4A-8A TOP STATE PERFORMERS

The first ever Florida high school football state championship weekend came to Fort Lauderdale's <strong><em>DRV PNK Stadium</em> </strong>and it proved to be a win/win – all the way around. As the 4A-8A teams headed to south Florida, it was indeed a weekend that had something for everyone. From as far away as Pensacola (653 miles) to nearby St. Thomas Aquinas (4 miles), fans had the opportunity to see some amazing performers that college coaches and fans had the chance to see. Here is a Monday look back at some of the talent that roamed the sidelines from Thursday through Saturday night: In the 4A state title game, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons won an exciting 21-19 decision over Cocoa.<strong> </strong> On offense for Cocoa, quarterback <strong>Davin Wydner</strong> was 19 of 37 for 180 yards and a score. <strong>J'Mariyae Robinson</strong> caught eight balls for 43 yards and <strong>Damargio Grimes</strong> had four receptions for 39 yards. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50011" first="O.J." last="Ross"]</strong>, who is easily as electrifying as anyone in the state, finished with 124 yards rushing and a score. Chiefs' junior RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128090" first="Kamari" last="Moulton"]</strong> showed the state why he will be one of the best in the state again next year – gaining 173 yards and two scores. Defensively, Cocoa sophomore <strong>Samadrae Hawkins</strong> (12 tackles) and junior <strong>Cedrick Hawkins</strong> (12 tackles) led the way for the Tigers. <strong>Cedrick Hawkins</strong> had an interception as well. The Chiefs were amazing on defense – as junior <strong>Broc Weaver </strong>(seven tackles and four quarterback sacks), junior <strong>Tre'mone Drisdom</strong> (seven tackles), recent Coastal Caroline signee <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50046" first="Tray" last="Brown"]</strong> (seven tackles, two for loss and one sack), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128740" first="Adonis" last="Allen"]</strong> (six tackles), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128671" first="Greg" last="Otten"]</strong> and <strong>Joshua Oliver</strong> all stood out. <strong>5A: ROCKETS GET THE BEST OF MERRITT ISLAND:</strong> Miami Central left no doubt who was the best 5A team in the state – with a convincing win against the Merritt Island Mustangs. The two teams put some number up on offense, and of course on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively, Central was led on the ground by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128408" first="Ean" last="Pope"]</strong> who led the way with 86 yards. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50079" first="Zaylan" last="Reese"]</strong> finished with two catches for 66 yards. Junior QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128321" first="Keyone" last="Jenkins"]</strong> was 6 of 7 for 176 yards and two scores. Mustangs' QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="108659" first="Brady" last="Denaburg"]</strong> was 19 of 40 for 218 yards and two scores. Defensively, the Rockets got an outstanding effort from freshman linebacker <strong>Ezekiel Marcelin</strong>, who led the way with four tackles - <strong>Qualyn  McQueen</strong>, <strong>Shawn Smoak,</strong> <strong>Raashaun Rainey</strong> and <strong>Trent Henry</strong> all had three tackles. The Mustangs were led on defense by <strong>Logan Cody</strong> (eight tackles), <strong>Maddox Moss</strong> (five tackles), <strong>Dylan Peterson</strong> (four tackles) and <strong>Aaron Session</strong> (four tackles). <strong>6A - IT ALL CAME TOGETHER FOR TAMPA JESUIT:</strong> Big plays led to a come-from-behind win for the unbeaten Tampa Jesuit Tigers on Saturday evening. The 35-29 win reflects how competitive the game with Pensacola Pine Forest really was – and statistically – it showed on both sides of the ball. On offense, sophomore <strong>Luke Knight</strong> rallied his team with 18 completions for 352 yards. <strong>T.J. Wilson</strong> had 81 yards. On the ground, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128419" first="Joquez" last="Smith"]</strong>, a gifted talent, had 93 yards and two scores. <strong>T.J. Wilson,</strong> a junior ended with 171 yards and two scores. <strong>Junior Vandeross</strong> caught six balls for 185 yards and two scores and <strong>Jadyn Girard</strong> (6 for 115 and a score). On the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers were led by  <strong>Wade Woodaz</strong> (9 tackles), <strong>Caleb Williams</strong> (9 tackles), <strong>Wayne Quinn </strong>(8 tackles), <strong>Andre Gilbert</strong> (8 tackles), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50271" first="A.J." last="Cottrill"]</strong> (7 tackles) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128019" first="Troy" last="Bowles"]</strong> (7 tackles). The Eagles had impressive games from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128788" first="Cameron" last="Kelly"]</strong> (7 tackles), <strong>Lamartaz Odoms</strong> (6 tackles), <strong>Raymond Moore</strong> (5 tackles) and <strong>Rasheed Lovelace </strong>(5 tackles). <strong>Tyrese Thomas</strong> was also a major star for the Eagles with three interceptions. He saved the team early on. So did <strong>Deontrez Lamb,</strong> who had an interception and 3 tackles. <strong style="font-size: 1rem;">THOMAS AQUINAS MAKES A STATEMENT! </strong>Since losing to Tampa Jesuit in the second week of the season, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas has proven that they are indeed one of the premier teams in the nation. The convincing win over previously unbeaten Tampa Bay Tech put many impressive football prospects in the spotlight. In the 42-14 win, senior [player_tooltip player_id="49995" first="Anthony" last="Hankerson"] ran for 117 yards and three scores.  Senior QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50029" first="Zion" last="Turner"]</strong> had 65 yards on the ground and ran a solid offense. Tampa Bay Tech's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128826" first="Xavione" last="Washington"]</strong> was 21 of 34 passes for 249 yards. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="111491" first="Mason" last="Taylor"]</strong> finished with four catches for 54 yards, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50184" first="Camden" last="Brown"]</strong> had 47 for the Raiders. The Titans had <strong>Javion Mackey</strong> (8 catches for 63 yards), <strong>Greg Gaines</strong> (7 for 131) and freshman  <strong>Santonyo Isaac</strong> (3 for 39). Defensively, <strong>Derrieon Craig</strong> (8 tackles), <strong>Justin Fevier</strong> (7 tackles, 1 sack), <strong>Khalil Hunter</strong> (6 tackles), <strong>Keyshawn Johnson</strong> (3 tackles, 1 sack) and <strong>Kyrie Samuel</strong> (3 tackles, 1 sack) led the way for the Raiders. <strong>Jeremiah Johnson</strong> (7 tackles) and <strong>Cyris Alexander</strong> (5 tackles) were among a number of key prospects for the Titans. <strong>VENICE FINISHED OFF OUTSTANDING SEASON:</strong> As soon as it was announced the Venice Indians would be moving to 8A, the Florida high school football world started to make the bold prediction of a state title for head coach John Peacock and his team. Saturday, this team with just one blemish – coming to 4A state champion Cardinal Gibbons – took home a state title, 35-7 over Apopka. Several players stepped up for the Indians and Blue Darters. Offensively for Venice, senior QB Ryan Browne finished 18 of 21 for 250 yards and four scores.<strong> Damarion Escort </strong>had 111 yards.<strong> Kayondray Jones </strong>had 70 yards for the Blue Darters. <strong>Jayshon Platt </strong>caught seven balls for 108 yards, <strong>Omari Hayes</strong> caught eight balls for 78 yards and <strong>Keyon Sears</strong> had two scores and 69 yards. Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128038" first="Damon" last="Wilson"]</strong> (8 tackles. 0.5 sacks, TD), <strong>George Philip</strong> (7 tackles, 0.5 sacks), <strong>Desavion Cassaway</strong> (6 tackles) and <strong>Logan Ballard</strong> (5 tackles, 1 sack) for the Indians. Apopka was led by <strong>Antwone Robinson</strong> (12 tackles), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50075" first="Travion" last="Barnes"]</strong> (11 tackles), <strong>Malik Nicholson </strong>(8 tackles) and <strong>Josiah Robinson</strong> (6 tackles). Catch More Florida High School Football. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/florida/"><strong>https://prepredzone.com/florida/</strong></a> <strong><em>You Can Contact [player_tooltip player_id="111610" first="Larry" last="Blustein"] with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.</em></strong>