St. Thomas Aquinas and Lakeland have long been the dominant forces in Florida football. With a combined total of 15 state titles between them, their matchups are highly anticipated. In this article, we take a deep dive into their history of battles and explore the key moments that have shaped their legacies.

Uncover the Rivals - St. Thomas Aquinas vs. Lakeland

1996: Lakeland's Dominant Debut

In 1996, Lakeland faced St. Thomas Aquinas in their first state championship game. Dewayne Gallishaw and Keith Price led the charge on the ground, amassing a combined 336 rushing yards. The Dreadnaughts' defense, led by John Brown and Genesis Howard, shut out the Raiders, showcasing their dominance. Lakeland outgained St. Thomas Aquinas 276 to 46 on the ground, setting the tone for future matchups. Quarterback Lewis Grier added 140 passing yards, finishing the season with 1343 yards.This victory was a significant milestone for Lakeland, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with. It laid the foundation for their subsequent success against St. Thomas Aquinas.

2004: Ground and Pound

In 2004, Lakeland once again dominated on the ground. Chris Rainey and Chris Griffin combined for 267 rushing yards, with Rainey leading the way with 152 yards. The Dreadnaughts' defense, led by Kendrick Stewart, held St. Thomas Aquinas to minus-35 yards rushing and just 87 yards of total offense.The game was a seesaw battle in the first quarter, with Lakeland leading 3-0. But they pulled away in the second half, leading 17-7 at halftime and shutting out the Raiders in the second half. Rainey's 49-yard touchdown run in the third quarter sealed the deal.This victory demonstrated Lakeland's ability to control the game on both sides of the ball and their dominance in the trenches.

2005: Passing and Rushing

In 2005, Lakeland's backfield of Jamar Taylor and Rainey dominated on the ground, rushing for 356 yards. But it was the passing game that provided the initial spark, with quarterback Billy Lowe hooking up with Matt Grier for a 56-yard touchdown pass on the first play of the game.Defensively, Lakeland held St. Thomas Aquinas to 213 yards and forced six turnovers. Steve Wilks, Ahmad Black, and Andre Walker had interceptions, while Bryant Peace and Walker recovered fumbles.This victory clinched Lakeland's first National Championship, solidifying their place in Florida football history.

2006: A Thrilling Finish

In 2006, Lakeland and St. Thomas Aquinas put on a show. Lakeland led 21-0 at halftime, but St. Thomas Aquinas made a comeback. Jeremiah Harden scored on a 72-yard rush and Wesley Carroll added an 8-yard run. In overtime, Harden scored again, but Taylor answered for Lakeland.The game came down to the wire, with St. Thomas Aquinas trying to pound in the winning touchdown instead of attempting a tying field goal. Brown, Black, and Nic Moody combined to stop Harden inches short, clinching the victory for Lakeland.This game will be remembered for its excitement and drama, as both teams fought tooth and nail to the end.

2008: Raiders' Revenge

In 2008, St. Thomas Aquinas avenged their previous losses by routing Lakeland. They scored on their second play of the game and took a 28-0 lead. Giovanni Bernard led the rushing attack with 104 yards, while James White added 98 yards.Lakeland managed just 139 yards on the ground, struggling to keep up with the Raiders' offense. Jarred Haggins completed just three passes for 97 yards, with 86 coming on a touchdown pass.This loss was a setback for Lakeland, but it only fueled their determination to come back stronger.

2018: Lakeland's Shocking Comeback

In 2018, Lakeland shocked St. Thomas Aquinas after a decade of embarrassment. Demarkcus Bowman was unstoppable, rushing for 211 yards on just 22 carries and scoring an 80-yard touchdown in the first quarter.Lakeland finished with 380 yards of total offense, while sacking Curt Casteel four times. Jace Hoenthaner hit two field goals, including a 38-yarder, while the Raiders' Logan Lupo missed two.This victory was a turning point for Lakeland, proving that they could compete with the best and overcome their past failures.