The St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, FL) varsity football team will face Atlantic (Delray Beach, FL) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7:30 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas. This game is part of the “2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 5A FHSAA Football” tournament.

Atlantic vs St. Thomas Aquinas High School Football Game Info:

What: Florida High School Football
Who: Atlantic vs STAHS
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 7:30pm.
Bracket: 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 5A FHSAA Football
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Atlantic vs St. Thomas Aquinas

The 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships are heating up as Atlantic (Delray Beach, FL) and St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, FL) square off in a neutral-site playoff game today at 7:30 p.m. Both teams have had impressive seasons and will be looking to advance further in the 5A FHSAA Football tournament.

Record Breakdown: Atlantic and St. Thomas Aquinas

Atlantic enters this matchup with a remarkable 11-1 record, including an undefeated 3-0 district performance. The Eagles have been dominant, with a perfect 8-0 record at home, and they’ll look to carry that momentum into their clash against St. Thomas Aquinas. Atlantic has put up a staggering 422 points this season while allowing just 162 points, averaging 36 points per game.

On the other hand, St. Thomas Aquinas boasts a strong 9-3 overall record. With a 3-0 district mark, the Raiders have been a force both at home and away, with a 6-2 record in road games. Despite having one loss on neutral ground, St. Thomas Aquinas is known for its offensive explosiveness, averaging 43.5 points per game, and is expected to be a tough opponent for Atlantic.

Key Matchups

• Offensive Firepower: Atlantic has been potent offensively, with an average of 409.8 total yards per game. Their rushing attack, led by Deandre Desinor (53.6 yards per game), complements a strong passing game helmed by quarterback Lincoln Graf, who averages 242.2 passing yards per game. Atlantic’s offensive line has also done well, providing 133 pancake blocks this season.
• St. Thomas Aquinas Strengths: The Raiders, who are just slightly ahead in scoring at 43.5 points per game, are known for their balanced offense. Prince Lee Jr. leads a strong rushing attack with 59 yards per game, while quarterback Andrew Indorf has been stellar, averaging 178.3 yards per game through the air. St. Thomas Aquinas is not only efficient in the run and pass game but also leads in tackling and defensive pressure with 57 tackles per game and 3.8 sacks per game.

Scoring Breakdown

• Atlantic: The Eagles’ offense is explosive in the first half, averaging 25.4 points in the first two quarters, with a scoring drop-off in the second half (13.0 points). Atlantic’s strong start will be crucial against the Raiders, who are accustomed to controlling the tempo.
• St. Thomas Aquinas: The Raiders have a well-rounded scoring attack, including a dynamic first half where they score 30.1 points in the opening two quarters. While their second-half offense slows slightly, they can be a threat when it matters most.

Head-to-Head: These two teams met a year ago with St. Thomas Aquinas emerging victorious in a dominant 53-32 win. This sets the stage for another exciting game, where Atlantic will look to avenge last year’s defeat.

Player to Watch

For Atlantic, watch out for Teddy Hoffmann, who has been a standout performer this season, accumulating 72.2 receiving yards per game and averaging 11.7 points. For St. Thomas Aquinas, the dual-threat capabilities of Andrew Indorf, combined with the fierce defensive play from Joey Ramjas, will play a pivotal role in the game’s outcome.

Looking Ahead

Both teams have already proven themselves to be powerhouses in the state, and their meeting tonight promises to be a thrilling contest. With both teams averaging over 400 yards per game, it’s shaping up to be an offensive showcase. The question will be which defense can make the key stops and turn the tide in their team’s favor.

As Atlantic and St. Thomas Aquinas clash in this highly anticipated 5A playoff game, expect a battle of fast-paced offenses and stout defenses. The game will serve as an exciting preview of who will make a deep run in the state championship.