The Boca Ciega (Gulfport, FL) varsity football team is gearing up for an exciting playoff matchup against the Jefferson (Tampa, FL) Dragons on Friday, November 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Jefferson High School. This game is part of the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 3A FHSAA Football tournament.

Team Records and Rankings

Boca Ciega enters this game with a 6-5 overall record and has shown strength in district play, going 2-1. The team has balanced results both at home (3-2) and away (3-3), with a .545 win percentage and an impressive .667 district win percentage. They have scored 348 points this season while allowing 251 points.

On the other hand, Jefferson has been dominant throughout the 2024 season, finishing 11-0 and remaining unbeaten in both district play (3-0) and overall. With an exceptional 1.000 win percentage, the Dragons have outscored their opponents by a massive margin, totaling 476 points while allowing just 153.

Scoring Averages

Boca Ciega has averaged 31.6 points per game, with a noticeable drop-off in the second half of games, as they score 6.7 points in the first quarter and only 0 in the third and fourth quarters. Jefferson, meanwhile, is an offensive powerhouse, scoring an average of 43.3 points per game, with strong performances in all quarters, especially in the second quarter (12.2 points per game).

Team Comparison

Looking at team stats, Boca Ciega’s offense has accumulated 339.5 total yards per game, with 136.5 rushing yards and 202.9 passing yards. In contrast, Jefferson boasts a staggering 509.1 total yards per game, driven by a high-powered passing attack that averages 323 yards per game and a solid running game that contributes 186.1 rushing yards.

Jefferson’s defense is also formidable, averaging 85.3 tackles per game and 5.0 sacks per game, compared to Boca Ciega’s 62.7 tackles and 2.7 sacks. The Dragons’ defense has been one of their key strengths throughout the season.

Key Players

Boca Ciega’s Ke’marian Albert leads the rushing attack with an average of 69.0 yards per game, while Dylan Nahra has been efficient in the passing game, throwing for an average of 194.1 yards per game. Walter Flounory has been a top target for Nahra, leading the team with 75.8 receiving yards per game.

Jefferson, however, is loaded with playmakers. Ronnell Dubose has been explosive in both the running and receiving game, contributing 162.5 rushing yards per game and 12.2 points per game. Quarterback Jack Cunningham has been nearly unstoppable, passing for 305.1 yards per game, and Nahledge Jones has been a key target in the receiving game, averaging 105.5 receiving yards per game.

On defense, Jefferson’s Antonio Delacruz leads with 10.7 tackles per game, while Jeremy Johnson has been a sack specialist, with 1.5 sacks per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced Chamberlain this season, with both sides coming out victorious. Boca Ciega defeated Chamberlain 52-13, while Jefferson won 49-26, showcasing their offensive firepower in those games.

A High-Stakes Matchup

This highly anticipated playoff game pits an explosive, undefeated Jefferson squad against a Boca Ciega team that has shown resilience throughout the season. With Jefferson’s potent offense and solid defense, they enter as the favorites, but Boca Ciega will look to pull off the upset and keep their playoff hopes alive.

The game will take place on Friday, November 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Jefferson High School, and promises to be a thrilling battle as both teams fight for a chance to advance in the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 3A FHSAA Football tournament.