Video: Early Contenders presented by Shock DoctorWe set the tone for 2018 by looking at high school football's elite.
Head coach: Roger Harriott
Last season: 11-3, lost 27-20 in the semifinals of the Florida 7A state playoffs to Venice.
Last decade: 130-16
Famous alumni/players: Geno Atkins, four-time NFL Pro Bowler; Giovani Bernard, NFL RB; Joey Bosa, 2016 NFL
Defensive Rookie of the Year; Michael Irvin,
NFL Hall of Famer; Brian Piccolo, former NFL running back.
Star power (According to 247Sports): 5-star recruits — 1; 4-star recruits — 10; 3-star recruits — 12
Head coach Roger Harriott
Photo by David Rosenblum
— One of the most talented players in Florida and one of the nation's top cornerbacks.
S Jordan Battle (6-1, 185, Sr.) — The 4-star safety is one of the best defensive backs in the land.
LB Anthony Solomon (6-0, 190, Sr.) — The 2019 Miami commit is among the most versatile defensive players.
WR Marcus Rosemy (6-0.5, 180, Jr.) — Expect a big junior season from the 5-star playmaker who checks in as the No. 5 wideout in the Class of 2020.
LB/TE Derek Wingo (6-2, 210, Jr.) — He can line up all over the field and gives Harriott one of the best all-around players in Florida.
Linebacker/tight end Derek Wingo
Photo by David Rosenblum
— vs. DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.)
Sept. 21 — vs. No. 13 Miami Central
Oct. 5 — at Deerfield Beach
Linebacker Anthony Solomon
Photo by David Rosenblum
• St. Thomas Aquinas won 11 games in 2017 and it was considered a disappointing season, which goes to show what type of program this is. The Raiders lost a lot of talent but they don't rebuild, they reload.
• The biggest question mark for Aquinas will be at quarterback, coming down to
Mariano Valenti or
Curt Casteel. If either one can put up big numbers in 2018 Aquinas will be in contention for the No. 1 spot at the end of the season.
• One of the best defenses in the nation, the Raiders are loaded in the box and their secondary is second to none. St. Thomas Aquinas had its string of three consecutive state titles end in 2017 but have a great chance to get another streak started in 2018.
St. Thomas Aquinas looks to win its eighth state championship in 11 years this season.
Photo by David Rosenblum
