Miami Fl- Baker County came out in the first half ready to battle in their toughest test of the season. They had navigated an 11-2 season all the way to the Class 5A state semifinals where they faced juggernaut Miami Central. The Wildcats answered a first quarter touchdown by Central when quarterback Noah Ray hit wide receiver Jaymodd Ruise for a 58-yard touchdown pass to tie the score 7-7. Ray and Ruise have hooked up all year as Ruise has caught for 650 yards and 9 touchdowns. Ray has passed for 1463 and 12 touchdowns.
Baker County would then take the lead when Jamarion Baker would rumble off right tackle for a touchdown run in the second quarter, giving the Wildcats a 14-7 lead. Baker has rushed for 875 yards and 13 touchdowns on the year.
Miami Central would tie the game going into halftime when Ean Pope scored on a 5-yard touchdown run knotting the score at 14-14. Even though the Rockets tied the game, Baker County was extremely confident going into halftime tied with a team that had won six state championships.
However in the second half Central would rocket their lead to the tune of 33 unanswered points. Joshisa Trader 40 yard touchdown reception from Keyone Jenkins extended the Central lead over Baker County to 27-14. Jenkins would absolutely put on a clinic in the second half, tossing several touchdown passes building a 41-14 lead over Central.
Baker County’s leading rusher Cam Smith (1300 rush yards, 15 TDs) would exit the game due to a leg injury. That dealt the Wildcats a crucial blow in the prize fight. Unfortunately for Baker County, they were on the receiving end of a second half knockout by Miami Central. An Orlando Holland strip sack and return for a touchdown would provide a pyrrhic victory for the Wildcats. Holland has amazingly tallied 27 sacks on the season. Yet it would be the Rockets who would end the Wildcat’s season 54-21.
Miami Central (11-2) will face Merritt Island (13-1) who defeated Sebring 12-10.
Feature Image by Jim Steve Photography
