St. Thomas Is A Marathon Success Story

Through the years, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas has set standards on the football field with superior coaching and gifted talent. They have become the face of Florida high school football through the years – not only for winning state titles, but for the record number of football players that leave, head to college and eventually find their way on to NFL rosters. What the Raiders are is an ongoing success story. A marathon that continues to run with an endless loop of talent. Coming into Friday night’s 7A state semifinal game at home against Gainesville Buchholz – the Raiders are looking to maintain what has gotten them to this point – with <strong>George Smith</strong> spearheading the direction for over 40 years. With this year’s 12-1 record, the 2020 season (8-1) that produced a state championship in a Covid-shortened year and 2019, which also produced a state title, a share of a national championship and a perfect 15-0 mark are just part of this program that over the past 10 years have won 125 games. In 2018, the Raiders produced a 13-2 record and a loss to Lakeland in the finals. In 2017, it was an off year at 12-3, losing to Venice in the state semifinals. The 2016 season saw a 13-2 record and a state title win over Tampa Plant – as did 2015 with a state title victory over Viera and a 13-1 record. The 2014 season began the run of three straight as the Raiders beat Kissimmee Osceola in the finals and posted and impressive season after losing early in New Jersey to Don Bosco Prep and ended the year with a 15-1 mark. In 2013, Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer ended the year at 10-4, which was successful by some standards, but not this program. The 10 years began in 2012 with a 14-2 state championship team that beat Tallahassee Lincoln, giving this program a staggering 125-17 record in that decade! <strong>SENIOR PROSPECTS HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE</strong> The one thing about St. Thomas Aquinas and head coach <strong>Roger Harriott,</strong> using the veteran players to lead – on and off the playing field is a tradition that those in charge of the Raiders’ football fortunes have stuck by. This year’s 2022 class has some outstanding prospects – such as national recruits <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50006" first="Julian" last="Armella"] </strong>(OL, 6-7, 290), Pittsburgh commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50184" first="Camden" last="Brown"]</strong> (WR, 6-4, 205), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="49995" first="Anthony" last="Hankerson"]</strong> (RB, 5-9, 195), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50244" first="Tellek" last="Lockette"]</strong> (OL, 6-3, 310), <strong>Blake Steen</strong> (OL, 6-5, 318), LSU commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="111491" first="Mason" last="Taylor"]</strong> (TE, 6-4, 225) and two-time state champion quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50029" first="Zion" last="Turner"]</strong> (6-2, 195). The Class of 2022 also features <strong>Dawson Alters</strong> (OL, 6-2, 260), <strong>Jerrod Cameron Jr.</strong> (Athlete, 5-10, 165), playmaker and leader <strong>Derrieon Craig</strong> (OLB, 5-10, 205), <strong>Khalil Hunter </strong>(OLB, 6-1, 195), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128600" first="Ryan" last="Mickow"] </strong>(OL, 6-6, 300), <strong>Michael Renoit</strong> (DL, 6-2, 240), <strong>Boaz Saint-Vil</strong> (OG, 6-3, 320), <strong>Kyrie Samuel</strong> (DT, 5-11, 250), <strong>Jaylan Sanchez</strong> (WR, 6-1, 190) and running back turned dominating linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="50217" first="Jordan" last="Smith"]</strong> (6-0, 220). <strong>UNDERCLASSMEN MAKING A CONTRIBUTION</strong> While there are so many quality seniors making an impact, the Raiders are also set with underclassmen who are stepping up to make a difference. Prospects such as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128091" first="Jason" last="Hammond"]</strong> (DT, 6-3, 280), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128464" first="Isaiah" last="Hardge"] </strong>(WR, 5-10, 160), speedy <strong>Conrad Hussey</strong> (S, 6-1, 190), playmaker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128717" first="King" last="Mack"]</strong> (S, 5-10, 180), <strong>David Pein</strong> (DT, 5-11, 240), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128806" first="Kimari" last="Robinson"]</strong> (CB, 5-11, 175) and defensive end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128085" first="Zakaih" last="Saez"]</strong> (6-5, 215) to name a few. Also, steady running backs <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128416" first="Gemari" last="Sands"]</strong> (6-0, 190), and <strong>Xavier Terrell</strong> (5-8, 175) are major contributors on offense – while talented linebacker <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="128731" first="David" last="Vadala"]</strong> (5-10, 210) has done some special things well. Even Class of 2024 future stars <strong>James Madison II</strong> (WR, 6-3, 175), <strong>Semaj Jackson</strong> (S, 5-8, 160), <strong>Michael Kern</strong> (K/P, 6-2, 165) and linebacker <strong>Nicolas Rodriguez</strong> (6-1, 195) lead an emerging group. <strong>2021 SCHEDULE</strong> St. Francis Academy, Maryland, W 38-23 Tampa Jesuit, L 24-21 Plantation American Heritage, W 24-16 Miami Monsignor Pace, W 56-6 Davie Western, W 31-21 Cooper City, W 69-0 South Plantation, W 62-0 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, W 39-14 Fort Lauderdale Dillard, W 23-13 Davie Nova, W 49-7 Delray Beach Atlantic, W 43-7 Miramar, W 42-12 Homestead, W 56-7 <strong>TRACKING FLORIDA: Teams Look At 2021 Season. </strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2021/03/tracking-florida-teams-look-at-2021-season/"><strong>https://prepredzone.com/2021/03/tracking-florida-teams-look-at-2021-season/</strong></a> <strong><em> </em></strong> <strong><em>You Can Contact [player_tooltip player_id="111610" first="Larry" last="Blustein"] with prospect or team information at: </em></strong><a href="mailto:Floridakids1@aol.com"><strong><em>Floridakids1@aol.com</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong>