quarterback Florentino Lopez as time expired, forced a pair of turnovers and had a key goal line stand in the third quarter.
As a result, Southridge (11-2) will next host West Broward on Friday night in the regional finals at 7:30 p.m. It is the Spartans’ first trip to the third round since they won their third state championship in 2016.
“We haven’t reached the third round in a while so we’re doing a great job working around our kids,” Southridge coach Pierre Senatus said. “It’s what you expect from a program like Southridge. It’s a traditional program with a great program, great kids, great parks and great parental support. You see it reflected in how the kids are playing here. We have a great foundation here.”
Monarch (7-4), which rallied to beat Homestead at home last week, trailed 14-6 with just over two minutes remaining when Lopez connected on a fade route with Jabari Brady in the corner of the end zone. Lopez then completed a 2-point pass to Jaborree Riggins despite it being deflected by a Southridge defender to tie the game at 14.
But Spartans’ quarterback James Perrone rallied his team, engineering a 65-yard touchdown drive. Perrone ran for a tough 15 yards to the Monarch 1, which set up Joshua McDowell’s shotgun snap run up the middle and into the end zone with 24 seconds left. McDowell also had a 50-yard touchdown run earlier in the game.
The ensuing kickoff, however, hit one of the closest Monarch special teams players and he landed on it giving the Knights possession at the Southridge 45. But after three plays, the Spartans found their way into the backfield and dragged Lopez down to end the game.
“Our defense has been fighting all season like that,” Senatus said. “They’re relentless and have tremendous football IQ and it’s all the preparation all summer and all spring. You can’t say enough about the character of those guys.”
Monarch opened the scoring on a Lopez touchdown pass to Brady, which gave it a 6-0 lead late in the first quarter.
But Southridge rallied following a fumble recovery, which set up McDowell’s first score. Perrone also had a 20-yard touchdown run late in the first half after the Spartans forced a turnover in Monarch territory to give Southridge a 14-6 halftime lead. Senior wide receiver Darius Clements lost a fumble after a catch in the third quarter, but atoned for it on the ensuing drive with a key interception.
“They’re sending the house and he’s finding the cracks in the windows,” Senatus said. “And Darius is an electric, unstoppable kid. Never came off the field and you can’t ask for more from this kid.”
