Full High School Football State Semifinal Preview

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Posted on November 30, 2018 by Marcus Benjamin
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Marcus Benjamin @_BenjaminReport

The most complete teams are currently still alive in the playoffs.  Now more than ever all phases of the game are critical to completing the quest of a state championship.  Here’s a breakdown of all the state semifinals scheduled to be played this Friday. Friday night is the last official Friday game night of the season (Bitter sweet sad face).

“You give 110 percent all the time, not just when you feel like it.” – Friday Night Lights

8A

Columbus (Miami) Explorers (13-0) At Deerfield Beach Bucks (12-1) Friday 7:30 PM

Both teams can make a legitimate case that they have the best running backs in the state.  Junior Jaylan Knighton is tough to bring down and has breakaway speed to take it to the house at any moment for the Bucks.

Jaylan Knighton

His counterpart, junior Henry Parrish Jr., is a versatile back that only needs a small seem to make a big play.

Henry Parrish Jr.

Deerfield is strong and experienced on all three levels on defense with Oregon commit Gemon Eaford and Virginia Tech commit Brandon Dorlus leading the way. Columbus’s two-way players like Georgia Tech commit Kalani Norris and junior Xzavier Henderson can make game changing plays at defensive back and wide receiver.  Quarterback Derohn King will be the X-factor in this game.

DeRohn King

If the junior can get the ball to his receiving corp, which is arguably the best in the state, the Bucks could run away with the victory.

 

Columbus’s Best Wins: 23-14 over Miami Northwestern, 42-0 over Miami Palmetto

Columbus’s Worst loss: 35-0 loss to Miami Carol City (Loss vacated due to ineligible players)

 

Deerfield’s Best Wins: 13-10 over Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood), 23-0 over Plantation

Deerfield’s Worst Loss: 38-6 loss to St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale)

 

Riverview Sarasota Rams (10-3) At Mandarin (Jacksonville) Mustangs (9-4) Friday 7:30 PM

Not many were expecting these teams to still be alive at this point. The Mustangs will play in their first state semifinals behind the leadership of junior quarterback Carson Beck.  The four star Alabama commit stands at 6’3” 214 pounds and has total command of the offense. After shutting out Deland in the opening round at home, Mandarin allowed a total of fifteen points to central Florida powers Winter Park and Wekiva (Apopka) while scoring 60.  The Mustang defense is led by seniors Darian Oxendine and Nijel McGriff. Riverview is also led by a physically intimidating quarterback in the 6’2” 200 pound Sean White. The junior runs a run/pass offense that is rolling with playmakers Ali Boyce, Michael Hayes, Zy Grable and four star junior receiver Malachi Wideman scoring often for the Rams.  Could be a shootout in Jacksonville.

 

Riverview’s Best Wins: 33-7 over Dr. Phillips (Orlando), 49-27 over Manatee (Bradenton)

Riverview’s Worst Loss: 51-45 to Newsome (Lithia)

 

Mandarin’s Best Wins: 19-7 over Wekiva, 41-8 over Winter Park

Mandarin’s Worst Loss: 38-13 to Lee (Jacksonville)

1A

Hawthorne Hornets (12-0) At Madison County Cowboys (11-1)

The Hornets shutout seven opponents this season and their smallest margin of victory was in their last game in the regional final against Pahokee.  The former Florida Gator Cornelius Ingram is the head coach of Hawthorne which is just outside of Gainesville. The Hornets are in their second state semi-final in the history of the school and seniors Khaliel Jackson and Uveekie Fields have combined for over 60 touchdowns at the quarterback and running back positions.  The Cowboys of Madison County are a running team with workhorses Vinsonta Allen and Robert Hiers who combined for over 2,000 yards on the ground this season. On defense MC is led by Travis Jay, a Florida State commit and Under Armour All-American. The senior Jay also happens to be the Cowboys’ dual threat starting quarterback.  Madison is going for back to back state titles and find themselves in their fifth consecutive semifinal.

 

Hawthorne’s Best Wins: 25-6 win over Pahokee, 42-12 win over Chiefland

Hawthorne’s Worst Loss: Undefeated

 

Madison County’s Best Wins: 42-0 win over Dunnellon, 33-17 over FSU High

Madison County’s Worst Loss: 48-24 to Columbia (Lake City)

 

Port St. Joe Sharks (11-0) At Baker Gators (12-0)

This is a matchup of two undefeateds in the panhandle that have been through tough times with Hurricane Michael this hurricane season.  The Sharks will look to stop senior running back Junior McLaughlin who rushed for over 2,000 yards this season.

 

Port St. Joe’s Best Wins: 35-20 over Jefferson County, 24-7 over North Florida Christian (Tallahassee)

Port St. Joe’s Worst Loss: Undefeated

 

Baker’s Best Wins: 51-19 over Vernon, 35-0 over Jay

Baker’s Worst Loss: Undefeated

 

7A

Edgewater (Orlando) Eagles (12-1) At Lakeland Dreadnaughts (13-0)

Lakeland avenged their last two playoffs losses to Plant by coming away with a 49-30 last Friday night.  The Dreadnaughts junior running back Demarkus Bowman powers a rushing attack that steamrolled for 420 yards last week.  Four star tight end Keon Zipperer poses a threat in the passing game with his 6’2” 240 pound frame. The Lakeland defense is anchored by three senior linebackers leading the team in tackles: Kahlil Crawford, Jahari Martin and Jason Hampton.  Senior Lloyd Summerall is a concern for any opposing quarterback as he is a monster coming off the edge. Edgewater will need a fourth straight road playoff win to advance to the state finals at Camping World Stadium about 4 miles away from the Eagles’ campus.  The Eagles average 44 points per game behind the senior leadership of quarterback RJ Harvey. The defense forced six turnovers to get the win over Lee last week. The Eagles are in their first state semifinal since 2009.

Edgewater’s Best Wins: 41-7 over Lee (Jacksonville), 35-14 over Lincoln (Tallahassee)

Edgewater’s Worst Loss: 31-15 loss to Hagerty (Oviedo)

 

Lakeland’s Best Wins: 49-30 over Tampa Plant, 37-20 over Apopka

Lakeland’s Worst Loss: Undefeated

 

Venice Indians (12-1) At St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) Raiders (12-1)

For the third year in a row, the 7A state championship will either go through Venice or St. Thomas Aquinas.  St. Thomas dominated in the first round of the trilogy 48-6 and Venice took round two 27-20. Both teams went on to win the state championship after their semifinal victory.  This year Aquinas is once again stocked on defense with Under Armour All-Americans and Ohio State commit Jordan Battle, Oklahoma commit Jaden Davis and Miami commit Anthony Solomon.

Daniel Carter

Their offensive attack is powered by running back Daniel Carter and directed by quarterback and Harvard commit Curt Casteel.

Curt Casteel

After last years dream season, the defending 7A state champions started this season with a rocky start with a humbling defeat to Vero Beach.  Since then Venice has reeled off twelve straight wins and right back in the state semis. Venice has replaced last year’s ‘Mr. Football Award’ winner, quarterback Bryce Carpenter and standout receiver Jaivon Heiligh with the Wolff brothers. Transfers from Lemon Bay High School Hayden and Weston are proving to be a winning combination.  They connected 62 times for 689 yards and three touchdowns this season and the senior to sophomore tandem along with senior running back Brandon Gregory should pose a challenge to the Raider Defense.

 

Venice’s Best Wins: 57-32 over Bloomingdale (Valrico), 19-2 over Riverview Sarasota

Venice’s Worst Loss: 42-20 to Vero Beach

 

St. Thomas’s Best Wins: 35-0 over Dwyer (Palm Beach Gardens), 38-6 over Deerfield Beach

St. Thomas’s Worst Loss: 43-27 to Miami Central

 

2A

Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah) Lions (8-5) At Admiral Farragut (St. Petersburg) Blue Jackets (10-1) Friday 7:30 PM

The defending champions of 2A started this season with new head coach Hector Clavijo and now are possibly in route to a third state championship in school history.  This year they played a tough schedule and started their playoff run with a one-point triumph over Miami Christian. The Lions followed up the victory with strong wins over Moore Haven and Neumann (Naples) with a combined margin of victory of 24.  The Lions will need another road win against top seeded Farragut to move on to a third straight trip to the state finals. Sophomore quarterback Malik Rutherford made the game sealing win last week on a 25-yard draw. The Lions will face the vaunted defense that shut down previously undefeated Seffner Christian in the regional final.  Two way senior Lorenzo Valencia had an interception and touchdown to carry Farragut to the state semis.

Champagnat’s Best Wins: 21-10 over Neumann, 20-19 over Miami Christian

Champagnat’s Worst Loss: 20-14 to Superior Collegiate (Clearwater)

 

Admiral Farragut’s Best Wins: 20-7 over Seffner Christian, 31-6 over Zephyrhills Christian

Admiral Farragut’s Worst Loss: 10-3 to Victory Christian

 

Victory Christian (Lakeland) Storm (11-1) At North Florida Christian (Tallahassee) Eagles (7-4) Friday 7:00 PM

Victory is in their sixth consecutive state semifinal and the Storm last took home the state title in 2014.  The one-two punch of junior quarterback Jeremiah Byrd and sophomore running back Cornelius Shaw are a force to be reckoned.  Victory’s strength is the ground game which is averaging 250 yards per game. NFC has won seven state titles but have yet to win won since 2011.  Seniors J.D Jerry and Deon Crosby is the NFC combo looking to counter the Victory attack. NFC has a ball hawking defense that produced 19 interceptions this season.

 

Victory Christian’s Best Wins: 36-7 over Foundation Academy, 10-3 over Admiral Farragut (St. Petersburg)

Victory Christian’s Worst Loss: 17-5 to Zephyrhills Christian

 

NFC’s Best Wins: 45-21 over University Christian (Jacksonville), 28-13 over Jefferson County

NFC’s Worst Loss: 52-14 to Clearwater Academy International

 

6A

Crestview Bulldogs (10-2) At Armwood (Seffner) Hawks (12-1) Friday 7:30 PM

Crestview running back Jay Stanton is averaging ten yards per touch scoring 32 touchdowns this season.  Combine the running attack with the pass catching abilities of twins Devin and Jaden Voison who have produced over 1,600 yards on 71 catches, the Bulldogs are downright scary.  The Dogs bit the Raiders of Navarre last week avenging an early season 40-35 loss and the defense is averaging four turnovers a game. Armwood started the season with a loss to Tampa Bay Tech and fired off twelve straight wins afterward.  They jumped out to a 24-0 lead against previously unbeaten Vanguard behind a big half from sophomore wide receiver Agiye Hall. Hall had four catches for 86 yards and a touchdown on offense and also had two sacks on defense. The Hawk defense generated six sacks and two turnovers on downs.  Quarterback Cam’ron Ransom has the offense moving despite a number of injuries. If the Hawks can get passed the Dogs they will get to back to back state finals hoping to bring the title home to Seffner. The Hawks have been impressive as any team in the state and seem to be gaining momentum.

 

Crestview’s Best Wins: 49-27 over Navarre, 49-19 over Pine Forest (Pensacola)

Crestview’s Worst Loss: 42-40 loss to West Florida (Pensacola)

 

Armwood’s Best Wins: 31-6 over Vanguard (Ocala), 21-18 over Tampa Plant

Armwood’s Worst Loss: 20-12 to Tampa Bay Tech

 

“We will all be tested. It is these time, it is this pain, that allows us to look inside ourselves.” – Friday Night Lights

Miami Northwestern Bulls (8-5) At Naples Golden Eagles (12-1) Friday 7:30 PM

If the Bulls can somehow win back to back championships it would be a remarkable feat.  Overshadowed by their rivals in the district, Miami Northwestern shocked Dade County and all of Florida last week with their 19-15 victory over Miami Central.  The transfer from North Miami Isaiah Velez put the state on notice with his game winning drive and will look to build on that performance in Naples. University of Miami commit Samuel Brooks anchors the defense and the Bulls will look to stop a strong Naples running game on the west coast.  Junior Elan Sommala leads the Naples running attack. Naples is in the final four for the third time in the past four years so the Eagles will not be intimidated by the big stage. The Eagles defense is led by Marc Viechec who recorded 174 tackles this season and his defense is allowing 7.8 points per game.  Northwestern defeated Naples last year 42-7 in the state semifinals in Miami.

Northwestern’s Best Wins: 19-15 over Miami Central, 47-21 over Miami Booker T. Washington

Northwestern’s Worst Loss: 20-18 to South Dade (Homestead)

 

Naples Best Wins: 23-0 over North Fort Myers, 25-9 over Barron Collier (Naples)

Naples Worst Loss: 26-17 to Miami Palmetto

 

3A

Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) Lions (10-2) At Clearwater Central Catholic Marauders (12-0) Friday 7:30 PM

This matchup might be the most anticipated playoff game from the beginning of the season.  The Lions won the 3A championship in thrilling fashion over Oxbridge (West Palm Beach) and are poised to return to Orlando.  Chaminade is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. Senior safety and Miami commit Keontra Smith recently was named a U.S. Army All-American and in recent games the running game of Willie Davis and Thaddius Franklin Jr. has been tough to stop.  Brothers Jejuan and Johnny Newton are dynamic playmakers on both sides of the ball and the Marauders are led on offense by senior quarterback Rory Hicks. Chaminade dominated CCC in Clearwater 49-3 in the state semis last season.

Chaminade’s Best Wins: 35-0 over University School, 35-28 over Miami Booker T. Washington

Chaminade’s Worst Loss: 31-21 to American Heritage (Plantation)

 

CCC’s Best Wins: 14-6 over Tampa Jesuit, 35-7 over Berkeley Prep (Tampa)

CCC’s Worst Loss: Undefeated

 

King’s Academy (West Palm Beach) Lions (11-1) At FSU High (Tallahassee) Seminoles (8-3) Friday 7:30 PM

King’s Academy is in their first state semifinal in their school’s history courtesy of a 66-yard hail mary with eleven seconds left last week.


Senior quarterback Justin Wake has accounted for 32 touchdowns this season and junior running back Presley Almond has rushed for over 1,000 yards.  Junior Florida High quarterback Bryson Hill led a balanced attack against a much tougher schedule than King’s this season and defensively the Seminoles are able to get penetration as they have 134 tackles for loss.  Florida High was shutout by the now shut down Oxbridge Academy in the state semis last year.

 

King’s Best Wins: The First Academy (Orlando) 23-22

King’s Worst Loss: 35-28 to Gulliver (Miami)

 

FSU’s Best Wins: 19-14 over North Florida Christian, 30-22 over Taylor County (Perry)

FSU’s Worst Loss: 35-20 to Wakulla (Crawfordville)

 

5A

North Marion (Citra) Colts (11-2) At Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) Conquerors (13-0) Friday 7:30 PM

Trinity is going for their seventh state title and first in 5A.  Rivals ranks junior Conqueror Fred Davis as a five star shutdown cornerback and on the other side junior Miles Brooks a four star DB.  Offensively, senior running back and Ohio State commit Marcus Crowley is a 2,000 yard rusher this season and will look to continue his strong performances down the stretch of the season.  Junior defender Luke Rose and the rest of the Colts defense will be tasked with slowing down the Trinity offense. Rose leads the team in tackles and interceptions. Senior quarterback Corey Wilsher spreads the ball to several different receivers including juniors Jaree Turner and Jyron Gilmore who combine for 63 catches for over 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns.

 

  1. Marion’s Best Wins: 45-7 over Dunnellon, 29-22 over Nature Coast Tech (Brooksville)
  2. Marion’s Worst Loss: 24-21 to Gainesville

 

Trinity’s Best Wins: 31-30 over Columbia (Lake City), 27-22 over Braden River (Bradenton)

Trinity’s Worst Loss: Undefeated

 

Tampa Jesuit Tigers (12-1) At Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) Chiefs (11-2) Friday 7:30 PM

Cardinal Gibbons has gone through an emotional roller-coaster of a season.  Coming into the 2018 season expectations were higher than they probably have ever been in their history.  Their leader on defense senior defensive end Khris Bogle was injured in a preseason game, then the Chiefs went on to lose their first two games to Miami Central and Milton (GA).  Gibbons has not lost a game since.

Khris Bogle

Bogle returned, Gibbons claimed the district title defeating their district rival American Heritage (Plantation) and two weeks ago the Chiefs lost their three year starting quarterback Nik Scalzo.  Last week, Gibbons came up with their best performance, a 35-7 win over Heritage for the second time this season. New quarterback Brody Palhegyi will need a repeat performance to take his school to states for the first time in 28 years.  For Jesuit, Rick Parks led a strong running game that churned 235 yards last week versus Jefferson. Jesuit was eliminated by Lakewood (St. Petersburg) last season in the regional semifinals.

Jesuit’s Best Wins: 21-7 Osceola (Kissimmee), 17-7 over Tampa Catholic

Jesuit’s Worst Loss: 14-6 to Clearwater Central Catholic

 

Gibbons’ Best Wins: 35-7 over American Heritage (Plantation), 30-27 over Jones (Orlando)

Gibbons’ Worst Loss: 42-7 to Milton (GA) 42-17

 

4A

Dunnellon Tigers (8-5) At Raines (Jacksonville) Vikings (11-1) Friday 7:30 PM

The defending 4A champions had a strong season and were just a one-point loss to Lee away from having an unblemished record.  Since the opening season loss, the Vikings have pulled off eleven straight wins against good competition. Raines is averaging 34 points per game, but this year the Vikes are doing it with defense with leaders Javon Bonsell and Treyvon Hobbs. For the third time in four year the Vikings are in the state semis and looking to continue to make history.  On offense for Dunnellon, junior A.J. Hamilton is averaging over ten yards a carry and over 24 yards per reception. On defense, senior Maurice Jeffries has been a tackling machine with 161 take downs. Each team have two state titles a piece.

Dunnellon’s Best Wins: 43-41 over The Villages Charter, 26-7 over Sante Fe (Alachua)

Dunnellon’s Worst Loss: 20-13 to Crystal River

 

Raines’ Best Wins: 27-24 over Mandarin (Jacksonville), 47-14 Fletcher (Jacksonville)

Raines’ Worst Loss: 16-15 to Lee (Jacksonville)

 

University School (Davie) Sharks (11-1) At Cocoa Tigers (9-3) Friday 7:30 PM

Sophomore Shark quarterback Nick Vattiato has passed for over 2,000 yards and 32 touchdowns this season and can easily hand the ball to Georgia commit Kenny McIntosh to create a balanced attack.

Nick Vattiato

The senior is a thousand yard rusher this season and scoring 9 times.

Kenny McIntosh

On defense, Uschool recorded 33 sacks and 11 interceptions returning three for touchdowns. Tiger receiver Willie Gaines is an explosive receiver that produced 74 catches for 1,052 yards and 12 touchdowns. Cocoa defeated University in the 2017 state semifinals 49-14.

USchool’s Best Wins: 45-14 over Glades Central (Belle Glade), 48-14 over Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah)

Uschool’s Worst Loss: 35-0 to Chaminade-Madonna

 

Cocoa’s Best Wins: 38-14 over Bishop Verot (Fort Myers), 29-22 over Glades Central (Belle Glade)

Cocoa’s Worst Loss: 35-29 to Treasure Coast (Port St. Lucie)

About Marcus Benjamin

Marcus Benjamin works as the senior writer and editor for FootballHotbed.com. He attended Florida A&M and Florida Memorial University completing a bachelors degree in communications in 2010. He's covered high school football in the South Florida area since 2010 for the Miami Herald, Miami Sports Tribune and ShawSports.net. He is married and lives in Fort, Lauderdale, FL.
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