Delayed start to season doesn’t affect Miami Central in rout of Miami Edison
Miami Central was itching to play a football game for weeks.
Weather and other logistics issues led to the cancellation of both their preseason classic and regular season opener.
And then on Friday, inclement weather prompted the Rockets’ game against Miami Edison to be postponed to Saturday morning.
So when kickoff time arrived, Central didn’t care how hot it was at Adidas Field at Traz Powell Stadium.
The Rockets scored on their first drive and barely let up despite the plus-90 degree heat and heavy humidity on their way to a comfortable 50-12 victory over the Red Raiders.
Central’s preseason classic in Ocala against Vanguard High two weeks ago was cancelled due to severe weather.
It was then announced that the Rockets’ regular season opener against last year’s Class 3A state runner-up Raines in Jacksonville on Aug. 23 was cancelled after Duval County Public Schools deemed the game did not meet “security requirements and safe weather conditions.”
In addition to the anticipation caused by the delayed start to their season, Central (1-0) is eager to put aside the bitter feeling of how last season ended.
The Rockets played their first game since last November after a promising season they hoped would result in their 10th state title all-time ended abruptly after having to forfeit all eight of their victories due to the use of an ineligible player.
The resulting offseason led to several changes with former coach Jube Joseph being let go and Central hiring Derrick Gibson as its new head coach.
While the Rockets’ roster is generally younger this season, they still returned some of their top talent from last season.
This group included some of the key players who shone brightly on Saturday.
Returning starting quarterback Anthony McQueen completed 13 of 19 passes for 272 yards and threw four touchdown passes and two interceptions.
Central’s new starting receivers were on display as well as senior Brandon Kinsey, a Purdue commit and transfer from La Salle, caught three passes for 54 yards and two touchdowns. Kinsey also recorded an interception on defense.
Seniors Joshua Joseph and Duane Manor each also caught touchdown passes while Jayden Ford caught four passes for 50 yards, ran for 56 yards and returned a kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown in the second half.
Central’s aggressive defensive front remains among the strongest in the state.
The Rockets recorded five sacks including two by senior Cameron McCrea. Senior defensive back Kelvon Blount also had an interception.
Edison senior John Jones provided some of the few bright spots in the game for the Red Raiders (1-1).
Jones, a transfer from Miami Jackson, finished with a game-high six catches for 154 yards and a touchdown. Jones also stood out on defense with both of Edison’s interceptions.
