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Fort Lauderdale, FL — The most successful high school football program in the state of Florida does not take anything for granted. St. Thomas Aquinas has won a state-leading 12 championships and is on the verge of winning three straight state titles.
Friday night the Raiders (13-1) dismantled the visiting Buchholz Bobcats (12-2) 45-7 in the 7A state semifinals and senior running back Anthony Hankerson expressed how every game prepares the team for the next week.
“We never take any team we play lightly,” said Hankerson. “We really earn what we do.”
Hankerson scored a game-high three rushing touchdowns in the win.
The Raiders are running away with this one early as @Hankk_22 drags defenders over the goal line.@STA_Football leads 28-0 with 5:22 left in the half. @FootballHotbed @FlaHSFootball pic.twitter.com/RSK9XIiLvb
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) December 4, 2021
As opposed to previous years, the Raiders will have the luxury of playing in their hometown. State championship games for classes 8A thru 4A will be held at DRV PNK Stadium, the home of Inter Miami, a stadium built for the expansion Major League Soccer team in 2020.
“Usually we have to travel, but now we got them traveling to us,” said Hankerson. “We’re going for the three-peat.”
Also looking to earn his third ring as a starter for the Raiders is senior quarterback Zion Turner. The 2022 signal-caller accounted for three touchdowns of his own including a rushing score in which he flipped over a defender and the goal line to put the game completely out of reach in the first half.
HALFTIME: @_ZionTurner takes it himself and flips into the end zone. @STA_Football leads 42-7. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/rAv4UwbBAW
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) December 4, 2021
The score made it a 42-7 game at the break, initiating a running clock.
It Was Over When…
Hankerson scored his third touchdown of the game from one yard out. The play was set up by a big gain by Xavier Terrell who nearly scored on a 50-yard run. Hankerson started the scoring by getting a fortuitous bounce of the football in his hands. The 2022 all-purpose back used his speed to get to the goal line and put his team on the scoreboard first.
A little luck bounces @STA_Football’s way as this fumble is picked up by @Hankk_22 and run in for the touchdown.
Raiders lead Bobcats 7-0 with 2:30 left in the 1st quarter. @FootballHotbed @FlaHSFootball pic.twitter.com/tmdLiU1a4h
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) December 4, 2021
Turner was impressive throwing the ball completing 12 of 13 for 206 yards and two touchdowns. The first was a gorgeous deep ball to Jaylan Sanchez for a 50-yard touchdown.
The Raiders add another score quickly as @_ZionTurner throws a pretty pass to Jaylan Sanchez. @STA_Football up 14-0 first quarter. @FootballHotbed @FlaHSFootball pic.twitter.com/nz6ZiQicBR
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) December 4, 2021
The second, an equally impressive throw, but a better catch by junior Isaiah Hardge.
Raiders extend lead as @_ZionTurner throws for his second touchdown of the game.
Score 21-0 @STA_Football leads with 6:56 to go in the half. @FootballHotbed @FlaHSFootball pic.twitter.com/dkzYSsvpC5
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) December 4, 2021
“Last year they were Sanford and Son, this year they are Turner and Hooch,” said Head Coach Roger Harriott jokingly about his quarterback running back tandem. “They’re are just great individuals who are products of an extraordinary organization.”
The Raiders’ defense smothered the Bobcats and did not allow the team from Gainesville to get into any type of offensive rhythm. St. Thomas shut out the Bobcat offense with Semaj Jackson and Earl Kulp registering interceptions. Former Miami commit and current UCF Quan Lee was a non-factor in the game. St. Thomas wide receiver and Former Pittsburgh commit Camden Brown did not play in the game due to injury but should be back for the championship game.
The Raiders will have a week off and will need to beat undefeated Tampa Bay Tech to win a third straight title for the second time in its storied history.
“Our theme is going to be to remain focused and finish strong,” said Harriott.
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