Class 7A
2021 FHSAA Football State Championships 7A Football State Championships
Area recap
Tampa Bay Tech 30, Largo 7
The Titans, who had their first undefeated regular season, kept their perfect record intact by scoring a combined 23 points in the second and third quarter to break open a close game. Tampa Bay Tech’s defense has allowed just 49 points in its last six games.
Prime time performers
DT Jahiem Borden, Jr., Tampa Bay Tech: Recorded 10 tackles and two sacks in a win over Largo.
WR Tre’son Everett, Sr., Largo: His touchdown reception in the first quarter was the Packers’ lone score in a loss to Tampa Bay Tech.
WR Greg Gaines III, Sr., Tampa Bay Tech: Had six catches for 102 yards and a touchdown in a win over Largo.
QB Xavione Washington, Jr., Tampa Bay Tech: Accounted for 356 yards (294 passing, 62 rushing) and threw for two touchdowns in a win over Largo.
Palmetto 41, Wiregrass Ranch 6
The Bulls were held to their lowest point total of the season and had their most lopsided of the year in the first round of the playoffs.
Prime time performers
QB Rocco Becht, Sr., Wiregrass Ranch: Threw for 161 yards and a touchdown in a loss to Palmetto.
RB Corneil McCrary, Sr., Wiregrass Ranch: Ran for 42 yards on offense and picked off a pass on defense in a loss to Palmetto.
WR Bryson Rodgers, Jr., Wiregrass Ranch: Had two catches for 41 yards and a touchdown in a loss to Palmetto.
Lehigh Acres Lehigh 27, Gaither 0
One quarter was the difference. Lehigh scored all 27 points in the second quarter to build a commanding lead. The Cowboys were unable to recover and were shutout for the first time this season.
Wharton 15, Mitchell 8
In one of the best matchups of the first round, the Wildcats scored the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter to take the lead for good in this defensive slugfest. It was the first time Wharton won a playoff game since 2008.
Prime time performers
ATH Arkese Parks, So., Wharton: Ran for more than 130 yards and scored both of the Wildcats touchdowns on the ground, including the winner in the fourth quarter.
LB Booker Pickett Jr., So., Wharton: Applied constant pressure from the outside to Mitchell’s passing game in check.
QB Ethan Rice, Sr., Mitchell: Scored the Mustangs’ lone touchdown on a 16-yard run and threw a pass for a two-point conversion in a loss to Wharton.
Friday’s region semifinal schedule
Palmetto at Tampa Bay Tech, 7:30
Wharton at Lehigh Acres Lehigh, 7:30
