FHSAA State finals set in 1A-4A
Can Judson lead Cocoa to another state title win ?
This year will be a blast from the past in FHSAA State title games. The 2016 1A state finals have an old foe who is heading up to Orlando. After close to a decade of not being in the state finals Pahokee makes their way back up to Central Florida to reclaim their crown as one of the premier small classification programs. Pahokee will play Baker High School.
In class 2A Champagnat Catholic plays University Christian who is out of Duval County. Champagnat returns after winning the title a couple of years ago. They are led by a defense which may be one of the best in 2A. Last week their defense smothered one of the better offenses in Northside Christian. Northside had scored 35 and 41 in back to back games before being held to 3 against the Lions.
In class 3A returns and old foe. When ESS first got into the business of covering High School state championship games Chaminade was one of the top programs. After a decade of not playing for a state title Chaminade is back in the dance. They are led by Henry Columbi who is committed to Utah State. They will face Trinity Christian who is looking for their fourth straight title.
Class 4A will look a little different this year as Cocoa High School will go against Bolles. Corky Rodgers will be going after what will seem like his 20th title. All kidding aside Coach Rodgers is one of the best coaches ever. Rodgers is coaching for another title which will just add to his legacy.
Players to watch out for:
Baker
Kalee Ciurleo 6’0-170 (2018)http://www.hudl.com/profile/5567266/kalee-ciurleo
Junior McLaughlin-5’9-180-(2019) http://www.hudl.com/profile/6075595/junior-mclaughlin
Derek Peoples-5’8-145 http://www.hudl.com/profile/5433864/derek-peoples-jr
Pahokee
Akeem Dent-5’11-170-(2019) Dent is one of the premier players in his class. The University of Miami commit will make his presence felt in the state title game. He is a player that could end up an MVP candidate.
Champagnat
Donovan Georges-6’1-220-(2018) -Georges is one of the better players we will watch in the lower classifications. He already holds P5 offers from some of the premier programs in the country. http://www.hudl.com/profile/8169708/donovan-georges
Gregory Rousseau– 6’5-210-(2018) Gregory has great size and could be a match up problem for University. While still developing as a prospect, Rousseau should get some serious attention after the state title game. http://www.hudl.com/profile/6059454/gregory-rousseau
Jahani Wright-5’10-170-(2018) There are not many better slot receivers you will see in Orlando. Wright is a one cut and go type player. He can get behind a secondary and make a big time play. He is electric with the football in his hands.
http://www.hudl.com/profile/6603044/jahani-wright
Jesus Machado- 6’1-200 (2020) Machado is a menace as he lives in the opposition’s backfield on almost every play. We don’t see that being any different this upcoming game. He has the ability to get up the field and cause havoc in the opposition’s backfield. He is a very good pass rusher and we expect him to make an impact in Orlando. http://www.hudl.com/profile/6754816/jesus-machado
University Christian
Otis Anderson– 5’8-180-(2017)-Here is a familiar name. Anderson has done very well for himself in state title games. This year he has rushed for 742 yards and 9 touchdowns. He will get his chance again next week to shine. Anderson is a big play threat as he has over an 8 yard per carry average.
Others to watch out for DJ Stubbs….He is another player for University Christian that has stood out over the past two seasons.
Chaminade
Cody Watson– 5’10-190 (2017) when you turn on Chaminade film you will see number 10 flying to the football. He is very active and must be accounted for when you play Chaminade. He will be counted on to help stop Trinity Christian offense. We expect him to be a big part of Chaminade defensive game plan to stop DJ Matthews.
Brandon Lee-5’6-160 (2018)-Lee is not the biggest player but there are not many who are better. He can turn a five yard play into a 70-80 yard touchdown.
Anthony Johnson-6’2-180 (2017)-Johnson made the move over to Chaminade from Nova High School. He is versatile and can play either safety or cornerback at the next level. It seems like in every game Johnson has one big play that causes the game to go into Chaminade direction.
Xavier Williams -6’1-190-(2018)-Williams is a play maker whether on offense, defense or special teams. He gives you a receiver or defensive back with both size and speed. Williams makes his presence felt in every game. Make sure to keep an eye on the talented junior.
Shaun Shivers-5’7-170-(2018)- Shivers is one of the most explosive players in Florida. One mistake by a defense could cost your team a touchdown. Shivers has shown the ability to score from anywhere on the field. He is one of the more electric players we will watch next weekend.
Henry Columbi -6’3-190-(2017)-Over the past three seasons there is not a quarterback that has improved more than Henry. He has the size (6’3), arm and mobility. The Utah State commitment is ready to make his mark and lead his team to a state championship. He will face what maybe the top defensive backfield in Florida.
Trinity Christian
Rasheed Martin -5’8-175-All you need to know about Martin is he leads his team in both rushing (1275 yards) and one of the leaders in receiving. He can beat you running or receiving the football. Martin is committed to the University of North Carolina.
Derek Smith-6’2-180-Smith plays both receiver and defensive back. He is a guy that is going to test your defense. He has the type of size that causes problems for opposing defenses.
Shaun Wade-6’2-190-Wade is considered one of the premier defensive backs in the nation. The Ohio State commitment is a lock down defensive back.
Tyrke Johnson-6’2-190-Johnson has made and impact every year in the state title game. He is one player you need to stay away from. It seems that every time an opposing team tries and tests Johnson, he makes a big play.
DJ Matthews-5’10-155 when it comes to making things happen no one is better than Matthews. He is a play maker who must be accounted for on every play. He can make defenders look silly in the open field.
Cocoa
Bruce Judson– 5’11-200-(2017)Judson has been an impact player since his freshman season. He just helps lead Cocoa to one of their biggest wins in school history. Here is a kid who should make an impact again in the state title game.
Timmy Pratt-5’10-180-Coach Wilkerson likes to run the ball. He has given the ball to Pratt 94 times this year and he has over a 6.9 yard average.
Javian Hawkins-5’8-165-Hawkins has rushed for over 600 yards at a 9.3 average. Hawkins, Pratt and Judson make this offense one of the toughest to stop.
Bolles
Jaylen McCloud-6’1-190 (2017) Bolles has one of the top rushing attacks once again. They are led by Jaylen McCloud who comes of a 134 yard performance in his most recent game. He also had two touchdowns. He also had 252 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns against Rival Raines High School.
Mac Jones-6’2-200-(2017)-Jones is one of the more underrated players in Florida. He has a good arm but Jones is also a good athlete. He must be respected for his ability to run.