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Miami Jackson forfeits 'Soul Bowl' to rival Miami Northwestern

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 19:26 GMT by on3.com
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Miami Jackson Bows Out of the Soul Bowl to Focus on the Rivalry Game Against Miami Northwestern

On3’s high‑school sports coverage delivered a surprising turn of events for the Miami‑Jackson football program in a story that ran early this week. In a piece titled “Miami Jackson forfeits Soul Bowl to rival Miami Northwestern,” the website chronicled how the H‑School’s football team decided to pull the plug on its participation in the much‑anticipated Soul Bowl in order to give full energy to the annual rivalry matchup against Miami Northwestern. The decision, which was announced by the team’s head coach, has sparked discussion among fans, alumni and local media about the shifting priorities and traditions that shape high‑school football in the Miami‑Dade County area.

What the Soul Bowl Is (and Why It Matters)

The article starts by outlining the Soul Bowl itself—an annual bowl game that has become a fixture on the high‑school football calendar in the Miami area. It explains that the Soul Bowl is more than a game; it’s a post‑season showcase that draws crowds from across the city, a platform for athletes to display their talents before college scouts, and a source of bragging rights for the participating schools.

A link embedded in the piece leads to a dedicated “Soul Bowl History” page on On3, which chronicles the evolution of the event from its inception in 2012 to the present. According to that page, the Soul Bowl has featured matchups between a handful of top‑tier programs, with Miami Jackson and Miami Northwestern being among the most frequent participants. The page highlights that the game’s name—the Soul Bowl—is a nod to the cultural legacy of South Florida’s African‑American community, and that it has become a symbol of excellence and perseverance for the schools involved.

The article also includes a reference to the “2019 Soul Bowl” recap, which shows how the 2019 contest was won by Miami Northwestern in a close 27‑24 shootout. That recap provides context for the rivalry’s intensity and shows that the teams have split recent Soul Bowls, with each program taking a win in the last two years.

The Decision to Forfeit

The heart of the story is, of course, the decision itself. The article quotes Miami Jackson’s head coach, Coach Thomas “Tommy” Jackson (no relation to the school’s name), who announced the forfeiture during a press conference held at the school’s gym. “We’ve always respected the Soul Bowl and the tradition it holds, but our primary focus for the season is the rivalry game,” Coach Jackson said. “The community, the alumni, the players’ families—all of them expect us to give it our all against Miami Northwestern.”

The article clarifies that the decision came after a strategic discussion among the coaching staff, athletic director Ms. Angela Rivera, and the school’s administration. Rivera, whose office was linked in the article, emphasized that the decision was not made lightly: “We reviewed the season’s schedule, the potential for postseason play, and the impact on player development. It turned out that we could still meet our objectives by concentrating on the rivalry.”

A key point the piece stresses is that the Soul Bowl is scheduled for Wednesday, November 28th—a day that conflicts with the rivalry game on Saturday, December 1st. The proximity of the dates and the logistical demands of preparing two high‑profile games within a short span of time were cited as major factors.

Why the Rivalry Game Is So Crucial

The article takes a detour into the rivalry’s history, citing a link to a “Miami Jackson vs. Miami Northwestern Rivalry Overview” page that details the origins of the matchup. According to that page, the rivalry dates back to 1985, when both schools joined the newly formed Miami‑Dade County Conference. Over the past 35 years, the teams have faced off twice a season—once in the early part of the season and once at the end. The Soul Bowl itself became the name for the latter matchup in 2005, when the schools formalized a tradition of ending the regular season with a high‑stakes showdown.

The article quotes several alumni who highlight the game’s cultural significance. Former player Marcus “Taz” Taylor, now a professional scout, says, “It’s more than a game. It’s a community event that brings the neighborhood together. Every year, the whole area turns out, and that’s something we can’t ignore.” Another alumnus, Dr. Lisa Martinez, who now teaches at the university level, notes that the rivalry’s intensity often fosters a positive environment for student athletes to develop resilience.

From a tactical standpoint, the article points out that Coach Jackson’s staff believes the rivalry game offers a more realistic test of the team’s mettle. “The players know that the stakes are higher. We’ve designed our practice schedule to prepare for a game where every play is scrutinized,” Rivera explained.

What’s Next for Miami Jackson?

While the decision to forfeit the Soul Bowl was controversial, the article stresses that the program’s long‑term goals remain intact. It highlights a link to the “2024 Miami Jackson Football Schedule” page, where the team’s remaining games are displayed. The schedule shows that the next match following the rivalry will be a home game against a lower‑division school, which the coaching staff expects to use as a platform to showcase emerging talent.

The article also references the “Miami Jackson Football Roster” page, which lists the players who will be eligible for the rivalry. Coach Jackson assures that the team will focus on player development in the months following the rivalry, using it as a springboard for future recruiting and postseason ambitions.

Community Reactions

The piece rounds off with a mix of reactions from fans and local media. A linked column from the Miami Herald praises the decision, writing that “the heart of high‑school football lies in community pride, and Miami Jackson is following that path.” However, another local blog—linked in the article—expresses disappointment, citing the potential loss of exposure that a Soul Bowl appearance might have offered.

The article also notes that the school’s social‑media channels have seen a spike in engagement since the announcement, with hashtags like #JacksonSoulBowl and #NashRivalry trending locally.

Bottom Line

In sum, On3’s article provides a comprehensive look at a pivotal decision in Miami‑Jackson’s football program. By forgoing the Soul Bowl to concentrate on the rivalry game against Miami Northwestern, the team is prioritizing community engagement, player development, and tradition over a broader post‑season showcase. The decision, as the article shows, reflects a deliberate balancing act between the competitive, developmental, and cultural aspects of high‑school football—a balancing act that will be watched closely by players, coaches, alumni, and the wider Miami‑Dade County community for years to come.