PALM BEACH GARDENS – Dwyer is tasked with taking on St. Thomas Aquinas Friday night to keep its state title dreams alive.

Dwyer (11-1) has been on a hot streak since its lone loss to Atlantic back in Week 2 of the regular season. The Panthers have been focused and ready to play with any team in the state as they start to gel.

It seems as if the Panthers have bought into the fact that they can and should dominate each and every opponent they line up against. They have blown out their first two playoff opponents, which were West Broward in a 43-0 first round win and Palm Beach Lakes in a 55-27 second round win.

Gio Richardson has been the difference maker, especially in last week’s game against Palm Beach Lakes. He racked up a total of five touchdowns to help his team advance further in the playoffs.

Antavious Lane, Julian Rincon, Reggie Gadson, Cedrick Tucker, Jim Davis, and the entire offensive line are a lethal combination. They help Richardson bludgeon defenses in the process.

The Panthers defense is second to none as they’ve held eight opponents to seven points or less this season. Dan Foster Jr., Colby Dempsey, Ishmael Goulbourne, Vernon Padgett, Seth Verilus, Corey Hamilton, Jevon Hamilton, Lane, and Rincon headline their stingy unit.

St. Thomas Aquinas (11-1) has been on a roll the entire season. Its lone loss was to a very good Miami Central team.

Aquinas has been on an absolute tear in the first two rounds of the playoffs with two blowout wins. The Raiders routed South Miami 77-20 and Fort Lauderdale 51-0.

The Raiders have a good balance of offense and defense that sets them apart from the pack. The Aquinas numbers tell the story as to why this team has been so successful this season.

St. Thomas has a combined 79 touchdowns on the season (38 rushing touchdowns, 29 receiving touchdowns). The offense is led by senior quarterback Curt Casteel, who has 1,237 passing yards and 22 passing touchdowns.

The Aquinas defense has played a big role in their success as well, with eight touchdowns scored this season. They have been tough as nails by tallying nine interceptions and 54 sacks this year.

Prediction: St. Thomas Aquinas 35, Dwyer 22

Dwyer’s playoff state title dreams may end on Friday as St. Thomas has the slight edge in postseason experience and home field advantage.

This will be a heavyweight match up as both teams have been eyeing each other since preseason conditioning. The game will happen on Friday, Nov. 23, 7:30 p.m. at Brian Piccolo Memorial Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.