5 must-see matchups in state semifinals of 2021 Florida high school football playoffs
We have reached the final four across all eight classifications of the 2021 Florida (FHSAA) high school football playoffs.
Here’s a breakdown of SBLive’s top five state semifinals games to watch this week:
TOP 5 GAMES TO WATCH IN FHSAA PLAYOFFS
No. 5: Buchholz (Gainesville) (12-1) at St. Thomas Aquinas (12-1) - Friday at 7:30 p.m.
The Buchholz Bobcats are just one win away from advancing to the state championship for the first time since 1990. Stepping in their way are the 12-time state champion St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders, who are eyeing their fourth consecutive state championship game appearance. The Bobcats are led by UCF wide receiver commit Quan Lee, junior quarterback Creed Whittemore, senior wide receiver Adrian Sermons, senior safety Tavares Williams and senior linebacker EJ Gadson.
The Raiders are loaded with D-1 prospects on both sides of the ball led by senior quarterback Zion Turner, running back Anthony Hankerson, wide receiver Camden Brown and tight end Mason Taylor (LSU commit) (Son of Jason Taylor)
Score Prediction: St. Thomas Aquinas 34, Buchholz (Gainesville) 17
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No. 4: Miami Northwestern (10-3) at Jesuit (13-0) - Friday at 7:30 p.m.
The Miami Northwestern Bulls are looking to get back into the state championship game for the first time since 2019, where they defeated Jones (Orlando) 34-17. Keep an eye on junior quarterback Taron Dickens who has thrown for 3462 yards, 41 touchdowns and just seven interceptions this season. Another name to keep an eye on will be senior wide receiver Daverrick Jenkins who has 45 receptions for 777 yards and 9 touchdowns on the season. In their first three playoff games, the Bulls are averaging 134.3 rushing yards so keep an eye on their run game as well.
The Jesuit Tigers are ranked 12th in the nation, according to multiple media outlets. The Tigers have pitched shut outs in two of their three playoff games, including a 42-0 win over Hillsborough in the regional final. Players to watch: Quarterback Luke Knight (Sophomore), running back Joquez Smith (Junior), wide receiver Jaydn Girard (Senior) (Wake Forest commit), wide receiver Junior Vandeross (Senior) (Toledo commit), wide receiver Jarriett Buie (Junior), linebacker Troy Bowles (Junior), defensive back Caleb Williams (Senior) and linebacker Wade Woodaz (Senior) (Clemson commit)
Score Prediction: Jesuit 27, Miami Northwestern 24
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No. 3: Lake Gibson (9-3) at Tampa Bay Tech (13-0) - Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Following a 2-3 start to the season, the Lake Gibson Braves have racked up seven straight wins and are one win away from getting to the state championship for the first time since 2016. Players to watch for Lake Gibson: Quarterback Logan Hackett (Senior), running back Jaylon Glover (Senior) (Utah commit), wide receiver Tyson Gast (Junior), defensive back Cormani McClain (Junior), defensive back Dion Villiers (Senior), safety Landon Brown (Senior) and linebacker William Fenley (Senior)
The Tampa Bay Tech Titans are in the final four for the first time in school history, as they are coming off a 42-6 win over Wharton in the regional final. According to MaxPreps’, the Titans are the 14th ranked team in the state of Florida. Players to watch for: Quarterback Xavione Washington (Junior), running back James Evans IV (Senior), wide receiver Greg Gaines II (Senior) (Iowa State commit), running back Ronald Sims (Senior), wide receiver Santonyo Isaac (Freshman), linebacker Ed Gwinn (Junior), defensive end Antonio Camon (Junior) and defensive end Keyon Clark (Senior)
Score Prediction: Tampa Bay Tech 27, Lake Gibson 17
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No. 2: Lakeland Christian (11-0) at Berkeley Prep (11-0) - Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Which team is going to advance to the state championship game for the first time in school history? The Lakeland Christian Vikings are coming off a thrilling 24-21 win over Benjamin (Palm Beach Gardens) in their regional final, where they had to erase an 18-point deficit in the third quarter. Players to watch for: Running back Breylin Smith (Senior) (Howard University commit), running back Idris Williams (Senior) (Campbell University commit), linebacker Cade Lawson (Senior), linebacker Carver Wineinger (Junior) and linebacker Trey Berry (Freshman)
The Berkeley Prep Buccaneers are back in the state semifinals for the second consecutive year. In the regional final, the Buccaneers defeated Clearwater Central Catholic 36-22. Players to watch for: Running back Xavier Townsend (Senior) (Iowa State commit), running back Travis Bates (Senior), linebacker Tre Reader (Senior), defensive end Keon Keeley (Junior) (Notre Dame commit), linebacker Johnny Ferrelli (Junior)
Score Prediction: Berkeley Prep 30, Lakeland Christian 23
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No. 1: Florida State University High (11-1) at Chaminade-Madonna (9-1) - Friday at 7:00 p.m.
The Florida High Seminoles are looking to get back into the state championship for the first time since 2019. This is in fact a rematch of the 2019 state championship game in which Chaminade-Madonna won 35-20. Players to watch for: Quarterback Drew Faurot (Senior), running back/defensive back Tre Donaldson (Senior) (Auburn commit), wide receiver Rhyder Poppell (Junior), running back Micahi Danzy (Sophomore), junior wide receiver Brooks Hickman (Junior), linebacker Jordan Gilley (Senior) and linebacker Jelani Hall (Senior)
The Chaminade-Madonna Lions are eyeing their sixth consecutive state championship game appearance (3-2 in previous five). The Lions have been dominant on defense throughout the season, as they allow just 10.1 points per game. In each of their first two playoff games, the Lions have outscored their opponents 93-0. Players to watch for: Quarterback Cedrick Bailey (Sophomore), running back Davion Gause (Sophomore), wide receiver Duane Thomas Jr. (Junior), wide receiver Edwin Joseph (Junior), linebacker Denzel Johnson (Senior), defensive end Jamaal Johnson (Senior) (UCF commit), defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (Ohio State commit) and safety Zaquan Patterson (Sophomore)
Score Prediction: Chaminade-Madonna 28, Florida High 22
