ORLANDO – On Saturday (Dec. 8), King’s Academy will look to dethrone the Class 3A defending champions, Chaminade-Madonna and win its first state championship in school history.
The road to Orlando for King’s Academy has been a hard fought one. Despite handling Holy Trinity in the Lions’ first game, the last two have taken magic from quarterback Justin Wake, who has battled a fractured foot in both games, to complete two consecutive comeback victories.
Against First Academy, the Lions (12-1) trailed 15-10 heading into the fourth quarter. It wasn’t until the final 22 seconds – when Wake connected with Cory Croteau for a Hail Mary pass – that the Lions were able to claim victory.
Against Florida High, the Lions trailed 35-14 in the third quarter to the Seminoles. At that point, Wake scored three of the Lions’ four consecutive touchdowns to give the Lions at 42-41 lead.
With seven minutes left, Wake’s 12-yard game-winning touchdown run gave the Lions a 48-42 lead.
All season long, Wake’s talents have been put on display in more ways than one. He embodies the definition of a dual-threat quarterback.
Over the course of 13 games, Wake has completed 56 percent of his passes for 2,332 yards, 26 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. On the ground, Wake has added another 12 touchdowns on over 500 yards.
Against Chaminade-Madonna, Wake will have to be on his game. The Hollywood-based Lions allowed just 96 passing yards to Clearwater Central Catholic quarterback Rory Hicks.
When the Lions turn to the ground game, they usually turn to Presley Almond. Against Florida High, however, it was Dillon Larson who took a majority of the carries.
On Larson’s 13 carries, he had 29 yards and a touchdown. Almond had six carries, which went for 16 yards.
If King’s Academy is David, than the Chaminade-Madonna Lions are Goliath.
The Chaminade Lions head to this year’s title game with an 11-2 record. They are the No. 18-ranked school in Florida and currently have five players committed to the Miami Hurricanes.
With college level talent at a lot of positions, it’s no surprise the Lions are back to Orlando.
A lot of Chaminade-Madonna’s production comes on offense comes from a two-headed ground attack featuring Thaddius Frankin and Willie Davis. The two have combined for 22 rushing touchdowns, though Franklin gets a majority of the touches with his team-leading total of 1,602 yards.
When Chaminade-Madonna does throw the football, a majority of the focus is turned to wide receiver John Dunmore, who has an impressive 47 receptions – 26 more than the next highest one on his team – for 730 yards and 6 touchdowns. Elijah Canion has added 8 touchdowns, completing the Lions offensive attack.
Score Prediction: Chaminade-Madonna repeats as 3A state champs by defeating King’s Academy, 29-20.
