By: Ross Van De Griek
We are approaching 24 hours away from kickoff of the 2019 FHSAA Football Class 3A Championship game between the Chaminade-Madonna Lions (11-2) & the Florida High Seminoles (12-1) from Gene Cox Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida.
Chaminade-Madonna head coach Dameon Jones, told the Sun Sentinel. "This might be the farthest I've ever had to travel for a game in my high school coaching career." The Lions will be traveling a total of 467 miles, while Florida High will have to travel for only five miles.
How did Chaminade-Madonna get here? They defeated Somerset Academy 35-0 in the regional semifinals, defeated Calvary Christian Academy (Fort Lauderdale) 35-0 in the regional finals & defeated Clearwater Central Catholic 28-7 in last week's state semifinals. The Lions are led by fourth year head coach Dameon Jones, who holds a career record of 45-11 at the school. Jones previously spent eight seasons at Hallandale (2007-2008 & 2010-2015).
Chaminade-Madonna is in the state championship game for the fourth consecutive year & is seeking their third state championship (2017, 2018). Players to watch for Chaminade-Madonna: Junior running back Thaddius Franklin (Miami commit), senior wide receiver Elijah Canion (Auburn commit) & junior kicker Andres Borregales (Miami commit).
Florida High is in the state championship game for the first time in school history, as they will be the lone local team being represented this weekend. Florida High comes into this week, as the #2 ranked team in Class 3A, according to MaxPreps. How did Florida High get here? They defeated Episcopal School of Jacksonville 48-19 in the regional semifinals, defeated Pensacola Catholic 21-14 in the regional finals & defeated Lakeland Christian 42-10 in last week's state semifinals.
Florida High is led by 15th year head coach Jarrod Hickman, who holds a career record of 119-61 & has reached the state semifinals in each of the last three seasons. Senior quarterback Willie Taggart Jr. needs 161 rushing yards, to reach 2000 passing yards & 1000 rushing yards for the season. Another name to keep an eye on is junior two-way player Ahmari Harvey who holds offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia & several others. Senior running back Alfred Menjor has rushed for 1295 rushing yards & has 20 rushing touchdowns this season.
With a win, Florida High will finish with their best season in school history, the Seminoles finished 12-1 back in 2007.
Score Prediction: Chaminade-Madonna 34, Florida High 20