American Heritage seniors pave way for dominant win over Western
Mark Fletcher made sure not to let any potential frustration boil over. The Plantation American Heritage star running back and Ohio State commit twice found the end zone on the same drive early in the second quarter only for the play to be negated by a penalty.
Finally, about a quarter and a half later, Fletcher ripped off a 23-yard touchdown late in the third quarter to all but seal American Heritage’s 42-18 home win over Davie Western.
“What a great feeling,” Fletcher said.
That great feeling extended up and down the American Heritage sideline. The Patriots celebrated senior day on Friday, with a nearly half-hour ceremony honoring the team’s 25 seniors — plus seniors of the band, cheer team and dance squad — taking place before the game.
“Those guys are special,” first-year coach Mike Smith said. “This class is special.”
And it was only fitting that the team’s seniors paved the way to the win on Friday.
Quarterback and Louisiana-Monroe commit Blake Murphy had three touchdowns, two passing and one rushing. The first was a 29-yard lob to fellow senior and Ohio State commit Brandon Inniss on a post down the right sideline to give American Heritage (6-1) an early 7-6 lead. The second passing touchdown was a 10-yard strike to freshman Malachi Toney on the drive during which Fletcher had two touchdown runs called back that gave the Patriots a 21-6 halftime lead. Murphy also had a 1-yard quarterback sneak in between those two touchdown drives.
Defensively, senior linebacker David Vadala blocked a punt in the first half and intercepted a Collin Hurst pass two plays into the second half and returned it 85 yards for a touchdown to give American Heritage a 28-6 lead.
“It just happened to fall into place,” said Vadala, who noted he started getting gassed when he reached midfield. “Luckily, we had some good blockers in front of me. I might not be the fastest, but I scored so it was good.”
Fletcher’s rushing touchdown with 3:07 left in the third quarter essentially put the game out of reach, with Heritage subbing out its starters midway through the fourth quarter. Freshman receiver Brandon Bennett added a 32-yard touchdown catch with 42 seconds left.
Western (4-2) took an early 6-0 lead when cornerback Joshua Joseph intercepted a high throw from Murphy on American Heritage’s first drive and running back Matt Wilson carved through the Patriots’ defense three plays later for a 39-yard touchdown.
The Wildcats’ next eight drives: Lost fumble, blocked punt, turnover on downs, punt, turnover on downs, interception returned for a touchdown, turnover on downs, punt.
Western scored two late touchdowns when the game was all but decided on a 27-yard touchdown pass from Hurst to Alonzo Carter Jr. and a 30-yard touchdown run from Wilson.
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