Orange Lutheran football led for much of the game. Then Miami Central’s QB took over.
Orange Lutheran football led for much of the game. Then Miami Central’s QB took over.
Logan Newman, USA TODAYSat, August 22, 2026 at 1:10 PM UTC
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A Florida vs. California matchup came down to the final seconds. Miami Central (FL) trailed Orange Lutheran (CA) by six points with 28 seconds left and the ball at the 40 yards line when James Perrone, a three-star Pitt commit, took off from the pocket.
He got out to his left and sprinted toward the sideline, beating two defenders. He didn't stop.
Outrace another. First down. Cut to the right to get by a fourth. Pick up a final block. End zone straight ahead.
He ran in, celebrating the touchdown that, after the PAT, would put Central ahead 23-22. After 15 seconds of defense, the game was sealed, as Central took down OLu.
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Central, entering the game ranked No. 34 on MaxPreps, is one of the top Florida teams in the country. Led by Perrone and a defensive unit that includes three-star defensive backs Trezavant Boyd, T'ari Miller and Quartavius Lyons Jr., the Rockets were faced with a tough challenge in Orange Lutheran.
The Lancers, meanwhile, entered the week ranked No. 14 in USA TODAY Sports' West Region rankings and led for a substantial portion of this game, playing very strong defense for the first 47:30.
But the game is 48 minutes, and in minute 48, Perrone finally found some breathing room and he took it all.
Central's next game is Sept. 3 against St. Brendan (Miami, FL). Orange Lutheran will face Cathedral Catholic (San Diego, CA) and All-USA two-way player Honor Fa'alave Johnson.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Orange Lutheran football led for much of the game. Then Miami Central’s QB took over.
Source: “AOL Sports”
