FloridaHSFootball.com breaks down tomorrow’s Class 2A state semifinals with the final four teams remaining to contend for two spots that will have them playing at the Citrus Bowl next week. Included is our predictions from Publisher Joshua Wilson and Senior Writer Corey Davis as well as Joe Pinkos’ prediction.
Victory Christian (7-5) at University Christian (9-3)
The road: Victory Christian def. Deltona Trinity Christian 46-0 and Foundation Academy 12-7; University Christian def. Maclay 59-6 and North Florida Christian 38-30
Skinny: You would think University Christian is the defending state champion and not Victory Christian, the way people are talking on social media about this game. UC is the overwhelming favorite to not only win this game but bring home its eighth state title. This semi-final game features two teams with opposite styles of offense, one is primarily a run oriented team, while the other is a let it fly kind of team. The Christians feature the one-two tailback combination of junior Otis Anderson (915 yards, 14 TDs) and senior Hussein Howe (1,580 yards, 29 TDs) but can also throw when needed. Howe has a chance to surpass 5,000 career yards this week entering the game with 4,731 yards and 78 career touchdowns. The Storm opened the season with four straight losses and are currently on a five game winning streak, outscoring opponents 189-54 during that stretch. First year junior quarterback Dalton Jenner (1,877 yards, 20 TDs) and receivers Semaj James (411 yards, 6 TDs) and Jacobe Joyner (379 yards, 3 TDs) are a big reason Victory is making its third straight state semi-final appearance.
Joe Pinkos Line: University Christian by 14
FHSF Predictions
Joshua Wilson: University Christian 35, Victory Christian 21
Corey Davis: University Christian 24, Victory Christian 21
Twitter Poll Results:
POLL: Who will win the 2A State Semifinal between #VictoryChristian & @UCChristians on Friday? #flhsfb
— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) November 25, 2015
First Baptist (11-1) at Cambridge Christian (11-0)
The road: First Baptist def. Village Academy 31-16 and Dade Christian 35-7; Cambridge def. Northside 19-14 and Admiral Farragut 36-32
Skinny: What a story line in this one, featuring two farely new programs fighting for the chance to advance to either school’s first state title game appearance. First Baptist has made three straight playoff appearances, but is making its first state semi-final appearance after back-to-back second round losses. Its first time in the playoff, Cambridge is having one of those Hollywood script kind of seasons with a remarkable run so far and looks to keep the magic going. The Lions, who have won 10 in a row, feature senior quarterback Tyler Dean (1,120 yards 14 TDs, 645 rushing/10 TDs), senior tailback Dylan Cibelli (1,519 yards, 22 TDs) and senior receiver Eddie Burnham (539 yards, 9 TDs) to go along with a defense that has accumulated 31 sacks and 15 interceptions and hasn’t allowed more than 16 points since the Week 2 loss to Lakeland Christian. For eight straight weeks, Cambridge offense put up 40 or more points thanks to sophomore quarterback Jaylin Jackson (1,145 yards, 16 TDs) and sophomore tailback Andrew Cunningham (1,165 yards, 23 TDs) along with a defense that has accumulated 29.5 sacks and 24 interceptions. The two have two teams in common they both played in Evangelical Christian and Landmark Christian; First Baptist swept both 111-0 while Cambridge swept both 133-0.
Joe Pinkos Line: First Baptist by 3
FHSF Predictions
Joshua Wilson: Cambridge Christian 24, First Baptist 20
Corey Davis: Cambridge Christian 17, First Baptist 14
Twitter Poll Results:
POLL: Who will win the 2A State Semifinal between @FBAlions & @CCSLancers on Friday? #flhsfb
— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) November 25, 2015
