They have thrown every opponent at them all season long. Now, one game stands between St. Thomas Aquinas and yet another unbeaten season, and of course, a state title.

The Raiders, who lost last season to Bradenton Manatee, ending a 37-game winning streak, made sure that there would none of that this time around when the Hurricanes came calling last Friday night.

From the start, it was evident that this game was going to be St. Thomas - and the Raiders made a statement once again!

The Raiders, who never trailed in the 31-7 win, beat the Hurricanes in every phase of the game, outgaining them 388 to 241, had nine more first downs, and outrushed the Hurricanes 251-24 with junior Dami Ayoola pounding out 126 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries, and Jamal Wilson rushed 13 times for 102.

The Raiders held a 17-0 lead when Nolan Bieck pounded through a 38-yard field goal. That scoring drive, like many on this night was courtesy of senior quarterback Jake Rudock, who was 10 of 18 for 137 yards.

5A STATE TITLE GAME
St. Thomas Aquinas (14-0) vs. Tampa Plant (12-2), Friday, December 17, 7 p.m., Citrus Bowl, Orlando: This is a matchup that many selected when the season started. This is one of those games where there are enough athletes on both sides of the ball to make a difference - either way.

This one really says that it has everything to become a true test for both teams. I don’t buy it. The Panthers are good and a very good Florida team. But the Raiders think at the national level, and a win here would give them a claim of a second national title in two years.
BCAA PICK: St. Thomas Aquinas 37, Plant 20

CYPRESS BAY SALUTE
What more can you say about head coach Mark Guandolo and his Lightning that hasn’t already been said by so many?

His heart-wrenching 30-27 loss to Miami Central showed everyone in the region what people in Broward County have known for over 25 years: When it comes to coaching a football program, he stands alone - at any level - and has proven it at five schools!

What the Lightning did was nearly shock a team that everyone has inked into the 6A finals since last year. They played the Rockets even all the way down to the end.

But if you happen to be a Cypress Bay fan, we can tell you right now, that they are already the pick to play for a chance to go to state in the newly formed Class 8A!


Miami Herald Article

You can reach Larry Blustein via e-mail at Floridakids1@hotmail.com. Blustein is the co-host of the High School Gridiron Show each Wednesday night from 9-10 on WQAM (560 AM) or www.wqam.com.

You can also follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/larryblustein