TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Lakeland To Meet Familiar Foe In Title Game

ADVERTISEMENT

By NICK WILLIAMS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 18, 2008

LAKELAND - Javares McRoy dreamed of playing for the Lakeland High football team.

While in middle school, he watched Lakeland win three consecutive state titles between 2004 and 2006 as one of the top-ranked football programs in the country.

Now a sophomore, the 5-foot-11, 165-pound receiver has the opportunity to accomplish every prep athlete's dream: winning a state championship.

Tonight, in what can be considered one of the best high school football matchups in the country, the Dreadnaughts (14-0), ranked sixth in the country, will face Ft. Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (14-0), the nation's top-ranked team, in the Class 5A state championship at the Orlando Citrus Bowl at 7 p.m.

"I wanted to come here and win a state title," McRoy said. "I know I would have a better chance winning it at Lakeland."

Senior running back Aaron Truedell leads Lakeland's ground attack with 710 yards and 17 touchdowns while junior quarterback Jarred Haggins has passed for 1206 yards with 13 touchdowns. McRoy, who leads the team with 20 touchdowns scored, has 914 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Defensively, Lakeland is led by junior linebackers Will Lucas (135 tackles), Quayshawn Nealy (121 tackles) and Jordan Jones (120).

Giovanni Bernard leads the Raiders with 1,474 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns while quarterback Ryan Becker has passed for 1,927 yards with 27 TDs. Ohio State commit Duron Carter, son of former NFL receiver Cris Carter, has 726 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Defensively, junior linebacker Vincent Mauro has 76 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

Lakeland and St. Thomas Aquinas met in the 2006 5A state title game. In double overtime, Lakeland stopped the Raiders at the goal line to seal a 45-42 victory.

"They're saying they have the best team they've ever had, and that's saying a lot," said Lakeland coach Bill Castle after his team's 22-21 state semifinal win over Pensacola Pine Forest. "They have one of those teams that come around once in a lifetime."

"I know it's going to be a tough one," Haggins said. "We're not going to underestimate them, for one thing. We know they're a good team so we have to come out with our 'A' game."

Lakeland is coming off a 22-21 come-from-behind win over Pensacola Pine Forest. With just over five minutes remaining in the game, McRoy scored on a 54-yard touchdown pass to give his team the lead.

"The bad thing is, (Pensacola's) defense is unbelievable and St. Thomas is probably better," Castle said.

If Lakeland wins, they will become second on the all-time championships list with seven state titles. Jacksonville Bolles has eight.

"We're going to try out best to win," McRoy said. "As long as we try our best, I know we can come out with a 'W'."

Reporter Nick Williams can be reached at (813) 259-7851.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT