Class 1A-4A: Preview
The biggest surprise from this past weekend was Booker T. Washington pulling the upset win over Cocoa High School. The Tornado’s which are led by a freshman quarterback were supposed to have a down year. Instead they decided to crash the party this weekend and make it all the way back up to Orlando for another shot at a state title. No program over the past ten years has had the success of Booker T. Coach Earl Tillman deserves a ton of credit for getting them within one game of another state title win. Booker T. will face a team in Jacksonville Raines who finally got over the biggest hurdle they have had to go against in Jacksonville Bolles. Raines is looking to bring home Duval County their first title for a public school in over a decade if not longer. Teams like Jacksonville Bolles, University Christian and Trinity Christian have all taken home crowns but a public school in Duval has not done so in a very long time.
In Class 1A you will see Port St Joe trying to defend their title against Trenton High School. Both schools have won titles over the past few years. Port St Joe has some very gifted players they bring up to Orlando this weekend in hopes of winning another title. University Christian faces a newcomer to the last dance Cambridge High School. The two teams will face off in Class 2A. In class 3A you have American Heritage going against Trinity Christian. Both teams have played for state titles recently as Trinity Christian won last year. Raines and Booker T. Washington will round out the weekend in Class 4A.
Players to watch out for: Jacksonville Raines
Mike Pinckney: Linebacker-6’0-215-(Committed to University of Miami) Pinckney has been a long time University of Miami Commit. For Raines to pull off the big win against Booker T. they will need to rely on a defense that is very talented. Pinckney is a player that most will see how he plays on the biggest stage in Orlando.
Solomon Kindley: Offensive Tackle-6’5-345-Kindley is a massive human being. He is going to go against a Booker T defensive line that he will outweigh by more than 100 pounds. If Kindley and Raines offensive line have a good game it could spell trouble for Booker T. Washington.
Rick Wells-Wide Receiver-6’0-190-(Committed to Florida) Wells is not the biggest or fastest receiver but he is productive. He is a move the chains type of receiver and if in the red-zone we feel Wells could have a big game this weekend.
Others on Raines to watch out for: (Joshua Bailey-DT, JaQuan Bailey-DE, Augie Debiase-QB, Ronald Patterson-WR, Davonte Lawrence-DB)
Players to watch out for: Trinity Christian
DJ Matthews: Wide Receiver-6’1-175-(Committed to FSU)-Matthews is considered one of the top receivers in Florida for 2017. He will get his chance to shine this weekend as Trinity Christian plays for another state title. Matthews will be counted on to make the big plays.
Shaun Wade: Defensive Back-6’2-180-(Committed to Ohio State) –Wade is a big, long, rangy defensive back. He was a big reason why Trinity Christian won last season. He will be counted on to help stop American Heritage. Look for Wade to make an impact this weekend.
Others on Trinity to watch out for: RJ Robinson-LB, Rasheed Martin-RB
Players to watch out for: Booker T. Washington
Daniel Richardson-Quarterback-5’10-160- If you want to know why Booker T. is playing for another state title, Richardson is a big reason why. He is the next star from Booker T. that college coaches will look to recruit.
Craig Nelson-Running Back-5’9-175-With the loss of Mark Walton, Nelson moved over to offense this past spring. The results are in and Nelson has been a success. He gives them the ability to make big plays on offense. Nelson will be counted on to keep the ball away from Raines. Look for Nelson to make an impact this weekend.
Jaquan Beaver-Defensive End/Linebacker: Beaver is a prospect we noticed this spring. He is the type of player that is all over the field. If you look for Beaver, he will not be hard to spot out as he makes big time plays in almost every game.
Players to watch out for Port St Joe:
Troy Williams-Quarterbacks: 6’0-190-Williams makes plays on both sides of the football. He has played quarterback and is one of the leading rushers on Port St Joe offense.
Trey Sanders-Athlete-6’2-180-Port St Joe has had some very good players come through their program. There is a good chance that Sanders ends up one of the very best. He rushed for over 1,000 yards. His yards per rush is quite impressive as Sanders has an 11.5 Average.
Players to watch out for American Heritage:
Devin Singletary-Running Back: 5’9-200-Singletary is an important part of Heritage offense. He was injured last week so his status is probably up in the air at this time. If he can play the Stallions will have a much better chance at winning the state title game.
Jarques McClellion-Athlete-6’1-180-There is no question that when American Heritage wants a big play it is Jarques they will turn to. He scored the first touchdown of their game last weekend against CCC. Jarques is a threat to score every-time the ball is in his hands.
Others to keep an eye on: Alec Sinkfield-DB, Logan Wakefield-LB and DJ Davis-RB/CB
Players to watch out for: Cambridge Christian / University Christian-(Jacksonville)
Jaylin Jackson-QB (1325 yards passing / 17 touchdowns –447 Yards Rushing -7 touchdowns)
Caleb Young-WR-(369 yards-4 touchdowns)
Otis Anderson-RB
Hussien Howe-RB