St. Thomas Aquinas(13-1) is the two-time defending Class 7A state champion and look to match their three-year championship run from 2014 to 2016. STA is looking to capture a state-record 13th state football title. They are appearing in the state title game for the 14th time in the last 18 years. The Raiders, who will travel just have six miles to the stadium, have outscored their opponents 598-157 this season. After a three-point loss to Jesuit in Week 2, the Raiders have compiled 12 straight victories. They smashed Atlantic 43-7 in the regional quarterfinal, handled Miramar 42-12 in the regional semifinal, pounded Homestead 55-7 in the regional final and blasted Buchholz 45-7 in the state semifinal.
The Raiders offense is led by quarterback Zion Turner. He can throw the ball and occasionally run out of the pocket. Running backs Anthony Hankerson, Xavier Terrell, Gemari Sands and Cecil Stone are expected to advance the ball with their rushing attack. Tight end Mason Taylor along with wide receivers Camden Brown, Isaiah Hardge, Jaylan Sanchez and James Madison II look to make pass receptions from Turner down the field.
Tampa Bay Tech(14-0) will be making their first state championship game appearance in school history. The undefeated Titans have outscored their opponents 479-174 this year. They took Largo 30-7 in a regional quarterfinal, got by Palmetto 26-18 in a regional semifinal, beat Wharton 42-6 in a regional final and sailed by Lake Gibson 42-24 in a state semifinal.
Titans quarterback Xavione Washington can toss the ball around and rush with it. Running backs James Evans and Ronald Sims look to gain yardage on carries. Washington is expected to complete passes to wide receivers Greg Gaines III, Javion McKay, John Ponder and Santonyo Isaac.
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