By: Ross Van De Griek
The 2019 Florida High School Football season will wrap up tomorrow night, in the Class 7A Final between the Edgewater Eagles & the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders from Daytona Stadium in Daytona Beach, Florida.
It's new school versus old school, in this game as Edgewater is making it's first state championship game appearance since 2004, while St. Thomas Aquinas is in their 2nd straight championship & is seeking their 11th state football championship in school history.
"This is the best group, I've had in my three years here at Edgewater", head football coach Cameron Duke said heading into this game. "This group of kids went 0-10 as freshmen & are now here at 13-1 as seniors, playing for a state championship, four years later" Duke added.
Edgewater is led by 3rd year head coach Cameron Duke, who holds a career record of 34-6. Duke has previously coached at Chiles, Jefferson County, Lake Highland Prep & Mosley.
How did Edgewater get here? They defeated Crestview 31-14 in the regional quarterfinals, defeated Lincoln 23-17 (2 OT) in the regional semifinals, defeated Niceville 28-20 in the regional finals & defeated Armwood 38-27 in the state semifinals.
Players to watch for Edgewater: Senior running back Isaiah Connelly (Holds offers from Austin Peay, Coastal Carolina, Colorado State, Georgia Southern, Liberty & several others), senior safety Eric Doctor (East Carolina commit), junior wide receiver Christian Leary (Holds offers from Charlotte, FIU, Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech & several others) & junior linebacker Deshawn Troutman (Holds offers from Louisville, Troy & Western Kentucky).
The St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders will look to bounce back in the state championship game, after finishing as a state-runner up last year, losing to Lakeland 33-20.
"We are not focused on last year right now, we are focusing on bringing a state championship back to South Florida", said St. Thomas Aquinas head coach Roger Harriott.
St. Thomas Aquinas is led by 5th year head coach Roger Harriott, who holds a career record of 59-8 & is in his 14th overall season as a coach, his career record is 136-23. Harriott was previously the head coach at University School (Fort Lauderdale) from 2006-2013.
How did St. Thomas Aquinas get here? They defeated South Broward 52-0 in the regional quarterfinals, defeated Plantation 59-19 in the regional semifinals, defeated Atlantic (Delray Beach) 26-0 in the regional finals & defeated Venice 42-0 in the state semifinals.
Players to watch for St. Thomas Aquinas: Sophomore quarterback Zion Turner (1523 passing yards, 22 touchdowns & six interceptions), sophomore running back Anthony Hankerson (111 carries, 890 rushing yards & 5 touchdowns), senior wide receiver Marcus Rosemy (Georgia commit) (27 catches, 467 receiving yards & 9 touchdowns), senior linebacker Derek Wingo (Florida commit) (52 total tackles) & senior running back Jaedon Henry (753 rushing yards & 9 touchdowns)
Score Prediction: St. Thomas Aquinas 42, Edgewater 21