INDIANAPOLIS — When the 2022 National Championship game kicks off Monday Night in Indianapolis, 28 former Florida gridiron greats will be part of SEC powerhouses representing their team on the quest to win college football’s premier annual pinnacle and cement their legacy in the annals of history.

CFP National Championshp
Indianapolis, IN
8PM ET
TV: ESPN

#1 ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE

Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Head Coach Nick Saban
Southeastern Conference (SEC) — SEC Champions
13-1

#3 Daniel Wright Redshirt Senior
DB
Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson Cobras
Fort Lauderdale, FL

2021 Stats: 28 tackles (16 solo), 1 sack, 3 Pass Deflections

#6 Trey Sanders Redshirt Sophomore
RB
IMG Academy via Port St. Joe
Port St. Joe, FL

Bama’s second-leading rusher

2021 Stats: 70 Rushes, 309 yards, 2 TD, 5 receptions, 52 receiving yds

#7 Ja’corey Brooks Freshman
WR
IMG Academy via Miami Booker T. Washington Tornadoes (F5)
Miami, FL

2021 Stats: 9 receptions, 145 yards, 2 TD

#7 Jordan Battle Junior
DB
St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders
Fort Lauderdale, FL

The Crimson Tide’s heralded leader in the Secondary

2021 Stats: 81 tackles (46 solo), 3 INT, 2 Defensive TD, 3 Pass Deflections

#12 Terrion Arnold
Freshman
DB
John Paul II Catholic
Tallahassee, FL

#12 Christian Leary
Freshman
WR
Orlando Edgewater
Fort Lauderdale, FL

2021 Stats: 2 receptions, 4 yards, TD

#14 Thaiu Jones-Bell
Sophomore
WR
Miami Carol City Chiefs
Miami Gardens/Carol City, FL

2021 Stats: 2 receptions, 16 yards

#15 Dallas Turner Freshman
LB
Ft. Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
Fort Lauderdale, FL

2021 Stats:

#19 Keanu Koht
Freshman
LB
Vero Beach
Vero Beach, FL

#23 Jahquez Robinson
Sophomore
DB
Sandalwood
Jacksonville, FL

#28 Josh Jobe Senior
DB
Chelsire Academy via Miami Columbus
Miami, FL

#50 Tim Smith
Sophomore
DL
Sebastian River Sharks
Sebastian, FL

#52 Braylen Ingraham Redshirt Sophomore
DL
Ft. Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
Fort Lauderdale, FL

#53 Kade Wehby
Redshirt Sophomore
SN
Ft. Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
Fort Lauderdale, FL

#73 Evan Neal Junior
OL
IMG Academy
Okeechobee, FL

#84 Agiye Hall
Freshman
WR
Bloomingdale Bulls
Valrico, FL

2021 Stats: 2 receptions, 20 yards

Alabama Crimson Tide Full Official Roster

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#3 GEORGIA BULLDOGS

Athens, Georgia
Head Coach Kirby Smart
Southeastern Conference (SEC)
13-1

#0 Rian Davis
Redshirt Sophomore
LB
Wekiva
Apopka, FL

SIGNED

2018 Miami Central RB James Cook @thegreat__4 signed with @FootballUGA #Bulldogs

JAMES COOK IS THE REAL DEAL!!! @DalvinCook's younger brother won State Championship as freshman: 178yds 3TD

Player Profile:https://t.co/l2CFW9vXkE #FLgridiron#Georgia #SEC #NSD18 pic.twitter.com/ZFe02strtz

— Florida Gridiron Preps (@FLgridironpreps) December 22, 2017

#4 James Cook Senior
RB
Miami Central
Miami, FL

2021 Stats: 107 rushes, 651 yards, 6.1 yds avg., 7 TD, 25 receptions, 269 yards, 4 receiving TD

#6 Kenny McIntosh Junior
RB
University School Sharks
Fort Lauderdale, FL

2021 Stats: 56 rushes, 322 yards, 5.8 yds avg., 3 TD, 19 receptions, 219 yards, 2 receiving TD

#9 Ameer Speed Senior
DB
Sandalwood
Jacksonville, FL

2021 Stats: 13 Tackles (7 Solo)

#11 Arian Smith
Redshirt Freshman
WR
Lakeland Dreadnaughts
Lakeland, FL

2021 Stats: 3 receptions, 102 yards, 2TD

8A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP @Mandarin_hs_fb ATH DeMario Douglas @dreamchaser031 catches 1 of his NEW @FHSAA STATE RECORD 4 TD Receptions!!!!#Bama QB commit Carson Beck @carsonbeck01 is Laser Accurate!
On The Moneyhttps://t.co/Mu6u07oCJN#FLgridiron

DUUUUVAAALLL
@lilduval pic.twitter.com/spDKP0rRfE

— Florida Gridiron Preps (@FLgridironpreps) December 10, 2018

#15 Carson Beck Redshirt Freshman
QB
Mandarin Mustangs
Jacksonville, FL

2021 Stats: 10-23, 176 yards, 2TD, 2 INT

#18 Xavian Sorey, Jr.
Freshman
LB
IMG Academy
Bradenton, FL

2021 Stats: 2 Tackles (1 solo), 1 INT

TIME TO SHINE
Mater Academy DB and #Georgia commit Latavious Brini @Tall_Man26https://t.co/UmSB53qKZ7#FLgridiron pic.twitter.com/GnVWINJ2to

— Florida Gridiron Preps (@FLgridironpreps) August 17, 2016

#36 Latavious Brini Senior
DB
Mater Academy Lions
Hialeah Gardens, FL

2021 Stats: 38 Tackles (23 solo), 8 Pass Deflections

#43 Matthew Helow
Freshman
DB
Bishop Kenny
Jacksonville, FL

#80 Brett Seither
Redshirt Sophomore
TE
Clearwater Central Catholic
Clearwater, FL

2021 Stats: 3 receptions, 42 yards, 1TD

FLORIDA VS. CALI

AQUINAS WITH THE LONG TD!!!
FLORIDA BOYS CAN BALL… AND DANCE

#1 St. Thomas Aquinas (FL) Raiders 14
De La Salle (CA) Spartans 7

1ST QTR@GeorgiaFootball commit @rosemy_marcus with the GREAT TD grab
https://t.co/dkStasg16W #FLgridiron

@STA_Football pic.twitter.com/fnPQ2zeRO6

— Florida Gridiron Preps (@FLgridironpreps) August 24, 2019

#81 Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint Sophomore
WR
St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders
Fort Lauderdale, FL

2021 Stats: 7 receptions, 94 yards

#88 Jalen Carter Sophomore
DL
Apopka Blue Darters
Apopka, FL

2021 Stats: 34 tackles (16 solo), 3 Sacks, 1 Pass Deflection

Georgia Bulldogs Full Official Roster

FORT LAUDERDALE — Venice utilized their high-powered offensive weapons to thump Apopka 35-7 in Florida’s 2021 Class 8A State Championship Saturday afternoon at Fort Lauderdale’s DRV PNK Stadium. Venice QB Ryan Browne had a near-perfect outing completing 18 of 21 passes for 250 yards, 4 TD, and a pick, and connecting with 3 different receivers for scores.

Venice jumped ahead early with Browne connecting with Omari Hayes on a 60yd TD pass early in the 1st quarter.

Apopka would quickly respond less than 3 minutes later after a Zeldrick Roberts 2 yard rush to put their first points on the scoreboard and even the game.

Venice would drive right back, with Browne nailing a 22 yard TD pass to Keyon Sears for his first score of the game.

Venice DE Damon Wilson‘s controversial interception return for a TD soured the mood at DRV PNK Stadium with a close game being sprouted by a controversial call. Wilson rushed the line hard, was able to block Blue Darter QB Andrew McClain’s pass with his extended left arm, only to catch it in the end zone with McClain immediately swatting it out of Wilson’s possession. Some reviewing the replay questioned if Wilson had it long enough to be called a possession and ultimately a TD. Nonetheless, with the referee signaling TD, that’s all that mattered: no instant replay exists within high school in Florida; thus, Wilson was awarded the PICK 6 in this State Championship game widening the lead going in at the half to 21-7.

WAS IT A TOUCHDOWN? Venice Junior DE Damon Wilson checks the video scoreboard at DRV PNK Stadium to see what the oos and ahhs were about [Photo Credit: B. Jackson, Florida Gridiron]

Venice would come out blazing in the second half with a 23 yard rush by Damarion Escort. 7 players later, Browne would a wide-open Keyon Sears for a nice 47 yd TD bomb, their second scoring connection of the game, to extend the lead to 28-7.

The momentum was clearly in Venice’s favor… And the Indians didn’t let up. Venice DB Myles Weston would rob Andrew McClain’s pass with a beautiful diving stretched-out interception across the middle to give the ball back to Venice. Venice had a comfortable lead knowing that they had to start to milk the clock as well as troop down the field for points. The Indians put together a 13 play drive mid-third quarter, rushing 11 times to advance to the Blue Darters’ red zone at the 20. Browne attempted to complete his 4TD of the game, but Apopka star DB Nikai Martinez swooped over for a beautiful interception thwarting the Indian’s efforts to score.

Ryan Browne would connect with star WR Jayshon Platt on a quick hitch, shaking the corner and exhibiting galloping speed outrunning the angle of Apopka’s safety for a 58 yard TD down the left sideline. The Senior playmaker Platt would lead all receivers with 108 yards on 7 catches and a TD.

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Venice defense allowed only 1 completion all game… for negative -4 yards. NO PASSING YARDS… NEGATIVE PASSING YARDS IN A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

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Apopka couldn’t get geared up with their high octane rushing attack churned up, only amassing 119 yards on the ground. Venice’s stifling defense only allowed 1 completion all game… for -4 yard loss. [We're checking the record books to see if any State Championship game amounted to no or NEGATIVE passing yards.]

Venice would force Apopka to punt on 7 of their 13 offensive possessions, forced two interceptions, and a turnover on downs. Venice DE Damon Wilson would lead the vaunted defense with 8 tackles, .5 sack, 2 Tackles for loss, 1 Pass Backup, 1 QB Hurry, and of course… a PICK SIX. Indians’ LB Logan Ballard would also have 5 tackles, 2 Tackles for a loss and a Sack.

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Venice is now 3-0 in State Championship Games… They come to big dance to WIN!

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Venice has now won their 2nd State Championship in a span of 5 years, with the previous State Title coming in 2017 with offensive weapons Mr. Football and Javon Heiligh. Heiligh just finished a wonderful collegiate career at Coastal Carolina.

Congrats to Venice and Head Coach John Peacock on having a remarkable 2021 season capped with the pinnacle of another State Championship trophy headed back to Florida’s SunCoast. The Indians were 14-1, with their only blemish, a six-point loss to eventual 2021 Class 4A Back-To-Back Champions Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons.

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Notables

- Venice QB Ryan Browne completed 18 of 21 passes for 250 yards, 4 TD and a pick.
- Venice has 3 State Titles in 3 State Final Appearances.

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BOX SCORE

Venice Indians

14

7

7

7

35

Apopka Blue Darters

7

0

0

0

7

Official 2021 State Championship Game Page on Florida Gridiron

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VIDEO: Florida’s 2021 Class 8A State Champions, VENICE INDIANS

Celebrating Venice Indians’ 35-7 Class 8A State Championship win over Apopka at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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MORE RELATED LINKS

2021 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL
2021 Class 8A Playoff Brackets
2021 FHSAA Final RPI Rankings

Venice Indians Team Hub
Venice, Florida
Suncoast Area

Apopka Blue Darters Team Hub
Apopka, Florida
Orlando Metro Area

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VIDEOS OF THE 2021 CLASS 8A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

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FORT LAUDERDALE — The last day of the FHSAA State Championships will kick off with a bang with Florida’s largest team classification State Finalists ready to clash at Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful DRV PNK Stadium. The Class 8A State Championship between the Apopka Blue Darters (12-2) and west coast powerhouse Venice Indians (13-1) will be held Saturday afternoon December 18, with kickoff at 1PM Eastern.

A LOOK AT THE CLASS 8A STATE FINAL’S TEAMS

Apopka
Apopka, Florida
Orlando Metro Area

TEAM RECORD: 12-2

BIG WINS:
LOSSES: Only 2 losses come to Central Florida powerhouse Edgewater and Polk County powerhouse Lakeland

HEAD COACH: JEFF ROLSON

High School Alma Mater: Farmer (IL)
Alma Mater: Eastern Illinois (1989)

KEY PLAYERS:
#7 Keyondray Jones (JR): 184 carries, 1207 yds rushing, 12 TD

#21 DB Nikai Martinez #1 QB Andrew McClain (SR): 54-92, 716 yds, 8TD, 4INT, 196yds rushing, 3 rush TD

APOPKA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY (3)

5 STATE FINAL APPEARANCES, 3 STATE TITLES:
2019 8A State Runner-Up
2014 8A STATE CHAMPION
2013 8A State Runner-Up
2012 8A STATE CHAMPION
2001 6A STATE CHAMPION

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Venice Indians Team Hub
Venice, Florida
Suncoast Area

TEAM RECORD: 13-1

BIG WINS: Miami Northwestern* (preseason), Edgewater, Cocoa, West Orange, Miami Columbus
LOSSES: Only loss is to Back-to-Back Defending Class 4A State Champs Cardinal Gibbons

HEAD COACH: JOHN PEACOCK

High School Alma Mater: Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (1992)
Alma Mater: Georgia Southern (1998)

KEY PLAYERS
#1 – WR Jayshon Platt: 55 rec, 962 yds, 11TD
#15 – QB Ryan Browne (SR): 157-269, 281 yds, 27TD, 6INT
#13 – RB Dam’arion Escort (SR): 209 carries, 1508 yds, 21 TD
ATH Omari Hayes
OL Michael Raney
LB Logan Ballard
DE Damon Wilson
CB Elliot Washington
DT Trenton Kintigh

VENICE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY (2)

2 STATE FINAL APPEARANCES, 2 STATE TITLES:
2017 4A STATE CHAMPION
2000 4A STATE CHAMPION

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BY THE NUMBERS

SCORING DIFFERENTIALS

Official 2021 State Championship Game Page on Florida Gridiron

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MORE RELATED LINKS

2021 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL
2021 Class 8A Playoff Brackets
2021 FHSAA Class 8A Final RPI Rankings

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VIDEOS OF THE 2021 CLASS 8A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Subscribe to the Florida Gridiron Preps YouTube Channel to get the latest on our video uploads!
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FORT LAUDERDALE — The second week of the FHSAA State Championships kicked off with a bang in South Florida as Broward’s own Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons held down South Florida’s fort to beat a tough Cocoa team 21-19 in the first game of action at the beautiful DRV PNK Stadium. Tonight, another South Florida team, the dynastic Miami Central, will attempt to win another state championship in their own backyard. The Class 5A State Championship between the Defending Back-To-Back State Champs Miami Central Rockets (11-2) and the resurgent Merritt Island Mustangs (13-1) will be held Friday afternoon December 17, with kickoff at 1PM Eastern.

A LOOK AT THE CLASS 5A STATE FINAL’S TEAMS

Miami Central Rockets Team Hub
Miami, Florida
Miami-Dade Area


DEFENDING CLASS 6A STATE CHAMPS

TEAM RECORD: 11-2

BIG WINS: Miami BTW, Miami Northwestern (x2), Miami Edison, Plantation American Heritage, Miami Killian, Baker County
LOSSES: Only 2 losses come to National Powerhouses St. John Bosco (CA) and Las Vegas Bishop Gorman (NV) in the first two weeks of the season

HEAD COACH: Roland Smith

Roland Smith is LEGEND!
High School Alma Mater: Miami Northwestern
Alma Mater: University of Miami Hurricanes (1997)

KEY PLAYERS:

#1 LB Wesley Bissanthe (Miami signee)

#12 QB Keyone Jenkins (JR)

#2 RB Ghana Oboh #14 WR Lamar Seymore #5 RB Ean Pope

#7 DB Alfonzo Allen #11 Rueben Bain #81 WR Corey Washington #78 OL Daughtry Richardson

MIAMI CENTRAL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY (7)

DEFENDING BACK-TO-BACK CLASS 6A STATE CHAMPS

D-Y-N-A-S-T-Y

8 STATE FINAL APPEARANCES, 7 STATE TITLES:
2020 6A STATE CHAMPION
2019 6A STATE CHAMPION
2015 6A STATE CHAMPION
2014 6A STATE CHAMPION
2013 6A STATE CHAMPION
2012 6A STATE CHAMPION
2011 6A State Runner-Up
2010 6A STATE CHAMPION

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Merritt Island Mustangs Team Hub
Merritt Island, Florida
Space & Treasure Coast Area

TEAM RECORD: 13-1

BIG WINS: Melbourne, Rockledge (x2), Viera, Sebring
LOSSES: The Mustangs have not lost to a team in Florida… Only loss is a defeat to Cairo (GA)

HEAD COACH: Hurlie Brown

Hurlie Brown was a star at Merritt Island. He would later take his talents to the Miami Hurricanes.
High School Alma Mater: Merritt Island
Alma Mater: University of Miami Hurricanes (1997)

KEY PLAYERS
#15 B. Denaburg (SR): 236-387, 2972 yds, 28TD, 3INT
#34 D. Shields (SR): 167 carries, 744 yards, 7TD
#1 D. Donahue (JR): 96 rec, 994 yds, 12TD
#4 B. Koby (SR): 60 rec, 944 yds, 11TD
#8 A. Session (SR): 11 Sacks
#48 D. Duke Smith (SR): 8 Sacks
#36 J. McFadden (SO): 7 Sacks
#6 J. Bennett (SR): 6INT
#35 S. Mayo (JR): 3INT

MERRITT ISLAND STATE CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY (3)

4 STATE FINAL APPEARANCES, 3 STATE TITLES:
1979 4A STATE CHAMPION
1978 4A STATE CHAMPION
1972 4A STATE CHAMPION
1989 4A State Runner-Up

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BY THE NUMBERS

SCORING DIFFERENTIALS

Official 2021 State Championship Game Page on Florida Gridiron

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MORE RELATED LINKS

2021 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL
2021 Class 5A Playoff Brackets
2021 FHSAA Class 5A Final RPI Rankings

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VIDEOS OF THE 2021 CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Subscribe to the Florida Gridiron Preps YouTube Channel to get the latest on our video uploads!
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FORT LAUDERDALE — The first of the last five State Championship games kickoff tonight in Fort Lauderdale at the beautiful DRV PNK Stadium. The Class 4A State Championship between the Defending State Champs Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs (10-2) and perennial Central Florida powerhouse Cocoa Tigers (11-1) will be held Thursday night December 16, with kickoff at 7PM Eastern.

A LOOK AT THE CLASS 4A STATE FINAL’S TEAMS

Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs Team Hub
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Broward Area


DEFENDING CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPS

TEAM RECORD: 10-2

BIG WINS: Gainesville Buchholz, Venice, Gulliver Prep, Lakewood
LOSSES: Only 2 losses come to Broward Powerhouses St. Thomas Aquinas, Plantation American Heritage.

HEAD COACH: Matt DuBuc

Matt DuBuc is a Cardinal Gibbons Chief.. not only the head coach, but also a star running back during his days donning the red and white. He was part of the Gibbons’ team that went to the Class 3A State Championship game in 1990, but lost to the Suwannee Bulldogs 44-14 for the title. Now, in his sixth season at the helm of the Chiefs, he has 61-12 record, with his team winning last year’s Class 4A Title and in 2018 bringing home the trophy back to Fort Lauderdale.
Alma Mater: Texas Tech Red Raiders (1997)

KEY PLAYERS:

#10 QB Dylan Rizk (JR): 164-240, 68.3%, 1933 yds passing, 16TD, 9INT, 437 yds rushing, 8TD

#19 RB Kamari “Hulk” Moulton (JR): 128 carries, 904 yds, 16TD
#3 WR Davon Kiser (SR): 27 rec, 429 yards, 5 TD, Averaging 74.3 all-purpose yards a game
#16 WR Jesse Anderson (JR): 37 rec, 476 yards, 3TD

#2 WR Elisha Edwards (SR): 28 rec, 333 yards, 3TD

#17 WR Komani Beneby (JR): 18 rec, 240 yards, 3TD

#55 LB Tray Brown (SR): 95 Tackles, 13 TFL, 3 Sacks
#7 DE Mason Thomas (SR): 62 Tackles, 11 Sacks, 18TFL, 55 yard rushing TD

CARDINAL GIBBONS CHIEFS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY (2)

DEFENDING 2020 CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPS

3 STATE FINAL APPEARANCES, 2 STATE TITLES:
1990 3A State Runner-Up
2018 4A STATE CHAMPION
2020 4A STATE CHAMPION

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Cocoa Tigers’ Team Hub
Cocoa, Florida
Space & Treasure Coast Area

TEAM RECORD: 11-1

BIG WINS: Vero Beach, Kissimmee Osceola, Treasure Coast, Orlando Dr. Phillips, Port Orange Spruce Creek, Rockledge, Jacksonville Bolles
LOSSES: Only loss is a one point defeat to current 2021 Class 8A State Finalist Venice

HEAD COACH: Ryan Schneider

Coach Schneider played high school at Plantation HS (Broward Area) where he was a star QB. He signed with the University of Central Florida where made a name for himself. Coach Schneider comes under the Roger Harriott (State Champion Head Coach at St. Thomas Aquinas) coaching tree during his time at Aquinas before accepting the HC job at Cocoa.
Alma Mater: UCF Knights (1997)

KEY PLAYERS

#5 SB OJ Ross (SR): 237 carries, 1791 yards, 36 TD, 351 yards receiving, 0 fumbles

#4 QB Davin Wydner (SR): 205-288, 3328 yards, 21 TD, 8 INT

#6 WR Jmariyae Robinson (SR): 64 rec, 1279 yards, 7TD

#2 WR Donte Cook (SR): 55 rec, 851 yards, 9TD

#21 Cedrick Hawkins (JR): 106 tackles, 3INT
#15 Samadrae Hawkins (S0): 151 tackles (106 solo), 8TFL, 2 sacks

COCOA TIGERS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY (4)

6 STATE FINAL APPEARANCES, 4 STATE TITLES:
2008 3A STATE CHAMPION
2009 2A STATE CHAMPION
2010 2A STATE CHAMPION
2016 4A STATE CHAMPION
2017 4A State Runner-Up
2018 4A State Runner-Up

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BY THE NUMBERS

SCORING DIFFERENTIALS

Official 2021 State Championship Game Page on Florida Gridiron

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MORE RELATED LINKS

2021 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL
2021 Class 4A Playoff Brackets
2021 FHSAA Class 4A Final RPI Rankings

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VIDEOS OF THE 2021 CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Subscribe to the Florida Gridiron Preps YouTube Channel to get the latest on our video uploads!
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TALLAHASSEE — A win for a team means that they have one or more points than their opponent at the conclusion of the contest. And that’s exactly what it took, one point, for Madison County to squeak past a good Hawthorne team 13-12 to claim the 2021 Class 1A State Championship before a crowd of more than 3,474 spectators at Gene Cox Stadium in Tallahassee.

Madison County did just enough to capitalize off of Hawthorne’s mental errors to capture the Cowboys’ 6th Football State Championship in school history. In a game laden with penalties, it wasn’t pretty, at times downright ugly, but in the end, now written in stone in Florida’s annals of state champions, the small school in Big Bend’s Madison County continues to bolster its claim as Florida’s best all-time dynastic small class powerhouse to play on Florida’s gridiron.

In a game where Hawthorne seemed to have control, a few key plays on special teams opportunities proved fatal to Hawthorne’s quest for the Hornets’ 1st football State Championship in school history. The inability to score on 2 two-point conversions, and an errant low hike during a punt which was eventually blocked and returned to Hawthorne’s two-yard line by Madison County DB Tyrece Pryor proved to be the key capitalization factors in Madison County prevailing as the Class 1A State Champion.

Hawthorne has come up short in back-to-back state final appearances. Hornets’ Head Coach Cornelius Ingram has done a great job with this Hawthorne program, with an undefeated regular season.

4-time State Championship Head Coach of Madison County Mike Coe stated that this state championship was his best state championship win. “No 5-stars… These kids got it done.” Coe gave credit to previous coaches Randy McPherson and Frankie Caroll, both built the program in the powerhouse and each has one state championship trophy to add to Coe’s four.

HC Mike Coe is now one of several coveted head coaches who have coached multiple sons to State Championship Wins… Coe now has two sons to win State Championships, with his elder son Zac winning 3 State Championship titles as a Center for the Cowboys between 2017 and 2019, and now Bray Coe who has won his 1st State Championship playing for his father. Another member of this coveted State Championship with State Champions sons would be Florida gridiron coaching LEGEND Tim “Ice” Harris, whose sons Brandon (2007) and Treon (2012, 2013) both won state championship trophies.

Madison County now has 6 State Championship Wins in 11 State Final Appearances, and has won 4 out of the last 5 Class 1A State Championships in Florida. Cowboy’s HC Mike Coe is now 4-2 in the Big Game.

On a beautiful Saturday night in Florida’s capital, Hawthorne entered the contest undefeated. By the early 2nd quarter, the Hornets put the first 6 on the scoreboard first with a Tyler Jefferson rush for 31 yards. Hawthorne attempted a 2pt conversion, but the Hornets’ efforts were thwarted by Madison County, making the score 6-0 with 7:38 in the 2nd quarter.

Madison County would respond with the Cowboys marching down the field on a 10 play, 77-yard drive, ending with a 9 yard TD pass to Delvin Boatman from Jamie Hampton. The Cowboys kicked a PAT, and took the lead 7-6 with 2:42 left in the 1st half.

The Hornets would quickly roundup to quick strike before halftime. Propelled by a 15 yard personal foul on Madison County, and a 32-yard completion from Jefferson to Cohen, Hawthorne found themselves in the redzone at the Cowboys’ 10. Tyler Jefferson scooted for a 10-yard TD run to place Hawthorne up 12-7 before the half, with the Hornets’ once again opting for the 2 points and not converting.

Madison County would open the 2nd half with the ball. But the third quarter was nasty football, marred by 12 penalties during the quarter.

One bright spot of the 3rd quarter was Madison County DB Akins interception, one he returned back 75 yards back for a supposed score, only to be brought back for a block in the back. No points were scored in the 3rd quarter… “Four Fingers Up”; if Madison County was to pull it off, they had 12 minutes remaining in Florida’s Class 2A State Championship to reverse the tide.

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Football 101: Coach would say the team that makes the least mental errors will win the game.

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The first drive of the fourth quarter proved to have the play of the game. Madison held strong and forced the Hornets to punt. On 4th and 13, the Hornets center delivered a skipped hike to punter Josues Knapp, from which he tried to get control and punt, only to punt directly into the helmet of Madison County defender Tyrece Pryor. The punt ricocheted, Pryor scooped up the live ball and advanced the ball before being tackled from behind at the 2-yard line. This was the play that Madison County needed, and they capitalized, being in the perfect position to turn the tide and bring out the heart of a tested champion.

One play later and six seconds off the clock, Cowboys QB Jamie Hampton took it through the gap to put his team up 13-12 with 7:59 left in the game. Football analytics called for the Cowboys to attempt a 2pt conversion, but the attempt failed.

With momentum clearly siding with Madison County, the Cowboys forced a 3 and out. The Cowboys’ focus was to milk the clock… and they just that, gaining 2 first downs in 7 plays allowing 5 minutes and 45 seconds to elapse.

The Hornets would have 0:48 from their own 15-yard line to try to get a touchdown or at least in FG position. (Note, the Hornets had not attempted a FG or kicking PAT all game.) After a few errant incomplete passes, Madison County was penalized for pass interference, gifting Hawthorne 15 yards advance to their own 30. Jefferson would complete a 12 yard pass to Cohen on 3rd down to keep hope alive with only a few ticks left. After holding firm for 2 incomplete passes, the Madison County Cowboys would become Florida’s 2021 FHSAA Class 1A State Champions.

As the teams shook hands, the fireworks lit up the sky in Tallahassee. The booms, the cheers, the laughter, the cries… the emotions of being in the biggest game of your life. Madison County fought through adversity all season long, only to become battle-tested in a variety of situations all season long, to prevail during the latest hour, ultimately to remount as King of Class 1A.

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Notables

-Hawthorne QB Tyler Jefferson finished the game with a game-high 105 yards on 19 rushing attempts, with touchdown runs of 31 yards and 10 yards in the 2nd quarter.
-Madison County Akins had 2 interceptions in the State Championship Game

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BOX SCORE

Official 2021 State Championship Game Page on Florida Gridiron

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MORE RELATED LINKS

2021 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL
2021 Class 1A Playoff Brackets
2021 FHSAA Final RPI Rankings

Madison County Cowboys Team Hub
Madison, Florida
Big Bend Area

Hawthorne Hornets Team Hub
Hawthorne, Florida
North Central Area

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VIDEOS OF THE 2021 CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

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TALLAHASSEE — It was a wild first game of the 2021 State Championships as Jacksonville Trinity Christian used their two-head rushing attack to propel the Conquerors to a 41-23 win over Hialeah Champagnat Catholic Lions in the Class 2A State Championship game. In splendid fashion, both of Trinity Christian’s workhouse backs Junior Treyaun Webb and sophomore Darnell Rogers rushed for 173 yards each and a combined 5 TDs to propel the Conquerors to back-to-back state championship titles and their 9th football State Championship in school history.

Jacksonville Trinity Christian came in as the reigning 2020 Class 3A State Champs. Due to lower enrollment, the FHSAA reclassified the Conquerors in 2021 to Class 2A, where Champagnat Catholic has been the perennial favorites being the defending 2020 Class 2A State Champs appearing in their sixth straight championship game. Thus, there could only be one back-to-back state champion… and the Conquerors stayed true to their name conquering the Class 2A State Championship.

Junior Trinity Christian Running Back Treyaun Webb led all rushers with 173 yards on the ground and 2 Touchdowns. His 43-yard scamper in the 1st quarter put the Trinity Christian Conquerors on the scoreboard in response to an early score from Champagnat’s Kelvin Blount’s 40yard touchdown reception from freshman sensation QB Ennio Yapoor.

Tied 7-7, Jax Trinity Christian freshman sensation QB Colin Hurley hit WR/K Seth Bialek for a 14yd TD connection to put his Conquerors up 14-7 with 3:28 in the 1st quarter. After back and fro stunted offensive sessions in the 2nd quarter, the Conquerors went to halftime with a tight 14-7 lead.

Jax Trinity Christian had a nice 33 yard return by L.J. Kelly to open up the 3rd quarter giving them prime position at Champagnat’s 42. A couple plays later, the other head of the Conquerors rushing attack Darnell Rogers would pick up steam taking the rock 22 yards to put them in the red zone. Treyuan Webb would expand the lead to 21-7 with a 12-yard run for his 2nd touchdown of the night.

To start the 4th quarter up 21-7, Trinity Christian started to work the workhouse Darnell Rogers with 6 rushes for 59 yards on the scoring drive alone with Rogers expanding Jax TCA’s score to 27-7 with a 3yd Touchdown run with 9:57 in the 4th. Champagnat would respond less than minutes later with an 11yd TD run from Yapoor and a successful 2pt conversion to trim the score within reach to 27-15 with 7:44 left in the game. Champagnat had gained momentum, but could they stop Trinity Christian’s vaunted rushing attack which would be sure to attempt to milk the clock as the 4th quarter winded down.

An energized Champagnat defense came out and stopped Trinity Christian with a 3 and out forcing the Conquerors to punt. With 5:02 left in the game, Champagnat needed two scores. Yapoor would connect with highly touted Champagnat receiver Benjamin Prosper for 14 yards and a 1st Down. But the next play, Trinity Christian’s LB Johnathan Goodard forced a sack with Yappor intentionally grounding the ball resulting in a loss of 15 yards and a down.

Two plays later, LB Caden Morrell would have a crucial pass break up forcing Champagnat to go for it on 4th and 18th. Morrell made his presence felt on the grandest of stages, ending a monster game with a team-high 9 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 3 Tackles for Loss, a Fumble Recovery and a PBU.

Down by 12 with 4th and 18 from their own 40, Champagnat was forced to go for it, connecting with Ben Prosper for 15 yards but not enough with a holding penalty a turnover on downs. Trinity Christian was now in firm control with the sights of their 9th State Championship in clear view. Treyaun Webb would break free for an explosive 38 yard gain, only to be horse-collar tackled at the one. (Editor’s Note: Very Thankful Webb was fine as this was a nasty weight-bearing takedown that can really hurt players and hamper careers). Rogers would score from the 1 on the next play for his second touchdown and potential sealing the game with a 34-15 lead and a dreaded three-score advantage.

But Champagnat took only 5 plays and barely over a minute to respond with a string of 3 straight passes to different receivers culminating in a 51 yard TD toss from Yapoor to Marvin Sims to trim the score to 34-23 with 2:13 left in the game.

Trinity Christian would recover the onside kick. Webb would rush for 9 yards on his last attempt of the game, with Rogers breaking free the next play for 46 yards and the final touchdown of the game to seal the deal 41-23 after Seth Bialek’s successful XP attempt. Sophomore Running Back Darnell Rogers put up 173 yards, with 87 yards and 3 Touchdowns in the 4th quarter alone in an offensive explosion for Trinity Christian.

With a young backfield spearheaded by freshman phenom Class of 2025 QB Colin Hurley, and sophomore Darnell Rogers, best believe that back-to-back State Champs Jacksonville Trinity Christian will be favorites to 3-peat in 2022.

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NOTABLES:

* Jacksonville Trinity Christian now has 9 State Championships in 11 state final appearances.
* Coaching Legend Verlon Dorminey captured his 300th career win in the same year that he claims another State Championship Title

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BOX SCORE

Official 2021 State Championship Game Page on Florida Gridiron

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MORE RELATED LINKS

2021 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL
2021 Class 2A Playoff Brackets
2021 FHSAA Class 2A Final RPI Rankings

Jacksonville Trinity Christian Conquerors Team Hub
Jackonville, Florida
First Coast Area

Hialeah Champagnat Catholic Lions Team Hub
Hialeah, Florida
Miami-Dade Area

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VIDEOS OF THE 2021 CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

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It’s the start of the championship week in the State of Florida as Classes 1A-3A teams get ready to battle for the pinnacle of a long 16 week high school football season: State Championship Trophies. This 2021 season was full of great gridiron action and, unlike the 2020 season, was slightly hampered by the threat of COVID-19, thus allowing for a full statewide competition of all participatory schools from the Panhandle to The Keys.

CLASSES 1A-3A

The 2021 State Championship Games will be played at Gene Cox Stadium in the state capital of Tallahassee from December 9-11, 2021.

One state championship game will be played each night at 7pm during this three-day span at Gene Cox. Below is the schedule for games at Gene Cox Stadium in Tallahassee during the first week of State Championship Games.

2A STATE TITLE

Thursday, December 9, 2021
7PM
TRINITY CHRISTIAN Conquerors (Jacksonville) vs. CHAMPAGNAT CATHOLIC Lions (Hialeah)
Gene Cox Stadium — Tallahassee, FL
2A State Championship Game Preview

3A STATE TITLE

Friday, December 10, 2021
7PM
BERKELEY PREP Buccaneers (Tampa, FL) vs. CHAMINADE-MADONNA Lions (Hollywood, FL)
Gene Cox Stadium — Tallahassee, FL
3A State Championship Game Preview

1A STATE TITLE

December 11, 2021
7PM
MADISON COUNTY Cowboys (Madison, FL) vs.HAWTHORNE Hornets (Hawthorne, FL)
Gene Cox Stadium — Tallahassee, FL
1A State Championship Game Preview

Gene Cox Stadium is the site of three previous state championship games in 2019:
3A — CHAMINADE-MADONNA beat Florida 35-20
2A — CHAMPAGNAT CATHOLIC beat Victory Christian 35-14
1A — MADISON COUNTY beat Blountstown 70-35

CLASSES 4A-8A

DRV PNK Stadium is the interim home of the the Major League Soccer (MLS) Inter Miami CF soccer team, and was the former site of the legendary Lockhart Stadium, where many South Florida legends played and also the site where Hollywood Hills captured their one and only state championship (Class 4A) with a 22-9 win over Jacksonville Raines in 1973.

The placement of the larger class state championship games in South Florida should come as a welcomed location. South Florida, consisting of teams from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, alone have collectively won 23 of the 40 state championship titles in the last five years. That’s right, 23 of 40… over half, 50%. These 3 counties, in Florida’s large array of 67 counties, have won over half of the state championships in the last 5 years. South Florida teams have been dominant and a shift of location for larger classifications should lend to more populated games due to less travel time and the ability for professionals to attend work and attend a state championship game during the same day.

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4A STATE TITLE

Thursday, December 16, 2021
7PM
CARDINAL GIBBONS Chiefs (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
vs.
COCOA Tigers (Cocoa, FL)
DRV PNK Stadium — Fort Lauderdale, FLorida
4A State Championship Game Preview

5A STATE TITLE

Friday, December 17, 2021
1PM
MIAMI CENTRAL Rockets (Miami, FL)
vs.
MERRITT ISLAND Mustangs (Merritt Island, FL)
DRV PNK Stadium — Fort Lauderdale, FLorida
5A State Championship Game Preview

7A STATE TITLE

Friday, December 17, 2021
7PM
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS Raiders (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
vs.
TAMPA BAY TECH Titans (Tampa Bay, FL)
DRV PNK Stadium — Fort Lauderdale, FLorida
7A State Championship Game Preview

8A STATE TITLE

Saturday, December 18, 2021
1PM
APOPKA Blue Darters(Apopka, FL)
vs.
VENICE Indians (Venice, FL)
DRV PNK Stadium — Fort Lauderdale, FLorida
8A State Championship Game Preview

6A STATE TITLE

Saturday, December 18, 2021
7PM
PINE FOREST Eagles (Pensacola, FL)
vs.
JESUIT Tigers (Tampa, FL)
DRV PNK Stadium — Fort Lauderdale, FLorida
6A State Championship Game Preview

FLORIDA’S 2021 CLASS 1A-3A STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

WHEN: DECEMBER 9-11, 2021
WHO: CLASS 1A-3A STATE TITLE GAMES
WHERE: GENE COX STADIUM, 601 Paul Russell Road, Tallahassee, FL 32301
CAPACITY: 6,500
SURFACE TYPE: Turf
TICKETS: $12 in Advance, $15 Game Day purchase
LIVE STREAM: Spectrum Sports
GAME DATES:
December 9, 2021 7PM– CLASS TBA
December 10, 2021 7PM– CLASS TBA
December 11, 2021 7PM– CLASS TBA

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FLORIDA’S 2021 CLASS 8A-4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

WHEN: DECEMBER 16-18, 2021
WHO: CLASS 8A-4A STATE TITLE GAMES
WHERE: DRV PINK STADIUM, 1350 NW 55th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
CAPACITY: 18,000
SURFACE TYPE: GRASS:
TICKETS: $12 in Advance, $15 Game Day purchase
LIVE STREAM: Spectrum Sports
GAME DATES: TBA

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2021 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRAL

2021 STATE SERIES BRACKETS
Class 8A Brackets
Class 7A Brackets
Class 6A Brackets
Class 5A Brackets
Class 4A Brackets
Class 3A Brackets
Class 2A Brackets
Class 1A Brackets

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Official FHSAA article