Clearwater Central Catholic At Chaminade-Madonna Preview

     The Chaminade-Madonna Lions host the Clearwater Central Catholic Marauders at Vince Zappone Field on Friday night in a Class 3A state semifinal. The Lions have been victorious in their last three state semifinals and topped the Marauders 16-0 during the state semifinal in Clearwater last year.
     Clearwater Central Catholic(10-3), who have won six straight games, will be playing their fourth consecutive playoff game on the road. They stopped Calvary Christian 49-28 in the first round, bounced Berkeley Prep 34-28 in the second round and upset Bishop Verot 35-28 in the regional final. Quarerback Zach Murrill can help the Marauders attack on offense. Running backs Jordan Niles and Jerzhan Newton will get the majority of carries from the backfield. They have a core of wide receivers with Jarquez Green, Giancarlo Margarejo, Travis Roberson and Nate Johnson.
     Chaminade-Madonna(10-2), the two-time defending FHSAA Class 3A state champions, have rolled through their two previous playoff games. They dominated Somerset Silver Palms 56-0 in the second round and blanked Calvary Christian 35-0 on the road in the regional final last week. The Lions have not allowed a point in their last three contests and outscored their last three opponents 143-0. Running back Thaddius Franklin can dictate their running game and line up at the quarterback position for the wildcat formation. Alexander Law and Brady Kelly can also play at quarterback. They intend to find wide receivers Joshua Jenkins, Rony Bourdeau, Bralon Brown, Donovan Desir and Brian Dilworth downfield.