St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders (3-0) host the Byrnes High School Rebels (5-0) from Duncan, South Carolina in a showdown between the two top ranked teams in the nation. The game is part of the Old Spice High School Showcase Football Series and will be broadcast live on ESPNU. The Raiders look to extend their win streak to an all time record of 28 straight victories
In 90 degree plus heat, The Raiders beat Catholic school rival, Cardinal Gibbons, 35-7. The Aquinas offense rushed for 221 yards and passed for 142 yards with running back James White leading the way. White rushed for 105 yards and scored three touchdowns. He scored on a 5 yard run and two touchdown passes of 6 and 10 yards.
The Raiders jumped out to a 13-0 lead on touchdowns by Jamal Wilson on the ground and Rashad Greene in the air. Junior QB Jake Rudock completed 12 of 16 passes with an interception and two touchdown passes.
Brian Robinson lead the Raider defenders with 5.5 tackles including 2 tackles for loss. LB Garth Jobb had 5 tackles with an interception and DB Reynaldo Kirton recorded 5 tackles.
Raider kicker Michael Palardy had his consecutive points after touchdown streak snapped at 45 straight when the Chiefs blocked his first quarter attempt. Palardy was chasing the record of former Raider kicker Wesley Byrum (currently kicking at Auburn University) of 55 straight.
With a huge crowd expected for this Friday's game against Byrnes High, the game has been moved from Brian Piccolo Stadium to Lockhart Stadium. Lockhart Stadium is the Raiders home away from home having won 17 straight games there.
This contest will feature a wealth of talented players on both teams includng two finalists for the U.S. Army Player of the Year - Aquinas' LaMarcus Joyner and Byrnes' Marcus Lattimore.
The Rebels on an 11 game winning streak bring a high powered offense to Florida. Their offense has averaged 61 points per game with a game high of 85.
With the home field advantage to Aquinas along with a strong Raider defense, the road is clear to keep the Raider win streak alive.
Defense wins big games. Continuing Tradition - One Game at a Time.
Raider Pressbox Prediction: Raiders by 3
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