Well, the season has come to an end – and while south Florida didn’t have the representation that it is used to – four state champions and one runner up will have to do.
As we reflect back on the past two weeks during the state championships, the one thing still remains in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, the talent will always be there – and colleges and universities nationwide know it very well.
Where do we start?
Well, first of all, a big thanks to the FHSAA, who brings the “A” game for football each and every season – no matter where the site may be. They were A+ this past weekend.
FORT LAUDERDALE - It was to be the “most lopsided” of all games. It was a matchup that was not going to play in favor of a team that had to come 653 miles and a time zone change. That’s why you play the game!
While Tampa Jesuit was an overwhelming favorite to win an elusive 6A state title – after a perfect season – Saturday night’s game at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale turned out to be the most exciting of the five games played.
All season long, Venice and head coach John Peacock had been the talk of the state. On Saturday afternoon at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, the Indians finished the season off with a convincing 8A state title game win, 35-7, over Apopka.
This program lost to 4A state champion Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons in a game filled by mistakes, and a thrilling one-point win against 4A state runner-up Cocoa. But on Saturday, this team left no doubt.
It has gotten to the point each year where Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas is pretty much a for sure thing when it comes to reaching the 7A state final.
On Friday night, the Raiders won for the third straight time – sixth in eight years – beating previously unbeaten Tampa Bay Tech, 42-14, at DRV PNK Stadium.