By: Ross Van De Griek
DAYTONA BEACH- On Saturday afternoon, the Miami Northwestern Bulls (13-2) won their third straight state championship & their seventh overall, with a 34-17 win over Orlando Jones.
"We are Bulls Nation, this championship is for the community & the city of Miami", Miami Northwestern head football coach Max Edwards said following the game. Miami Northwestern now joins Booker T. Washington (2012-2014) & Miami Central (2012-2015) as the only South Florida schools to win at least three straight state titles.
Orlando Jones took an early 7-0 lead, on a 2 yard run by senior running back Avarius Sparrow, that capped off a 9 play, 79 yard drive. Following, a Miami Northwestern three & out on their first drive, the Bulls got on the board, via a 6 yard run by senior running back Nathaniel Noel to tie the game at 7-7.
On the second play of the 2nd quarter, freshman quarterback Taron Dickens threw a 17 yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Marcus Fleming, that gave the Bulls their first lead of the game at 14-7.
Miami Northwestern head coach Max Edwards on Taron Dickens. "This kid does everything I've asked him to do, he's just a freshman & I see a lot of growth for him these next three years."
Later in the 2nd quarter, Orlando Jones would tie the game at 14-14, on a 12 yard run by senior running back Avarius Sparrow. The game would remain tied at 14-14 heading into halftime.
On Miami Northwestern's opening drive of the 2nd half, senior running back Nathaniel Noel would find the end zone for the second time, as the Bulls would regain a 21-14 lead. Later in the 3rd quarter, Orlando Jones would get a field goal from junior Jeffrey St. Louis, to reduce their deficit to 21-17. Miami Northwestern would take a 21-17 lead heading into the 4th quarter.
At the 8:24 mark, of the 4th quarter: Miami Northwestern senior running back Nathaniel Noel would find the end zone, once again & make it a 27-17 game. Miami Northwestern wouldn't be done just yet, as freshman quarterback Taron Dickens threw a 7 yard touchdown pass to Romello Brinson, that made it 34-17 Bulls, with 3:59 left to play.
Miami Northwestern wouldn't look back, as they hold on for the 34-17 win & win their third straight state football title.
Notable Performers
Orlando Jones: RB Avarius Sparrow (23 carries, 122 rushing yards, 2 TD's), QB Tysan Robbins (14-19, 125 passing yards, 0 TD), WR Jadan Robinson (5 catches, 36 yards, 0 TD)
Miami Northwestern: QB Taron Dickens (18-24, 234 passing yards, 2 TD), RB Nathaniel Noel (17 carries, 79 yards, 3 TD), WR Marcus Fleming (7 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD),
Team Stats
Orlando Jones: (15 1st Downs, 92 rushing yards, 125 passing yards, 217 total yards)
Miami Northwestern: 19 1st Downs, 146 rushing yards, 234 passing yards, 380 total yards)