Centerfielder Brandon Diaz
Photo by Stuart Browning
The toughest games will come toward the end of the season when the Patriots tangle with Gulliver and Arlington Country Day. Both are formidable opponents with long histories of fielding competitive teams. The Patriots will also have to get past the likes of Jesuit (Tampa) and Jensen Beach to win the Class 5A state championship again.
Local outlook: The Patriots are one of a number of strong teams in the Miami area. Archbishop McCarthy, which American Heritage defeated 1-0 in a preseason tournament last week, is a local powerhouse that won the 6A state title last year, while Columbus (Miami) played in the 8A championship game.
Overall outlook: The Patriots got hot at the right time last season and knocked off one of the nation's top teams in Jesuit (Tampa, Fla.). American Heritage has the tradition and enough returning starting talent to make another run at a 5A title. Class 5A can be treacherous since the playoffs are single elimination. However coming out on top against such top-level competition is why Florida teams get ranked so high in the national rankings.
Coach quote: "Last year's team had a top five finish in all major polls. This team potentially could be better,"
- Mike Macey, American Heritage Assistant Coach
