American Heritage clinches 2M District 12
PLANTATION, FLORIDA – Now it is time to get serious for American Heritage Plantation.
The Patriots handled business on Friday night by manhandling Hallandale, 63-0, to clinch 2M District 12.
The homecoming game wasn’t expected to be much of a contest, considering Heritage (9-1, 3-0) has been the class of the district, and Hallandale (2-7, 0-3) has struggled.
Still, performing at a high level in potential trap games is important for clubs chasing state championships. Getting meaningful repetitions is crucial for the Patriots, especially with a bye week ahead.
“This is our second season right now,” Heritage coach Mike Smith said. “This is what we’ve been working for, and this is what the focus is now.”
Smith reminded his players postgame that they conquered yet another hurdle. The district crown was anticipated after Heritage went on the road and beat Cardinal Gibbons, 21-2, on Oct. 1. The way things are lining up, there’s a strong chance the two rivals will meet again when it matters -- in the playoffs.
“We’re doing this in phases,” Smith said, breaking down the season. “Phase 1 was the spring. Phase 2 was the summertime. Phase 3 was the regular season, and now we’re into Phase 4. Like I just told these seniors, this is to solidify their legacy now.”
American Heritage head coach Mike Smith speaks to his troops following their 63-0 win over Hallandale.
Photo by Joe Frisaro
Heritage is loaded with high-end talent, headlined by receiver Brandon Inniss and running back Mark Fletcher. On Friday, it was more of the same for the two Ohio State commits. Innis caught two touchdown passes, and Fletcher added a scoring run. Neither saw the field in the second half.
But the player who perhaps is the most crucial to the Patriots chances of winning a state title is quarterback Blake Murphy. The senior had a big night, and he’s stepping up his game to the point where he can be mentioned in the same sentence with the top quarterbacks in South Florida
That’s saying something, because there are several standout signal callers in the area. Murphy threw for three touchdowns on Friday and ran for another.
“I said this to anybody that wanted to listen to me in the spring,” Smith said. “When that kid plays a whole season, and he’s healthy, he’s going to be one of the best quarterbacks in South Florida. He can arguably be the best quarterback in South Florida right now.”
On a team loaded with stars, American Heritage quarterback Blake Murphy is a key to his team hopes of making a run a state title run. He three passing touchdowns and one rushing on Friday.
Photo by Joe Frisaro
Murphy got the Patriots on the board early. On the second play from scrimmage, he connected on a 72-yard touchdown pass to Judah Stubbs.
An interception by Hunter Roberts set up Fletcher’s 5-yard touchdown run, making it 14-0.
Murphy scampered 25 yards for a touchdown and the Patriots led, 21-0 after the first quarter.
“I think I’ve improved a lot with my mental toughness and my leadership,” Murphy said. “I’ve been guiding my team to victory, and I feel my team and I can do great things.”
With Murphy, the talent has always been there. Smith notes that it’s been a matter of keeping him on the field.
“To be honest with you, he missed time,” Smith said of his senior quarterback. “He was a starter as a sophomore, but he broke his collarbone. Last year he broke his ankle. It’s just repetition with him. You’ve got to have repetition at that position.
"He is understanding that this is his senior year and that he had to lock in and do all of things. I’ve seen growth with him off the field, as well. He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do, and obviously the results are speaking for themselves.”
With his three touchdown passes on Friday, Murphy now has 23 on the season.
In the second quarter, Heritage continued to cash in, scoring on Byron Louis’ 25-yard run, and Murphy hooked up with Inniss on a 7-yard pass play, making it 35-0.
