The St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders (8-0) welcome the undefeated South Broward Bulldogs (8-0) to Brian Piccolo Memorial Stadium in a game that will decide the District 16-5A championship. The Bulldogs look to keep their dream season alive; as the Raiders attempt to hold on to their #1 national ranking.
Last week the Raider defense dominated the Deerfield Beach Bucks to help St. Thomas earn a 27-0 victory in a non-district game.
Vinnie Mauro again lead the St. Thomas defense with 9 tackles which included a forced fumble, 4 tackles-for-loss and 2 sacks. With the Raiders leading 13-0, sophomore LB Cole Champion intercepted a Buck's pass and returned it 21 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter.
Raider RB James White rushed for two touchdowns of 3 and 62 yards. White broke free out of the Wildcat formation for his 62 yard score to finish the Raider scoring.
Kicking specialist Michael Palardy added two field goals (35, 32 yards) and three extra points. Palardy punted once for 62 yards.
The Bucks, the last team to defeat the Raiders over two years ago, managed to record an additional lowlight in their loss.
With Raider backup QB Max Lescano playing for injured starter Jake Rudock, a Deerfield Beach defender snatched Lescano's quarterback wristband with his play card inside from his wrist. The Buck's defender quickly passed the wristband to a Deerfield assistant coach who pocketed it. The game officials questioned the assistant who after initially denying that he had the Raider's play card, finally flung the wristband back on the field. So much for sportsmanship.
The Bulldogs have had a dream 2009 season so far. South Broward's fantasy of a district championship comes crashing down this Friday as they realize it was all just a pipe dream.
Aquinas collars the dawgs winning their 13th consecutive district championship and winning their 33rd game in-a-row.
Raider Box Prediction: Raiders by 22
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