Football: American Heritage runs over Immokalee

With a ball-control running game, the Patriots dominated the Indians, 25-8, at Heritage Field.

Legendary coach Byron Walker's squad played like there was no tomorrow, which was the case. On the other hand, the Indians -- who decisively defeated Clewiston a week ago to clinch the District 2A-6 title -- played like they were on yesterday's laurels and weren't much of a match for the Patriots.

"We just got flat-out spanked tonight," said Indians' interim head coach Phil Vogt. "We weren't as focused as we should have been. If you want to call it riding the wave of emotion after last week's big win, go ahead, but that's no excuse."

Immokalee (6-4) didn't have an answer for American Heritage's Dilvory Edgecomb. The senior, who is Broward County's all-time leading rusher in Class A, 2A and 3A, scored all four of the Patriots' touchdowns. He finished with146 yards on 26 carries.

"As I said the other day, the key was the tailback, " Vogt said. "It was a case of us getting spanked on the line of scrimmage and he's a tough little back."

Edgecomb gave American Heritage the early lead on its first drive of the game.

After an Immokalee punt -- the only one of the game -- the Patriots (5-5) marched 65 yards on 13 plays. The key to the drive was a fourth-and-1 play where Edgecomb ripped off a 25-yard run. That set up a 1-yard plunge five plays later.

Immokalee bounced right back and took the lead on its next possession. Wilbur Jean scored from five yards out.

The Indians even converted an extra long two-point conversion on a spectacular catch by Dwayne Coker.

After a 10-yard penalty, the Indians were pushed back to the 20-yard line. From there, Gachette threw a pass up to Coker, who tipped the ball away from the defender with his right hand, tipped it again with his left hand and then cradled it into his stomach as he lay flat on his back in the end zone.

That was one of the few completions for Gachette. The senior went 2-for-12 and was picked off three times.

American Heritage iced the game in the third quarter. On its first drive, it ate up 9 minutes and 15 seconds before Edgecomb scored on a 3-yard run. He added a 10-yarder in the fourth quarter to finish the scoring.

Fortunately for the Indians, there is next week. Immokalee will host Cocoa Beach on Friday night. Coach John Weber will be back on the Indians' sideline after serving a two- game suspension for slapping Gachette on the helmet and kicking him during practice three weeks ago.

Immokalee: 0 - 8 - 0 - 0 - 8

American Heritage: 6 - 6 - 6 - 7- 25

SCORING -- AH - Edgecomb 1 run (run failed) I - W. Jean 5 run (Gachette to Coker pass) AH - Edgecomb 2 run (pass failed) AH - Edgecomb 3 run (pass failed) AH - Edgecomb 10 run (Surgan kick) INDIVIDUAL LEADERS -- Rushing - Immokalee: J. James 16-87, Hicks 2-7, Gachette 6-34, W. Jean 6-16 . American Heritage: Edgecomb 26-140, Hartman 16-88, Z. Walker 6-27. Passing - Immokalee: Gachette 2-12-3 20. American Heritage D. Walker 0-3-0 0. Receiving - Immokalee: Nicolas 1-(-2), E. Jean 1-22. American Heritage: None.