FloridaHSFootball.com breaks down tonight’s Class 3A 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.
Jacksonville Trinity Christian (12-0) at Tampa Catholic (10-2)
The road: Trinity Christian def. Pensacola Catholic 49-3 and def. Taylor County 51-0; Tampa Catholic def. Trinity Prep 62-14 and def. Trinity Catholic 35-6
Skinny: No team has been able to best Trinity Christian at all this year and the fact that the Conquerors have only given up a mere three points in the first two rounds is a huge statement to the defense that Trinity Christian has with their team. Now a lot will argue the teams that Trinity Christian has played in the first two rounds are far more inferior than the team that the Conquerors will face in Tampa Catholic on Friday night. With the Conquerors in hot pursuit of going for a three-peat, the team cannot take the opposing Crusaders lightly. Tampa Catholic which entered the season with a highly inexperienced defense has been making gains recently in the playoffs and something that has turned back teams in the likes of Trinity Prep and Trinity Catholic en route to the game against Trinity Christian. While Tampa Catholic has given up more points than Trinity Christian in the first two rounds, that must be forgotten about as both teams are likely going to give it all they got to keep each other out of the end zone with the rights for Orlando on the line. The biggest thing is who wants to take that next step forward. With both teams having highly recruited Division I prospects on the roster, anything goes as to who makes it to Orlando next Saturday.
Joe Pinkos Line: Trinity Christian 14 over Tampa Catholic
FHSF Predictions
Joshua Wilson: Trinity Christian 38, Tampa Catholic 17
Corey Davis: Trinity Christian 31, Tampa Catholic 17
Twitter Poll Results:
POLL: Who will win the 3A State Semifinal between @Athletics_TCA & @TC_Football on Friday? #flhsfb
— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) November 25, 2015
Clearwater Central Catholic (12-0) at Delray Beach American Heritage (9-2)
The road: Clearwater Central Catholic def. Holy Trinity 36-0 and John Carroll 46-14; American Heritage def. Westminster Christian 27-19 and Oxbridge Academy 16-11
Skinny: A battle of epic proportions as both teams are looking to make a statement against the each other that they should be representing Class 3A South come next Saturday in Orlando. When looking at both teams, there is not a lot of brand name Division I talent that immediately sticks out which makes this game even more fun. That tells you both teams have been able to put their weight in with the entire roster and that is something that both teams should be equally proud of. The question now comes down to is who is hungry more for this spot in the state championship game and which player for the winning team could it be that shines in this game? CJ Cottman could be the that guy for Clearwater Central Catholic who has been an excellent leader of the team during the season, but Devin Singletary who is the best back for American Heritage could also do his damage which has helped the Stallions get to this point. Either way this will be a close game and who ever has the least amount of mistakes will win the game.
Joe Pinkos Line: American Heritage 14 over Clearwater Central Catholic
FHSF Predictions
Joshua Wilson: American Heritage 20, Clearwater Central Catholic 17
Corey Davis: American Heritage 28, Clearwater Central Catholic 21
Twitter Poll Results:
POLL: Who will win the 3A State Semifinal between @CCCMaraudersFB & @stallionsfb on Friday? #flhsfb
— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) November 25, 2015
