Class 5A State power, the #1-ranked, St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders (9-0) and the Miramar Patriots (8-1) ranked #3 in Class 6A clash as both teams close out their regular seasons and await the playoffs. The match up takes on a playoff game intensity as the Patriots look to avenge a 2007 loss to the Raiders.
In Aquinas' game last week, the Raiders defeated district opponent the Western Wildcats, 51-3, on Senior Night as the home team amassed 435 yards in total offense along with another 184 yards in kick and punt return yardage. This victory was their 50th straight in district play which set an unprecedented state record for consecutive district game wins.
The Raider scoring was lead by the rushing offense of Gio Bernard with touchdown runs of 22 and 31 yards and Beau Bucci who scored on a 21 yard TD run in the first quarter. Running back James White raced in from 10 yards out for his team leading 13th touchdown of the season. Senior QB Ryan Becker was 9 of 12 passing for 124 yards with a touchdown pass to Dwayne Difton. Jake Rudock, reserve Sophomore quarterback, was 4 of 5 passing with a long 59 TD completion to Ohio State bound Duron Carter, Senior wide receiver.
All purpose Ronnie Kennedy returned four punts for 127 yards which included a 69 yard punt return for a touchdown to open the third period. Mike Palardy added 4 extra points and a 33 yard field goal.
The Aquinas offense has raced to 89 points in their last two games against McArthur and Western, but their offense has slowed down in 3rd down situations only converting 4 of 15 (26%) third downs into first downs in those games.
The Raider defense held Western to an average of 3.5 yards per play. Vinnie Mauro, linebacker, lead the defenders with six solo tackles and two assists along with a tackle-for-loss and a quarterback hurry. DB Brian Robinson added four solo tackles.
The Raiders head to Miramar seeking to complete their tenth undefeated regular season in their 63 season history. Head Coach George Smith has lead Aquinas to nine perfect regular season finishes; four in the 1980's-1981, 1983, 1984 and 1986, two in the 1990's-1991 and 1992 with three more in the 2000's-2000, 2001 and 2005.
As the saying goes, "Good things come to those who wait, but only after those who hustle". Watch for the Raiders to hustle their way to a 19th consecutive victory and tenth perfect regular season with a balanced attack of offense and defense.
Raider Press Box Prediction: Raiders by 9
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