Raider Press Box

NOT OVER YET-MORE VOTES NEEDED

Auburn's Wesley Byrum, STA 2007 graduate, kicked the game-winning field goal in the final seconds to upset the Florida Gators in NCAA Football Week 5 action.  This play is one of four finalists for the Game Changing Performance of the Year.

Byrum has had a great rookie season.  Let's help him finish on top.

Cast your Final Vote now.

FINAL(LY) CHAMPS

Aquinas (14-1) defeats the Kissimmee Osceola Kowboys (14-1) at the Orlando Citrus Bowl in the FHSAA 2007 Class 5A Championship Final to capture their fourth state title.

After 3 consecutive seasons as state runner-up, the Raiders changed the script in this final and lead from the start. RB, Jeremiah Harden raced 84 yards for a touchdown on St. Thomas' first play from scrimmage; and LB, Conor O'Neill stiff-armed his way for a 73 yard kick off return to put the Raiders ahead for good.

Raider QB, Ryan Becker, named game MVP,  threw three touchdown passes.  Two to WR, Duron Carter and another to RB/DB Ronnie Kennedy who outran the Kowboy defense to the endzone.

The Raider defense again bent, but did not break as they again faced a strong rushing attack.

Don't Look Back, RAIDERS RULE in 2007!!

WINGS, SEAFOOD AND FOOTBALL

For Raider fans not traveling to Orlando for the State Championship Final, there will be a game watching party at BILLY'S 2-WINGS AND SEAFOOD in Plantation.

Billy's features a full menu of great game-watching food along with your favorite cold beverages.

Join the Raider Nation at Billy's 2-The Official Restaurant of Raider Championship Football.

Be there early to support your Raiders! Stay late to celebrate!!

KO'd in Round 5

The undefeated Osceola Kowboys (14-0) face St. Thomas Aquinas (13-1) in the Class 5A State Championship Final at the Citrus Bowl.  The Raiders and Kowboys will face each other for the first-ever time in the 2007 finale.

St. Thomas will once again ask their defense to stop the Kowboys rushing game and provide field position for their quick-strike offense.  The Raider offense has scored on 82% of their chances when inside their opponents 20 yard line.  While the Raider defense has held their opponents to a 66% success rate in the red zone.

Look for the Raiders' experience playing in state championship final games to provide an intangible edge for two closely matched teams.

You can't spell Kowboys without KO.  Raiders knock Osceola out of the undefeated ranks in Round 5 of the playoffs to capture their 4th State Title under Head Coach George Smith.

Raider Press Box Prediction: Aquinas by 8

UNANSWERED POINTS

The Raiders rallied with 35 unanswered points to claim a 35-13 victory over Largo (13-1) and advance to their 11th state championship game since 1991.

The Raiders (13-1) used a strong defense in the second half that began to wear down Largo in the final minutes, giving the ball back to its lethal offense.

St. Thomas Aquinas held Largo running back Brynn Harvey, who had 2,432 yards coming into the game, to 36 yards in the second half.

The Raiders, booed by the Largo fans when entering the locker room at halftime, came out with a vengeance in the third quarter.

QB Ryan Becker finished with 133 yards passing on eight completions. He also rushed for a 1-yard touchdown with 41 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

Jeremiah Harden led the Raiders running backs with 13 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown.

The victory sends St. Thomas to the state title game for the fourth consecutive year. It also made history.

The Raiders became the first Broward football team to accomplish that feat.

St. Thomas (13-1) will play Kissimmee Osceola (14-0), the team that ended Lakeland's run as three-time champions.

CLEAN UP CREW

Largo High School Stadium nicknamed "The Dog Patch" has been cleaned this week as Largo hosts the state semifinal game between St. Thomas Aquinas (12-1) and the undefeated Packers (13-0).  The Raiders and Packers will face each other for the first time.

Pinellas County School Board officials decided to give the stadium bleachers a quick pressure cleaning since the game is being broadcast live on local Tampa area TV.  Game action can be heard on local radio which will also be streaming the audio on the Internet.  The Raiders will travel with 17 bus loads of fans which has maxed out the parking at the school. 

This is an all-new experience for Largo.

Largo High opened in 1890 and their football fans are still waiting for their first state finals appearance.  Look for the Packer fans to arrive early, cheer loudly; but still be waiting after Friday night.

Raider teams are undefeated in state semifinal appearances (8-0) under Head Coach George Smith with four of those wins coming on the road. 

Largo packs their equipment away for the season, while Aquinas is going to Disney World for the finals.

Raider Press Box Prediction: Aquinas by 17

SPEEDY ENDING

The Raiders overwhelmed visiting Palm Bay with a balanced scoring attack in their Regional Final contest and reach the final four in the Class 5A State Championship Series.

St. Thomas Aquinas (12-1) made this one quick and painless. Over and over and over.  The Raiders scored eight touchdowns and took no longer than 2:19 on any of their drives.

Palm Bay was outmatched in every phase of the game as six different Raiders scored touchdowns against the Pirates.  St. Thomas running back Jeremiah Harden rushed for two touchdowns and also had a 68-yard scoring reception.  Aquinas continues to get better and hungrier each week of the playoffs.

Friday's victory means St. Thomas will travel to Largo High School for a chance to play in the state title game. Largo advanced with a 28-13 win over Cape Coral.