Harriott rallies his team after heartbreaking loss to Lakeland

Surrounded by his upset players, many of whom were openly weeping, St. Thomas Aquinas coach Roger Harriott delivered an inspired speech.

The Raiders coach, who has led St. Thomas to a pair of state championships, knew his players were heartbroken, but he didn’t attempt to console them.

“This is no moral-victory speech,” he said. “You know who we are, and that’s why you guys are shedding tears here.”

Instead, he insisted the Raiders learn from their 33-20 loss to Lakeland in the Class 7A title game at Camping World Stadium and win next year’s title for this year’s seniors who did not get to lift the trophy.

“We made it here this year,” he said. “We’re going to work hard. Next year, when we get back here, we’ll be dedicating it to the seniors. You’ve got my word. When we get back here next year — we will be back here next year — I hope you guys come down from college, and I want you guys here with us. … We’re going to come back, and we’re going to win it for you. You’ve got my word, and you’ve got their word.”

The Raiders return a strong group of underclassmen, including top wide receivers Xavier Restrepo and Marcus Rosemy, linebacker Derek Wingo and defensive lineman Tyreak Sapp.

“Hold your head up; let it burn,” Harriott said. “This type of adversity is nothing. You’ll become better for it. Let it burn.”

Senior running back Daniel Carter, who had 118 rushing yards and a touchdown run, said he would have a similar message to the returning players.

“Always be humble and always fight,” he said. “If there’s time on the clock ... [you’ve] always got to fight.”

Harriott wrapped up his postgame speech with a simple message: Expect the Raiders back in Orlando sooner rather than later.

“It wasn’t our time tonight,” Harriott said, “but it will be again. We will be back here.”