St. Thomas Aquinas Triumphs Over Manatee in State Semifinal Thriller

In a tightly contested Florida High School Athletic Association Class 5A state semifinal, St. Thomas Aquinas edged out Manatee 16-13 on December 6, 2024, securing their spot in the championship game. The matchup displayed grit and determination from both teams, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final moments.

Both teams traded touchdowns in the first quarter, but missed extra points left the score tied at 6-6. Manatee seized momentum in the second quarter when their quarterback connected with a wide receiver for a touchdown, giving the Hurricanes a 13-6 lead at halftime.

The Raiders chipped away at the deficit with a field goal in the third quarter, narrowing the score to 13-9. St. Thomas Aquinas surged ahead in the final quarter when their quarterback launched a decisive 27-yard touchdown pass. Their defense held firm, thwarting Manatee’s final drive and clinching the victory.

St. Thomas Aquinas moves on to pursue its sixth consecutive state title, while Manatee concludes a remarkable season. Until this hard-fought semifinal, the Hurricanes had remained undefeated against Florida teams. The Hurricanes showcased resilience and talent but fell just short against the defending champions.

Photo Credit: Billy D Photography