4A-8A TOP STATE PERFORMERS
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The first ever Florida high school football state championship weekend came to Fort Lauderdale’s DRV PNK Stadium and it proved to be a win/win – all the way around. As the 4A-8A teams headed to south Florida, it was indeed…
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Continue ReadingThe first ever Florida high school football state championship weekend came to Fort Lauderdale’s DRV PNK Stadium and it proved to be a win/win – all the way around.
As the 4A-8A teams headed to south Florida, it was indeed a weekend that had something for everyone.
From as far away as Pensacola (653 miles) to nearby St. Thomas Aquinas (4 miles), fans had the opportunity to see some amazing performers that college coaches and fans had the chance to see.
Here is a Monday look back at some of the talent that roamed the sidelines from Thursday through Saturday night:
In the 4A state title game, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons won an exciting 21-19 decision over Cocoa.
On offense for Cocoa, quarterback Davin Wydner was 19 of 37 for 180 yards and a score. J’Mariyae Robinson caught eight balls for 43 yards and Damargio Grimes had four receptions for 39 yards.
O.J. Ross O.J. Ross 5'10" | 170 lbs | WR Cocoa | 2022 State FL , who is easily as electrifying as anyone in the state, finished with 124 yards rushing and a score. Chiefs’ junior RB Kamari Moulton Kamari Moulton 5'9" | 180 lbs | RB Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons | 2023 State FL showed the state why he will be one of the best in the state again next year – gaining 173 yards and two scores.
Defensively, Cocoa sophomore Samadrae Hawkins (12 tackles) and junior Cedrick Hawkins (12 tackles) led the way for the Tigers. Cedrick Hawkins had an interception as well.
The Chiefs were amazing on defense – as junior Broc Weaver (seven tackles and four quarterback sacks), junior Tre’mone Drisdom (seven tackles), recent Coastal Caroline signee Tray Brown Tray Brown 6'0" | 200 lbs | LB Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons | 2022 State FL (seven tackles, two for loss and one sack), Adonis Allen Adonis Allen 5'10" | 180 lbs | DB Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons | 2023 FL (six tackles), Greg Otten Greg Otten 6'1" | 215 lbs | DL Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons | 2023 FL and Joshua Oliver all stood out.
5A: ROCKETS GET THE BEST OF MERRITT ISLAND: Miami Central left no doubt who was the best 5A team in the state – with a convincing win against the Merritt Island Mustangs.
The two teams put some number up on offense, and of course on the defensive side of the ball.
Offensively, Central was led on the ground by Ean Pope Ean Pope 5'8" | 180 lbs | RB Miami Central | 2023 FL who led the way with 86 yards. Zaylan Reese Zaylan Reese 6'1" | 185 lbs | WR Miami Central | 2022 State FL finished with two catches for 66 yards. Junior QB Keyone Jenkins Keyone Jenkins 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB Miami Central | 2023 FL was 6 of 7 for 176 yards and two scores.
Mustangs’ QB Brady Denaburg Brady Denaburg K Merritt Island | 2022 FL was 19 of 40 for 218 yards and two scores.
Defensively, the Rockets got an outstanding effort from freshman linebacker Ezekiel Marcelin, who led the way with four tackles – Qualyn McQueen, Shawn Smoak, Raashaun Rainey and Trent Henry all had three tackles.
The Mustangs were led on defense by Logan Cody (eight tackles), Maddox Moss (five tackles), Dylan Peterson (four tackles) and Aaron Session (four tackles).
6A – IT ALL CAME TOGETHER FOR TAMPA JESUIT: Big plays led to a come-from-behind win for the unbeaten Tampa Jesuit Tigers on Saturday evening.
The 35-29 win reflects how competitive the game with Pensacola Pine Forest really was – and statistically – it showed on both sides of the ball.
On offense, sophomore Luke Knight rallied his team with 18 completions for 352 yards. T.J. Wilson had 81 yards.
On the ground, Joquez Smith Joquez Smith 5'8" | 190 lbs | RB Tampa Jesuit | 2023 FL , a gifted talent, had 93 yards and two scores. T.J. Wilson, a junior ended with 171 yards and two scores.
Junior Vandeross caught six balls for 185 yards and two scores and Jadyn Girard (6 for 115 and a score).
On the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers were led by Wade Woodaz (9 tackles), Caleb Williams (9 tackles), Wayne Quinn (8 tackles), Andre Gilbert (8 tackles), A.J. Cottrill A.J. Cottrill LB Tampa Jesuit | 2022 FL (7 tackles) and Troy Bowles Troy Bowles 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB Tampa Jesuit | 2023 State FL (7 tackles).
The Eagles had impressive games from Cameron Kelly Cameron Kelly 5'10" | 190 lbs | DB Pensacola Pine Forest | 2023 FL (7 tackles), Lamartaz Odoms (6 tackles), Raymond Moore (5 tackles) and Rasheed Lovelace (5 tackles).
Tyrese Thomas was also a major star for the Eagles with three interceptions. He saved the team early on. So did Deontrez Lamb, who had an interception and 3 tackles.
THOMAS AQUINAS MAKES A STATEMENT! Since losing to Tampa Jesuit in the second week of the season, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas has proven that they are indeed one of the premier teams in the nation.
The convincing win over previously unbeaten Tampa Bay Tech put many impressive football prospects in the spotlight.
In the 42-14 win, senior Anthony Hankerson Anthony Hankerson 5'8" | 190 lbs | RB Fort Lauderdae St. Thomas Aquinas | 2022 State FL ran for 117 yards and three scores. Senior QB Zion Turner Zion Turner 6'1" | 180 lbs | QB Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas | 2022 State FL had 65 yards on the ground and ran a solid offense. Tampa Bay Tech’s Xavione Washington Xavione Washington 6'1" | 190 lbs | DB Tampa Catholic | 2023 FL was 21 of 34 passes for 249 yards.
Mason Taylor Mason Taylor 6'4" | 230 lbs | TE Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas | 2022 FL finished with four catches for 54 yards, Camden Brown Camden Brown 6'3" | 190 lbs | WR Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas | 2022 State FL had 47 for the Raiders. The Titans had Javion Mackey (8 catches for 63 yards), Greg Gaines (7 for 131) and freshman Santonyo Isaac (3 for 39).
Defensively, Derrieon Craig (8 tackles), Justin Fevier (7 tackles, 1 sack), Khalil Hunter (6 tackles), Keyshawn Johnson (3 tackles, 1 sack) and Kyrie Samuel (3 tackles, 1 sack) led the way for the Raiders.
Jeremiah Johnson (7 tackles) and Cyris Alexander (5 tackles) were among a number of key prospects for the Titans.
VENICE FINISHED OFF OUTSTANDING SEASON: As soon as it was announced the Venice Indians would be moving to 8A, the Florida high school football world started to make the bold prediction of a state title for head coach John Peacock and his team.
Saturday, this team with just one blemish – coming to 4A state champion Cardinal Gibbons – took home a state title, 35-7 over Apopka.
Several players stepped up for the Indians and Blue Darters.
Offensively for Venice, senior QB Ryan Browne finished 18 of 21 for 250 yards and four scores. Damarion Escort had 111 yards. Kayondray Jones had 70 yards for the Blue Darters.
Jayshon Platt caught seven balls for 108 yards, Omari Hayes caught eight balls for 78 yards and Keyon Sears had two scores and 69 yards.
Defensively, Damon Wilson Damon Wilson 6'4" | 230 lbs | DL Venice | 2023 State FL (8 tackles. 0.5 sacks, TD), George Philip (7 tackles, 0.5 sacks), Desavion Cassaway (6 tackles) and Logan Ballard (5 tackles, 1 sack) for the Indians.
Apopka was led by Antwone Robinson (12 tackles), Travion Barnes Travion Barnes 6'0" | 210 lbs | LB Apopka | 2022 FL (11 tackles), Malik Nicholson (8 tackles) and Josiah Robinson (6 tackles).
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