American Heritage rallied to a 24-14 victory over Dillard in a Class 4A regional semifinal, with Byron Louis scoring two late touchdowns. Louis, an FSU commit, finished with 21 carries for 185 yards. Starting quarterback Dia Bell suffered a leg injury, but backup Malachi Toney stepped up to lead the Patriots to victory.
Despite a 14-0 deficit early in the game, American Heritage fought back with a strong defensive performance in the second half. The Patriots scored the game’s final 24 points, with Louis taking the lead in the comeback. The team’s resilience and ability to battle through adversity were key factors in the win.
Dillard junior quarterback Javarius Robinson led the Panthers with 265 yards passing, but it was not enough to secure the victory. Dillard coach Demitris Mincey praised his team’s confidence and execution but pointed to a lack of finishing as the reason for their defeat.
The victory sets up a regional final matchup between American Heritage and Miami Norland. With home run hitter Toney sidelined in the first half, the Patriots struggled offensively before mounting a successful second-half comeback. The team’s defense also played a crucial role in shutting down Dillard and securing the win.
American Heritage coach Mike Smith commended his team’s resilience and fighting spirit, emphasizing the importance of coming together as a family to overcome challenges on the field. The Patriots will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming matchup against Miami Norland, as they continue their pursuit of a state title.
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