Stallions to play for state title

By Mario Sarmento
SPORTS EDITOR

The Class 1A state championship game this Friday will be a tale of two schools: American Heritage-Delray is the novice, playing for its first state title in nine years as a program.

North Florida Christian (Tallahassee) will be playing in its eighth title game in the last 14 years.
Both teams enter the game on a long winning streak.

The Eagles (12-1) have won nine straight games since a 28-26 loss to Trinity Catholic Sept. 28. The Stallions (12-1) have won 11 straight since a 23-20 loss to King’s Academy.

North Florida Christian is looking for redemption after losing 42-9 to Glades Day in the state title game last year, while the Stallions avenged their state semifinal loss with a 42-21 win over Dade Christian two weeks ago.

Last week, American Heritage ousted the defending state champs in a 28-7 rout.

The Stallions ran for 336 yards, led by quarterback Justin Feagin’s 139 yards on 16 carries.

North Florida Christian lost just seven players from last year’s state runner-up, and the Eagles have averaged 21 points and allowed 11 during the season.

Of course, the Stallions enter this contest as a juggernaut, scoring 42 or more eight times and allowing just seven points per game.

American Heritage also has experience, as 19 seniors have kept the team focused through its playoff run.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando. The game will be televised live on Sun Sports.