Team of the Year: American Heritage (Delray Beach)

DELRAY BEACH – Entering the 2020 high school football season, many expected American Heritage-Delray to be the best private school team in the county.

And to the surprise of few, the Stallions proved they were exactly that.

In a season filled with question marks and canceled games, the Stallions continued to overcome any problems and show their strength.

Despite finishing the regular season with a 2-3 record, the Stallions proved their worth in the process.

Led by interim head coach Nick Martinez, the Stallions found their worth in multiple tight games against top-level opponents.

Although they were unable to defeat Champagnant Catholic, the Stallions showed their ability to make plays and come back.

Despite trailing 33-7 at halftime against the Class 2A state champions, American Heritage-Delray cut the lead to just six in the fourth quarter. Although the Stallions would fall 33-27, the game clearly showed their talent.

In the playoffs, the Stallions found their rhythm.

Quarterback Dylan Rizk scored three touchdowns in the opening round to handle Avon Park 42-0. By halftime of that game, the Stallions had already built a 28-0 lead.

In the next round, it was much of the same story for American Heritage-Delray.

The Stallions built a 34-7 halftime lead against Lemon Bay. Although the Stallions scored just 15 points in the second half, the Stallions walked away with a 49-7 victory.

Although the Stallions would fall in the next round, just two wins away from the Class 4A State Championship game, it was clear they were the best team in Palm Beach County. They went the furthest in the playoffs compared to other teams in our area.

The Stallions (4-4 final record) were also undefeated against county opponents this past season.

Their first win of the regular season came against Benjamin, who they handled comfortably with a 24-3 victory. A little over a month later, the Stallions shut out Cardinal Newman with a 19-0 victory.

PHOTO CREDITS: Keith Forde