Crusaders Face Tough Task In State Title Game

TAMPA - As his team traveled across Alligator Alley, returning home after beating Miami Archbishop Carroll, 28-21, for a spot in the Class 2A state championship game, Tampa Catholic coach Bob Henriquez had mixed emotions.

He was elated that the Crusaders' goal of a state title remains obtainable, but was disappointed in their second-half performance in the semifinal and modestly timid in anticipation of a very good opponent.

Saturday's opponent, Madison County (12-1), which Henriquez refers to as the University of Madison County, has a bit more championship-game experience than Tampa Catholic (11-2). This will be the Cowboys' fourth trip to the finals in six years, and they won it all in 2001.

"I've heard they're as fast as any team we've ever seen," Henriquez said.

The Crusaders hope to regain some of their speed in the form of starting tailback Drew Zink. Zink did not play in the semifinal game because of a knee injury he sustained the week before.

Henriquez is confident Zink will play Saturday in Orlando. The coach said his senior starter is walking without a noticeable limp, and he is regaining his flexibility.

"I don't know if he'll be 100 percent, but he should be available to us," Henriquez said.

The Crusaders likely will need Zink if they want to add to their season of firsts. This is Tampa Catholic's first state championship game appearance and its first 11-win season. Henriquez, also in his first state championship game as a head coach, hopes to extend the win total by one.

"We've set a lot of standards this season," he said, "but a state title would be the ultimate standard."

BUMP IN THE ROAD: The good news for Miami's Booker T. Washington is it survived a scare from Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer and remained alive in the playoffs with a 7-6 region-final victory.

The bad news? Yet another Hillsborough County team stands in its way to a spot in the Class 4A finals Dec. 15 in Orlando.

Armwood (13-0) will travel to Miami on Friday to face Washington (12-0), a team it has bounced from the playoffs three times in the past four years. Last year, it was eventual 4A champion Plant that knocked Washington out. From 2003-2005, it was Armwood, including the '03 and '04 seasons, when the Hawks won it all.

Washington will face an Armwood defense that has allowed only 13 points in its three playoff games.

"Armwood's got a great chance," Plant coach Robert Weiner said. "It's probably the best defense in the state of Florida. They've got a great chance. I know Booker T.'s a great team, but Booker T. probably hasn't played the people night in and night out that Armwood has. It will be a great game."

ALL-STAR ADDITIONS: Plant and Chamberlain's losses in the region finals are the Hillsborough County All-Star West team's gain. Saturday's game at Raymond James Stadium will feature the top Hillsborough County high school seniors, which will include Panthers and Chiefs players.

Plant wide receiver Derek Winter, offensive lineman Rhonne Sanderson and defensive lineman Tyler Evans will join Chamberlain cornerback Justin Bell, running back Deven Persaud, offensive lineman Austin Chatman and wide receiver Francisco Llanos.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m., and tickets are $5 (5-and-under are free), with the box office opening at 6 p.m. Parking is $2.