FORT MYERS, Fla.- The high school football season is officially underway across the Sunshine State, and numerous preseason classics got underway tonight. HSSportsFlorida took in a matchup featuring numerous D-1 prospects on both sides as St. Thomas Aquinas made the two-hour trip north to take on a state-title contender in Bishop Verot on Thursday night. Here are five takeaways from tonight’s game.
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS OFFENSE IS ELITE
Despite getting off to a slow start, The Raiders got on the board in their second possession following a 21-yard field goal by junior John DiSalvatore. In the opening quarter, St. Thomas Aquinas outgained Bishop Verot, 125-91.
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS WITH A HUGE SECOND QUARTER
The Raiders started to pour it on in the second quarter which all started when senior quarterback Andrew Indorf found Illinois commit Cedric Wyche II on a 35-yard screen and run to increase their lead to 10-0. Moments later second-string quarterback Derrick Baker would find junior running back Jerry Derosier to make it 17-0. The Raiders would go into the halftime locker room leading 30-0, with 27 of the points coming in the second quarter alone. The Raiders would outgain Bishop Verot in the first half, 306-122.
CARTER SMITH SHINES IN THE SECOND HALF
Future Michigan Wolverine quarterback Carter Smith and the Bishop Verot Vikings marched down the field on their opening drive of the second half, capped off by an 11-yard run by freshman running back Ira Dale Jr. Smith was also very effective using his legs and making good decisions with the football throughout the night.
EDDIE GORE IS A NAME YOU NEED TO KNOW
The sophomore running back/linebacker Eddie Gore started the game with an interception off Indorf in the first quarter, and then later scored a touchdown off a punt blocked that landed in the end zone in the third. Gore showcased his ability in the open field as well where he had some nice carries in the second half for the Vikings.
BOTH TEAMS HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS THIS SEASON
Both St. Thomas Aquinas and Bishop Verot are poised to have big-time seasons, as the Raiders are the 5-time reigning State Champions and currently carry a 38-game winning streak against in-state opponents dating back to 2021. The Vikings are looking to extend their regional playoff streak to 13 consecutive seasons, dating back to 2012.
