Joshisa Trader scores 3 TDs to lead Miami Central to 5A Florida high school football state championship

Joshisa Trader caught two touchdown passes and returned an interception 94 yards for a touchdown to lead Miami Central to a 49-14 victory over Merritt Island in the FHSAA 5A state title game.

SBLive Staff | Dec 17, 2021

Joshisa Trader scores 3 TDs to lead Miami Central to 5A Florida high school football state championship /

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Joshisa Trader caught two touchdown passes and returned an interception 94 yards for a touchdown to lead Miami Central to a 49-14 victory over Merritt Island in the FHSAA Class 5A state championship game on Friday.

It's the third consecutive state title for the Rockets and the eighth state title in school history. It is also the sixth state title under current head coach Roland Smith.

For most of the first half, it was a back-and-forth type of game with Miami Central leading 14-7 late in the second quarter. Then the fireworks started.

On a 4th and 22 play, Mustangs' senior quarterback Brady Denaburg threw an interception to sophomore defensive back Trader who returned it 94 yards for a touchdown to make it 21-7.

Followed by a three-and-out, the Rockets quickly added on as junior wide receiver Lamar Seymore - a Miami commit - scored on a 37-yard reception from Dylan Tulloch to make it 28-7.

Moments later, Denaburg threw another interception to senior safety Trent Henry who returned it 60 yards for a touchdown to give Miami Central a 35-7 halftime lead.

Early in the third quarter senior quarterback Keyone Jenkins threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to Trader to make it 42-7 and trigger the running clock.

Later in the quarter, senior running back Ean Pope extended the Rockets lead to 42 by scoring on a 72-yard run to make it 49-7 heading into the final 12 minutes of play.

Around the midway point of the fourth quarter, the Mustangs added another touchdown as Denaburg connected with senior wide receiver Bridger Koby on a 16-yard pass, making it 49-14.

Miami Central Top Stars

Senior quarterback Keyone Jenkins -- 6-for-7 for 176 passing yards, 2 touchdowns

Sophomore athlete Joshisa Trader -- 4 receptions, 116 yards, 3 touchdowns (2 receiving, 1 INT return)

Junior wide receiver Lamar Seymore -- 1 reception, 37 yards, 1 touchdown

Freshman linebacker Ezekiel Marcelin -- 5 total tackles

Merritt Island Top Stars

Senior quarterback Brady Denaburg -- 19-for-40 for 218 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions

Senior wide receiver Bridger Koby -- 11 catches, 121 yards, 1 touchdown

Senior wide receiver Dominic Shields -- 7 targets (5 catches), 39 yards

Senior linebacker Logan Cody -- 8 total tackles (Game-high), 1 blocked punt

Senior linebacker Maddox Moss -- 5 total tackles

Team Stats