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I'm not a journalist and won't pretend to be. However, it occurred to me just this morning that Friday's 5A semifinal matchups are a snapshot of what took place 19 years ago. Four teams were on a collision course back in 2005, and those same teams are set to square off in 36 hours; St. Thomas Aquinas at Manatee, Niceville at Lakeland. If you believe in the effects of planet alignment, then these games are not to be missed. Lakeland, Manatee, Niceville and St. Thomas Aquinas combine for 30 state titles. Considering that approximately 128 schools have AT LEAST one title to their name, that's highly impressive! When it's all said and done, one of these teams will add one more title to their school's war mantle. On the Line STA - Unprecedented 6th title in a row. No other school has accomplished this feat and if the Raiders go the distance, they will truly stand on an island all to themselves for the already storied program. Manatee - Return to glory and a chance to halt the Raider's potentially record setting season. Niceville - The Eagles have a chance to dethrone two-time champion on the road but will have to do so in a hostile environment. Lakeland fans never forgot and you will be welcomed with the same atmosphere we were treated to in 2005. Lakeland - A chance to extend the Naughts' winning streak and chance at another 3-peat against the Raiders or long overdue redemption against the Hurricanes. This is probably the first time this season where I've been truly excited. Good luck to all the programs tomorrow and travel safely!

I miss the Sunshine Network

It’s good to see jambun back defending the honor of officiating.

Because I’m a nutcase I just purchased tickets to all 7 games. For the last 15 plus years my group of high school football buddies have had at least one of us attend the state finals. Individuals lived in Ft Myers,Tampa, Leesburg, Lakeland , Clearwater, Daytona Beach, Lake Mary and Apopka. At the peak my group had 10 people. Orlando were the glory years. For a few years the FHSAA provided our group with passes to every game(those were the days).

Credit to Bobcats for not quitting and continuing to battle. More credit to the group of refs that helped them in that effort. Enough said as the important thing was to survive and advance again on the road. Another Monday. GO KOWBOYS!!

What's good about it? Every time he posts I think the entire refereeing profession collectively winces.

He was watching a game you officiated.

STA has their own miracles…….flip a coin with this one…..

Regardless of next week's results, I think you have to say this game was worthy of the state title game. After 3 overtimes, I'm emotionally worn out. Hard to believe our usually very good kicker missed 3 (maybe a 4th) FGs, 2 of which would have been walk-off wins. Somewhat disappointed in our offensive play calling, did not see much new in this game. The TE up the hash for a TD was a great call and something I haven't seen all year. Also stupid to call TO in 2nd OT when we didn't have one. Do not know why our QB #11 cannot throw the ball away and gets sacked instead. He's done that a lot this year. I'm super disappointed for our defense as 2 Lakeland TD's in regulation (ended 20 all) were given up by the offense and special teams. They played their hearts out. Niceville 423 yds to Lakeland's 152. Tough loss for us. But, I'm very proud of them overall, we have 1 guy going to Navy and 2 or 3 more going to little schools so I'm thrilled they came that close against Lakelands numerous P5 recruits. Malik Morris is a GAM among men! Congratulations to Lakeland. Good luck in Miami! PS - the reason our band (or part of it) weren't there was due to a prior commitment to play in a Christmas parade tomorrow.

To make matters worse, there are three Metro Orlando area teams in the finals. How do I keep my objectivity?

We have a bit of history playing both these programs during the playoffs about a decade ago. In both 2013 and 2014 we had to get thru Lakeland to reach the semi-finals both those years vs Niceville. In Niceville we dropped a heartbreaker 31-30 after tying the game at 31 but due to a Niceville offsides penalty we had to re-kick and missed the extra point for the loss sending them to the finals (still believe we need a rule change where that penalty can be declined). We did get payback when Niceville had to come to our place the following year with us advancing to the finals. Good luck to two prideful, tradition rich programs in the semi's.

Congrats to both of ya!!!! Maybe choose 3 games to make a betting line & use if y’all pick the same teams. ??? Gotta b something challenging. Closest to the number without going over.

Agree……Should b all solid games. Good to see some new blood in the finals.

For those who haven't seen the game, here are my observations: - an average Lakeland offense would've meant a comfortable win for Lakeland. But, this is an anemic offense with poor OL play, poor QB play and suboptimal play-calling. The loss of star player Shanard Clower last week spelled doom for the Lakeland O. - the anemic offense meant that an excellent defensive effort- with some notable breakdowns against an excellent Niceville offense- was squandered. - I watched a lot of Niceville and read all of their local news articles and became a fan of them. I like how they coach and play, and I like their fan support. Reading the articles led to me having a flashback to the 1990s. Perhaps they are still living in the 90s in the Panhandle. That's not necessarily a bad thing! - Niceville absolutely outplayed Lakeland. It was perhaps even more miraculous of a win for us than the Lake Mary win. - Niceville's kicker nailed a 44-yard FG in the 2nd quarter, and added another before half, then missed three kicks that likely win them the game. Both teams missed a FG in the 1st OT, where either making it wins the game. - Niceville may have gotten the short end of the stick on a couple of calls. The first, which I have to rewatch, was an odd "strip-six" where Lakeland (perhaps) stripped Connor Matthews of the ball and then ran for a TD. The score was 12-0 Niceville at the time, and the Eagles appeared in position to possibly blow the game open at that point. Instead, it was 12-7 Niceville, and Lakeland had life. The second call was a 2-point conversion at 12-0, where it looked to me like a good conversion, but was called short. - Lakeland, as unlikely as it was, did hold a 13-12 lead and started to actually move the ball, driving inside the Niceville 30. They gave the ball to their workhorse Malik Morris who made a rare gaffe by fumbling back to Niceville. - the game was decided at 34-33 Lakeland when Niceville went for 2 and the win in triple OT. I have to rewatch, but the ball carrier appeared to get at or inside the 1 before being down, ending the game. - Niceville fans are likely equal parts devastated and angry. It has to be the worst possible way to lose a game. - Lakeland will need another miracle to beat STA

Score was 26-20 Kathleen over Melbourne. I was a coach on Melbournes squad.

Here come those Niceville Eagles. Their home stadium is supposed to be a very tough venue to play in. Those Eagles youngsters get to experience what it is like to play in the legendary Thomas W. Bryant Stadium home of the Lakeland Dreadnaughts (Nulli taught me the full name of the stadium this week). Hope they are ready to hear that dadgum horn all night. The Niceville team busses had over 1000 students and hundreds of adults send them off. The Niceville Fire Department sprayed their water cannons over the buses as the team rolled out. I wonder how many fans they will bring as well as their band? I was at the Lakeland game Friday night and more than one group of fans were saying if they get past TBT the semifinal will just be a formality before heading to Miami.

Not trying to promote NFHS, but FYI: NFHS Network is currently showing all FL state title games in their "upcoming games" listing. FHSAA website still says TBA for 1A-7A but does show NFHS for Rural and Rural FIT. Semifinals shown as of 12/4: DP @ Lake Mary Columbus @ Venice Osceola @ Buchholz Naples @ Jones St Aug @ AHP TCA @ Chaminade Madonna BTW @ Gasden Co Cocoa @ Cardinal Mooney

Cardinal Mooney is streaming their game on their YouTube channel https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kAbBx6BuOng

I’ll b there from tonight thru Saturday. The only state games I missed in forever were the ones in Tally.

For the championship!!!

The year actually ended better than I had expected. Congrats to the Indians on the win and a much more exciting and close game than I had anticipated. For anyone who hadn't watched, Columbus got on the board early, and the teams switched leads after our stout defensive from closed up the run game in the middle and held the potent Venice offense to 4 field goals. Columbus actually mustered a few offensive drives on their own with some creative plays designed for this game - namely the wildcat with a receiver (Fitzgerald) and linebacker (Chavez) taking direct snaps for a few big key plays. While opportunities were lost on both sides, one of the difference makers was the Indian's solid kicking performance. While we have a stud of our own, Venice's kid didn't miss and had a key punt at the end of that game that pinned us with no real chance on that final drive. Also hats off to theOline on this FG attempts becuase PAT and FG blocks are something I know the boys work on and have had success with this season. While the loss sucks, I am happy with the way the boys played and the outcome of this season that I had low expectations for. I had us out of playoffs last week and figured we'd get a beating playing on the road against a top 20 team. I'll see everyone next season. Good luck to Venice. Right now it's off to basketball where my Explorers are facing Gonzaga this afternoon in a #1 v #2 national matchup. So I have a healthy distraction to ease the pain. LOL

I wasn't talking to you, and since you didn't answer the question that I asked you previously. I suggest you staying out of this discussion know-it-all. Also, I thought that you weren't going to respond to me anymore, did you forget about that already, big shot?

@nolebull813, you probably laid down the rules before the playoffs, but I am old and forgetful. Further, there are only 6 games in the finals that are up for consideration. Therefore, it is quite likely that we will end up tied. What were/are the rules for a tie breaker. Personally, I think in the spirit of fairness it should be something like total points in one of the games or final margin in one of the games. With that said, I am obligated to abide with whatever was decided before the playoff brackets started. However, before I make my picks I would appreciate a refresher so I know what I am up against.

Thanks for your post! The strip-six was a great play by your big DE. He just mauled Matthews (who is one of our strongest guys) and yanked that ball out and up. On the 2 pt conversion in regulation, it was close, but I guess we have to defer to the official who was right there. Great hit by the DB. I hated the idea of going for 2 at that early of a point. Maybe no OT if we would've kicked it. I hated going for 2 on the final play with that call. I've never seen a jump pass attempted where the receiver(s) are outside the hashes. Credit to Lakeland for stopping it. I'm devastated but not angry. I was worried we might get embarrassed.

I just rewatched the "strip-six" and it did appear legitimate. Just very unlikely, and it's possible the bad ankle Matthews was playing on contributed to the strip.

I believe everyone watching that game is worn out. All in all, I'm glad Niceville showed up the way that they did. TO your point, I was suprised at how effective the Eagles play calling was with very little variation. That timeout call in 2OT was a real head scratcher and probably hurt more than anything at the end of the game. Thanks for clearing up the band question. I was hoping it wasn't for $$$ reasons.

Congratulations to @DarterBlue2 and @nolebull813 who had insider information. Seriously, it's been a fun season and I wish you both good luck! May the best man win!

Congrats Kowboys! Good luck next week against West Boca.

Great win Ray. Congratulations! Maybe I’ll meet ya at the stadium next week!

Niceville getting some Lakeland homecooking. Refs giving Lakeland every advantage possible

Wow thank you so much. I couldn’t find this score anywhere. No newspaper archive from Polk or Brevard County newspapers, no maxpreps, no nothing. I emailed Coach Strickland a while back but got no response. Thank you. This means I have Kathleen’s complete history from 1948-2024, and Melbourne’s history from 1946-2024

I fully expect a packed house tomorrow night. Regarding the fans, they're just that, fans. I hope Coach Frazier has the boys focused on the game in front of them and not looking ahead, or they be looking from afar come next week. Picture curtesy of Midbaynews.com. Additional photos can be found here

Me, too. In a sense, it was much better.

I’ve been on the Kowboys Train since the Jones game.

I watched a little of their game, it's incredible how many playmakers they can plug in and hand the ball off to. CCC will be one of the best Defenses they've played all year so it'll come down to whether CCC can move the ball at all

Thank you MaekECannon, but wouldn't you rather display the logo of the Stanley Cup Champions: THE FLORIDA PANTHERS?!

I was able to catch it last night on a facebook live stream, cant seem to find it anymore. But highlights below shows the crazy finish to a great game.

Was at Bryant Stadium last week. Was at Hawkins Stadium week. God knows I’m not great at prognosticating but I would give the slight edge to STA. Quality wise they matchup pretty evenly. Lakeland’s offense, which has been discussed before, is not as good as what we have come to expect from them. STA’s weakness is their kicking game. The placekicker is serviceable. The punting, well, not good. When STA doesn’t have a dominant team they are good at letting the other team beat itself. This might be another one of those games.

Literally. But Lakeland without Clower probably favors STA in an extremely ugly, but very close game. STA probably take it.

Congratulations on a great season and a great showing. I confess it was weird having been converted to a fan of Niceville while being a Lakeland homer and alum!

I can't keep up!

Oh & wrong again…I played HS & college ball……..

Three posts in, you're not too speechless

Oh boy; I am speechless!

8

Your U-shaped stadium is large enough from what I remember and was standing room only back in '05. I hate that the band is not traveling as this may be a one in a lifetime experience for most. I understand budgetary constraints but with all due respect, that really is a shame. I don't care what school district you come from. All I'll say is FHSAA... The only Lakeland fan I speak for is myself, although I'll NEVER speak ill of my fellow Naughts. I can only say that Dreadnaught faithful look at this game as a formality. Like I stated earlier, I expect Coach Frazier to have the guys focused on the task at hand. This isn't a slight against Niceville. This is more about those pesky Raiders which we have grown to love to hate over the last few decades. I'm sure @Jullian can attest to the rivalry but all in good sportsmanship as long as Lakeland wins, lol. He holds '08 over my head every chance he can get and I can't even be mad at it. I would do the same thing. This is what makes the game fun and as an alum, I wish I had this same experience when I was at Lakeland. Quietly, I have more hate (friendly) towards Manatee than I ever could towards STA.

Unfortunately no. I'll be watching from Atlanta.

Thanks! We'll have our radio crew streaming as well to keep up with. Hopefully there won't be to much lag between the two.

Not mentioned, but probably highly relevant, is the impact of Miami Central- who won every single game other than Lakeland on the field- having their record flipped to 0-9. Lakeland, understandably, was WAY head of everyone else in 5A BEFORE the reversal of Central's record. Then they were barely ahead going into the playoffs and now it is what it is. Secretive formulas/processes should be presumed fraudulent. If they're not fraudulent, the FHSAA could simply reveal all of the details etc.

Congratulations to @Ray Icaza and the Osceola Kowboys! Shocker of an upset, though I'm sure the Kowboys believed all along. The state title is theirs for the taking!