Both high schools had previously met each other six times in the FHSAA Football Finals. The Dreadnaughts won three straight state titles from 2004 to 2006 along with 2018. The Raiders won in 2008 and 2024.
St. Thomas Aquinas(13-1) have captured a state-record 16 state championships. STA is currently riding a state-record streak of six consecutive state titles. The Raiders have won a state-record 34 straight postseason games and have compiled 13 state crowns in the past 18 seasons. They have reached the championship game 18 times in the last 22 seasons.
The Raiders have won 13 straight contests since they lost their season-opening game to Mater Dei. They have outscored their opponents 576-183 this season. STA dominated Heritage 58-7 in the regional quarterfinal, dropped Coconut Creek 45-13 in the regional semifinal, defeated McArthur 34-7 in the regional final and outpowered Riverdale 45-13 in the state semifinal.
They will rely on both their offense and defense. Quarterback Mason Mallory, who won a FHSAA Class 6A state title with West Boca Raton last year, can fire the ball to wide receivers Julius Jones, Jordan Roache, Leroy Thomas, Justice Fitzpatrick, Finn Crissy and Sho Wright down the field. Running backs Virgil Lemons, Isaiah Calixte, Jaden Desir, Morris Choice and Kayin Liddie will have their rushing opportunities. Brady Palmer and Cody Conness are their backup quarterback if needed.
Lakeland(12-2) have been victorious in their past four games and outscored their opponents 464-142 this year. They blanked Wesley Chapel 35-0 in a regional quarterfinal, squeezed by Gaither 15-8 in a regional semifinal, pushed by Edgewater 27-14 in a regional final and beat Ponte Vedra 40-13 in a state semifinal.
Quarterback Kelin Hendrix will led their offense with completions to wide receivers Cameron Fuse, Jerry Thomas, Joseph Howard and tight end Jasper Hebel. They will depend on running backs Ahnarri Cooper, Ja'Darius Dobie, Kevin Hendrix, Stewart Butler and Malik Morris in the backfield.
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