Florida High football foiled by Chaminade-Madonna in Class 3A state semifinals

Reese Furlow
·3 min read

HOLLYWOOD – Chaminade-Madonna football is headed to its sixth-straight state championship after the Lions defeated Florida High 38-3 in the Class 3A state semifinals Friday night.

After an early defensive struggle, the Lions (10-1) woke up in the second quarter and scored 21 unanswered points in the span of four minutes. It was all Chaminade-Madonna after that as the team outscored Florida High 17-3 in the second half.

“You just can’t make many mistakes against a team like that,” Florida High head coach Jarrod Hickman said. “[We] deserve a chance to play next week, but we just couldn’t get a chance to get it done tonight.”

Chaminade-Madonna vs. Florida High, 2019: 3A championship game highlights, Coach Hickman postgame speech

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The lone score for Florida High (11-2) came at the end of the first half as they drove to the red zone and kicked a field goal. The Seminoles were in the red zone three times during Friday’s loss, but came away with the lone field goal and two turnovers.

Here are three takeaways from Friday’s 3A semifinals:

Florida High quarterback Tre Donaldson (3) carries the ball for the Seminoles in a Class 3A semifinal loss against Chaminade-Madonna on Dec. 3, 2021 in Hollywood.
Florida High quarterback Tre Donaldson (3) carries the ball for the Seminoles in a Class 3A semifinal loss against Chaminade-Madonna on Dec. 3, 2021 in Hollywood.

1. Florida High’s seven game win streak snapped

The Seminoles were 4-0 to start their season before losing their first game on Sept. 24 to Madison County. Since then, the Seminoles outscored their opponents 221 to 79 – excluding a forfeit to Florida A&M – during a seven-game win streak.

Chaminade-Madonna had no plans to be part of Florida High’s losses as Lions quarterback Cedrick Bailey finished with three touchdowns to help his team get the win.

“I think we could have pulled it off, but some nights aren’t your night,” Florida High running back Rhyder Poppell said. “Just got to come back next year and get it done.”

Florida High defensive back Donovan Barnes (4) prepares to receive a kickoff in the Class 3A semifinals against Chaminade Madonna on Dec. 3, 2021 in Hollywood.
Florida High defensive back Donovan Barnes (4) prepares to receive a kickoff in the Class 3A semifinals against Chaminade Madonna on Dec. 3, 2021 in Hollywood.

2. Florida High offense could not get going

Hickman said the Seminoles' game plan was to establish the run to open up the rest of the offense, but the Lions were prepared for everything the Seminoles schemed.

The run game was not established and the Seminoles' passing game was also non-existent. Quarterback Tre Donaldson tried to use his legs throughout the game as well, but the Lions made sure he was not going anywhere.

The longest play of the night for the Seminoles came on a 30-yard run from running back Micahi Danzy in the fourth quarter.

“I just think offensively we had too many three and outs, and our defense was on the field too much,” Hickman said. “That’s my fault for not getting us a little better.”

The Florida High Seminoles prepare to take on Chaminade Madonna in the Class 3A state semifinals on Dec. 3, 2021 in Hollywood.
The Florida High Seminoles prepare to take on Chaminade Madonna in the Class 3A state semifinals on Dec. 3, 2021 in Hollywood.

3. Familiar foes

The Lions are used to competing in state championships as they have been there every year since 2016. They are currently looking to win a fourth state championship in that span.

Chaminade-Madonna's most recent title was in 2019 after a 35-20 win over Florida High.

“I think everybody in the state knows how good they are,” Hickman said.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida High football foiled by Chaminade-Madonna in state semifinals