Class 1A state title game: Chaminade-Madonna earns program’s first four-peat 

MIAMI – To be brutally honest, the outcome of this year’s Class 1A state title game was never in doubt for the Chaminade-Madonna Lions.

The nation’s No. 11-ranked team forced six turnovers – three interceptions caught and three fumbles recovered – to upend Clearwater Central Catholic in a 42-7 win at Pitbull Stadium. They have earned their fourth consecutive state title, with the others coming in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

One of the six turnovers forced by Chaminade-Madonna was a 78-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown in the second half by junior defensive back Leonzay Merzius, who had four tackles in this one. His defensive score helped Chaminade get a 28-0 lead over Clearwater with 2:36 left in the third quarter.

The other defenders who forced a turnover for the Lions were:

•Forced fumble and fumble recovery by senior defensive tackle Anthony Smith

•Fumble recovery and interception caught by senior defensive back Kelly Senior

•Interception caught by senior cornerback Izziek Chandler

•Interception caught by sophomore safety John Gay to end the game 

In addition, sophomore quarterback Tyler Chance led the way by completing 15 of 20 passes for 192 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. His most impactful plays came in the second, third, and fourth quarters – all of which were touchdown passes.

The first one was a 27-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Koby Howard, who helped Chaminade take a 14-0 lead over Clearwater with 7:00 left in the first half. It would be the only catch from the Penn State signee in this one.

The second one was a 20-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Denairius Gray, who aided the Lions in extending their lead to 21-0 over the Marauders at the 5:32 mark of the third quarter. Gray, who found a way to get open and hit paydirt right to the end zone, finished with a game-high five catches for 78 yards and the score.

The third and final one came with 4:45 left in the game, as Chance found junior wide receiver Jasen Lopez in the end zone on a 8-yard pass. This one by Lopez (four catches, 30 yards, one touchdown) essentially sealed the deal for the Lions, who were up 35-7 at this point.

A total of six Lions caught at least one pass in this state title game against the Marauders.

As for the running game, the Lions (13-2 final record) combined for 162 yards on 27 carries for two touchdowns. 

The game’s first score was a 52-yard run to the end zone by junior athlete Derrek Cooper with 9:58 left in the first quarter, as he helped the Lions start with a 7-0 lead. He finished with 10 carries for 92 yards and the rushing touchdown.

The game’s final score came off a 30-yard run by senior athlete and Middle Tennessee signee Camari Hall with 2:58 left in the game. He had four carries for 31 yards and the last touchdown of the Class 1A title game.

As for the Mauraders (12-3 final record), they were able to get one score in the fourth quarter. It came off a 1-yard run from Keo Jenkins with 9:02 left in the game.

The Mauraders got a nice running game from sophomore quarterback Khayse Barrett, who finished with a game-high 13 carries for 123 yards. But he threw three interceptions and finished 10-for-18 with 98 passing yards and no touchdowns.

The Mauraders offense gained 275 yards and had 16 first downs. However, their defense allowed 367 yards and 19 first downs to the Lions.