CLASS 2A STATE SEMIFINAL PREVIEW: North Florida Christian at Victory Christian

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North Florida Christian (7-4) at Victory Christian (10-1)
Last Week’s Results: North Florida Christian def. University Christian 44-27; Victory Christian def. Warner Christian, 41-34
Looking Ahead: Winner will play the winner of the Indian Rocks Christian/Glades Day game in the Class 2A state championship next week.

About North Florida Christian: This team could be looked as not the same kind of North Florida Christian team that dominated in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s when Tim Cokely was the head coach, but Robert Craft has certainly done a lot in his time as head coach. In that time that has included trips to the state playoffs and a state championship in 2011 in Class 2A. As for now the Eagles they have been fortunate to have the first two rounds of the playoffs go pretty easy for them. First time opponent Duval Charter, was no match for them in the first round as the Eagles ran right through them, while taking care of University Christian in what was pretty much a blowout last week in the second round. Now the Eagles will have to focus on having a balanced game against Victory Christian. Freshman quarterback, Avery Thomas will be an instruamental leader in the offense having already passed for 1,658 yards this season that includes 15 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Thomas’ favorite target this season has been senior Adrian Hill, who has over 500 yards receiving this season along with four touchdowns. The other workhorse on the team that Victory Christian will have to work in containing is Korey Charles, who has amassed over 1,000 yards so far on 209 carries and has 10 touchdowns as result of his efforts. Defensively, look for senior linebacker Kevin Dawson to continue to be a dominate force as he leads the team with tackles with 116 so far through 11 games this season. However, if you are looking for sacks, keep an eye on linebacker Chandler Stutler and defensive linemen R.J. Harris to make the plays on the opposing quarterback.

About Victory Christian: The Storm is back in the same place they were last year and are looking to make another short trip to Orlando to play for a state championship. After upsetting North Florida Christian last year in the state semifinals, there are no upsets brewing. Expectations are higher for the Storm and they know they must play really well and not play from behind like they did against Warner Christian last week. For the Storm they are going to be relying heavily on Caleb Lewis who is in his final season at Victory Christian. So far, Lewis has passed for 1,958 yards and 23 touchdowns while only throwing six interceptions so far in 11 games. The rushing game is there for the Storm, but has been spread around among different ball carriers and not one particular player. Going back to the passing game, Lewis’ favorite target this season has been senior Alvin Harper, Jr. who has already caught 57 passes this season for 1,056 yards and will likely add to that total this week. Defense is being lead by Division I prospect Cecil Cherry who leads the team with 137 tackles so far in 11 games this season and has helped team with 2 sacks. Senior linebacker Jaylyn McKinney leads the team with 7 sacks on the season while compiling 66 total tackles so far. And as far as defending the passing threat, Victory Christian has picked off 22 passes this season, which could deter any threats from North Florida Christian and force them into a run first situation.
Prediction: Victory Christian