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Malachi Toney’s first taste of the big stage ended in disaster.

A freshman at the time for Broward County powerhouse American Heritage, Toney was trying to help the Patriots drive for a game-tying touchdown against Rueben Bain Jr.-led Miami Central in the state title game at Chase Stadium, the home of Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.

Toney caught a pass and turned upfield, but Miami Central linebacker — and future teammate — Ezekiel Marcelin punched the ball free. The Rockets recovered the loose ball and won the title.

American Heritage’s star running back at the time — and another future teammate — Mark Fletcher Jr. consoled his teammate after the game.

“That’s one of the best freshmen I’ve ever seen,” Fletcher said after the game. “(He) made

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