For the fifth time in six years, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna has taken home a state football title.
The Lions scored early and often and came away with a convincing 48-14 decision over Clearwater Central Catholic at Gene Cox Stadium in Tallahassee on Thursday evening.
Finishing the season 13-0, head coach Dameon Jones and his team, appearing in their seventh consecutive state championship made their statement as the best team in the nation as they outscored their opponents, 658-140, with some quality wins along the way.
This team, which not only completed an unbeaten season, but ran its record to 80-13 in the seven year period.
Ranked behind Miami Central, this team truly feels that they can lineup against anyone. The unbeaten Rockets play next Friday night in a Miami-Dade vs. Broward game against once beaten Plantation American Heritage at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale in the 2M final.
THE LIONS ROARED ALL NIGHT
The victory showed many across the country that this team has a way of putting games away early as they scored as they piled up 32 first downs and 598 total yards.
The Lions took the 7-0 lead with 10:54 left in the opening quarter when quarterback Cedrick Bailey found fellow junior Joshisa Trader from four yards out.
When junior running back Davion Gause scored from 16 yards out, Chaminade-Madonna led 14-0 with 4:15 left in the opening quarter.
Bailey came right back at the start of the second quarter when nationally rated receiver Jeremiah Smith an amazing catch with 10:02 remaining in the first half. Andrew Abu-Akel booted his third extra point of the half and a 21-0 lead.
With 2:29 left in the first half, the Lions went up 28-0 on a 23-yard strike from Bailey to Smith and took that lead into halftime.
The Marauders finally got on the board in the second half when Lenwood Sapp scored from the 1 with 8:05 remaining and the Lions still holding on to a 28-7 advantage.
Chaminade-Madonna came right back with 6:25 left in the third quarter and a 35-7 lead on Gause’s rushing score of the game – from 10 yards out.
When the Lions scored with just nine seconds left in the third quarter, they led 42-7 as Duane Thomas made good from 11 yards out from the “Wildcat” formation.
Clearwater Central Catholic cut the lead to 42-14 when Sapp scored again – from 5 yards out with 2:30 remaining in the game.
The Lions closed out the scoring when Bryant Junius took it in from the 1 and a 48-14 final.
Bailey finished 16 of 24 for 255 yards and 3 touchdowns. Smith had six receptions for 104 yards and 2 scores. Senior Edwin Joseph caught 4 balls for 65 yards. Thomas caught 3 balls for 55 yards. Trader had 4 catches for 49 yards and a score.
Gause was the leading rusher with 189 yards and 3 touchdowns.
On defense, Jeno Junius had 19 total tackles. Zaquan Patterson finished with 10 tackles. Denzel Johnson had 10 tackles and a sack. D’Angelo Ponds and Curtis Janvier each had six tackles. Zach Crothers finished with five tackles and a sack.
LIONS (13-0)
St. John’s Washington DC, W 35-28
FORT LAUDERDALE DILLARD, W 49-28
Miami Northwestern, W 42-14
PLANTATION AMERICAN HERITAGE, 42-34
Miami Gulliver Prep, W 28-0
DEERFIELD BEACH SOMERSET KEY, W 90-0
HOLLYWOOD AVANT GARDE ACADEMY, W 63-0
BOCA RATON ST. JOHN PAUL II, W 63-0
PORT ST. LUCIE TREASURE COAST, W 45-16
HOLLYWOOD AVANT GARDE ACADEMY, W 48-0
WEST PALM BEACH CARDINAL NEWMAN, W 49-16
MIAMI TRUE NORTH CLASSICAL ACADEMY, W 56-0
Clearwater Central Catholic, W 48-14 (1M State Title)
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDY VILLAMARZO/SBLIVE
For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..