Who could have predicted Leon Strawder would win a second straight state championship ... with a totally different team?
If you need a championship-level quarterback, call Leon Strawder.
The 6-foot-1, 225 pound signal caller just led American Heritage to the Class 4A Championship in 33-28 win over Jones, earning his second ring in as many years with as many programs as the starter.
Strawder, a familiar name in south Florida, was not even a student at American Heritage to begin the year. He was still at Miami Northwestern, where Teddy Bridgewater brought him in to lead his new look offense.
As a junior, Strawder threw for 2,677 yards and 41 touchdowns while completing 168-of-256 passes at Northwestern while leading the Bulls to a 12-2 record and the Class 3A Championship.
Then a unique set of circumstances led Strawder to American Heritage. He saw his reps become more limited after the arrival of sophomore phenom Niemann Lawrence, then an opening at quarterback unexpectantly opened up at American Heritage after Dia Bell suffered a season ending injury in early September.
Enter Strawder, who is a proven veteran quarterback that now has high-level offensive talent similar to the weapons at this disposal at Northwestern. While the Patriots entered the playoffs with five losses, Strawder led American Heritage through an impressive playoff gauntlet — including a win over Archbishop McCarthy that avenged a regular season loss, a nine-hour road trip to Choctawhatchee, and downing Jones in the state final.
"There was crazy adversity," Strawder said. "From running backs hurt to the quarterback getting hurt, I'm just happy American Heritage came and accepted me and brought me in. ... It took a couple of weeks in practice and work days and then more coverages. It's executing plays, that's all"
Strawder ended his prep career in fitting fashion, keeping the offense cool and collected while passing for a pair of touchdowns and rushing in another, and finished the game with 173 passing yards (12-of-18 with one interception) and 72 rushing yards. He finished his senior campaign with 2,225 passing yards and 21 touchdowns.
While the win over Jones helped Strawder notch his second ring individually, it also cemented American Heritage as repeat champions after downing the same Fightin' Tigers team in 2024.
"It felt good playing with my new brothers," Strawder said. "We've been here last year, so it's like — man I'm just too excited right now."
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Leon Strawder leads American Heritage to his, and team 2nd state crown
Category: General Sports
