FHSAA 7A football state championship preview: St. Thomas Aquinas vs. Tampa Bay Tech

The 2021 Florida High School football state championships continue this week with the 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A and 8A title games at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

In the 7A title game, the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders (13-1) will take on the Tampa Bay Tech Titans (14-0), who are making their first trip to the state championship game in school history. The game will take place on Friday at 7 p.m. ET.

Here is everything you need to know about the 7A FHSAA football championship game:

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS VS. TAMPA BAY TECH

How did St. Thomas Aquinas get here?

Defeated Atlantic 43-7 (Regional Quarterfinals), defeated Miramar 42-12 (Regional Semifinals), defeated Homestead 56-7 (Regional Finals), defeated Buchholz (Gainesville) 45-7 (State Semifinals)

Players to watch for St. Thomas Aquinas

Quarterback Zion Turner- 67% completion, 1996 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, 5 interceptions (Senior): Turner also has 67 carries, 316 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground.

Running back Anthony Hankerson- 154 carries, 931 rushing yards, 19 touchdowns (Senior)

Running back Xavier Terrell- 48 carries, 580 rushing yards, 9 touchdowns (Junior)

Athlete Gemari Sands- 36 carries, 457 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns (4 rush, 3 receiving) (Junior)

Wide receiver Camden Brown- 24 receptions, 483 receiving yards, 7 touchdowns (Senior)

Wide receiver Isaiah Hardge- 21 receptions, 334 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns (Junior)

Tight end Mason Taylor- 32 receptions, 373 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns (LSU commit) (Senior) (Son of Hall-Of Fame DE Jason Taylor)

Linebacker Derrieon Craig- 85 total tackles (58 solo), 2 sacks, 1 interception (Senior)

Linebacker Nick Rodriguez- 60 total tackles (36 solo) (Sophomore)

Defensive End Michael Renoit- 6 sacks (Leads team) (Senior)

Defensive Back King Mack- 50 total tackles, 4 interceptions (Tied for team lead)

What’s at stake for St. Thomas Aquinas?

The Raiders are seeking their 13th state football title in school history (most in FHSAA history).

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How did Tampa Bay Tech get here?

Defeated Largo 30-7 (Regional Quarterfinals), defeated Palmetto 26-18 (Regional Semifinals), defeated Wharton 42-6 (Regional Finals), defeated Lake Gibson 42-24 (State Semifinals)

Players to watch for Tampa Bay Tech:

Quarterback Xavione Washington- 57.3% completion, 2238 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, 8 interceptions (Junior): Washington also has 139 carries for 495 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns.

Running back James Evans IV- 179 carries, 1009 rushing yards, 15 touchdowns (Senior)

Running back Ronald Sims- 85 carries, 592 rushing yards, 9 touchdowns (Senior)

Wide receiver Greg Gaines III- 63 receptions, 830 receiving yards, 10 touchdowns (Senior) (Iowa State commit)

Wide receiver Santonyo Isaac- 15 receptions, 457 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns (Freshman) (Holds 3 D-1 offers)

Linebacker Ed Gwinn- 94 total tackles (Leads team), 3 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery (Junior)

Defensive Lineman Jahiem Borden- 90 total tackles, 8 sacks, 1 fumble recovery (Junior)

Defensive Lineman Donteye Drew- 78 total tackles, 7 sacks, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery (Junior)

Defensive End Antonio Camon- 73 total tackles, 28 tackles for loss (Junior) (Holds offers from Boston College, Kansas, Liberty, Louisville and others)

Defensive End Keyon Clark- 17 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries (Both lead team) (Senior)

What’s at stake for Tampa Bay Tech?

The Titans are seeking their first football state title in school history.

GAME INFO

Date: Friday, December 17, 2021

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Location: DRV PNK Stadium- Fort Lauderdale, FL

LIVE Stream: https://fhsaa.boxcast.com/#/broadcasts/iaf58xvgme2utmtsok4v (Non-Spectrum Customers)

http://www.myspectrumsports.com/floridagames/player.html?broadcast=iaf58xvgme2utmtsok4v (Spectrum Customers)