CLASS 7A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: St. Thomas Aquinas pushes past Edgewater for 12th State Championship

Tallahassee, Fla. — Edgewater (8-2) was one of the best teams in the state all season. But, even though the game was close, St. Thomas Aquinas (8-1) was victorious yet again. An all-star offense and defense led the way for the decisive win. The final score was 31-21.

The Raiders now lead the state in state championships with 12. Previously, they were tied with Bolles at 11.

Game Recap

St. Thomas Aquinas got off to an early start, with RB Anthony Hankerson leading the charge.

Anthony Hankerson’s carry puts Aquinas on the board first pic.twitter.com/Q4DaSNiiJs

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But, the Eagles strike back with a running back (Cedric Baxter) of its own!

Edgewater RB Cedric Baxter gets it done for the Eagles pic.twitter.com/CWqBvfLtHp

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The Raiders took the lead, yet again, on a Hankerson push to the end zone.

No. 2 for Hankerson and St. Thomas Aquinas pic.twitter.com/ofBLij8H49

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The tit-for-tat stopped once Aquinas struck twice in a row. This time, Michigan CB commit Ja’Den McBurrows had a pick-six for the score.

#Michigan commit Ja’Den McBurrows pick 6 for the Aquinas score pic.twitter.com/PYmwCngfkH

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It’s Baxter for the second time, and this game looks like it will come down to the wire.

Baxter hit the pylon and it’s an Edgewater TD pic.twitter.com/i4kUVTGi06

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A Raiders’ field goal extended their lead. But, the Eagles cut it down again with RB Jeremiah Connelly

Jeremiah Connelly for Edgewater’s third TD pic.twitter.com/zKoLWahuBn

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Aquinas’ Hankerson would go for a third TD, which would be the last score of the game.

St. Thomas Aquinas repeats as STAte champions.

Quotes

St. Thomas Aquinas Head Coach Roger Harriott

• “[RB Anthony Hankerson] has been doing that all year. He gives a tremendous amount of attention to his offensive linemen and receivers. He’s a humble person. His best days are ahead of him. We’re fortunate enough to have him back for another year… He finished strong.”
• “We pride ourselves on the front seven to force some mistakes and create turnovers in the back end, and we just have a strong belief. It’s a ministry for us. We’re a faith-based organization. We’re grateful. We’re honored to be here. We love the fact that we have a chance to represent God here.”

Players of the Game

Raiders’ quarterback Zion Turner went 8-of-15 for 113 yards. RB Hankerson gained 182 yards on 26 carries and three touchdowns. Receiver Antonio Spencer caught three passes for 43 yards. Defensively, McBurrows had the pick, as did Jarrod Cameron.

Eagles’ quarterback Canaan Mobley went 17-of-33 and two interceptions. RB Baxter had 19 carries for 113 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, Connelly added his TD. Receiver Tommi Hill had 8 yards for 111 yards.

College Roundup

For St. Thomas Aquinas, CB Ja’Den McBurrows and LB Jayon Hood will attend Michigan, DE Tyreak Sapp will attend Florida, WR Quincy Skinner, Jr., CB Tyson Russell, and OT Gunnar Hansen will attend Vanderbilt, WR Bralon Brown will attend Ole Miss, DE Dallas Turner will attend Alabama, DT Boaz Saint-Vil will attend UAB, OG Marco Fughar will attend Pittsburgh, SDE Allan Baugh will attend Colorado, SDE RJ Sorensen will attend Louisville and OG Joshua Sauickie is committed to Air Force. Somehow, the Raiders still have seniors with offers who have yet to sign.

For Edgewater, WR Christian Leary will attend Alabama, ILB Deshawn Troutman will attend Miami and ATH Tommi Hill will attend Arizona State. However, a couple of other senior Eagles have offers and could sign in February.