The powerhouse programs have dominated Florida high school football over the past decade with St. Thomas Aquinas (8-1) winning six straight state championships and Chaminade-Madonna (7-1) capturing seven state crowns since 2016.
How to watch
Date/location: Friday, Oct. 31
Location: Brian Piccolo Memorial Stadium – St. Thomas Aquinas
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Streaming: MaxPreps |
YouTubeTickets: GoFanBroadcast team: Jeff Kurtz, Zack Poff
In the first meeting between the two schools last season, Chaminade-Madonna defeated then-No. 9 Aquinas 29-22. Four-star Texas running back commit
Derrek Cooper was a junior on that squad and rushed for two touchdowns to help the Lions win.
Chaminade-Madonna has ripped off seven straight wins since losing its season-opener to No. 2
St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Md.). Over the last five games, the Lions have shut out three opponents and allowed just 13 total points.
The Chaminade-Madonna offense has been clicking in recent weeks behind freshman quarterback
Malik Leonard, who has thrown for 1,734 yards and 20 touchdowns this season.
St. Thomas Aquinas fell to then-No. 1
Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) 26-23 to open its season in August but has won eight-straight games since.
Offensively, the Raiders are led up front by five-star offensive tackle
Mark Matthews, the No. 2 junior in the country. Wide receiver
Julius Jones Jr. is rated the No. 10 player at his position in the Class of 2027 and has 10 touchdowns this season.
The MaxPreps social media team will be on campus for Game of the Week to highlight top players, behind-the-scenes action and showcase what makes high school football special. Calling the game will be Jeff Kurtz alongside MaxPreps National Football Editor Zack Poff.
Players to watch
Chaminade-Madonna: QB
Malik Leonard (6-0, 170), RB
Derrek Cooper (6-2, 205), WR
Jasen Lopez (5-11, 175), WR
Ah'Mari Stevens (6-0, 170), S
Angelo Smith (5-10, 170)
St. Thomas Aquinas: QB
Mason Mallory (6-2, 195), WR
Julius Jones Jr. (5-11, 175), OT
Mark Matthews (6-6, 300), CB
Justice Fitzpatrick (6-2, 190), EDGE
Daniel Norman (6-4, 235)
