Booker T. @ Miami Killian
WEEK 1 | 2023 SEASON
August 26, 2023
by Josh Zedner
Miami, Fla. | “Tornadoes Brew Up Storm of Pressure, Cougars Blown Out 31-7″
Florida Man Sports is back to catch a Week 1 showdown between the Booker T. Washington Tornadoes and the Killian Cougars. The F-5 Tornadoes brewed up a steady storm of pressure throughout the game with a consistent rushing attack to control the pace at Tropical Park – but the game was far from perfect for both teams.
The Cougars started the game off with poor interior blocking, which led to an eventual Booker T. punt block for a touchdown less than 2 minutes into the game. The interior OL really struggled to protect newly-acquired Doral Academy transfer 2024 QB Jorge Rodriguez, and Killian struggled to get in a rhythm on offense throughout the night. The F-5 defense, led by stout FSU commit 2024 DL Jamorie Flagg and 2024 DL Tremaine Carson, proved to be too much for the Cougars to handle, as Rodriguez was hearing footsteps all night long and was quick to scramble. (Rodriguez did, however, showcase quality athleticism leaving the pocket and had several decent gains on the ground.) A lot of credit is also due to Booker T. 2024 LB Tristan Ramsey, who was dialing up pressure á la Jamal Adams. A 2025 CB Fabulis Scott 4th quarter interception was the cherry on top of a domineering performance for the Tornadoes defense.
Booker T.’s offense didn’t get off to the best of starts either, as 2024 QB Claudell “Fetty” Sherman had to consistently deal with poor snaps and broken plays, multiple of which turned into huge chunk gains by the elusive quarterback. One play in particular that stunned the crowd was a 65-yard touchdown run in the 2nd quarter off a broken play in which Sherman showed shades of former Booker T. legend Treon Harris. Sherman juked out multiple defenders and broke several tackles on his way to the endzone. He was a human highlight reel. (See the clips below!)
The Tornadoes defense had some early struggles with hard counts from Rodriguez on about 4 or 5 separate occasions, all of which resulted in offsides and encroachment penalties that kept Killian drives alive. One of these drives resulted in a short touchdown pass from Rodriguez to 2025 OLB/SS/TE Dylan Gill, which represented the only score in the game for the Cougars.
Speaking of Gill, he and his brother 2024 DE and USF commit Damien Gill were a couple of nice bright spots for a Cougars defense that stalled a few Booker T. drives early on. Killian 2024 CB Warren Williams also had a very nice interception and return, breaking on a comeback route from Sherman in the 2nd quarter. Offensive bright spots for Killian included 2024 WRs Kaden Sims and Gary Kendrick, the latter showcasing some really nice elusiveness on multiple snaps.
Booker T. may have some issues down the road when facing tougher opponents due to a mostly subpar passing offense, but the rushing attack was consistent, strong, and broke multiple gashes through the Cougars defense throughout the night. The group, led by 2024 RB Gerald Modest, who scored a touchdown in the 2nd, was very solid, busting through gaps and tearing through the secondary. Another shout-out to 2026 WR Anton Smith for the Tornadoes, who made several nice plays in the second half and deep into the 4th quarter.
As we look forward, although Booker T. doesn’t look like the powerhouse that they have been historically, Coach Tim “Ice” Harris is back and looks to have his guys geared up for another successful season, leaning on the legs of Fetty and their backs. As for Killian, the offensive line needs to be shored up for them to have any further success this season. It will be imperative for them to improve so that they can establish a rushing attack and allow Rodriguez to settle into this offense.
FINAL SCORE:
Booker T. Washington beats Miami Killian 31-7
About Josh Zedner:
Joshua Zedner is a beat writer covering high school football for Florida Man Sports. A native of Miami Beach, he attended Florida International University before finishing his undergraduate Business Administration degree at the University of Florida. Josh is an avid Miami sports fan, and he also writes a music review blog as a passion project under the @AlbumAnalysisWithZ handle on Instagram.
