Class 7A
Tampa Bay Tech 42, Wharton 6
In a season filled with superlatives, the Titans added another one by reaching the state semifinals for the first time in school history.
They were dominant in achieving that elusive goal.
Down 6-0 in the first quarter thanks to a pair of Ryan Godbold field goals, Tampa Bay Tech responded by scoring 42 unanswered points to keep its first undefeated season intact.
Xavione Washington threw touchdown passes to John Ponder and Javion McKay and James Evans ran for two scores. The 42 points were the most the Wildcats allowed in any game this season.
Class 6A
Jesuit 42, Hillsborough 0
The Tigers, ranked No. 12 in the nation by MaxPreps, made the state semifinals for the fourth straight season and the sixth time in the past seven years in a rout.
It was Jesuit;s sixth shutout in the past seven games. In three playoff games, the Tigers have outscored their opponents by a combined 141-9.
Luke Knight threw touchdown passes to Junior Vandeross and Jaydn Girard. Joquez Smith ran for three scores. And Drew Woodaz recovered a punt he blocked in the end zone for a touchdown.
Class 5A
Sebring 13, Clearwater 12
The Tornadoes had their 11-game win streak and first region final appearance end in heartbreaking fashion.
Ahead 12-10 in the fourth quarter, Clearwater watched the Blue Streaks for a game-winning field goal in the final minute.
In the second half, the Tornadoes went for it on fourth-and-inches from their own 16 and didn’t make it. That put Sebring in position to kick a field goal for a 10-6 lead.
Clearwater went ahead when Aiden MacLean hit CJ Lee on a 45-yard touchdown. But the 2-point conversion was unsuccessful, making it 12-10.
Class 4A
Lakewood 21, Clewiston 7
The Spartans advanced to the state semifinals for the second time in the past three seasons by erasing a second half deficit.
Trailing 7-0 in the third quarter, Lakewood rallied by scoring the final 21 points. Montrevious Lloyd ran for a touchdown to tie the game and Anthony Colandrea threw for a score that put the Spartans ahead for good. Lakewood added another touchdown on the ground late in the fourth quarter.
Class 3A
Berkeley Prep 36, Clearwater Central Catholic 22
The Buccaneers remained undefeated by beating one their biggest rivals.
It was not easy. The Marauders stood toe-to-toe with Berkeley Prep for three quarters. In fact, Clearwater Central Catholic held a 22-21 lead on Bryson Martin’s 4-yard for a touchdown.
After that, the Buccaneers bore down. Travis Bates scored the final two touchdowns, including an 80-yard run, to put Berkeley Prep ahead for good. Xavier Townsend also ran for two touchdowns and Troy Reader hit CJ Hawkins to round out the scoring.
The Marauders’ Lenwood Sapp ran for more than 100 yards and Jershaun Newton scored twice on the ground.
With the win, the Buccaneers advance to the state semifinals for the second straight season.
Class 2A
Naples First Baptist 51, Northside Christian 28
The Mustangs, who were in the region final for the second straight season, fell behind early and were unable to catch up.
The Lions jumped out to a 28-0 first half lead. Northside Christian cut it to 28-14 but could not get any closer.
Will Griffin threw for three touchdowns, all to One Williams, to lead the Mustangs.
Orlando Christian Prep 48, Zephyrhills Christian 12
This was a rematch from the regular season finale that Orlando Christian Prep won 15-12.
There were no close calls in the second meeting.
Zephyrhills Christian trailed by 20 at the half and never recovered in its first region final appearance.
Friday’s state semifinal schedule (Dec. 3)
Class 7A
Lake Gibson (9-3) at Tampa Bay Tech (13-0), 7:30
Class 6A
Miami Northwestern (10-3) at Jesuit (13-0), 7:30
Class 4A
Lakewood (10-2) at Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (9-2), 7:30
Class 3A
Lakeland Christian (11-0) at Berkeley Prep (11-0), 7:30
