By: Ross Van De Griek
We are approaching 24 hours away from kickoff of the 2019 FHSAA Football Class 6A state championship game between the Escambia Gators & the Miami Central Rockets.
The Escambia Gators (14-0) are back in the state championship game for the first time since 1999, where the Gators finished as a runner-up, losing to St. Thomas Aquinas, 38-35. Escambia is also seeking their first undefeated season in school history & their third state championship in school history. The Gators are looking to be the first public school from Escambia County to win a state championship since 2009, where Pensacola defeated Belen Jesuit, 28-7 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.
How did Escambia get here? Escambia defeated New Smyrna Beach, 44-0 in the regional quarterfinals, defeated Mainland 27-7 in the regional semifinals, defeated Jacksonville Lee 39-13 in the regional finals & defeated Gaither 45-21 in the state semifinals. Escambia (14-0) is averaging 38.75 points per game so far here in the postseason, while only allowing 10.25 points per game.
Escambia is led by head coach Mike Bennett, who is in his 3rd season at the school & his 24th season overall. Bennett holds a career record of 191-88, meanwhile holding a career record of 27-6 in his three seasons with the Gators.
Players to watch for Escambia: Senior running back Frank Peasant (Middle Tennessee commit) (239 carries, 1947 rushing yards, 23 rushing touchdowns), senior quarterback AV Smith (2515 passing yards, 29 touchdown passes & 5 interceptions), junior wide receiver JoJo Blackmon (49 catches, 881 receiving yards & 12 touchdowns).
The Miami Central Rockets (11-3) are back in the state championship game for the first time since 2015, where they defeated Armwood 48-13, under head coach Roland Smith. Miami Central is seeking their sixth state football championship in school history & their third under head coach Roland Smith.
How did Miami Central get here? They defeated Dunbar 38-0 in the regional quarterfinals, defeated Naples 56-23 in the regional semifinals, defeated Dillard 35-0 in the regional finals & defeated Palmetto 34-30 in the state semifinals. Miami Central (11-3) is averaging 40.75 points per game this postseason & allowing 13.25 points per game in the postseason.
Miami Central is led by head coach Roland Smith, who is in his 7th season & holds a career record of 56-13. Smith previously coached at Miami Northwestern (2001-2006).
Players to watch for Miami Central: Senior quarterback Katravis Marsh (Utah commit) (1061 passing yards, 14 touchdowns & 1 interception), senior running back Kejon Owens (FIU commit), junior wide receiver Chamon Metayer (Miami commit), sophomore linebacker Wesley Bissainthe (Holds offers from Alabama, Cincinnati, Miami, Nebraska, Pittsburgh & a few others) & junior offensive lineman Laurence Seymore (Miami commit).
Score Prediction: Miami Central 35, Escambia 20