It’s unfinished business for Coach Matt Toblin and Bolles as they look to return to the class 4A state championship in consecutive years. Last year the Bulldogs fell to Booker T Washington 25-21. Leading 21-10 at halftime, a scoreless second half ultimately doomed their fate. This time they return to determine their fate on their terms.
Bolles has navigated a very tough schedule including handing Trinity Christian (Class 3A State Champion) their only loss of the season. Their next impressive win was on the road at then undefeated Baker County 33-14, yet slipped up against Creekside at home in overtime. They are fundamentally sound in the run game and on defense, with big play action in the passing game that will surprise you.
That was on display against Gadsden County when Gunner Boree threw a touchdown pass to Davis Ellis on 4th & 3 to tie the game at 7-7 with 8:50 remaining in the 4th quarter. Hayden Swartz blocking a kick in overtime, set up kicker Parsa Pordeli for a game winning field goal to advance to the State title game
Key Players:
#7 QB Gunner Boree (SR) – 1374yds passing 16 TDs extremely accurate with throws and will also run has 324yds rushing
#8 RB Kade Frew (JR)- 1328yds rushing ,15 TDs, hard to tackle with deceptive speed to take it the distance. Senior RB Azeh Kani (SR) has 557 yds rushing behind Frew.
#4 WR Davis Ellis (SR) – 940yds Rec , 9TDs, wins most matchups at the line of scrimmage a game breaker over the top
#5 LB Mack Marrone (SR) 116 tackles, supreme run stuffer for the Bulldogs, son of Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach Doug Marrone.
#6 WR Keaton Thomas (JR) , TE #86 Justin Cayenne (SR) are big targets in the passing game but excellent blockers down field.
#1 SS Caden Fordham (SR) 100 tackles, 4 sacks, extremely versatile, plays offense with 4 TDs on the season rushing. (NC State Commit)
#44 LB Jack Pyburn (JR) leads team in sacks (6) , 97 tackles, creates constant pressure , and DL Hayden Swartz (JR) several D1 offers 55 tackles and 3 sacks.
#32 DE- David Adewale(6’3) and #33 DL Michael Bumpus (6’4) both have 5 sacks on the year. Adewale had 3 sacks last year in state semifinal vs Cocoa.
Cardinal Gibbons
Head Coach Matt Dubuc leads the #25 ranked team in the nation (Maxpreps). Cardinal Gibbons (7-1) defeated Cocoa (10-1) 45-14 in their state semifinal game. Very balanced on offense, the Chiefs average 167 passing yards and 158 rushing yards per game on the season.
Key Players
QB Brody Palhegyi passed for 884 yards 13 TDs 4 ints
Offensive line Anthony Earle 6’4 310 FAU commit
RB Kamouri Moulton 457yds 3 TDS
Torrence Miller 324yds 4 TDS
Receiving Troy Stellato 325yds 5 TDs Committed to Clemson
Cardinal Gibbons have 5 receivers with over 100 yds receiving, and each has at least 1 TD on the season.
Defensively, Trayvon Brown and Jack O’keefe are 60 plus tacklers. O’Keefe a 3 star by 247 Sports.
Junior Mason Thomas 6 sacks
Isaiah Farris 3 interceptions
Bolles is currently tied with St. Thomas Aquinas for 11 state titles. Bolles’ last title was in 2011. Cardinal Gibbons won their first state title in 2018. They fell to eventual state champion Booker T Washington in the state semifinal in 2019.
Keys to victory:
Bolles must get to the quarterback and force QB Brody Palhegyi to get the ball out of his hands quickly and make open field tackles. Clemson commit Troy Stellato can’t be bracketed because there are other receivers that get YAC for the Chiefs. That means DB Avery Epstein (6 interceptions on the season) must make a name for himself and contain Stellato. Bolles’ run defense is stout with some of the best down hill linebackers in the state. Look for them to keep the run game at bay for Cardinal Gibbons.
Offensively, Bolles may want to control the temp on offense with the running of Kade Frew. Last year, they jumped out to an early lead scoring quickly, however were stifled in the second half. Bolles will gain yards on the ground, perhaps rolling out a different package in the second half to throw their opponent off is the key.
Game Time: 1pm 12/17/20
Featured Image by Ray Grant (Duval Sports)
