MIAMI GARDENS – The Miami Dolphins as part of the Junior Dolphins Donations presented by Baptist Health visited nine high schools and three youth parks throughout Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties to distribute “fit kits” as well as meals from the Miami Dolphins Foundation Food Relief Program in an effort to support the healthy and active lifestyles of student-athletes facing athletic programming cancellations and closures due to COVID-19 concerns.
Beginning Monday, Oct. 5 and concluding Saturday, Nov. 14, the Dolphins impacted 1,000 student-athletes by distributing 3,000 meals and 1,000 fit kits, which included cones, stretch bands, a jump rope and mask. The Dolphins also donated football equipment, electronics, uniforms and cleats to programs in need.
Ask anyone outside of the Tri-County Football Championships and they do not have a clue what you are talking about, but that’s okay.
Over the next month, those teams left to “opt out” of the state series because of Covid concerns in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties, will have a chance to claim one of three titles that will be up for grabs.
With all the opting in or opting out of the state playoffs, the one thing that was a certain last Friday, the game between Miami Northwestern and Plantation American Heritage was as certain as we will all eat a lot this Thursday for Thanksgiving dinner.
If you doubt it, ask Patriots’ head coach Pat Surtain. He was the one who pointed out in his post-game talk with his team after they knocked off the three-time defending state champs.
There has been much talk over the past year that while both teams lost heart-wrenching games to eventual state champion Booker T. Washington, either had the talent to have gone on to win that 4A crown as well.
The Tornadoes ripped the playoff hearts out of then Gulliver Prep sophomore sensation Carson Haggard and Cardinal Gibbons’ amazing junior Brody Palhegyi.
When Miami High takes the field this evening (7:00) against Miami Norland at Traz Powell Stadium, it will be the fourth time this year that they have done it without head coach Corey Smith.
The tragic death of the one-time Miami High standout football player hit this community hard – and two months later – it is no easier to deal with.