For the third time during the 2009 season, the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders (9-0) appear on live national television as the Cypress Bay Lightning (5-4) visit "The Picc" on Senior Night to wrap up the regular season.
In last week's showdown of undefeated teams, the Raiders rolled over district foe the South Broward Bulldogs, 51-7, in front of a standing room only crowd. The Raiders built a 30-0 halftime lead. The running clock "mercy rule" was started early in the third quarter.
With the victory, Aquinas won its 33rd game in a row, 54th straight district game and captured the District 16-5A championship--its' 13th district title in a row and 26th overall.
James White lead the Raider offense with 121 yards on 11 carries scoring on runs of 31 and 32 yards. Lamarcus Joyner ran for a seven yard touchdown and scored on a 99-yard kickoff return to open the second half. Quarterback Jacob Rudock returned from an ankle injury and tossed two touchdown passes -- 33 yards to Rashad Greene and 13 yards to Phillip Dorsett.
Back up Sophomore QB Max Lescano connected with Austin Bombich on a 17 yard touchdown pass marking the first career touchdown for both players.
Kicking specialist Mike Palardy added a 32 yard field goal along with four extra points. Ben Hopfinger also chipped in two extra points along with four kickoffs for touchbacks.
Led by the Raiders' leading tackler, Vinnie Mauro, the defense shut down the Bulldog rushing attack. For the second straight game, Sophomore Cole Champion provided solid defense with four tackles from his linebacker position.
Cypress Bay
The Lightning finished as runner up in their Class 6A district play to earn a playoff spot.
Cypress Bay's Head Coach, Mark Guandolo, is one of the winningest coaches in South Florida.
Friday night's weather forecast calls for clear skies with no lightning strikes at Brian Piccolo Memorial Stadium.
Look for the Raiders to close out their 2009 regular season undefeated -- winning their 34th straight game and retaining their number 1 national ranking.
Raider Box Prediction: Raiders by 25
Live Coverage
CBS College Sports Network will provide a nationwide live broadcast of the game beginning at 8:00 PM EST. Check your local cable listings for game night coverage.
670AM, WWFE will provide live streaming internet coverage beginning at 8:00 PM EST.
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