6A state semifinals
Miami Northwestern (10-3) at Jesuit (13-0), 7:30
The Tigers are in the state semifinals for the fourth straight season and the sixth time in the past seven seasons. The biggest difference is Jesuit hosts, something it has not done in its past four appearances. All four of those trips were against powerhouse programs in Fort Lauderdale or Miami (American Heritage in 2016 and ‘20, Cardinal Gibbons in 2018 and Northwestern in 2019), all of which went on to win state titles. Getting a home game was due to having the highest RPI ranking in the region (the Florida High School Athletic Association decided to reseed teams in the state semifinals based off their rankings). That happened largely because of the Tigers win over Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas the second week of the season. Jesuit rocketed up the national rankings (now 12th according to MaxPreps). Better still, the Tigers have confidence that they cannot just compete with teams in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, but also beat them. The toughest task for Jesuit’s offense will be handling the constant pressure from the Bulls. Luke Knight, a sophomore who is a first-year starter, has been efficient, throwing for 25 touchdowns and five interceptions. Joquez Smith is the workhorse in the run game, gaining 1,649 yards and 24 touchdowns. On defense, the Tigers’ top priority will be keeping Northwestern’s potent passing game in check. Bulls quarterback Taron Dickens has thrown for more than 300 yards and at least four touchdowns in the last three games. Jesuit has posted seven shutouts and has allowed 85 points this season.
Stat leaders
| Category | Northwestern | Jesuit |
| Passing yards | Taron Dickens, 3,462 (41 TDs, 7 INTs) | Luke Knight, 2,049 (25 TDs, 5 INTs) |
| Rushing yards | Jamari Ford, 536 (8 TDs) | Joquez Smith, 1,649 (24 TDs) |
| Receiving yards | Daverrick Jenkins, 777 yards (8 TDs) | Junior Vandeross, 740 (8 TDs) |
| Tackles | N/A | AJ Cotterill, 123 |
| Sacks | N/A | Wayne Quin, 6 |
| Interceptions | N/A | Caleb Williams, 5 |
