Premier programs and prospects
Cocoa has achieved a perfect 4-0 record in Florida High School Athletic Association football finals since 2008.
And in that dynastic decade, even when the Tigers haven’t gone all the way to the Class 4A state championship game under coach John Wilkinson, it’s almost always been because they were beaten by the team that did claim the crown.
That trend will continue when Cocoa (11-1) aims for its fifth title against Jacksonville Raines (12-1) tonight at 7 at Camping World Stadium.
The Tigers took home championships in 2008, 2009, 2010 and last year. Cocoa lost to state champion Miami Booker T. Washington in four straight semifinal games in 2012-15.
Cocoa also was ousted in 2011 by Booker T., which was the runner-up to Jacksonville Bolles that year.
Raines has a passer closing in on 3,000 yards and a fleet of receivers. But Vikings coach Deran Wiley said his offensive line “is the main reason why we’re here.”
The starting blockers average 6-21⁄2, 293 pounds.
“This game is going to be about blocking and tackling at the highest level,” Wiley said.
Today’s opening game of the three-day FHSAA finals weekend matches small-town juggernaut Madison County (13-0) against Blountstown (11-1) for the 1A title at 1 p.m.
General admission tickets are $15 at the gate.
Madison was able to schedule only one regularseason game within 1A.
Baker County (13-1) will be a big underdog in Friday’s 5A final against Plantation American Heritage (12-0). But getting to Orlando is a big deal in itself for a school making its first finals appearance in 72 years of football.
“The excitement around here is at an all-time high,” said Wildcats coach Jamie Rodgers, a Baker County alum. “I think it’s pretty much a shock to the state.”
American Heritage, seeking its fourth title in five seasons, has won 26 straight games and is ranked No. 3 nationally by MaxPreps with a stable of prospects that includes cornerback Patrick Surtain II — son of its head coach.
Seffner Armwood, which aims for its fourth championship since 2003 in Friday’s 6A final, underwent a major change when 27-year head coach Sean Callahan retired a year earlier than anticipated. Evan Davis, who played as a backup quarterback on Armwood’s 2003 championship team, was promoted from offensive coordinator to take over the talent-laden program and the Hawks didn’t falter.
Armwood faces fourtime state champ Miami Northwestern (11-2). The Bulls came out of a district regarded as the strongest in the state and had to beat league rivals Miami Central 24-18 and Miami Carol City 23-15 in region rematches.
Venice (13-1) earned its berth in Saturday’s 7A final by adjusting its scheme to end streaks of three consecutive championships and 19 straight postseason wins by Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.
The Indians had thrown for 2,890 yards and 43 TDs but they ran the ball right at the Raiders most of the night in last week’s 27-20 homefield win against Aquinas. Senior quarterback Bryce Carpenter kept the ball 42 times rushing yards.
Venice faces first-time finalist St. Johns Bartram Trail (11-3), which beat perennial power Tampa Plant 34-29 last week. Bartram rotates two senior quarterbacks, Joey Gatewood and Riley Smith, who both have multiple FBS offers.
The one rematch from last year’s finals is Friday’s 2A matchup between Jacksonville University Christian (10-2) and Hialeah Champagnat Catholic (8-2). UC prevailed 24-8 in 2016 to claim its ninth state championship and third in the past five years.
The Class 3A finalists, Oxbridge Academy (10-1) of West Palm Beach and Chaminade-Madonna (10-2) of Hollywood, are from adjacent counties in South Florida. They met in region play the past two seasons, each winning once.
Chaminade’s defense has not yielded a TD while winning its playoff games 38-0, 56-0 and 49-3.
Oxbridge knows Orlando. It won 49-7 at West Orange last season and played its Aug. 25 season opener this year at Disney. The ThunderWolves suffered their only loss, 14-13 to Pennsylvania state finalist Archbishop Wood of Philadelphia, in that game. for 160