3 takeaways from Cocoa's victory over Gadsden County for the 2A state crown

The Tigers complete the 3-peat and needed nearly every minute to barely edge out the Jaguars in South Florida

Villa Photos

MIAMI, FLORIDA- Every football program dreams of notching a 3-peat when it comes to a state championship.

On Thursday afternoon, Cocoa made what some teams throughout the Sunshine State a full blown reality.

Needing a strong second half effort, the Tigers were able to edge out a feisty Gadsden County bunch, 38-27, at Florida International's Pitbull Stadium in front of 1,371 fans. Florida State signee Jayvan Boggs (112 yards receiving) was chasing history in attempting to surpass the state record for yards in a single season, but fell short in the win.

High School On SI was on hand for the state championship clash and give you three takeaways from the contest.

1. Gadsden County made Cocoa earn it for the 3-peat

Zilla Photos

Up against a very formidable Gadsden County crew, which some thought might be an easy walk through Pitbull Stadium, became an all-out battle for 4 quarters. Many would've expected the game to come down to the dynamic duo of Brady Hart (Texas A&M signee) and Jayvan Boggs (Florida State signee), but it would be Latrison Lane (80 yards, two touchdowns) saving the day. The running back came up in a huge way, helping lead the Tigers' second-half offensive charge en route to the program's coveted 3-peat they've been working towards all season long. Lane's touchdown plus some big runs in the fourth quarter helped fuel Cocoa's last score, a 2-yard Hart run. Gadsden County made Cocoa earn it and in the final quarter is where the difference was.

2. The Jaguars made no bones about running the ball

Zilla Photos

If you looked at the offensive front of Gadsden County's, you'd probably want to run the ball exclusively, too. Behind the 1-2 punch of running backs Kemarrion Battles (100 yards) and Tristen Davis (59 yards), the Jaguars tried pounding the Tigers into submission throughout the game. Finding the big play was the problem the entire afternoon for Russell Ellington's bunch as they could never get over the top or make an explosive in the ground-and-pound approach to the contest. Despite playing the 3 yards and a cloud of dust kinda game, Ellington started to put the ball in the air against Cocoa's talented defense did find promise, but was a bridge too far in the end.

3. What a 2024 season Hart-to-Boggs really was for Cocoa

Jayvan Boggs of Cocoa is tripped up by Christian Barrett of Gadsden County after a 60-yard pass reception in the first quarter of the FHSAA football Class 2A state championship Thursday, December 12, 2024. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK / Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Now Florida high school football fans have been treated to the likes of Jeremiah Smith, Brandon Innis, Malachi Toney and a host of others, but this duo of Hart-to-Boggs had themselves a season to remember when it comes to the connection the pair have. Though Hart finished the game completing 22-of-31 passes for 259 yards and one touchdown, leading Cocoa to two state championships is certainly an accomplishment to relish in. Question for Tigers' fan is who will be the next great under center for Cocoa?

FHSAA 2024 1A-7A PREDICTIONS/PREVIEWS

2024 FHSAA high football state championship projections

Predicting the winner of the 2024 Florida high school football 2A state championship

Predicting the winner of the 2024 Florida high school football 3A state championship

Predicting the winner of the 2024 Florida high school football 4A state championship

Predicting the winner of the 2024 Florida high school football 5A state championship

Predicting the winner of the 2024 Florida high school football 6A state championship

Predicting the winner of the 2024 Florida high school football 7A state championship

FHSAA 2024 CHAMPIONSHIPS BRACKETS

2024 CLASS 7A CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKET

2024 CLASS 6A CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKET

2024 CLASS 5A CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKET

2024 CLASS 4A CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKET

2024 CLASS 3A CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKET

2024 CLASS 2A CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKET

2024 CLASS 1A CHAMPIONSHIP BRACKET

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-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @highschoolonsi