After years of disappointment in the FHSAA playoffs, the American Heritage Patriots finally get to the championship game as they take on the Clay Blue Devils on Friday afternoon for the Class 5A title at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.
American Heritage(13-1) have won 13 consecutive games since they lost opening week at home against defending Class 6A champion Miami Central. The Patriots have piled on the points during their playoff run and scored at least 40 points in every game. They wiped out Lely 51-13 in the regional quarterfinal, knocked off Immokalee 49-34 in the regional semifinal, pounded Hardee 41-7 in the regional final and defeated Lake Wales 48-16 in the state semifinal.
The Patriots have a balanced offensive attack with the run and the pass. Quarterback Torrance Gibson can execute plays out of the option as running back Sony Michel is expected to get most of the carries from the backfield. Michel will get an occasional screen pass thrown to him by Gibson. Wide receivers Isaiah McKenzie, Brandon Johnson and Dredrick Snelson can spread the field for receptions.
Clay(10-4), who come into this contest on a seven-game win streak, have won their last three playoff games by just a combined five points. They beat Bishop Kenny in a regional semifinal slugfest 74-73, edged Pensacola Catholic 9-7 in a regional final and slipped by Lakewood 40-38 in a state semifinal.
The Blue Devils, looking to win their first state title since 1967, have a crowded group of people in the backfield. They are deep in the quarterback spot with Wes Weeks, Hunter Alexander and Jake Smith along with running backs Shannon Asbell, J.T. Turner and Bilai Alley.
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