Live! Merritt Island plays Miami Central for the Class 5A state title

Support local journalism by unlocking unlimited digital access to floridatoday.com. Click here to explore subscription options.

Update 1:57 p.m.

Merritt Island driving when MC returns an interception to the MI 20, but it’s called back. Mustangs inside the red zone now, at the MC 16 middle of the 2nd.

Update 1:48 p.m.

Merritt Island follows with a 7-play, 25-yard drive but then punts. MC ball from its 33 at 9:01 of the 2nd Qtr. Mustangs defense and penalty flags cause Rockets to lose 28 yards on that drive. Merritt Island ball from the MC 46 at 7:04 of the 2nd Qtr.

Update 1:36 p.m.

After the Mustangs punted on their next drive, MC over at midfield and scored on a long pass. 14-0, Rockets, at 22 seconds of the period. 1st Qtr highlights at the top of the page.

Update, 1:28 p.m.

A 52-yard pass moves the Rockets into Mustangs territory. Miami Central then goes on the ground, finishing with a 13-yard scoring run. Drive went 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:04 of clock time. Check out the scoring summary at the bottom of the page for updates.

Update, 1:20 p.m.

Mustangs moving with the passing game. Down to the 21 midway through the first Qtr. On 4th and 1, Denaburg misses a 37-yard FG attempt. Miami Central going the other way now.

Update, 1:10 p.m.

Game has kicked off and Merritt Island forces a punt on first Miami Central drive. Both defenses dominating early. 9:49 in the first quarter.

– – – – –

Merritt Island will look to win its first state title since 1979 when it takes on Miami Central in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, Dec. 17.

The Mustangs defeated Sebring 12-10 on Dec. 3 in a 5A state semifinal.

Preview the game: Merritt Island, Miami Central traditions intersect in FHSAA 5A football final

How the Mustangs got there: Review Merritt Island’s Class 5A state final season of 2021

The opposition: Miami Central boasts elite football talent

CLASS 5A CHAMPIONSHIP

CENTRAL 14, MERRITT ISLAND 0

2nd Qtr – 6:19

While you’re waiting: Check out last night’s updates from Cocoa in 4A

Story continues

Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 F

CENTRAL (MIAMI) (11-2) 14 | XX | XX | XX – 14

MERRITT ISLAND (13-1) 00 | XX | XX | XX – 00

First quarter

MC- Keyone Jenkins 13 run (Jayden John kick), 1:25

MC- Joshisa Trader 50 pass from Jenkins (John kick), 0:22

Second quarter

XX

Third Quarter

XX

Fourth Quarter

XX

FROM THURSDAY

CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

CARDINAL GIBBONS 21, COCOA 19

Final

Read about the game: Cocoa comes up short against Cardinal Gibbons in 4A final

Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 F

CARDINAL GIBBONS (11-2) 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 – 21

COCOA (11-2) 7 | 0 | 0 | 12 – 19

First quarter

CC- Jesse Anderson 17 pass from Dylan Rizk (Adrian Alfieri kick), 8:07

C- O.J. Ross 3 run, (Elijah Andres-Davis kick), 0:28

Fourth Quarter

CG- Kamari Moulton 14 run (Alfieri kick), 10:41

C- Davin Wydner 1 run (run fails), 7:25

CG- Moulton 8 run (Alfieri kick), 2:22

C- Kyon Calhoun 72 pass from Wydner (run failed), 1:57

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: High school football: Live updates from Class 5A state championship