Champagnat Catholic And Trinity Christian Academy Title Preview

     The two-time defending FHSAA Class 2A state champion Champagnat Catholic Lions tangle with the reigning FHSAA Class 3A state champion Trinity Chistian Academy Conquerors at Gene Cox Stadium in Tallahassee for the Class 2A state title on Thursday night. It is the first high school football state championship game to be played over the next two weeks. 

     Champagnat Catholic(10-2) is making their sixth consecutive championship final appearance. They have won four state championships in the last five seasons. The Lions have outscored their opponents 411-261 this season and won their last seven contests. They handled Glades Day 35-7 in the regional semifinal, held off John Carroll 38-28 in the regional final and knocked off First Baptist Academy 27-8 in the state semifinal final. 

     The Lions have Ennio Yapoor to lead their offense. He can run the ball out of the pocket and connect passes to wide receivers Benson Prosper, Marvin Sims, Shayon Walton, Jaylin Terzado, Kimonthy Massie Jr. and Kelvin Blount. Look for rushing opportunities for running backs Jordan Jones, Juan Rodriguez and Mike Caldwell Jr. 

     Trinity Christian Academy(9-4) look to win their second straight state title and ninth overall. They have outscored their opponents 377-266 this year. The Conquerors lost their last three regular season contests and then won three straight playoff games. They walloped St. John Paul II 44-7 in a regional semifinal, defeated Munroe 39-22 in a regional final and beat Orlando Christian Prep 29-21 in a state semifinal. 

     The Conquerors have Colin Hurley at quarterback to take them down the field. Running backs Darnell Rogers and Treyaun Webb will split the carries from the backfield. Hurley can toss the ball to wide receivers Fred Highsmith, Xander Ross, Darias James and Seth Bialek.