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

Category	Wharton	Tampa Bay Tech
Passing yards	Carson Mohler, 947 (10 TDs, 5 INTs)	Xavione Washington, 1,932 (19 TDs, 7 INTs)
Rushing yards	Arkese Parks, 570 yards (7 TDs)	James Evans, 917 yards (14 TDs)
Receiving yards	Jason Cornwall, 227 (2 TDs)	Greg Gaines III, 741 yards (9 TDs)
Tackles	Cameron Campbell, 92	Ed Gwinn, 78
Sacks	Booker Pickett Jr., 19	Keyon Clark, 15
Interceptions	Two players tied with four.	Two players tied with three.