The Miramar High School football team got a big sendoff Thursday as they headed to Orlando to face Tampa Plant High in the state championship game.
Even new Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie stopped by to give the teens a pep talk before the big game.
"It's not just about sports. This is one of the best performing academic schools in the state. They have a 94 percent graduation rate. They are hitting it on all cylinders," said Runcie.
The undefeated Patriots hit the road one teammate short. Starter Isaiah Laurencin died two weeks before the season after collapsing during practice.
"It was an emotional season for us. Week in and week out, not one time we have not thought of that young man," said head coach Damon Cogdell.
"It's our time to make it. Shine for Isaiah, our fallen Patriot. We’re going to bring home the win for him," said offensive lineman Kevin Gonzalez.
Led by U.S. Army All American Cornerback Tracy Howard, the team hopes to score its second state championship in just three years.
"I just want to show my team that we can always win, no matter what. We are undefeated for a reason," said Howard.
The state championship game kicks off at 7 p.m. Saturday.
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