UNBEATENS: Hawthorne & Northview
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They are coming from equal distance to the state capitol in Tallahassee for the final game of the first week of the Florida State Football Championships.
When unbeaten Northview (13-0) and Hawthorne (11-0) square off this evening at 7:00 at Gene Cox Stadium in the 1R title game, it could be the most competitive contest of the three days.
Head coach Wesley Summerford and his Chiefs will have the chance to showcase a team that has answered every bell – with wins over two Alabama schools along with some impressive Florida programs.
This team has been led by a senior class that has stepped up. Among those seniors include Luke Bridges (SS, 5-10, 185), Aiden Broadhead Aiden Broadhead 6'3" | 180 lbs | WR Bratt Northview | 2023 FL (TE, 6-4, 200), Cason Burkett (OLB, 6-0, 170), Aron Chavira (DE, 5-8, 210), Maliki Haynes (WR, 6-3, 185), Jamarkus Jefferson (RB, 5-9, 215), Kaden Odom (QB. 6-3, 170, Simeon Sanders (DE) and offensive lineman John Ward (6-5, 280).
KEEPING THIS TRAIN ROLLING FOR THE FUTURE
While the focus has been with the leadership the senior class has been able to provide, this team is in great hands for the future as well. Class of 2024 juniors Jarrett Bodiford (QB/CB, 6-0, 155), Brandon Ferguson (PK, 5-10, 165), D.J. Lyons (OT, 5-11, 275), Jaquez Moorer (RB, 5-6, 150), Caden Peterson Caden Peterson 6'2" | 200 lbs | LB Northview | 2024 FL (DE, 6-3, 220), Wyatt Scruggs (WR, 5-11, 150), Mandell Smith (WR, 6-5, 180), Jacob Spence (TE, 6-5, 190) and offensive lineman Joe Wright V (6-1, 205).
The Class of 2025 sophomores Moses Delarosa (LB, 5-11, 165), John Dunson (OLB, 5-7, 155), Derek Kinley (OT, 5-11, 240), Colby Pugh (OG) and quarterback Jayden White (5-10, 175) and Class of 2026 freshman Wade Bailey (OL, 5-10, 170) have also received some experience as well in this banner season.
NORTHVIEW CHIEFS (13-0)
FLOMATIN, ALABAMA, W 48-33
Pensacola Lighthouse Private Christian Academy, W 37-0
Cantonment Tate, W 34-25
ELBERTA, ALABAMA, W 49-24
BAKER, W 49-10
Blountstown, W 49-0
Jay, W 49-13
PANAMA CITY BAY, W 41-6
BONIFAY HOLMES COUNTY, W 34-26
CHIPLEY, W 42-6
LAKE BUTLER UNION COUNTY, W 21-11
For veteran Hawthorne head coach and alum Cornelius Ingram, this is an opportunity to finally get over the hump and bring home that elusive state title.
While there have been some key injuries, this team is loaded with big time 2023 seniors such as Washington State commitment Jalen Ruth – a 6-5, 220-pound defensive end who is a three-year starter, who will be a game-time decision.
In addition to Ruth, the Hornets also features Stanley Crooks (DT, 6-3, 280), Isaiah Donaldson (RB, 5-10, 195), Terrell James Terrell James 5'10" | 155 lbs | WR Hawthorne | 2023 FL (WR, 5-10, 160), Brian James (RB, 5-8, 175), Darian Owens (OT, 6-3, 280), Ga’mon Randall (WR, 5-7, 150), Tyrique Robinson (LB, 5-11, 185), Tyler Waters (CB, 6-1, 170), Darian Smith Williams (SS, 6-0, 185) and big offensive tackle Mozell Williams (6-5, 340), who is on his way to Rutgers.
CAN THIS PROGRAMS STAY STRONG FOR THE FUTURE?
While we know there are some tremendous playmakers in the senior class, this team is also stacked with quality talent for the future.
Class of 2024 sophomores Jamarion Davenport (FS), Jordin Fluellen (DB/Athlete, 5-10, 165), Datron Jackson (WR/DB, 5-10, 150), Leland Johnson (OLB/DE, 6-2, 192), Matthew McKinley (WR, 6-0, 175), Demetri Perry (DE, 6-3, 215) and linebacker Earick Williams III (5-11, 200) are all gifted. So are Class of 2026 sophomores Sam Carroll (PK, 5-9, 208), Jaheim Darby (DT, 6-0, 270), future star C.J. Ingram (QB, 6-5, 185), Keenon Johnson Keenon Johnson 5'9" | 175 lbs | RB Hawthorne | 2025 State FL (RB, 5-11, 180), Jaiden King (TE, 6-0, 180) and Josue Knapp (Athlete, 6-2, 235).
HAWTHORNE HORNETS (11-0)
Middleburg, W 24-7
Jacksonville Terry Parker, W 36-18
Orlando Christian Prep, W 14-11 (OT)
GAINESVILLE P.K. YONGE, W 46-6
ST. PETERSBURG GIBBS, W 21-12
Lake Butler Union County, W 28-21
CITRA NORTH MARION, W 13-0
TITUSVILLE ASTRONAUT, W 52-0
WILDWOOD, W 33-15
PAHOKEE, W 21-20
BLOUNTSTOWN, W 28-0
CLASS OF 2023 RANKINGS. https://prepredzone.com/florida/rankings/2023-rankings/
CLASS OF 2024 RANKINGS. https://prepredzone.com/2022/08/updated-2024-florida-rankings/
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com