On a week when the five-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders overcame a three-score deficit, Miami Norland lost by 21 points and Davie Western lost with :4 left on the clock, seven teams now look toward the state semifinals.
This crazy season continues to take some unusual turns as dreams are dashed – while others remain alive in playing a “home” game in the second week of December at Florida International University’s Pitbull Stadium.
With the hopes of getting all seven teams through to the state finals, the reality will see five of the seven teams having to hit the road.
1A
REGION 4
REGION FINAL
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 49, Miami Edison 6. For the second time this season, the Lions (11-2) and head coach Dameon Jones continued their push toward a record ninth consecutive state championship appearance with a convincing win against the Red Raiders. They have overwhelmed the competition in the three games played in the post season.
2A
REGION 4
REGION FINAL
Miami Booker T. Washington 41, Miami Immaculata LaSalle 6. Like Chaminade-Madonna, veteran head coach Ice Harris and the Tornadoes (10-2) took care of its district opponent for the second time and wrapped up a regional title, moving one step closer. This is another team that has dominated down the stretch and into the state playoffs.
3A
REGION 4
REGION FINAL
Miami Northwestern 55, Fort Myers Cypress Lake 0. First year head coach Teddy Bridgewater and his Bulls (10-2) have been untouchable down the stretch and must believe that they can make it to the state title game this season. This team is loaded with elite football talent – young and veteran – and without Miami Central in the mix, things have been much easier.
4A
REGION 4
REGION FINAL
Plantation American Heritage 35, Miami Norland 14. The Patriots (10-2) and head coach Mike Smith lost the first time to the Vikings in a thrilling contest, only to have the game awarded to them – along with the district title and home field advantage throughout the playoffs because Norland used an illegible player. Now, this is a team that has a chance to reach the finals for the first time in three years.
5A
REGION 4
REGION FINAL
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 49, Delray Atlantic 42 (2 OT). This has not been the best year for head coach Roger Harriott and his football program – with three losses to some impressive teams, but not what this program is used to. The Raiders (10-3) had to come from behind, forcing an overtime, only to win it and move on to the next round.
6A
REGION 4
REGION FINAL
Miami Southridge 55, Pembroke Pines West Broward 21. They have turned back the clock in South Miami Heights, and head coach Pierre Senatus and his Spartans (11-2) have been on a roll since a GMAC Week loss to Booker T. Washington. They were very impressive in the Region Final – as they have been throughout the state playoffs.
7A
REGION 4
REGION FINAL
Miami Christopher Columbus 27, Davie Western 25. They have been counting out head coach Dave Dunn and his Explorers (9-3) since the spring when they were soundly beaten by Fort Myers Bishop Verot and Sarasota Riverview, but this program has played defense and use timely offense and big plays like they did last Friday in beating the Wildcats on a 42-yard field goal with time running out.
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