Published December 20, 2008 in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Raiders' rout of nemesis makes national statement
Christy Cabrera Chirinos, High school sports
Orlando
St. Thomas Aquinas 56, Lakeland 7.
That's what the scoreboard read on Friday night when all was said and done after the Class 5A state championship game at the Citrus Bowl.
But as impressive as the score was, no number of numbers, no statistics could put into words what Friday night meant to one of Broward County's most storied programs.
Four times, St. Thomas watched as Lakeland ended its dreams of a state championship. Four times, the Raiders were on the other side, the painful side, of a title game.
Put into words the sense of joy they felt tonight?
It was tough.
"It's really … it's really," tight end Gabe Holmes' voice trailed off.
"Special," Raiders coach George Smith muttered.
Special.
They made history.
The first Raider team to win back-to-back state championships, their fifth title overall.
The first Broward County team to finish the season 15-0.
The first county team to be considered the mythical national champion.
Special.
St. Thomas entered the championship game a heavy favorite. It was ranked atop three major national polls—the ESPN Rise Fab 50, the PrepNation.com National Prep Football Poll, and USA Today.
But they faced a formidable opponent. One who, itself, was nationally ranked and who, two years ago, left the Raiders heartbroken after a 45-42 double overtime loss.
That this defining moment came against Lakeland made everything sweeter.
"Naught — n-a-u-g-h-t — tonight," senior linebacker Conor O'Neill finally said with a smile. "We didn't just beat Lakeland. We beat them."
Early and often the Raiders drove the point home.
A 53-yard pass from quarterback Ryan Becker to Holmes on the second play from scrimmage. A 45-yard run by James White. A 1-yard touchdown run by Becker.
It took eight offensive plays and O'Neill scoring on an interception return for the Raiders to build a 28-0 lead.
By half, the Raiders could smile — even if cautiously. By the start of the fourth quarter with the clock running, they celebrated.
Defensive lineman Dylan Drake ran around, capturing every moment on a video camera. Becker ran to celebrate with fans who traveled from Fort Lauderdale. Assistant coach — and former NFL superstar — Cris Carter danced.
Standing to one side watching it all was Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, one of the players who helped build St. Thomas into the power it is today. He brought his sons, Michael and Elijah, with him. He wanted them to see this night.
"This isn't just the state championship game, it's for the national title," Irvin said. "My boys are of age and these are the moments I look to share with them."
Why?
Well, Irvin didn't use the word special.
"To be here in a state and national title game and you're up 35-0 at the half? It's almost unheard of."
Close enough.
Copyright © 2008, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
