7A region final

Wharton (9-2) at Tampa Bay Tech (12-0), 7:30

This is a rematch from a regular season game the Titans won 21-12. That win not only clinched the district title for Tampa Bay Tech but also helped the program go undefeated in the regular season for the first time. The Titans schedule included nine games against teams that made the playoffs. Playing — and beating — such tough competition is the reason why Tampa Bay Tech earned the top overall seed in 7A based on RPI rankings.  The offense has displayed some nice balance with more than 2,000 yards rushing and passing this season. Quarterback Xavione Washington, a transfer from Tampa Catholic, took over as the starter and had played well down the stretch, throwing for 15 touchdowns and just two interceptions the last seven games. Defensively, the Titans are led up front with a furious pass rush that has recorded 38 sacks this season. The Wildcats are road warriors. They have won all road the past two seasons under coach Mike Williams, including two straight in the playoffs so far to reach the region final. Wharton’s strength is its defense, which has allowed just 93 points all season and has posted four shutouts. Last week, the Wildcats stymied Lehigh’s five-star running back Richard Young, who held to his lowest rushing total of the season. Wharton’s defensive playmakers also have a knack for finding the end zone once they get their hands on the ball. The Wildcats have scored a whopping 12 defensive touchdowns this season (five fumble returns, seven interception returns). 

Stat leaders

Class 6A

Hillsborough (10-2) at Jesuit (12-0), 7:30

This a rematch from a regular season game the Tigers won 28-7. Jesuit has stayed perfect and is now ranked No. 12 in the nation by MaxPreps. Another win and the Tigers will be in the state semifinals for the fourth straight season and the sixth time in the past seven seasons. Defensively, Jesuit has ranked among the best in the state, allowing just 85 points this season and posting six shutouts, including five straight from Oct. 15-Nov. 12. On offense, the Tigers’ Junior Vandeross has turned it up a notch, scoring at least two touchdowns in three of the last four games, including four in last week’s win over Braden River. Since losing to Jesuit, the Terriers have won eight straight. They have had to make adjustments along the way. Starting quarterback Caleb Pierce went down with an injury midway through the season. Shaun Joshi took over and has led Hillsborough to six straight wins. The Terriers also have some balance on offense thanks to depth in the running game. Four players have rushed for more than 400 yards this season. Defensively, Hillsborough has been tough, allowing seven points or less in seven of their past eight games. 

Stat leaders

Football

Region finals

Class 7A

Wharton at Tampa Bay Tech, 7:30

Class 6A

Hillsborough at Jesuit, 7:30

Class 5A 

Sebring at Clearwater, 7:30

Class 4A

Clewiston at Lakewood, 7:30

Class 3A

Clearwater Central Catholic at Berkeley Prep, 7:30

Class 2A

Zephyrhills Christian at Orlando Christian Prep, 7:30

Northside Christian at Naples First Baptist, 7:30

Boys basketball

Winthrop College Prep at Bradenton Saint Stephen’s, 3

West Oaks vs. Carrollwood Day, 5:30

Strawberry Crest at Seffner Christian, 6

Florida Get Down Showcase

Calvary Christian vs. Lake Nona, 10 a.m.

Jackie Simmons Thanksgiving Classic

Tampa Catholic vs. Andrew Jackson, 8:30

Girls basketball

Feast Week Classic at Carrollwood Day

East Bay vs. North Port, 11:30

Calvary Christian vs. Wesley Chapel, 1

Bishop McLaughlin vs. Wharton, 2:30

Orlando Bishop Moore vs. Tampa Catholic, 4

Seffner Christian vs. Armwood, 7