ORLANDO – The American Heritage Patriots from Plantation are State Champions in Class 5A for the fourth time in five years. Head Coach Pat Surtain watched his undefeated squad jump out to a 37-0 halftime lead, only to see it diminish to 22 points within the first three minutes of the second half. But that was a moot point in the end as the running clock dashed any-and-all hopes of a Baker County monumental comeback with the Patriots tacking on a late score to close out the festivities at 44-15.
The loss for Baker County was the Wildcats’ first loss since week one against St. Augustine. Aside from a random spring game loss to Booker T. Washington last season, American Heritage has now won 26 consecutive games. Their last loss was a 27-20 outcome to Hallandale in the second round of the playoffs on November 20, 2015. The Patriots also scored on every single possession against the Wildcats in this game.
THE GOOD
– Senior defensive end, Andrew Chatfield was all over the place. Super disruptive and active. Ended the game with 5 tackles and 2.5 TFLs.
– Heritage defensive line of Garcia, Alyn, Silver and Chatfield but a wall Baker County could not climb over. No single Baker County RB rushed for over 60 yards. In total, BC rushed for 162
THE BAD
– Offensive creativity. Nothing Baker County did moved the needle. Heritage was never off balance and never guessing.
THE UGLY
– Baker County Passing game was no where to be found. 4 of 7 for 70 yards.