Tuesday, December 13, 2022

St. Thomas Aquinas And Homestead Title Preview

     The St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders take on the Homestead Broncos in the FHSAA Class 3M state championship game at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday night. Both high schools have met previously only one time. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 56-7 in the Class 7A state semifinal contest last year. 
     St. Thomas Aquinas(13-0), who have won a state-record 13 FHSAA football championships, will attempt to win their fourth straight state title. They did win three straight crowns from 2014 to 2016. The Raiders have won 26 consecutive games and outscored their opponents 547-121 this year. STA pounded Coconut Creek 59-14 in the regional quarterfinal, walloped Atlantic 63-14 in the regional semifinal, defeated Blanche Ely 35-7 in the regional final and dominated Jesuit 45-3 in the state semifinal. 
     The Raiders offense will be led by quarterback Hezekiah Harris. He can connect passes to wide receivers Isaiah Hardge, Chance Robinson, Jaylen Bonelli, James Madison II and Ethan Shawn. Running backs Jordan Lyle, Jordan Clemons and Gemari Sands are expected to get their share of rushing opportunities. 
     Homestead(12-2), who make their first appearance in the state finals, have won six straight contests and outscored their opponents 416-159 this season. The Broncos blanked North Miami 40-0 in a regional quarterfinal, handled Dr. Krop 35-12 in a regional semifinal, knocked off Miramar 33-13 in a regional final and squeezed by Jones 30-24 in a state semifinal. 
     They will rely on quarterback Joshua Townsend for generating their offense. He has many targets with wide receivers Isaac Brown, Richard Dandridge, Javon Robinson, Cortez Mills, Fraquan Warren. The Broncos will get rushing attempts from running back Ryan Bullard and Brown. 

No comments:

Post a Comment