It was a game that everyone had looked forward to since the second week of October when Miami Norland beat four-time defending state champion Miami Central to win the district.
Last Friday – before a packed house at Traz Powell Stadium – the Region Finals took place and nobody expected anything less than a major talent show between the unbeaten Vikings and head coach Daryle Heidelburg and Jube Joseph and his 8-3 Rockets, who had lost the three setbacks by a total of 10 points.
With more upper-level college talent on one field than any other game nationally on this night, Norland raced out to a 28-7 lead, and while many felt this region championship was over, those who know football in Miami-Dade County saw an epic finish coming.
The Rockets rallied to tie the game and send it into overtime – where for the second time this season – the contest fell on the shoulders of sophomore kicker Noah Sidan, who won the first meeting.
After the Rockets failed to score in the overtime period, the Vikings and Sidan came through again, booting a 27-yarder.
In addition to that thriller, south Florida had seven other teams advance to this week’s state semifinals, which will feature a pair of first timers to reach this level of the state playoffs.
CLASS 1M
REGION FINAL
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 40, West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman 0
Miami Archbishop Carroll 38, Miami True North Classical Academy 35
CLASS 2M
REGION FINAL
Plantation American Heritage 47, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 35
CLASS 3M
REGION FINAL
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 28, Coconut Creek 0
Homestead 22, Miramar 17
CLASS 4M
REGION FINAL
Coconut Creek Monarch 35, Wellington Palm Beach Central 13
Miami Christopher Columbus 31, Davie Western 13
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For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..