American Heritage’s overwhelms Plantation to advance to regional final
Heritage’s black jerseys were a shadowed tsunami, with waves of Patriots defenders flooding Plantation on Friday in a 48-7 Region 4-4A semifinal thrashing.
The Patriots (6-5) forced seven turnovers, including six in the second half, and did not allow an offensive touchdown in the lopsided victory. They will continue their quest for a second-consecutive state title with a rematch with McCarthy next week in the Region 4-4A final.
“That’s what this defense does at American Heritage,” said defensive back Terrance Johnson, who scored on a 15-yard fumble return and logged an interception.
The Patriots will meet the Mavericks, who they lost to in October, at McCarthy.
“We know what it is,” Smith said. “McCarthy is well coached and a talented team, and they beat us the first time. We will coach them up and see what we got next week.”
Patriots quarterback Leon Strawder threw for 211 yards. He also threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score — in the first half. Running back Jonathan Bueno and Tremaine Mullen ran for touchdowns. Brandon Bennett, Coi Jean-Noel and Michael Stringer caught touchdown passes.
Amare Nugent, Derrick Nichols and Viggo Palenzona joined Johnson with interceptions in the victory. The Patriots defensive line constantly swarmed the Colonels (7-5), making offensive fluidity nearly impossible. Gang tackling, hard hits and active hands led to drops and a deluge of turnovers.
“We had a good physical week of practice,” Patriots coach Mike Smith said. “I know when they get like that, that we are going to have a good performance and it showed tonight.”
The Patriots leaned on Bueno early, taking up half of the first quarter on the game’s opening drive. The junior running back ended the possession with an 18-yard touchdown run. Just 10 seconds later, the Colonels fumbled the resulting kickoff return, leading to Johnson’s touchdown, and the rout was on.
Strawder connected with Bennett for a 71-yard touchdown on the Patriots’ second possession. He ran for a score minutes later for a 27-0 edge. Strawder hit Denson with a 15-yard touchdown strike just seconds into the second quarter. Mullen added 1-yard score 7:14 before halftime.
The Colonels got their lone touchdown from a 90-yard interception return from Zakari Johnson at the end of the half.
Turnovers came in bunches down the stretch, with the Patriots and Colonels combining for eight second-half giveaways. Backup quarterback Othniel Rhoden threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to Stringer with 3:10 remaining for the lone score of the second half.
This story was originally published November 22, 2025 at 1:33 AM.