Preview: Atlantic at St. Thomas Aquinas in 3M – Region 3 semifinal

FORT LAUDERDALE – Atlantic (8-3) has made it to the Class 3M-Region 3 semifinals against powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas (10-0) to keep its playoff run alive.

Atlantic took down a rising Planation squad this past Monday (Nov. 14) in a 34-12 rout. Now it has to turn right back around to face a tough St. Thomas Aquinas squad.

Atlantic (Delray Beach) senior defensive end Mi’Kel Hendrix.
Photo credits: Fred Self.

The Eagles are on a five-game winning streak coming into this matchup. Their defense has been stellar during the tail end of the season in only giving up 19 points in the last three games played, while their offense has learned how to close out games.

Atlantic’s offense has ton of playmakers and any night could be someone’s night.

Offensive standouts include sophomore duo Lincoln Graf and Kamare Williams, running backs Da’marion Alberic and Jovante Pierre Louis, and wide receiver Martay McClendon.

Defense has been nails and making their presence known as of late with senior defensive end Mi’Kel Hendrix coming off of the edge, Damarius Thompson, Jayden Parrish in the middle, Devon Byrd and Tyrique Hollis as ballhawks at defensive back.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

The Raiders are undefeated on the season and they’ve put together an impressive resume as far as who they’ve beaten this season. They have wins coming against the likes of Treasure Coast, Dillard, and St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia.

The most recent win for St. Thomas Aquinas came in a 59-14 blowout against Coconut Creek. This occurred in the 3M – Region 3 quarterfinal round last Friday night (Nov. 11).

St. Thomas Aquinas junior wide receiver Chance Robinson

Key offensive players to watch in this matchup are Hezekiah “Champ” Harris, Jordan Clemons, Jordan Lyle, Chance Robinson, and Jaylen Bonelli.

The Raiders defense has been playing outstanding ball all season long. They are stacked across the board, with literally too many key players to point out.

Here are some amazing defensive team stats this season from St. Thomas Aquinas:

•589 tackles

•50 tackles for loss

•44 sacks

•10 interceptions

•6 forced fumbles

•5 fumble recoveries

Both squads have a lot riding on this game.

St. Thomas Aquinas wants to keep its reign alive as one of the top football teams in the country.

According to MaxPreps, it is ranked as the nation’s No. 8 team right now.

Atlantic is playing for respect and a path to the 3M state title game. Furthermore, the Eagles will come into this game with a chip on their shoulders as they look to avenge last year’s 43-7 playoff loss.

The kickoff will be at 7 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale.

PHOTO CREDITS: Fred Self