American Heritage Patriots overcome 28-point deficit to defeat St. Joseph’s Prep Hawks
In a notable national top-25 high school football game, the American Heritage Patriots (Florida), ranked No. 17, came from behind to win against the No. 20 St. Joseph’s Prep Hawks (Pennsylvania) with a final score of 31-28 on Friday at Brian Piccolo Stadium.
The Patriots struggled in the first half, with quarterback Dia Bell committing two fumbles and the team unable to establish momentum. St. Joseph’s Prep dominated early, building a 21-0 halftime lead that included a blocked punt returned for a touchdown.
Running back Jonathan Bueno Jr. was instrumental in sparking the Patriots’ second-half comeback, scoring twice in the third quarter to cut into the Hawks’ lead. In the fourth quarter, Bell contributed by keeping several drives alive and connecting with Jamar Denson for a touchdown. Bell completed 20 of 34 passes for 231 yards and one touchdown.
The Patriots’ defense held off St. Joseph’s Prep during key moments late in the game. A miscue by the Hawks’ punter set up American Heritage for a potential game-winning play as Kade Bailey made a 40-yard field goal with four seconds remaining.
St. Joseph’s Prep started strong in the first quarter with junior quarterback Charlie Foulke running for a touchdown and Khyan Billups adding another rushing score after a recovered fumble. They extended their lead in the second quarter after blocking an American Heritage punt that Masiia Acrey returned for a touchdown.
American Heritage found its rhythm late in the third quarter as Bueno Jr. scored on two consecutive drives following defensive stops. In the fourth quarter, Bell connected with Denson on an open touchdown and then led another drive capped by Bueno Jr.’s short rushing score, tying the game at 28-28.
Following penalties and special teams errors by St. Joseph’s Prep, Bailey made his decisive field goal to secure the victory for American Heritage.
Jack Butler wrote this report.
