Class 3S
2022 FHSAA Football State Championships 3 S
Tonight’s area region semifinal matchup
No. 7 Lecanto (8-3) at No. 3 Zephyrhills (8-3), 7:30
The Panthers have turned things around, recording their first winning season since 2015.
They did it by relying on a stifling defense that has allowed an average of 10 points per game. The running game has also come on with Amir Wilson rushing for 309 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s region quarterfinal win over Pasco.
Since losing 23-20 to undefeated South Sumter in October, the Bulldogs have gone on a tear, winning fiv straight games. During that stretch, Zephyrhills has averaged 45 points per game. In last week’s region quarterfinal win over Gulf, the Bulldogs passing game clicked. Quarterback Brendyn Colella threw for eight touchdowns, setting the single game Pasco County record.
The biggest playmaker is DJ Pickett, who is averaging 20 yards per reception. Last week, Pickett had six catches for 164 yards and four touchdowns.
Stat leaders
| Category | Lecanto | Zephyrhills |
| Passing yards | JT Tipton, 565 (7 TDs) | Brendyn Colella, 1,510 (23 TDs) |
| Rushing yards | Amir Wilson, 1,519 (14 TDs) | Rodney Smith, 930 (12 TDs) |
| Receiving yards | Darius Gainer, 523 (7 TDs) | DJ Pickett, 787 (12 TDs) |
| Tackles | Travis Labelle, 94 | Marcell Tucker, 75 |
| Sacks | Caden Moore, 6 | Two tied with three. |
| Interceptions | Darius Gainer, 5 | DJ Pickett, 4 |
 — Nov. 18){kind=link}