Thursday, December 2, 2021

Buchholz At St. Thomas Aquinas Preview

     The Buchholz Bobcats head down the state and challenge the St. Thomas Aquinas Radiers at Brian Piccolo Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Friday night in a Class 7A state semifinal contest. The winner will take on either Tampa Bay Tech or Lake Gibson in the FHSAA state title game at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale in two weeks. 
     Buchholz(12-1) have won nine straight games and have outscored their opponents 458-101 this year. The Bobcats have not given up more than 16 points in a contest this season. They sailed by Fleming Island 35-7 in a regional quarterfinal, outlasted University 39-7 in a regional semifinal and defeated Nease 39-14 in a regional final. 
     The Bobcats offense is led by duel quarterback Creed Whittemore. He looks to find wide receivers Quan Lee, Adrian Sermons and Jacarree Kelly on pass receptions. Running backs Quinton Cutler and Amarius Hale will split the carries from the backfield. 
     St. Thomas Aquinas(12-1) are the two-time defending Class 7A state champions and look to reach the state championship game for the fourth straight occasion and the 14th time in the last 18 years. They have been involved in a state semifinal contest every year since 2014. The Raiders have not lost a home playoff game since 2003. STA has outscored their opponents 553-150 this season and have been victorious in 11 consecutive contests since a three-point road loss to Jesuit in Week 2. They routed Atlantic 43-7 in the regional quarterfinal, bashed Miramar 42-12 in the regional semifinal and hammered Homestead 56-7 in the regional final. 
     Raiders quarterback Zion Turner can pass downfield along with occasionally moving out of the pocket on running attempts. His primary targets on pass completions are wide receivers Camden Brown, Jaylan Sanchez, Isaiah Hardge and tight end Mason Taylor. Running backs Anthony Hankerson, Xavier Terrell, Gemari Sands and Cecil Stone will get their rushing opportunities. 

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