Class 4A
2021 FHSAA Football State Championships 4A Football State Championships
Area recap
South Sumter 48, Hernando 14
The Leopards, who were in the playoffs for the fourth time in the past five years, took a 7-6 lead in the first quarter and stayed within striking distance at the half, trailing 20-14. After that, Hernando watched the game turn into a rout as South Sumter scored 28 straight to advance.
Prime time performers
LB/RB Sam Sternberger, Sr., Hernando: Caught a touchdown pass in the first quarter to give the Leopards a 7-6 lead.
OL/DL CJ Tolbert, Sr., Hernando: Blocked a punt that set up a touchdown.
RB Jordan Williams, Sr., Hernando: Scored on a touchdown run in the second quarter to cut the deficit to 20-14.
Friday’s region semifinal schedule
Belle Glades Glades Central at Lakewood, 7:30
Class 3A
2021 FHSAA Football State Championships 3A Football State Championships
Area recap
Tampa Catholic 26, Carrollwood Day 25
Down 25-17 in the second half, the Crusaders made a furious rally, scoring nine points — the last three coming with 1 minute, 15 seconds on what turned out to be the game-winning field goal.
Prime time performers
ATH Jaquise Alexander, Sr., Tampa Catholic: Had a 35-yard reception that set up the game-winning field goal and picked off a pass that sealed the victory over Carrollwood Day.
PK Eric Fidalgo, Sr., Tampa Catholic: Hit two field goals, the last coming with 1:15 left that turned out to be the game winner against Carrollwood Day.
QB Trey Hedden, So., Tampa Catholic: Came in during the second half and threw a 90-yard touchdown pass and led the Crusaders on their game-winning drive.
WR CJ Lewis, So., Tampa Catholic: Returned a kickoff 86 yards for a touchdown to help the Patriots take a 19-17 lead at the half.
Friday’s region semifinal schedule
Fort Myers Bishop Verot at Berkeley Prep, 7:30
Tampa Catholic at Clearwater Central Catholic, 7:30
Class 2A
2021 FHSAA Football State Championships 2A Football State Championships
Area matchup
Seffner Christian 35, Naples St. John Neumann 20
Trailing 20-14 in the third quarter, the Crusaders relied on an balanced offense and opportunistic defense to score 21 unanswered to move on to the region semifinals for the fourth straight season.
Prime time performers
ATH Jkobe Jones, Sr., Seffner Christian: Had a touchdown reception on offense and picked off two passes on defense in a win over Naples St. John Neumann.
QB Jordan Magwood, Fr., Seffner Christian: Threw for two touchdowns and ran for another in a win over Naples St. John Neumann.
Friday’s region semifinal schedule
Seffner Christian at Naples First Baptist Academy, 7:30
Community School of Naples at Northside Christian, 7:30
Lakeland Victory Christian at Zephyrhills Christian, 7:30
){kind=link}