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Here we are!
It’s championship week(s) boys and girls and now is the time when players can immortalize themselves in school lore, coaches will burst with pride and fans will brag about how their team beat your team…for at least a year.
The FHSAA state championships are split into two weeks this year with 1A, 2A and 3A played this week in Tallahassee and 4A through 8A played a week later in Orlando. All the teams that are still alive have definitely earned their way. Our playoff preview predicted two classes correctly in 1A and 5A and we had at least one team in all other classes except for 8A which we knew would be the most unpredictable. South Florida is having an unbelievable year as a record seven teams from the area are playing for a state title.
8A
Columbus Keeps First Ever Title Hopes Alive
The Explorers make it back to the title game with a 28-21 win over Deerfield in the state semis. Playmakers Xzavier Henderson and Henry Parrish Jr. scored three of Columbus’s four touchdowns and despite a different head coach at the helm Columbus still finds its way back to the championship game.
Henry Parrish Jr., RB, Columbus
Post Game Interview: Four-star wide receiver @XXH_03 helped @ColumbusFtball defeat Deerfield 28-21 to advance to the 8A state championship game for the second year in a row. He updates his recruiting process here. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/deRiyNEXcO
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) November 29, 2019
Xzavier Henderson Deerfield Game Film
Blue Darters Blow By Cinderella
Apopka has taken every team they faced thus far to the woodshed dominating their opponents in these playoffs. Steinbrenner (Lutz) was the latest victim to suffer defeat to the Blue Darters with a 41-15 win. Apopka has been on a tear this postseason scoring 179 points in four playoff games. Jaquan Lowman is the catalyst for this offense as he accounted for four touchdowns in the state semifinals.
Jaquan Lowman Stienbrenner Game Film
7A
In the first game of the season St. Thomas Aquinas traveled across the country to take on national power De La Salle (CA) and came back home 24-14 winners in a game televised on ESPN. The Raiders took care of business that day and blitzed Venice last week in a 42-0 win in the state semifinal. De La Salle will meet St. John Bosco (CA) the following weekend, who knocked off two-time defending national champion Mater Dei (CA) last week for the Open Division Championship. The mythical national championship was won twice by the Raiders in previous years in 2008 and 2010 and if De La Salle wins and St. Thomas defeats Edgewater, Aquinas may have a third national title.
Speaking of Edgewater, yes Edgewater, not Lakeland, not Armwood but Edgewater will play for the 7A state title on December 14th. The Eagle’s only blemish of the season was to Marietta (GA) on the road. The Georgia team will take on Parkview (GA) in the AAAAAAA final four this week. The Orlando Eagles outscored Armwood 38-27 at Armwood that not many outside of the O-Town saw coming. Tommi Hill’s two interceptions and Justin Hoskins pick-six helped Edgewater reach their fourth state title game in school history.
Justin Hoskins Playoff Highlights
6A
Miami Central pulled off a thrilling victory on the west side of the state when the Rockets overcame a deficit to beat Palmetto 34-30 and punch their ticket to Daytona last Friday night. Central’s Rickey Wright forced a fumble in the game’s final moments that would ultimately become the clincher. In traditional fashion, Central pounded the rock on the ground and controlled time possession to get the dub.
At the other end of the state, Escambia (Pensacola) is partying like it’s 1999, that’s the last time the Gators made it to the state championship game. Escambia did it on defense scoring three defensive touchdowns and registering six interceptions in a 45-21 win over Gaither (Tampa). Tony Broadnax got two interceptions including one for a 25-yard pick-six. Lamont Sims also had two INTs and Jamal Potter grabbed another for a pick-six in the state semi.
Tony Broadnax Gaither Game Film
5A
Miami Northwestern is back for the third time in a row to a Florida state title game. No matter what class, the Bulls will show up and they will show up to Daytona for the 5A state title game after a 41-15 win over Tampa Jesuit. The Bulls scored 28 unanswered in the first half to take over the game at Traz Powell Stadium. Nathaniel Noel had another big day toting the pigskin rushing for 134 yards on 19 carries.
Nathaniel Noel Jesuit Game Film
Taron Dickson hit Kemani Brown for a 15-yard touchdown to make it a 35-14 game in the third to put the game out of reach. Miami commits Khalil Brantley and Romello Brinson both caught touchdown passes in the win.
Jones (Orlando) are in the title game for the first time in school history after edging Wakulla (Crawfordville) 21-20. The one-point difference was the result after a missed extra point after Jordan Bolden nearly led them all the way back from a 21-6 hole. As he’s done all year big-time player Avarius Sparrow had a big-time game. The senior running back rushed for 219 yards and scored three touchdowns to send the Tigers to Daytona.
4A
Welcome back Booker T. Washington! The Tornadoes from Miami are back in the state title game for the first time since 2015 after a narrow 9-7 victory at Lakewood (St. Petersburg). The difference in the game a safety that resulted from a punt block that rolled out of the end zone. Washington’s only touchdown came immediately after a muffed punt that set the Tornadoes up at the Spartans 14-yard line. Immediately following Torey Morrison and Jacorey Brooks hooked up for yet another postseason score from five yards away.
The Booker T. defense stopped Lakewood on three consecutive drives to help book a trip to the state title game.
Bolles (Jacksonville) was down 7-3 at halftime before rallying to win 20-14 over Cocoa in the state semis. Senior Jeremiah Johnson led the way at quarterback throwing for two touchdowns in the second half to push the Bulldogs ahead. Gunnar Boree and Davis Ellis were the recipients of the go-ahead scores and a fake punt executed by Simon Bracklin in the game’s final moments sealed the win. The Bulldogs forced four turnovers and held Penn State commit Caziah Holmes to 74 yards on 15 carries. Bolles is back in the title game since 2016 and met Booker T. back in the 2014 final with the Tornadoes coming out on top 54-35.
State Championship Preview (3A, 2A, 1A)
3A
Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) Vs. Florida State High (Tallahassee) Friday 7:00 PM At Gene Cox Stadium in Tallahassee
Chaminade-Madonna (11-2)
State Championships: 4
Last Championship: 2018
Best Win: Miami Central 27-7
Worst Loss: Vero Beach 21-0
Chaminade is going for a third straight state title and played one of the toughest schedules in the state this season. Last week they took care of business for the third consecutive year defeating Clearwater Central Catholic 28-7 in the state semifinals. Miami commit Thaddius Franklin rushed for 210 yards and scored two touchdowns in the win over CCC and is the motor of the Chaminade offense.
The Lions also have Auburn commit Elijah Canion as their big-play receiver outside who scored on a 59-yard touchdown pass from Brady Kelly. On defense, the Lions have athletes Quadric Bullard, Benjamin Onwuzu and Jaylin Marshall who all had interceptions last week. Chaminade has 23 interceptions on the season and will make its fourth straight appearance in the state title game.
Florida State High (12-1)
State Championships: 0
Best Win: Lakeland Christian 42-10
Worst Loss: Madison County 37-8
Florida High is in the state championship game for the first time in school history after a 42-10 road win at Lakeland Christian. Senior quarterback Willie Taggart Jr. leads the offense and four-star junior Ahmari Harvey is the player to watch on offense and defense.
Harvey scored on a 12-yard touchdown catch, a 42-yard scoop and score, and 62-yard pick-six in the state semis last week. The Seminoles also have a nice combination of running backs with Emory Layerd and Alfred Menjor. Since the 37-8 loss to Madison County, the Noles have reeled off eight straight wins.
2A
Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah) Vs. Victory Christian (Lakeland) Thursday 7:00 PM At Gene Cox Stadium in Tallahassee
Champagnat Catholic (9-3)
State Championships: 2
Last Championship: 2017
Best Win: Seffner Christian 30-21
Worst Loss: Gulliver (Miami) 35-21
These Lions, very similar to Chaminade-Madonna have made a habit of making it to the state championship game after a 30-21 victory over Seffner Christian days ago. Champagnat’s first state title came against Victory Christian back in 2013 and the Lions are looking to repeat history. The tiny school from Hialeah does not have an official home stadium and played most of their games far from its school’s campus. The offense is explosive with senior quarterback Ryle Aguila at the controls. Playmakers Malik Rutherford, Johnquai Lewis, and Cur’mari Dopson make tough catches when needed and can make you miss in space with speed and agility. Running back Calvin Montgomery is a workhorse running back that can carry a team if needed. On defense, Jesus Machado is a problem on the line and Jalen Harrell roams the secondary protecting against the big play. The Lions roar into Tallahassee making their fourth straight 2A state championship game.
Victory Christian (11-1)
State Championships: 1
Last Championship: 2014
Best Win: University Christian (Jacksonville) 20-7
Worst Loss: Trinity Catholic (Ocala) 26-23
After losing to Champagnat in 2013 14-7, the Storm came back the next year to win their first state title in school history defeating Indian Rocks Christian 54-13. In 2015, 2016 and 2017 Victory Christian could not get past University Christian and last year VC lost to the eventual champion North Florida Christian (Tallahassee). Cornelius Shaw had 241 yards rushing adding two touchdowns in a 20-7 win over University Christian in the state semifinals. Gabe Jean-Simon, the junior linebacker leads the defense and had himself a night in the state semis recording 17 tackles, one sack, a fumble recovery, and an interception.
1A
Madison County Vs. Blountstown Saturday 7:00 PM At Gene Cox Stadium in Tallahassee
Madison County (11-2)
State Championships: 3
Last Championship: 2018
Best Win: Pahokee 37-36
Worst Loss: Columbia (Lake City) 32-21
How bout dem’ Cowboys? Madison County kept their three-peat hopes alive with an improbable 37-36 win over Pahokee last Friday. Derrion Staten scored on an 85-yard touchdown with 1:19 to play to help take down the Blue Devils. Corey Polk nearly willed his team to victory but it was the playmaking abilities of quarterback Vinsonta Allen and running back Robert Hiers that would help the defending champs keep pace with the Palm Beach area squad. Before the game with Pahokee, Mad County shut out their postseason opponents 105-0.
Blountstown (13-0)
State Championships: 3
Last Championship: 1977
Best Win: Baker 33-7
Just like 2017, Madison County will meet Blountstown in the state championship game. Blountstown and Mad County beat the same two teams in the semifinals they beat that year in this postseason. Treven Smith put up player of the game stats rushing for 139 yards and touchdown last week in a 21-13 win over Baker. The Cowboys beat the Tigers 35-20 in the final in 2017.
Top 16
1. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) (7A) (13-0)
Last Week: Defeated Venice 42-0
This Week: Bye
2. Miami Northwestern (5A) (12-2)
Last Week: Defeated Tampa Jesuit 42-21
This Week: Bye
3. Edgewater (Orlando) (7A) (13-1)
Last Week: Defeated Armwood (Seffner) 38-27
This Week: Bye
4. Miami Booker T. Washington (4A) (12-2)
Last Week: Defeated Lakewood (St. Petersburg) 9-7
This Week: Bye
5. Jones (Orlando) (5A) (13-1)
Last Week: Defeated Wakulla (Crawfordville) 21-20
This Week: Bye
6. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) (3A) (11-2)
Last Week: Defeated Clearwater Central Catholic 28-7
This Week: Vs. Florida State High (Tallahassee) Friday 7:00
7. Miami Central (6A) (11-3)
Last Week: Defeated Palmetto 34-30
This Week: Bye
8. Columbus (Miami) (8A) (10-4)
Last Week: Defeated Deerfield Beach 28-21
This Week: Bye
9. Apopka (8A) (13-1)
Last Week: Defeated Steinbrenner (Lutz) 41-15
This Week: Bye
10. Madison County (1A) (11-2)
Last Week: Defeated Pahokee 32-27
This Week: Vs. Blountstown Saturday 7:00
11. Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah) (2A) (9-3)
Last Week: Defeated Seffner Christian 30-21
This Week: Vs. Victory Christian (Lakeland) Thursday 7:00
12. Escambia (Pensacola) (6A) (14-0)
Last Week: Defeated Gaither (Tampa) 45-21
This Week: Bye
13. Florida State High (Tallahassee) (3A) (12-1)
Last Week: Defeated Lakeland Christian 42-10
This Week: Vs. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) Friday 7:00
14. Bolles (Jacksonville) (4A) (11-1)
Last Week: Defeated Cocoa 20-14
This Week: Bye
15. Blountstown (1A) (13-0)
Last Week: Defeated Baker 21-13
This Week: Vs. Madison County Saturday 7:00
16. Victory Christian (Lakeland) (2A) (11-1)
Last Week: Defeated University Christian (Jacksonville) 20-7
This Week: Vs. Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah) Thursday 7:00
Football Hotbed Florida High School First Round Playoff Rankings
Football Hotbed Florida High School First Round Playoff Rankings
