Football: Region Champions

The Jesuit High School football team accomplished another goal in its remarkable 2021 season on Friday (Nov. 26), clobbering Hillsborough High 42-0 to win the Region title and reach the Class 6A State Semifinal.

It was a complete performance as the undefeated, nationally ranked Tigers dominated all three phases of the game to advance to the State Semifinal for the 6th time in the past 7 seasons under head coach Matt Thompson. However, unlike the previous four trips to the State Semifinal (2016, '18, '19, '20), this time Jesuit will not travel to face a powerhouse program in Broward or Dade County. Instead, Miami Northwestern, the 2017, '18, and '19 State Champions, will come to Corral Memorial Stadium on Friday night (Dec. 3).

Tickets: https://gofan.co/app/events/471134?schoolId=FL5924 (gates open at 6:00pm)

Twitter: @JesuitTigers_FB

Livestream: www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/fhsaa/gam2761b717b5

Nationally ranked No. 12 by both MaxPreps and USA Today, Jesuit (13-0) was overwhelming vs. Hillsborough. Joquez Smith '23 scored three 1-yard rushing TDs, and Wayne Quin '22, Peter Pesansky '24, Troy Bowles '23, and Andre Gilbert '23, led a sensational defense that forced four turnovers and held Hillsborough to just 98 yards while earning its seventh shutout in 13 games. Three Tigers - Omarion Clark '22, Caleb Williams '22, and Wade Woodaz '22 - had interceptions, and A.J. Cottrill '22 had a forced fumble that he recovered.

On offense, Smith finished with 108 yards on 19 carries - his 10th 100-yard rushing game of the season - and the 3 TDs, giving him 24 rushing touchdowns this season. The offensive line, anchored by seniors Tre'Quan Alexander, Charles Mcleod, Gozy Okeke, and Jonah Tran, and junior Cayden Fluker, turned in a dominant performance. Quarterback Luke Knight '24 completed 14 of 19 passes for 231 yards and 2 TDs, Junior Vandeross '22 had 4 receptions for 74 yards and a TD, Jaydn Girard '22 had 3 catches for 51 yards and the game's first TD on a diving 23-yard catch, and Jarriett Buie '23 had 4 catches for 73 yards.

On special teams, Jack Ferreri '23 made all six extra points and Drew Woodaz '24 blocked a punt that he recovered in the endzone for a touchdown to cap the scoring.