Miami Northwestern snaps losing streak vs. neighborhood rival Central
Northwestern defenders heckled rival Central, forcing three turnovers and posting a second-half shutout to help the Bulls snap a five-game skid against their rivals and capture the Commissioner’s Cup on Saturday at Traz Powell Stadium.
The Bulls (5-1) weathered an early Rockets (3-1) haymaker and more than two dozen penalties to earn the 30-21 triumph in a likely preview of a primetime postseason matchup, which could determine this next 3A state champion.
“I feel good for my guys, the coaches, the community,” Bulls coach Jaquatin Victrum said. “We brought the Commissioner’s Cup back to 71st Street.
“It took hard work. It took discipline and being consistent in what we do.”
Bulls quarterback Neiman Lawrence threw for 218 yards and two scores. Demarcus King logged two sacks. Nicholas Lennear and James Briggs had interceptions. Tedarius Hughes scored on a 61-yard fumble return for the Bulls’ first score.
Syracuse commit Calvin Russell Jr., who played through a knee injury, hauled in three catches, including a touchdown. Fellow Bulls wide receiver Nicsaint Joseph Jr. also caught a Lawrence touchdown toss.
“It felt great to get on the right side of this rivalry,” Russell said. “I’m coming off a very serious injury, an MCL, but I couldn’t leave my guys out here today.
“I had to come back out and do what I do. Even with a messed up knee, I had to do what I do and just play ball.”
Swelling stands serenaded Adidas Field in the latest chapter of the helmet-popping Bulls and Rockets rivalry. Those who witnessed the sold-out showdown between the crosstown foes, who own nine state titles apiece, were left breathless as prized prospects clawed for traction at The Mecca.
Jayden Ford scored on a 95-yard return on the game’s opening kickoff to give the Rockets an edge 13 seconds into the game. But the Bulls responded with 17 consecutive points. Hughes started the surge with his fumble return off a backward pass.
“I didn’t hear a whistle, so I just kept the momentum going,” Hughes said. “It opened up the game for us. It set the tone and got us started.”
Alex Lima added a field goal in the final minutes of the first quarter to give the Bulls a 10-7 advantage to start the second. Lawrence found Russell for a 17-yard touchdown about 4:30 into the quarter for a 17-7 Bulls lead.
Each team found the end zone on the next three drives to rev up the rivalry. Rockets quarterback Anthony McQueen threw a 50-yard score to Brandon Kinsey to start that exchange. But Lawrence answered with his toss to Joseph.
Kareem Brown put the Rockets in the end zone for the final time with a 25-yard touchdown catch 11 seconds before halftime. Lima was responsible for the only points of the second half, with a field goal in each of the final two quarters. Briggs sealed the game with an interception on the Rockets’ final play.
“To get the revenge this year is a good feeling, but we’ll see them again in the playoffs so we aren’t done yet,” Hughes said.
The Rockets, who were forced to forfeit last year’s meeting with the Bulls, will host Pompano Beach in their District 15-3A opener Monday at Traz Powell Stadium. They are the No. 4 team in the Miami Herald’s Top 20.
The Bulls, the No. 2 team in the Miami Herald’s Top 20 and defending state champions, will host Key West in a District 16-3A matchup at 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at Traz Powell Stadium.