Chaminade-Madonna had its high-powered offense on display in the first half, and the Lions stepped up on defense in the second half to make a statement against four-time defending state champion Miami Central, winning 31-28 in front of a national televised audience Thursday night.
Senior quarterback Cedrick Bailey passed for four touchdowns in the first half and senior Curtis Janvier recorded two interceptions in the second half as the Lions, ranked No. 5 nationally by MaxPreps, remained unbeaten in a highly anticipated contest at Traz Powell Stadium in Miami.
Chaminade-Madonna (5-0) played in their fifth straight game against a nationally ranked team to begin the season. The Lions previously defeated St. Frances Academy (Maryland), Cardinal Gibbons, Bergen Catholic (New Jersey) and American Heritage. Chaminade-Madonna has won 20 consecutive regular season games dating back to 2021.
“It means a lot to represent Broward County,” Chaminade-Madonna coach Dameon Jones said. “We have played a tough schedule and we knew it was going to be a battle. I am proud of our team and the way we have played. We are showing that it’s now our time.”
Miami Central (1-2) entered the contest as the No. 4-ranked team nationally by MaxPreps. Chaminade-Madonna, in addition to its MaxPreps ranking, also entered the game as high as No. 3 in the High School Football America 300 national rankings. The battle between the two powerhouse schools was televised on ESPN2.
Bailey, a North Carolina State commit, finished with 301 passing yards and four touchdowns. He had 266 passing yards in the first half.
“He has been big for us all year,” Jones said. “He is a great leader and a winner.”
Chaminade-Madonna five-star receiver and Ohio State commit Jeremiah Smith delivered once again for the Lions as he scored two touchdowns in the first half.
The start of the game was delayed by 1 hour, 45 minutes due to lightning. The two teams were locked in a 14-14 tie at the end of the first quarter. Chaminade-Madonna had a 31-21 advantage at halftime. The Lions led 31-28 at the end of the third quarter. The Lions were held scoreless in the second half, but their defense created two turnovers and secured the victory.
“I am so proud of our defense and our coaches,” Jones said. “We did a great job of making big plays.”
Chaminade-Madonna Lions wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Central Rockets in the second quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets quarterback Antonio Smith (12) looks to throw the ball in the first quarter of his high school football game against the Chaminade-Madonna Lions at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets running back Jayden Ford (20) runs with the ball as Chaminade-Madonna Lions defensive back Zaquan Patterson (0) tries to tackle him in the second quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets quarterback Antonio Smith (12) looks to throw the ball in the first quarter of his high school football game against the Chaminade-Madonna Lions at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Chaminade-Madonna Lions wide receiver Denairius Gray (13) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Central Rockets in the second quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets quarterback Antonio Smith (12) passes the ball to running back Jayden Ford (20) against the Chaminade-Madonna Lions in the first quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Chaminade-Madonna Lions Joshisa Trader (1) evades Central Rockets linebacker Ej Marcelin (17) in the first quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets running back Jayden Ford (20) runs with the ball as Chaminade-Madonna Lions defensive back Zaquan Patterson (0) tries to tackle him in the second quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Chaminade-Madonna Lions Joshisa Trader (1) evades Central Rockets linebacker Ej Marcelin (17) in the first quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets wide receiver Anjuan Coleman (6) catches the ball as Chaminade-Madonna Lions defensive back Kelly Sejour Jr. (12) goes for the tackle in the second quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets quarterback Antonio Smith (12) is sacked by Chaminade-Madonna Lions defensive end Kendarius Frazier (56) in the second quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Chaminade-Madonna Lions wide receiver Denairius Gray (13) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Central Rockets in the second quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets wide receiver Lawayne McCoy (1) celebrates with Khaleal Sterling (3) after scoring a touchdown against the Chaminade-Madonna Lions in the second quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Chaminade-Madonna Lions wide receiver Kyle Washington (3) catches a touchdown pass while Central Rockets defensive back Jalen Labranche (13) tries to stop him in the first quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Chaminade-Madonna Lions wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) scores a touchdown against the Central Rockets in the second quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Chaminade-Madonna Lions wide receiver Kyle Washington (3) runs with the ball as Central Rockets defensive back Javari Flowers (24) tries to tackle him in the second quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets wide receiver Lawayne McCoy (1) celebrates with Khaleal Sterling (3) after scoring a touchdown against the Chaminade-Madonna Lions in the second quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets quarterback JC Evans (11) runs with the ball against the Chaminade-Madonna Lions in the first quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets wide receiver Lawayne McCoy (1) catches a touchdown pass against the Chaminade-Madonna Lions in the second quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Chaminade-Madonna wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, shown leaping for a catch against Miami Central on Sept. 21, stuck with his Ohio State commitment Wednesday. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Chaminade-Madonna Lions quarterback Cedrick Bailey (11) looks to throw the ball in the first quarter of a high school football game against the Central Rockets at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets wide receiver Lawayne McCoy (1) catches a touchdown pass against the Chaminade-Madonna Lions in the second quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets running back King Davis (23) slips past Chaminade-Madonna Lions linebacker Bryant Julius (16) in the second quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets wide receiver Khaleal Sterling (3) catches the ball in the first quarter of his high school football game against the Chaminade-Madonna Lions at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets wide receiver Lawayne McCoy (1) prevents Chaminade-Madonna Lions wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) from catching the ball in the first quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
The Central Rockets make their way onto the field before the start of their high school football game against the Chaminade-Madonna Lions at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Chaminade-Madonna Lions wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) and quarterback Cedrick Bailey (11) celebrate a touchdown against Miami Central during their win at Traz Powell Stadium on Sept. 21 in Miami. The Hurricanes are working to flip Smith and Bailey's commitments before the Early Signing Period. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Chaminade-Madonna Lions quarterback Cedrick Bailey (11) looks to throw the pass against the Central Rockets in the second quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Chaminade-Madonna beat Class 1M opponents by a combined 401-7 last football season and won its sixth state title in eight years. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets quarterback Antonio Smith (12) passes the ball to running back Jayden Ford (20) against the Chaminade-Madonna Lions in the second quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Chaminade-Madonna Lions wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Central Rockets in the first quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets running back Jayden Ford (20) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Chaminade-Madonna Lions in the first quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Chaminade-Madonna wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, shown catching a touchdown against Miami Central on Sept. 21, is the nation's No. 1 prospect. He will sign his National Letter of Intent on Wednesday. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets wide receiver Lawayne McCoy (1) prevents Chaminade-Madonna Lions wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) from catching the ball in the first quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets running back Jayden Ford (20) scores a touchdown against the Chaminade-Madonna Lions in the first quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Chaminade-Madonna Lions wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with Joshisa Trader (1) after scoring a touchdown against the Central Rockets in the first quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets running back Jayden Ford (20) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Chaminade-Madonna Lions in the first quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets defensive back Javari Flowers (24) prevents Chaminade-Madonna Lions Joshisa Trader (1) from catching the ball in the first quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets running back Jayden Ford (20) runs with the ball as Chaminade-Madonna Lions defensive back Curtis Janvier (21) tries to tackle in the first quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets wide receiver Lawayne McCoy (1) runs with the ball against the Chaminade-Madonna Lions in the first quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Central Rockets running back Jayden Ford (20) runs with the ball against the Chaminade-Madonna Lions in the first quarter of their high school football game at the Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Miami, Fla. (Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald)
Chaminade-Madonna made a defensive stand in the fourth quarter after Miami Central had moved the ball inside the 5-yard line. The Lions defense recorded a sack on third down. The Rockets missed a 26-yard field goal attempt with 7:31 left in the fourth.
The Lions attempted a fake punt at midfield on their next possession, but a holding penalty negated a first-down run. They were forced to punt and the Rockets took over at their own 23 with 4:16 remaining.
The Rockets converted on fourth-and-3 at their own 42 after a 4-yard completion. Senior defensive end Bryce Stringer recorded a sack on the next play, which resulted in an 8-yard loss for the Rockets. The Lions committed a pass interference penalty on third down.
The Lions defense stepped up as University of Miami commit Zaquan Patterson deflected a pass in the air and Janvier recorded the interception in the middle of the field with 1:13 left to help seal the victory. Janvier, a FAU commit, also had an interception in the third quarter.
The Rockets attempted a Hail Mary toward the end zone on the final play of the game and the Lions defense knocked it down for an incomplete pass.
The Lions made a statement with an 11-play, 99-yard scoring drive to open the game. Bailey fired a 28-yard scoring pass to junior wide receiver Kyle Washington in the right corner of the end zone with 7:59 left in the first quarter.
The Rockets responded as sophomore running back Jayden Ford raced up the middle for a 13-yard score with 5:24 left in the first.
The Lions answered back and marched downfield as Bailey connected with Smith for an 8-yard
touchdown with 2:19 left.
Miami Central senior JC Evans rushed for an 8-yard touchdown to tie the score with 1:08 remaining in the opening period.
The Lions converted on fourth-and-9 at the Rockets 35 after University of Miami commit Joshisa Trader made a one-handed catch for a 17-yard gain. Senior kicker Andrew Abu-Akel drilled a 38-yard field goal to give the Lions a 17-14 advantage with 11:05 left in the first half.
The Rockets jumped ahead for the first time on their next possession. Senior quarterback Antonio Smith launched a 30-yard scoring pass to senior wide receiver and Florida State commit Lawayne McCoy to make it 21-17 with 9:40 left in the second quarter.
The Lions regained the lead as Smith made a spectacular one-handed catch for an 18-yard touchdown with 6:00 left in the first half.
Bailey connected with sophomore Denairius Gray over the middle in the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 31-21 with 1:53 left in the first half.
Miami Central junior running back King Davis rushed for a 3-yard touchdown on the opening drive of the second half to cut the deficit to 31-28 with 7:08 left in the third quarter. Janvier stepped up with an interception at the Lions 25 later in the third quarter. Miami Central junior Amari Wallace recorded an interception on the ensuing drive.
Chaminade-Madonna has won two straight state titles and reached the state championship game in seven consecutive seasons. Miami Central, which has won four consecutive state championships, had a 26-game win streak snapped by Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) earlier in the season.
