Hialeah Miami Lakes’ season-opening loss to Miami High (19-13) in overtime was a learning experience for a young Trojans team, as the players were searching for their identity on the football field.
The arduous task for the sophomore-dominated team is to win more games this season, especially in a new and considerably competitive district after competing as an independent school for the past three seasons.
But the Trojans played under a similar circumstance under head coach Kenon Lawhorne, who guided another young team to a winning record in 2007, and he's hoping history can repeat itself despite the setback.
"We have enough talent to win games this year," Lawhorne said. "They are still learning how to get better. We are still young and the freshmen who played last year, we are hoping some of the coaching will pay dividends this year."
North Miami and Hialeah are the second and third test for Hialeah Miami Lakes, as the Pioneers and Trojans face off at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 6, at North Miami Stadium.
Then, the Trojans and Thoroughbreds clash in an early season showdown on Thursday, September 12, at Milander Stadium, where the two non-district rivals leave every ounce of energy, adrenaline and momentum on the field each year under a playoff atmosphere.
Next week’s match up adds another chapter to their storied rivalry and it might help the Trojans find their roles before the consequential district games commence the following week against Mater Academy.
Then, Miami Springs, American, Alonso and Tracy Mourning, Westland Hialeah and Goleman await to try and exploit the young team.
Like Hialeah Miami Lakes, North Miami hasn’t recorded a winning season in recent years and is hoping to turn its program around in 2013.
The Pioneers got off to a good start by defeating American, 3-0, last week and they are looking to improve to 2-0 for the first time in five years. A victory for the Trojans gives them the momentum needed for Hialeah.
“The players are hyped for this one,” Lawhorne said. “Then after Hialeah, we have district and that’s when the real fun begins.
Despite the loss to the Stingarees, the offense demonstrated it can compete against some upper-echelon teams in Miami-Dade.
Junior quarterback Keanu Norman played well, throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Isaiah Small to tie the game but threw a costly interception in overtime that set up Miami High’s winning drive. Running backs Maliak Shannon and Caliphonso Evan recorded descent numbers on the ground to keep their team in the game.
Small, Romeo Brown and Kendrick Javiero also played well but Lawhorne is hoping they groom fast, especially during district games. He will gauge their performances during the North Miami game to determine if they are meticulously prepared for Hialeah and the Trojans’ district stretch.
“They are trying to groom a bet,” Lawhorne said. “But we need them to groom a little bit faster.”