Fireworks were expected between the two powerhouse teams ahead of Thursday night\u2019s battle between Miami Central and Chaminade-Madonna, and they delivered in what is an early candidate for the high school football game of the year.<\/p>\n
Following a near-two-hour weather delay, the Rockets and Lions took center stage at Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium and put on a show for the hundreds of fans in the stands and a national ESPN2 TV audience. In the end, it was Chaminade-Madonna who came out with the 31-28 victory over Miami Central.<\/p>\n
The game was a thriller that saw the Lions improve to 5-0 with Central falling to 1-2. Both entered the game generally considered among the nation\u2019s top 5 teams.<\/p>\n
Central\u2019s final drive ended in an interception with 1:13 remaining, and Chaminade-Madonna ran the clock down from there with Central getting just one last desperation heave that fell incomplete. The Rockets also had a chance to tie the game midway through the fourth quarter, but a 26-yard field goal attempt from Kristian Hobbs hit off the crossbar.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a great battle, and we just came out victorious,\u201d five-star Ohio State commit and high priority Miami target Jeremiah Smith<\/a><\/strong> said following the game. \u201cI\u2019m feeling good.\u201d<\/p>\n Smith, who is one of, if not Miami head coach Mario Cristobal\u2019s<\/a><\/strong> biggest targets in the 2024 class, impressed throughout the matchup as he hauled nine passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns, including a one-handed 18-yard score.<\/p>\n