CLASS 1A STATE SEMIFINALS PREVIEW: Clearwater Central Catholic looking for a third straight trip to state title game while Cardinal Newman seeks first-ever trip to the championship

No. 3 Clearwater Central Catholic (11-2) at No. 2 Cardinal Newman (West Palm Beach) (10-1)

When: Thu. Dec. 5

Where: Sam Budnky Stadium, West Palm Beach

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. EST

Live Broadcast: None

Quick Notes: This game is being played one day ahead of the rest of the state semifinals due to the Class 1A state championship game being scheduled for next Wednesday at Pitbull Stadium at Florida International University in Miami. This is the 11th appearance in the state semifinals for the visiting Marauders while this is the first-ever state semifinal appearance for Cardinal Newman. Clearwater Central Catholic is averaging 256 yards per game while Cardinal Newman is averaging just over 212 yards per game. Quarterback Jershuan Newton will be the key offensive weapon for the Marauders who is averaging 222 total yards per game while quarterback Jyron Hughley for Cardinal Newman is averaging 179.8 yards per game. While both teams have had a common opponent in Carrollwood Day (Tampa) this year, Cardinal Newman has a much more difficult time giving up 21 points in that game while Clearwater Central Catholic shut the Patriots out in the regional semifinals. Overall, this game could result in being a classic game and a close one, but experience over the last few years is going to come to the advantage of the Marauders.

EXPERT PICKS

Josh’s Pick: Clearwater Central Catholic
Chris’s Pick: Clearwater Central Catholic
Reno’s Pick: Clearwater Central Catholic