Friday night’s Broward County Classic High School Football Showcase delivered a stunning upset as American Heritage (Fla.) pulled off a remarkable 31-28 victory over St. Joseph’s Prep School (Pa.). With the Hawks holding a seemingly insurmountable 28-0 lead late in the third quarter, it appeared St. Joseph’s Prep was on track for a comfortable win. However, five-star Texas commit Dia Bell orchestrated a breathtaking comeback, leading the Patriots (1-0) to 31 unanswered points and securing an improbable triumph.
Bell, returning from an injury-plagued season and aiming for a strong senior campaign after witnessing wide receiver Malachi Toney lead American Heritage to a state championship, delivered an instant statement. The star signal-caller erased the 28-point deficit, captivating viewers who may have switched off ESPN2, to deliver a 1-0 start.
After two touchdowns, Bell connected with Jamar Denson (Troy commit) for a crucial 31-yard touchdown, narrowing the gap to 28-21. A subsequent touchdown and 40-yard field goal solidified the Patriots’ victory.
Alongside Bell, Jonathan Bueno fueled the American Heritage offense. The junior running back scored three touchdowns, including the game-tying 7-yard rush with under three minutes remaining. Despite the graduation of Byron Louis and his move to Miami, Bueno’s performance established a vital running option for head coach Mike Smith, positioning the Patriots to contend for a repeat as Florida’s Class 4A state champions.
Meanwhile, St. Joseph’s Prep can only reflect on what could have been. Armed with a four-touchdown lead in the final minutes of the third quarter, the Hawks relinquished a 28-point advantage with seconds left, resulting in a season-opening loss. The team faces another demanding challenge next week against Maryland power, DeMatha Catholic, at the Mid-Atlantic Pigskin Classic in Wilmington, Delaware, following a difficult defeat against St. Thomas Aquinas in 2022.