FHSAA 6A football state championship preview: Pine Forest vs. Jesuit (Tampa)

Pine Forest (Pensacola) (12-1) will take on Jesuit (Tampa) (14-0) in the final state championship game of the season on Saturday night.

The 2021 Florida High School football state championships continue this week with the 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A and 8A title games at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

In the 6A title game, the Pine Forest (Pensacola) Eagles (12-1) take on the Jesuit (Tampa) Tigers (14-0) in the final state championship game of the season on Saturday night at 7 p.m. ET.

Here is everything you need to know about the 6A FHSAA Football championship game.

(Feature photo courtesy of Jesuit football)

PINE FOREST VS. JESUIT

How did Pine Forest get here?

Defeated Rickards (Tallahassee) 26-7 (Regional Quarterfinals), defeated Riverside (Jacksonville) 32-12 (Regional Semifinals), defeated Mosley 46-14 (Regional Finals), defeated Orlando Jones 20-13 (OT) (State Semifinals)

Players to watch for Pine Forest:

Linebacker Deontrez McLamb (Senior)

Defensive Lineman Rasheed Lovelace (Senior)

Defensive End Elijah Douglas (Junior) (Holds offers from South Alabama and South Florida)

Running back Gavin Grice (Senior)

Defensive back Tyrese Thomas (Junior)

Wide receiver Donielle Hayes (Junior)

Facts about Pine Forest

The Eagles are making their first state championship game appearance since 2006 (Lost to Glades Central, 39-27).

Their 3 state championships are the most by any school in Escambia County.

They come into the state championship game on a 12-game winning streak.

What’s at stake for Pine Forest?

The Eagles are seeking their fourth football state championship in school history (1987, 1988, 2000) 

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How did Jesuit (Tampa) get here?

Defeated Boca Ciega 50-0 (Regional Quarterfinals), defeated Braden River 49-9 (Regional Semifinals), defeated Hillsborough 42-0 (Regional Finals), defeated Miami Northwestern 37-12 (State Semifinals)

Players to watch for Jesuit (Tampa):

Linebacker Troy Bowles (Junior)- Son of Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles (Holds over 20 D-1 offers)

Safety Wade Woodaz (Senior) (Clemson commit)

Quarterback Luke Knight (Sophomore)- Threw for over 2000 passing yards this season

Wide receiver Junior Vandeross (Senior) (Toledo commit)

Linebacker AJ Cottrill (Senior)- 123 total tackles (Leads team)

Running back Joquez Smith (Junior)- Rushed for over 1650 yards and 24 touchdowns this season

Wide receiver Jaydn Girard (Senior) (Wake Forest commit)

Defensive End Peter Pesansky (Sophomore)

Defensive Back Caleb Williams (Senior)- 5 interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns) (Leads team)

Facts about Jesuit (Tampa):

Making first state championship game appearance since 1992 (Lost to Pasco)

The Tigers have recorded seven shutouts in their 14 games this season.

What’s at stake for Jesuit (Tampa)

The Tigers are seeking their second football state championship in school history (1968)

Score Prediction

Jesuit (Tampa) 35, Pine Forest 17

GAME INFO

Date: Saturday, December 18, 2021

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Location: DRV PNK Stadium- Fort Lauderdale, FL

LIVE Stream: https://fhsaa.boxcast.com/#/broadcasts/wy0nwne7fcbrmxhtj0dp (Non-Spectrum Customers)

http://www.myspectrumsports.com/floridagames/player.html?broadcast=wy0nwne7fcbrmxhtj0dp (Spectrum Customers)