Davie, FL.- Miami Norland showed why they are one of the front runners for the FHSAA 4A State Title tonight.
Tonight (November 21), the Archbishop McCarthy Mavericks hosted the Norland Vikings in the FHSAA 4A Region 4 Semifinals.
From the opening kick, it was clear that Norland was going to run through this game. Norland drove down the field on their first drive of the game, as the Vikings’ found the end zone first when star QB EJay Yapoor hit Terrance Honeywood for a 37 yard score.
As the first half drove on, both squad’s defenses gave up minimal ground, forcing numerous turnovers and three-and-outs. For the Vikings, 4-Star EDGE rusher Mandrell Desir was a matchup nightmare. One of the two twin FSU commit (twin brother Darryll was inactive for tonight’s contest) defensive lineman could not be stopped, as he found his way into the back field numerous times for crucial stops. Another stand out defender for the Norland Vikings was fellow EDGE rusher Adrian Farrow, who was joining Desir for multiple parties in the pocket. Farrow, a 3-Star FAU commit, was just as lethal as his fellow trench warrior Desir, finding the backfield on multiple snaps.
Archbishop McCarthy did just as superb of a job finding their way into the backfield defensively, as LB/EDGE Robert Outler forced a fumble, and caused two sacks.
Eventually, the defensive stalemate was halted by the halftime break, as Norland entered the intermission leading 10-0.
Immediately upon the second half beginning, Norland started swinging. On the opening kickoff of the second half, Honeywood put the Vikings in prime field position with a 50+ yard kick return. This offensive drive was my favorite of the night, as EJay Yapoor found 4-Star WR Jade Card, and Jahmari Smith for big gains, before Omar Jefferies Jr. clocked in a 6 yard rushing score. Jahmari Smith had an excellent vertical grab on this drive, that turned into extra plus yardage as he slipped through the Maverick defense for a larger gain. The Vikings continued the rushing barrage as Nathaniel Rosario found the promised land on a 3 yard score, and then Jefferies broke off a 50+ yard second score rush.
Norland would emerge victorious, defeating Archbishop McCarthy 31-0. The Vikings will advance to the FHSAA 4A Region 4 Final, where they will play the winner of Dillard/American Heritage (Plantation), next Friday, November 29. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 P.M.
