Strawder shines again as American Heritage tops Norland for key district win
A month after assuming the quarterback role at American Heritage, Leon Strawder is starting to find his comfort zone.
It’s coming at the right time for the Patriots.
Strawder on Friday night threw three touchdown passes and rushed for another in Heritage’s 42-21 victory over Norland in a key District 14-4A showdown.
“It’s a tough spot for him,” Heritage coach Mike Smith said. “It’s a tough spot for all of us. You get a new quarterback in the middle of the season. He’s in a whole new system. We’re starting to figure out what he’s comfortable doing.”
To say Strawder has stepped into a difficult situation is a massive understatement. The senior transferred to Heritage after Texas commit Dia Bell underwent a season-ending medical procedure.
Since Strawder’s arrival, Heritage (4-3) has won three of four, including three in a row.
The Patriots are now 2-0 in the district, with a chance to win it next Friday at Archbishop McCarthy.
The loss was a tough one for Norland, now 0-2 in district and 3-5 overall.
“It was a big win for us,” Smith said. “It’s a district game. Norland’s a good team. Now, we’re starting to get a little momentum.”
The Patriots opened the season with a dramatic 31-28 comeback win against St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia) in the Broward County National Football Showcase at St. Thomas Aquinas. But after that, they lost three straight. Strawder made his first start on Sept. 19, in a 31-21 loss to Miami Central.
“When you lose three in a row, trying to keep the morale [is a challenge],” Smith said. “I’m telling [the team] we’re going to get a little bit on a roll. Now these guys are starting to believe a little bit.”
Friday was a big morale boost.
After a scoreless first quarter, Heritage opened the scoring on Strawder’s 5-yard touchdown pass to Coi Jean-Noel.
But Norland quickly responded on Kai Moore’s 30-yard scoring strike to Marquis Siggers.
Late in the second quarter, Strawder’s 3-yard touchdown toss to Jamar Denson put the Patriots ahead, 14-7 at halftime.
Strawder threw for 86 yards in the first half, while Moore passed for 80.
In the third quarter, the Vikings gained momentum.
Heritage received the kickoff, but three plays later, defensive back Jahel Alexis Jr.’s interception set up the Vikings’ tying touchdown. Moore scored on a 2-yard run, and Valentino Mira’s extra point made it 14-14.
The Patriots regained the lead on a 67-yard scoring drive. Strawder had completions of 23 and 10 yards to Denson.
But it was with his legs that Strawder scored on a 30-yard run. Kade Bailey’s point after gave the Patriots the lead for good, 21-14.
Since Strawder arrived at Heritage, the coaches have been easing him into the system.
“Let’s just figure out what he is,” Smith said. “I know the kid is a winner. The run that he had. I don’t know where that came from. I told him, ‘Leon, you’ve been holding back on us on that one.’ But it adds another dimension.”
After Strawder’s rushing TD, it took two plays for the Vikings to make it a one-score game again.
Moore hooked up with Armani Strong on a 38-yard touchdown pass.
Entering the fourth quarter, Heritage held a 28-21 advantage, and Norland was moving the ball.
The Vikings advanced to near midfield, before Moore was sacked, and fumbled. Heritage’s Rodarion Tellez scooped the ball up around the Vikings’ 40 and raced into the end zone for a touchdown.
“The fumble recovery for a touchdown is what we haven’t been getting for the last year-and-a-half,” Smith said. “We’ve been like, ‘Man, we’ve got to start making some plays. We’ve got to start getting some turnovers.’ Now, we’re starting to get that too.”
Heritage’s defense came through again with 5:07 remaining on Terrance Johnson’s interception after the Vikings advanced to the Patriots’ 29.
Heritage iced it on Dylan Bennett’s 29-yard touchdown run with 1:25 to go.
“These games are not easy,” Smith said. “But the kids are learning. They’re learning how to finish. It’s a learning experience for a lot of these guys.”