Champagnat Catholic At First Baptist Academy Preview

     The Champagnat Catholic Lions make the trip across the Everglades and battle it out with the First Baptist Academy Lions in Naples in a Class 2A state semifinal contest. The victor will take on either Trinity Chrisitan Academy or Orlando Christian Prep in the FHSAA Class 2A state title tilt next week in Tallahassee. 

     Champagnat Catholic(9-2) is the defending two-time Class 2A state champions and look to capture their fourth title in the last five years. The Lions have won six straight games and have outscored their opponents 384-253 this season. They defeated Glades Day 35-7 in a regional semifinal and downed John Carroll 38-28 in a regional final. 

     Quarterback Ennio Yapoor will lead the Lions offense with his passing and running for yardage. He can find wide receivers Benson Prosper, Marvin Sims, Shayon Walton, Jaylin Terzado, Kimonthy Massie Jr. and Kelvin Blount on pass receptions. Their rushing attack consists of running backs with Jordan Jones, Juan Rodriguez and Mike Caldwell Jr.

     First Baptist Academy10-1) have won four straight contests following a loss to Bishop Verot in Week 8. The Lions have outscored their opponents 447-155 this year. They blanked Seffner Christian 43-0 in the regional semifinal and handled Northside Christian 51-28 in the regional final.

     The Lions offense will be led by quarterback Ty Keller. Running backs Jordan Jean-Luc, Richimard Mellien and Jimmy Ridinger will share the rushing opportunities. Keller expects to connect passes to wide receivers Olsen Henry, Preston Shemansky and Dominic Leamon.