Key defensive stops propel Southridge to potential district-clinching win over Homestead
As Miami Southridge’s football team continues to set its sights higher, one of its clear goals was to “dominate the south” in Miami-Dade County.
The Spartans took another step in that direction on Friday night after scoring a critical 17-14 victory over neighborhood rival and two-time state runner-up Homestead at Harris Field.
Southridge opened its season with a tough defeat by the same score against one of those “south” rivals in two-time reigning state champion Columbus.
Since then, the Spartans have won five consecutive games, including a win over neighborhood rival Palmetto, and can officially lock up the District 16-6A championship if it beats Southwest on Oct. 10.
“We came in against a great team and they didn’t lay down. We talk about dominating the south, Palmetto, Homestead, South Dade, Killian, Columbus,” Southridge coach Pierre Senatus said. “We’re finding a way to win games down to the wire. We needed to learn how to be in the moment and trust your teammates and trust the process. If we held steady to our principles we would do things the right way.”
The Spartans (5-1, 2-0 in district) had contributions from every phase of their team.
But their defense and special teams came up with the biggest plays in the second half to preserve the winning margin they secured after senior running back Shandon Smith broke loose from Homestead tacklers for a 38-yard go-ahead touchdown midway through the third quarter.
Southridge’s defense recorded four sacks with senior tackle Spencer Voss accounting for two of those. The Spartans also recorded its lone turnover at the perfect time when senior safety Curt Bryant snared a pass over the middle by Homestead quarterback Bubba Lewis at Southridge’s 10-yard line with 10 seconds remaining to seal the outcome.
“Football is about how you respond and this team is amazing,” Voss said. “It felt good. We know we have a tough schedule and we have a lot more work to do. We need to stay disciplined and keep our composure.”
Before Bryant’s game-sealing pick, Southridge’s defense also stopped Homestead on downs after it had advanced to the Spartans’ 23.
Homestead also had a chance to tie the game on a field goal to end the third quarter. But kicker Adrian Lima’s 37-yard attempt was partially blocked.
Lewis completed 17 for 27 passes for 225 yards, but did not throw a touchdown pass. Homestead’s passing game got a boost recently with the return from injury of receiver and Oklahoma commit Cortez Mills, who caught seven passes for 111 yards.
But the Spartans secondary held firm late in the game and did not allow Homestead to convert big-chunk plays in the passing game.
Homestead’s running game did some damage as Kemari Morrison finished with 85 yards on seven carries, most of which came on his 55-yard touchdown run to open the second half. Darriel Harper also ran for a 6-yard score.
But Southridge, which graduated seven offensive lineman from last year’s team, established its own ground game led by William Williams’ 86 yards on 12 carries. Southridge finished with 152 yards rushing and quarterback James Perrone completed 11 of 20 passes for 106 yards, one touchdown pass to Jacari Lannigan, and one interception.
Despite the loss, Homestead (2-3, 1-1) remains likely to advance to the postseason even if it does as an at-large team in Region 4-6A. The Broncos could end up facing Southridge again in the playoffs as it did two seasons ago - the last time the Spartans won the district championship at their expense.
“We left a lot on the field, but we’ll see these guys again,” Senatus said. “I’m sure they’ll make a playoff run and I think it’ll be the two of us battling to see who’ll represent South Florida. Our running backs really showed up and had great nights. They stacked the box and dared our young quarterback to make the right throws and he did.”
