By Dave Brousseau - BCAA Writer
CORAL SPRINGS – Twelve consecutive losing seasons and 51 consecutive games without scoring at least 40 points.
Last Thursday in a non-district game against Coral Springs Taravella, the Oakland Park Northeast High football team pulled a few surprises not seen in some time in the Hurricanes varsity football program.
Sophomore running back Brenton Jackson rushed for a team-record 365 yards on 21 carries and three touchdowns as the Hurricanes rallied from a 21-0 deficit for a 40-28 victory at Coral Glades High.
Jackson’s record setting night moved him into the fifth best performance all-time in Broward surpassing Howard Perry of Hollywood Hills 355 yards in 1986.
“I just wanted to come out and be dominant and help the team to a victory,” said Jackson. “I did what I had to do. I wanted to have good vision, so when I got the ball, I saw the holes that opened, and I took it.”
Northeast coach Courtney Gordon was not surprised by the impressive performance at all: “I’ve seen him do great things and it’s not a shock to me, but I’m glad he accomplished something that we’ve told him he’s capable of doing,” he pointed out.
After cutting the deficit to 21-14 at the half, the Hurricanes (1-1) finally took the lead on the first touchdown from Jackson and a pick-six from Wood Lucky Dubreus for a 26-21 lead.
Second half scoring runs of six and 79 yards from Jackson pushed the Hurricanes lead to 40-21.
“We know we have people against us and don’t believe in us. We believe in us and that’s all we need,” said Gordon. “There’s four quarters in football and the second half is really where it counts.”
Northeast entered the game 12-82 in the previous 10 seasons and despite an opening season loss to Pembroke Pines Charter, won their third consecutive second game of the season with win over the Trojans.
Northeast faces an impossible task against No. 9 Fort Lauderdale Dillard this Friday.
Taravella (0-2) quarterback Shane Thompson threw for 331 yards and four touchdowns in the loss.
Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.