PLANTATION, FL — Revenge, redemption, and resilience. That’s what fueled American Heritage (Plantation) Friday night as they took down Miami Norland, 42–21, in a statement win that could very well define their season.

The Patriots’ offense was firing on all cylinders, but it was quarterback Leon Strawder who set the tone and never looked back. The senior signal-caller, a state championship–winning QB from Miami Northwestern, showed exactly why Heritage trusted him to lead this team after a midseason transfer.

Strawder transferred to American Heritage just two games into the season, stepping into big shoes after Texas commit Dia Bell was ruled out for the year. Since then, he’s quietly become the heartbeat of this Patriots squad — and on Friday night, he let his game (and his words) speak loud.

“I took this one personal,” Strawder said postgame. “I lost to Norland last year and I wasn’t about to let that happen again. We knew we had to win this one to keep our playoff hopes alive — that added extra fuel to the fire.”

Strawder backed those words up on the field. He threw for multiple touchdowns, connecting twice with Troy commit Jamar Denson and once with Georgia Tech commit Jeffar Jean-Noel, keeping the Norland defense guessing all night long.

When Norland threatened in the second half — capitalizing on a turnover to tie the game at 14 — Strawder and the Patriots responded instantly, stringing together back-to-back scoring drives in the third quarter to regain control.

Defensively, Heritage stepped up when it mattered most. Late in the fourth quarter, DE Rodarion Tellez scooped up a botched snap for a defensive touchdown, and DB Terrance Johnson sealed the win with a clutch interception.

Kicker Kade Bailey was automatic, going 6-for-6 on extra points, adding to a complete team effort that showcased Heritage’s balance on both sides of the ball.

With the win, American Heritage improves to 4–3 on the year — and more importantly, stays in the thick of the playoff race.

As for Strawder, his leadership and performance have breathed new life into the Patriots’ season. And if Friday night was any indication, the rest of South Florida better take notice — American Heritage is back in the hunt.

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Final Score:
🏈 American Heritage 42 | Miami Norland 21

Cover Photo Credits: Johnny Nguyen, NewEraPrep