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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 12, 2008

4A State Semifinal

PALM BEACH GARDENS DWYER (12-1)

AT PLANT (12-1)

At Dad's Stadium, 2415 S. Himes Ave., Tampa

TV: Bright House Sports Network

A shot at a second state title in three years is on the line for Plant. ... Aaron Murray is back, creating an interesting dilemma for the Plant offense. Backup quarterback Phillip Ely has helped lead the Panthers to eight consecutive victories since Murray broke his left leg and dislocated his ankle. But Murray has healed and he is, well, Murray. So expect to see a lot of the University of Georgia commitment. ... Plant has developed into a balanced team, with the defense forcing turnovers and the offense capitalizing on them. In last week's region final victory against Armwood, the Panthers turned three Hawks turnovers into 10 points. ... Dwyer has a two-headed monster at quarterback, with Bradley Wallace (57-of-94 for 1,032 yards, 12 touchdowns and two interceptions) and Jacoby Brissett (58-of-97 for 1,055 yards, 11 touchdowns and two interceptions). Running back/wide receiver Matt Elam, who was recently named the player of the year at the 17th annual Lou Groza Awards, helps balance Dwyer's attack. ... The winner advances to the Dec. 20 title game at Orlando's Citrus Bowl at 1 p.m. to face the winner of Tallahassee Lincoln/Daytona Beach Seabreeze.

Katherine Smith

5A State Semifinals

LARGO (12-1) AT

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS (13-0)

At Brian Piccolo Stadium,

2801 SW 12th St., Fort Lauderdale

This is a repeat of last year's state semifinal, in which Aquinas beat Largo, 35-13. With many college-caliber players on its large roster, most of Aquinas' starters do not play on both sides of the ball. Largo has several players who play both ways, which doomed the Packers last year. After leading 13-7 at halftime, Largo allowed Aquinas to score 28 consecutive points. ... And just like last year, Aquinas, the nation's top-ranked team in four major national polls (USA Today, ESPN, PrepNation.com and Rivals.com), is loaded offensively. Largo will have to find a way to stop a three-headed monster in running back Giovanni Bernard (1,252 yards), receiver Duron Carter, son of former NFL great Cris Carter (averages 20 yards a catch) and quarterback Ryan Becker (1,779 yards, 24 touchdowns). ... Largo might have blown its cover last week when it broke out an impressive passing attack in a 59-17 win against Punta Gorda Charlotte. ... Possibly the only way Largo will win this game is to take advantage of turnovers and hope its powerful ground game can stay fresh and keep the ball out of the Raiders' hands.

Lee Diekemper

PENSACOLA PINE FOREST (12-0)

AT LAKELAND (13-0)

Bryant Stadium, 1125 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland

Two undefeated teams will vie for a chance to play in the 5A state championship Dec. 19 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. ... Pine Forest is coming off a 33-7 win over Orange Park to reach the state semifinals for the second time in three years. ... Shawn Morris rushed 12 times for a game-high 54 yards and a touchdown to lead the Eagles. The Eagles have allowed more than 13 points in a game only three times this season. They have outscored opponents 92-32 in the region playoffs. ... Lakeland is coming off a 40-20 win over Chamberlain in the Region 2 final. ... The Dreadnaughts jumped out to a 21-0 halftime lead and kept Chamberlain scoreless until 3:29 left in the third quarter. Their defense held one of Hillsborough County's top offenses to 55 first-half yards, while their offense put up 228 first-half yards. ... Running back Aaron Truedell led Lakeland with 107 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while junior tailback Rodney Watson added 73 yards and two touchdowns.

Nick Williams

TONIGHT'S PREP FOOTBALL MATCHUPS

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