Doing more with less is a common phrase and is a way of life for the small high school football team. Class 2A is the first of 8 state championship games to be played in two weeks in two locations. The first set of games (1A-3A) will be played at Gene Cox Stadium in Tallahassee and the second set (4A-8A) will be played at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
The first state championship game is a great way to start the fortnight of high school football games as it’s the only game that will pair two defending state championship teams. Trinity Christian Academy (Jacksonville) defeated Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) in the 3A state championship game 25-22 and Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah) defeated University Christian (Jacksonville) 41-27 in the 2020 season. Trinity reclassified to 2A because of a reduction in school population. The two teams combine for 12 state titles.
Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah) Vs. Trinity Christian Academy (Jacksonville)
Thursday 7:00 PM
Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah) (10-2)
State Championships: 4 (2013, 2017, 2019, 2020)
Best Win: Benjamin (West Palm Beach) 28-23
The Lions of Hialeah are making their sixth straight state championship game appearance. The Lions are one of three South Florida teams going for a third straight state title this season. Their two losses, Champagnat was overpowered by Miami Northwestern 35-13 and outplayed by Gulliver (Miami) 52-27.
Champagnat resembles a seven-on-seven team with pads on offense. Freshman sensation Ennio Yapoor leads the explosive Lions and can make all the throws needed to win. The big (6-0, 200) quarterback throws the deep ball with touch and can also fire it across the middle to his fast playmakers.
Senior receivers Benson Prosper, Jaylin Terzado (Western Carolina Commit), Marvin Sims, and Shayon Walton are a dynamic group of wideouts that have frustrated defenses all season. Prosper (featured image), committed to Arkansas State, is a downfield threat that can catch the football in tight coverage and is electric in the open field.
On defense, senior defensive end Timothy Summons is a relentless pass rusher coming off the edge for the Lions. Tyler Jones is an impressive 2022 corner that’s not afraid to help in run support as well as 2024 Berlin Campfort, the heavy hitter in the secondary.
Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) (9-4)
State Championships: 8 (2002, 2003, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2020)
Best Win: American Heritage Plantation 27-14
The Conquerors were on a tremendous run winning four straight state titles from 2013 to 2016 and have won consecutive titles every year except for 2010. Trinity has had an up and down year in 2021. In a span of three weeks, they were shut out and embarrassed by Bolles (Jacksonville) 35-0, beat American Heritage at home by two scores, and followed that win with a loss to FSU High 31-17.
The offense starts with dynamic running back Treyaun Webb. The junior (6-0, 188) is a power five back that has all the skills to make defenses miserable.
Last week Webb scored on a 99-yard touchdown run giving out stiff arms along the way like Christmas gifts. Webb knows how to find small openings and turn them into big gains.
Trinity also has a big freshman quarterback in Colin Hurley (6-1, 205) and his top target is senior Keaton Thomas.
Linebacker Caden Morrell is the senior leader on defense and junior defensive back Trevyn Smith is a solid tackler and has great balance in pass coverage.
Champagnat is lacking a real signature win on the season and Trinity is battle-tested. The Lion’s offense is one of the most explosive in the state and will put points on the board. Trinity can’t afford to fall behind if Champagnat jumps out to a big lead and the Lions’ defensive backs should be able to make plays in the passing game.
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