State Championship Games To Watch

Since Lakeland beat Venice to end the season in Tallahassee last December, the objective for high school football programs throughout Florida was to get to the 2024 finals. Last Thursday and Friday, the answer to what 14 schools would head to Pitbull Stadium on the campus of Florida International University was answered as the stage is set for this year’s finals.

Andrew Johnson December 10, 2024 @ 11:45 AM

The wait is over. The stage is set. It's State Championship Week, and Prep Redzone is your ultimate source for every Florida update you need. The time for talk is done—now it's all about the action.   Class 5A: Lakeland (13-0) vs. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (11-3)   When: Thursday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.   Lakeland survived an absolute thriller last week, pulling out a triple-overtime victory against Niceville, 34-33. The undefeated Dreadnaughts now face powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas, who is looking to cap off their season with another title. Expect a battle of physical defenses and dynamic playmakers under the bright lights.   • Players to Watch:   • Lakeland: [player_tooltip player_id='1247490' first='Malik' last='Morris'] (LB), Shanard Clower (ATH), [player_tooltip player_id='1127045' first='Keon' last='Young'] (DB)   • STA: [player_tooltip player_id='1317532' first='Cedric' last='Wyche'] II (RB), [player_tooltip player_id='1322329' first='Andrew' last='Indorf'] (QB), [player_tooltip player_id='735246' first='Julius' last='Jones'] (WR)   Class 7A: Lake Mary (12-2) vs. Venice (13-1)   When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 12:30 p.m.   Lake Mary got their revenge against Dr. Phillips last week with a 24-13 victory, but the challenge ramps up as they meet No. 1 Venice. With Venice's explosive offense and Lake Mary's all-around talent, this one promises to be a showcase of skill and determination.   • Players to Watch:   • Lake Mary: [player_tooltip player_id='1206696' first='Noah' last='Grubbs'] (QB), [player_tooltip player_id='1258717' first='Parker' last='Perales'] (ATH), [player_tooltip player_id='1134215' first='Luke' last='Prieto'] (LB)   • Venice: [player_tooltip player_id='826461' first='Winston' last='Watkins'] (WR), [player_tooltip player_id='827414' first='Jayce' last='Nixon'] (QB), Gata Wilder (RB)   Class 2A: Cocoa (10-3) vs. Gadsden County (13-1)   When: Thursday, Dec. 12, 12:30 p.m.   Cocoa, the two-time defending state champs, dethroned previously unbeaten Cardinal Mooney last week, ending their 18-game win streak. Their next test is Gadsden County, a team loaded with athletes and eager to claim their first title. The Tigers' experience vs. Gadsden's firepower makes for a can't-miss matchup.   • Players to Watch:   • Cocoa: [player_tooltip player_id='1573238' first='Brady' last='Hart'] (QB), [player_tooltip player_id='953682' first='Jayvan' last='Boggs'] (WR), [player_tooltip player_id='749702' first='Javion' last='Hilson'] (EDGE)   • Gadsden County: Kemarrion Battles (RB), Tristen Davis (RB), Antonio Vasquez (LB)   Class 6A: West Boca Raton (13-0) vs. Kissimmee Osceola (12-2)   When: Friday, Dec. 13, 12:30 p.m.   West Boca Raton remained undefeated with a gritty 14-11 win over Miami Southridge. Now, they'll face Osceola, a team that knows how to win the big games. This game will be a battle of ground games and defensive showdowns, so expect it to come down to the wire.   • Players to Watch:   • West Boca Raton: [player_tooltip player_id='283745' first='Javian' last='Mallory'] (RB), [player_tooltip player_id='1681897' first='Jayden' last='Lockhart'] (RB), [player_tooltip player_id='1263611' first='Xavier' last='Reid'] (EDGE)   • Osceola: [player_tooltip player_id='826448' first='Taevion' last='Swint'] (RB), [player_tooltip player_id='826562' first='Elijah' last='Melendez'] (LB), [player_tooltip player_id='1258685' first='Camren' last='West'] (QB)

The wait is over. The stage is set. It's State Championship Week, and Prep Redzone is your ultimate source for every Florida update you need. The time for talk is done—now it's all about the action.