Chaminade-Madonna coasts by Clearwater Central Catholic in FHSAA 1M title game

Lions quarterback Cedrick Bailey threw four first half touchdown passes in the victory

Author:
Andy Villamarzo
Updated:
Dec 7, 2023 8:17 PM EST
Original:
Dec 7, 2023

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – With game time temperatures around 45 degrees, the FHSAA state championships at Bragg Memorial Stadium kicked off with more of a chill than the usual warmth of the Sunshine State.

What didn't stay cold was the play of Chaminade-Madonna's offense on Thursday morning on Ken Riley Field, as the Lions easily kept up with their 45-points per game average throughout the regular season.

That average was nearly met by halftime.

Chaminade-Madonna, the defending 1M champion, raced out to a 42-point lead by intermission and coasted to a 56-0 win over Clearwater Central Catholic. Chaminade-Madonna clinched back-to-back state championships and it was the sixth title in the last eight years for the Lions, and their seventh overall.

"We weren't worried about it," Dameon Jones said about the weather at kickoff. "We knew it was going to be cold and we pounded that in their head all week. We've played in it before. Once I saw the sun come out, I knew it was going to be a good day."

At no point did it look like the dynasty stronghold Chaminade-Madonna has had over the lower classifications was ever in question. The only thing in doubt was would there be a running clock to start the second half.

Just thirty seconds into the game, the Lions (14-0) opened up the scoring as North Carolina State commit Cedrick Bailey connected with Ohio State commit Jeremiah Smith on a 50-yard touchdown strike to put Chaminade-Madonna up 7-0.

The first three plays by the Lions were passes from Bailey to Smith and the trio, including Miami (FL) Joshisa Trader, simply made it look easy all morning long. On CCC's ensuing possession, the Marauders controlled the clock for nearly six minutes but the drive ended in a turnover on downs.

"That's our goal every week. We want to start off fast," Bailey said. "Hit 'em in the mouth first because we know they are going to lay down fast. It's been a great week. We had a great game plan this week and I love what we did today."

FHSAA 1M Championship Chaminade-Madonna vs Clearwater Central Catholic December 8, 2022 Photo-Matt Christopher27

Two plays later, Bailey hit Trader on a 54-yard go route that put the Lions ahead 14-0. From that moment, there was no slowing down the Chaminade-Madonna offensive attack as they moved at a breakneck pace compared to CCC's more methodical, clock-eating approach.

Chaminade-Madonna exited the opening quarter leading 21-0 and equaled that point total in the second quarter, with the Lions' defense starting to show up and cause havoc in the Marauders' backfield. CCC quarterback Jershaun Newton was under pressure throughout the first two quarters, turning over the ball twice via a fumble and an interception.

By intermission, the statistics were staggering for Chaminade-Madonna's offense. Bailey had completed 17-of-21 passes for 322-yards, four touchdowns and even caught a touchdown on a trick play from Trader. Smith played sparingly in the second half and ended his high school career on a high note, catching 11 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown. Trader wasn't far behind, hauling in two passes for 61 yards and two scores.

The Lions added a touchdown in the third quarter by freshman running back Arwin Jackson. Clearwater Central Catholic (13-1) entered the red zone once in the second half, hoping to avoid the shutout, but was unable to. The entire second half was played under a running clock.

For Chaminade-Madonna, it was the largest margin of victory in a state championship game, surpassing a 50-15 victory over South Sumter in 2005 (Class 2A). Though the Lions won’t play for a national championship like last year when they faced Bishop Gorman (Nevada) in the GEICO National championship game, but this team has made an argument for being the best team in the land.

Wins over programs like St. France’s Academy (Maryland), Bergen Catholic (New Jersey), Plantation American Heritage and Miami Central decorate what has been a season to remember for the Lions.

Photos by SBLive Sports Florida photographer Matt Christopher