Mike Rumph taking American Heritage to new heights

When he took over the head coaching job at Plantation American Heritage this year, former University of Miami standout Mike Rumph realized that he was stepping into a special situation.

Having been an assistant on the team the past few years under Jeff Dellenbach, the one-time NFL defensive back was ready for the challenge.

Even in his debut against nationally rated Miami Central, Rumph found a way to put his team in a spotlight against the potent Rockets. The Patriots have been in that spotlight ever since.

Loaded with talent, American Heritage has been able to roll over the competition — and after last week’s convincing district title-clinching win against Cardinal Gibbons, there are few teams who will have the athletes to match up against this outstanding football team.

For a program that had been all about gifted running back Sony Michel for the past four years, there has been a change in focus. While the University of Georgia-bound standout is the centerpiece of this team, he is not alone.

“This is a program that has benefited from a strong offseason — and that’s why we continue to improve each week,” Rumph said. “This is a team and a coaching staff that have worked too hard not to see some real results.”

The Patriots are one of the strong favorites to reach Orlando and play for a 5A state title because of players like Michel, and fellow seniors Isaiah McKenzie (Notre Dame), safety Carter Jacobs (Cincinnati), versatile linebacker Brandon Vicens, defensive back Juwan Dowels (Northern Illinois) and receiver Dallas Perez.

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