Linebacker Troy Henderson Jr. tweeted, “It’s one thing to dream and it’s another to make it happen,” after his St. Edward team (OH) knocked off Wayne (OH) 31-21 to win the Division I state championship on Saturday.
Henderson Jr.’s defense gave up 14 points in the first quarter, but did not allow Wayne to score again until the fourth. Wayne only gained 64 yards of offense in the second and third quarters of the game. Coming into Saturday’s championship, Wayne had averaged over 30 points per game in its four playoff wins.
In Florida, kicker Sterling Hofrichter will have the chance to play for a state championship this weekend after his Armwood team knocked off Choctawhatchee 19-15 in a state semifinal. Early in the game, Armwood gave up a safety after having a punt blocked in the end zone and trailed for the first time all season 2-0. Hofrichter responded on the next drive with a 45-yard field goal however, to give Armwood a 3-2 lead. SU’s future kicker also added two extra points in the win.
So who will undefeated Armwood play in the state title game? 2015 SU defensive end commit Keivonnis Davis’ 13-1 Miami Central team. Davis had two sacks in his team’s 31-21 semifinal win over Mainland on Friday. This is the fifth season in a row that Miami Central will play for a state championship.
Finally, New Jersey running back Dontae Strickland’s high school career is over after South Brunswick lost in the state championship game to Manalapan 21-7. Strickland ran for his team’s lone touchdown in the game. He also forced a fumble on defense with a thunderous blind side hit to Manalapan’s quarterback that can be seen here. If that wasn’t enough Strickland had an interception as well as a 52-yard kick return in the game; what a day.
Remember to follow the Fizz on Twitter @OrangeFizz to stay up to date on everything SU basketball and football recruiting.
Posted: Connor Morrissette
