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Welcome to the playoffs, ladies and gentlemen.  The most exciting time of the year is upon us where glory and heartbreak is on the way.  The usual favorites are ready to go and the underdogs are ready to play spoiler.  

In this last regular-season edition of the rankings, we examine the storylines and quality wins for each team.  For the teams that have not been tested this season, there is no better time to test your might than the playoffs.  You are what your record says you are, but this is the time of the year where records are thrown out. 

Credit is given for the teams you beat (hence the number one team).   The top five teams are a cut above the rest and all could be the number one team.  Three teams will be looking to win a third straight state championship (Champagnat,  Miami Central, and St. Thomas Aquinas).  South Florida has a team in the top four of every class, can they bring a title back to the Tri-County area? 

It is definitely possible. 

Miami Northwestern would have hope Jesuit stumbles or beat them on the field in 6A, Pahokee could surprise us all and take the 1A title, but the biggest surprise would be Miami Palmetto somehow winning the state championship in 8A.  

Here are some of the biggest storylines for every top team.

State Rankings

1. Tampa Jesuit (10-0) (6A)

Best Win(s): St. Thomas Aquinas 24-21

Next Game: Boca Ciega

State Championships: 0

The 12th ranked team in the nation according to MaxPreps has not been challenged for the most part this season.  The one game where they were challenged…a 24-21 win over powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas High School.  Thus the Tigers top ranking.  St. Thomas did agree to play the game late and traveled to Tampa on a short week, but a win is a win for the Tigers and the biggest of the season in the state.  The biggest challenge now is for Jesuit to win the games they are supposed to win.  

Knight to Girard! Knight to Girard! TD! TD!

Tigers lead 24-21 w 9 seconds to go! pic.twitter.com/W7BMfGcaGd

— Jesuit Tigers Football (@JesuitTigers_FB) September 4, 2021

Junior Linebacker Troy Bowles (6-2, 205) and AJ Cottril (6-1, 217) lead a solid defense that pitched five shutouts this season.  Dual-threat sophomore quarterback Luke Knight (5-10, 171), senior receiver Junior Vandeross and junior running back Joquez Smith will look to make history and bring home the first state championship for Tampa Jesuit.  The Tigers were last in the state title game in 1992 (28-16 loss to Pasco).

Troy Bowles with a big punt block to break the game wide open. #AMDG #BeatTC #Win #Rival #Shutout #FHSAA pic.twitter.com/9AFItt07IS

— Jesuit Tigers Football (@JesuitTigers_FB) November 10, 2021

2. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) (9-1) (7A)

Zion Turner, Quarterback, St. Thomas Aquinas

Best Win(s): Dillard (Fort Lauderdale) 23-13, American Heritage Plantation 24-16, Cardinal Gibbons 39-14

Next Game: Atlantic (Delray)

State Championships: 12

The loss to Tampa Jesuit still stings for the Raiders.  Other than the one blemish, St. Thomas just knows how to win big games.  Aquinas’s three biggest wins are as impressive as any team in the state.  I would be shocked if St. Thomas does not extend its state-leading championship number to 13, but stranger things have happened.  

Zion Turner has had an exceptional senior year throwing for 19 touchdowns to just four interceptions.   Senior running back Anthony Hankerson is averaging six yards per carry this season and can break one at any moment and Camden Brown (6-3,190) and Mason Taylor (6-4, 230) create sizable mismatches.   Defenders Conrad Hussey and Derrion Craig make big-time plays in big-time games, look for both to do so throughout these playoffs. 

FINAL: This one-handed interception by @ConradHussey ends any chance of a Dillard comeback. @STA_Football defeats Dillard 23-13. @FootballHotbed @FlaHSFootball pic.twitter.com/64TdUfIxML

— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) October 23, 2021

3. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) (7-1) (3A)

Best Win(s): Gulliver 31-16, Seminole (Sanford) 26-23, Lakewood (St. Petersburg) 37-6

Next Game: Bye

State Championships: 5

Jamaal Johnson, Defensive Lineman, Chaminade-Madonna

The kings of 3A have been dominant in every phase of the game this season.  Pound for pound they might very well be the best team in the state.  The Lions played one of the toughest schedules in the state and only lost one in a rainstorm at American Heritage in a game that could have gone either way.  

In typical Lions fashion, the “Nade Boys” do it with defense with UCF commit Jamaal Johnson and Ohio State commit Kenyatta Jackson terrorizing quarterbacks.  Also typical is a strong running game powered by a massive offensive line and sophomore running back Davion “Bullet” Gause.  Sophomore quarterback Cedrick Bailey (6-4, 170) keeps opposing defenses honest with the passing game and his scrambling ability. 

Chaminade will aim to make its sixth straight championship game appearance, winning three in a row before losing to Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) last season.  

Bullet goes in for his second touchdown of the game. Watch @daviongause7 with the #stiffarm on his way to the end zone. @Nadeboyz up 14-7 on Western with 7:39 left in the half. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/4UMxYARQ9a

— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) August 27, 2021

4. Miami Central (7-2) (5A)

Jonathan Harris, Running Back, Central

Best Win(s): Miami Northwestern 24-21, Miami Northwestern 49-6, Miami Edison 45-6

Next Game: North Miami Beach

State Championships: 7

Central is back. Wait….they never left.  This is what they do.  “The Green Machine” is by far the best team hailing from Miami-Dade County this season and the Rockets seem primed to take the lead in state titles in Dade County over Northwestern.  

Two high-profile season-opening losses to start the season (St. John Bosco (CA), Bishop Gorman (NV)) left many questioning the caliber of team we were going to get this season.  All doubts, if there were any, were completely erased as they outscored their last four opponents 191-18.  

A two-headed monster at quarterback (Dylan Tulloch and Keyone Jenkins) and three-headed monster at running back (Ghana Oboh, Jonathan Harris, and Ean Pope) and another three-headed monster at receiver (Zaylan Reese, Lamar Seymore, and Joshiah Trader) make Central one of the scariest teams to face. 

The defense might be scarier with junior Rueben Bain and senior Wesley Bissainthe causing disruption.  But again, this is Central and this is what they do.  

HALFTIME: The running ⏰ is on at Traz. @LyghtzO puts a move on the Northwestern defender and dives for the goal line for the touchdown. @Roc__Nation up 42-6.@FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/QnRAMr0aTU

— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) October 29, 2021

5. Venice (9-1) (8A)

Best Win(s): Cocoa 21-20, Orlando Edgewater 41-7

Next Game: Plant City

State Championships: 2

Ryan Browne, Quarterback, Venice

When Venice is rolling, they look like the best team in the state and unfortunately due to a classification change, we do not get what seems to be the annual playoff meeting with St. Thomas Aquinas.  The Indians stumbled against another team from Fort Lauderdale in Cardinal Gibbons, but will they stumble against others in the playoffs? 

Seniors Ryan Browne (QB) (6-5, 203), Omari Hayes (WR), Jayshon Platt (WR), Myles Weston and Austin Bray (TE) are one of the toughest passing attacks to defend in the country. Senior running back Damarion Escort has gashed defenses all season. 

On defense, playmakers Elliot Washington (DB) and George Philip (DE) must be accounted for or suffer the consequences.

The Indians have all the pieces to win a state title and quite frankly it would be a disappointment if they do not bring back a third state title for the Venice faithful.

6. Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) (7-2) (4A)

Best Win(s): Venice 28-22, Bucholz (Gainesville) 16-7

Next Game: Bye

State Championships: 2

Kamari Moulton, Running Back, Cardinal Gibbons

If Gibbons can somehow pull off another state title, I would consider this a dynasty.  Three state titles in four years, yes I think that qualifies.  

Their win against Venice reminded many that Gibbons could beat anyone on any given Friday night.  The front seven of the Chiefs are on par with the best in the state.  Mason Thomas (6-3, 221), Tray Brown (6-1, 220), Brayden Walker (6-2, 268), Ahmad Moten (6-4, 290), Greg Otten (6-1, 218), Damon Jackson and Christopher Williams are collectively a championship level front. 

The storyline for the Chiefs is the offense.  “The Air Raid” offense has not been as prolific in previous years, but the playoffs are the perfect time for quarterback Dylan Rizk to get hot.  Junior running back Kamari Molten may be the X-factor to another state title for the Chiefs.  

Once again @HulkMoulton helping @FootballGibbons stay in this game. He scores here. Gibbons trails Heritage 20-17 with under 8 minutes to go. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/HNi4ncIvrP

— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) October 2, 2021

7. Cocoa (8-1) (4A)

Davin Wydner, Quarterback, Cocoa

Best Win(s): Treasure Coast 56-55, Rockledge 20-14

Next Game: Bye 

State Championships: 4

One thing is for sure, Cocoa is experienced in close games.  Six of their nine games were decided by six points or less including four games decided by one point.  

Cocoa’s one loss, a one-point loss to Venice, so the Tigers were that close to having a perfect season to this point.  

The big senior quarterback Davin Wydner (6-5, 224) leads a big-play offense for the Tigers.  OJ Ross is lightning in a bottle and Jmariyae Robinson is just as dangerous. On defense, lockdown corners Malik Lewis and Cedrick Hawkins make it very tough to pass against.

8. Treasure Coast (Port St. Lucie) (7-1) (8A)

Eden James, Running Back, Treasure Coast

Best Win(s): American Heritage Plantation 29-21

Next Game: Palm Beach Gardens 

State Championships: 0

Everything you need to know about Treasure Coast is that they run a variety of the triple option and wildcat options on offense.  

Seniors Cephus Roberts Jr. and Eden James are equally explosive and home-run threats with the football.  James, son of NFL Hall of Famer Edgerrin James has rushed for 1,369 yards averaging 10.6 yards per carry.  

9. Seminole (Sanford) (9-1) (8A)

Donta Whack, Running Back, Seminole

Best Win(s): Mainland (Daytona) 27-13

Next Game: Winter Park

State Championship: 2

The defending 8A champions lack a signature win on the season but have a signature loss.  The Noles came within a field goal to Chaminade which is better than any other team came in a losing effort.  

Seminole could very well be the most complete team in Florida with limited weaknesses which starts at quarterback and running back with Luke Rucker and Donta Whack.  The wide receiver combination of Darren Lawrence and Andrelous Graham keep defenses off-balance and twins Ja’Cari and Demari Henderson are the feared lockdown corners that stabilize the defense.  

10. Gulliver (Miami) (7-1) (4A)

De’Carlo Donaldson, Wide Recever, Gulliver

Best Win(s): Champagnat 52-27

Next Game: Bye

State Championships: 1

The Gulliver Raiders arguably have the most explosive offense in the state.  

Quarterback Carson Haggard can make all of the throws and has a plethora of options to help his team light up the scoreboard.  

De’Carlo Donaldson and Jalen Brown are elite talents catching the football and Sedric Irvin Jr. is a slashing runner that can also catch the football out of the backfield.   Lamont Green Jr. is a tackling machine that seems to get better every game and Travious Lathan, the converted tight end from linebacker, imposes his will on both sides of the football.  

Gulliver makes it a one score game with this easy touchdown to @Sp3Cj (Extra point missed). Score 24-16 with 9:52 left in the game. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/qpLdFmgVTV

— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) October 16, 2021

Top Four Teams By Class

8A

1. Venice (9-1)
2. Treasure Coast (7-1)
3. Seminole (Sanford) (9-1)
4. Miami Palmetto (7-2)

7A

1. St. Thomas Aquinas (9-1)
2. Dillard (Fort Lauderdale) (9-1)
3. Orlando Edgewater (9-1)
4. Tampa Bay Tech (10-0)

6A

1. Tampa Jesuit (10-0)
2. Miami Northwestern (7-3)
3. Orlando Jones (8-2)
4. Naples (9-0)

5A

1. Miami Central (7-2)
2. American Heritage Plantation (5-3)
3. Miami Killian (10-0)
4. Merritt Island (9-1)

4A

1. Cardinal Gibbons (7-2)
2. Cocoa (8-1)
3. Gulliver (Miami) (7-1)
4. Lakewood (St. Petersburg) (8-2)

3A

1. Chaminade-Madonna (7-1) 
2. Berkeley Prep (Tampa) (9-0)
3. Florida High (Tallahassee) (8-1)
4. Miami Edison (6-4) 

2A

1. Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah) (7-2)
2. Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) (6-4)
3. Avante Garde (Hollywood) (8-0)
4. Dade Christian (6-4)

1A

1. Madison County (7-3)
2. Pahokee (7-1)
3. Hawthorne (7-0)
4. Union County (8-0)