Here’s the story from Saturday Night’s Miami Jackson Generals vs. Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs matchup by Miami Herald Sports writer Andre C. Fernandez. This story is relevant to USF because the starting QB for Miami Jackson is recent Class of 2014 re-commit Quinton Flowers. Flowers has aired it out for 1,118-yards this season, scoring 12 passing TDs. Flowers has also posted 501-yards on the ground, breaking the plane for 9 TDs. If you missed my story on Quinton Flower’s re-commitment you can read it here. Also, here’s a list of the Class of 2014 commits. (247Sports)
by Matthew Manuri
While we were busy with our #HoopsMediaDay, looks like Jackson QB Quinton Flowers re-committed to USF. Will see him shortly for Gibbons game
— SFHS Sports (@SFHSSports) October 19, 2013
“Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons found out the hard way a year ago that having a potent offense wouldn’t be enough to succeed in its district.
It needed to become a complete team to beat state title contenders Miami Jackson and Plantation American Heritage.
Gibbons got such an effort Saturday, and it was enough to get past one of its biggest obstacles.
Led by senior quarterback Peyton Bender and its improved defense, the Chiefs held off Jackson for a 31-30 victory that helped them clinch a playoff berth at Traz Powell Stadium.
“The offensive line played great, and it’s exciting because I’ve never been in this position before [making the playoffs],” Bender said. “Winning this game was our big focus because we needed it to make the playoffs.”
Cardinal Gibbons (7-0, 2-0 District 16-5A), ranked No. 6 in the state in Class 5A, eliminated Jackson (3-4, 0-2) from playoff contention and handed the Generals their third consecutive loss. The Chiefs advanced to the postseason for the first time since 2011, a year before being moved into their current district.
Gibbons will have a chance to win the district title on Nov. 1 when it plays host to American Heritage.
“We knew how tough this was going to be and we didn’t make it easy,” Gibbons coach Mike Morrill said. “Our defense played great though, and the kids did an outstanding job.”
Bender, a Washington State commit, completed 23 of 41 passes for 312 yards and threw four touchdown passes to only one interception.
Bender, who has 1,919 passing yards, broke the school-record for passing yards previously set by Fred Buckley in 1980.
“It’s awesome and definitely an honor,” Bender said. “I couldn’t do it without our offensive line and our receivers.”
Gibbons totaled 406 yards. Trevon Lee caught nine passes for 105 yards, and George Rushing (Louisville Commit) caught four passes for 85 yards and two touchdowns.
Gibbons’ defense held Jackson to 36 yards rushing and its star quarterback Quinton Flowers, a University South Florida commitment, to only one touchdown pass. Flowers finished with 250 yards passing on 15 of 29 attempts. (51.7%)”
by Andre C. Fernandez
@AndreMHsports