What I knew:
Both teams opened the 2012 season with 1-0 records. Aquinas Beat Columbus 38-28 at Sun Life Stadium where John O’Korn (STA) was able to take control the game with 286 yds of total offense after his team fell behind. Fred Coppet (STA) was able to rush for 147 yds and was able to score a TD on the ground and in the air. The Aquinas defense did a good job last week controlling the line of scrimmage but a few mental lapses caused them to give up big plays which kept Columbus in the game.
Cypress Bay beat Deerfield Beach 29-6. Their Big Three of Jaranta Lewis (CYP) 172 yards passing, Matt Dayes (CYP) 117 yards ushing and Alex Montgomery 143 yards receiving contributed to the win. After running a Wing T offense for several years, they operated last week in what is referred to as the Pro Set/Spread type offense. This game this week would be personal as the Big Three were all seniors and lost by a combined score of 94-14 to St. Thomas the past two years.
What I learned:
Cypress Bay may never beat St. Thomas. Similar to last year, the score was close at the half as it was 14-14 but then St. Thomas would dominate the second half, outscoring Cypress Bay 29-3. O’Korn (STA) continued to show balance with 138 yards passing and 86 yards rushing. His 30 yard TD pass to Holmes (STA) showed his ability to scan the field and make the proper decision. Coppet (STA) did not disappoint with 143 yards rushing which included a 71 yard TD run. Similar to last week, Coppet improved as the game progressed.
Lewis (CYP) and the Cypress Bay offense may still be adjusting to the new offense. While Lewis rushed effectively for 93 yards, his 4 of 19 passing made the Lightning offense more predictable in the second half. Dayes (CYP) did get 78 yards rushing but became less of a factor when the Raiders began to build a double digit lead in the 3rd quarter.
What I expect:
Both teams have a lot of talent and will contend in their respective classes. St. Thomas has the momentum they need to challenge Don Bosco Prep (N.J.). I do expect the Raiders to reduce the number of penalties in future weeks. Cypress Bay will contend in 12-8A. I expect the Lightning’s players to become more in sync with the new offense in the following weeks with the team taking out their aggression against South Broward next week before beginning their district schedule.
You can follow Adam Kosnitzky at @akosnitzky
