By: Ross Van De Griek
We are approaching 24 hours until kickoff of the 2019 FHSAA Football Class 5A Championship game between the Orlando Jones Tigers & the Miami Northwestern Bulls.
The Orlando Jones Tigers are making their first trip in school history to the state championship game (dating back to 1895). The Tigers have also won three straight district championships & are coming into tomorrow's game on an 11-game winning streak.
Jones (13-1) comes into tomorrow's meeting, ranked #2 in Class 5A, according to MaxPreps, while Miami Northwestern (12-2) is ranked #1 in Class 5A.
How did Orlando Jones get here? Defeated Bishop Moore, 32-16 in the regional quarterfinals, defeated Nature Coast Tech 35-14 in the regional semifinals, defeated Vanguard 37-14 in the regional finals & defeated Wakulla 21-20 in the state semifinals.
Players to watch for Orlando Jones: Senior running back Avarius Sparrow (Holds offers from FAU, Rutgers, UCF & USF), senior wide receiver Mendez Jean-Baptiste (Holds offer from FIU), senior defensive back Dominick Hill (South Carolina commit) & senior wide receiver Jadan Robinson (45 catches, 527 receiving yards & 10 touchdowns).
Orlando Jones is led by fourth year head coach Elijah Williams, who holds a career record of 43-7. Williams also spent six seasons previously at Oak Ridge High School.
The Miami Northwestern Bulls (12-2) are back in the state championship game for the third consecutive year & are seeking their third straight state championship, fifth overall. The Miami Northwestern Bulls come into tomorrow's game, on a 9-game winning streak.
How did Miami Northwestern get here? They defeated Stranahan 63-0 in the regional quarterfinals, defeated Miami Killian 47-3 in the regional semifinals, defeated American Heritage (Plantation) 23-20 in the regional finals & defeated Jesuit 42-21 in the state semifinals.
Players to watch for Miami Northwestern: Freshman quarterback Taron Dickens (2318 passing yards, 25 touchdown passes & six interceptions), senior running back Nathaniel Noel (Holds high interest from Kent State & Toledo), senior wide receiver Marcus Fleming (Holds offers from Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Maryland, Nebraska & several others), junior wide receiver Romello Brinson (Holds 26 Division-1 offers) & junior tight end Kahlil Brantley (Miami commit)
Miami Northwestern is led by 5th year head coach Max Edwards, who holds a career record of 50-16. Edwards has also coached at Booker T. Washington & Miami Central.
Score Prediction: Miami Northwestern 34, Orlando Jones 17