6A: Armwood Deafeats Miami Central 40-31

Seffner Armwood defeated Miami Central 40-31 to win the 6A state title in a wild game. In a match-up of last year’s state champion (Central, although in a different class) against last year’s runner up in 5A, the Hawks were simply better.

Seffner Armwood’s defense got the Hawks out to an early lead as Jarvis McCall came up with a pick-six. Then Armwood added a field goal to make the score 10-0. The Leon McQuay took back yet another interception to put Armwood up 16-0 (kick failed).

But the Rockets of Miami Central refused to quit. Dalvin Cook rushed 64 yards for a long Central score to cut the lead to 16-7.

Then Armwood’s special teams had a complete meltdown. A punt snap sailed over the head of the Hawks’ punter, another Armwood score was followed by a Central kickoff return for the touchdown.

In the end, however, Armwood’s talent was too much.

Central was unable to pass enough to keep Armwood’s defense honest, as the Hawks slowed Central’s run game and picked off four passes.

Running back Matt Jones, a Florida commitment, was held in check on the ground. But through the air, Jones was phenomenal, catching an 80-yard touchdown pass to put Armwood up by two scores.

If not for enormous special teams gaffes, Armwood would have won easily. Both teams return a lot of underclassmen talent and will be featured heavily in recruiting updates for the 2012-13 cycle.

A host of Florida Gator coaches were in attendance, and with good reason, as many of Armwood’s top players are committed to or considering the Gators.