Braden River's historical season continues, as the Pirates defeated Plant City 17-7 at Raider Stadium, advancing to their first-ever state semifinal appearance.  Plant City's 11-game winning streak was snapped in their first-ever Region Final appearance.  Meanwhile the Pirates won their third playoff game of the year, equaling their total from the program's first ten years of existence.

Plant City struck first with a 24-yd TD pass from Corey King to 4-star recruit Tavares Chase (Clemson commit) for a 7-0 lead.  But Chase was largely contained the rest of the night, finishing with 64 receiving yards.

Braden River's defense recorded their 25th interception of the season, as Noah Arce picked off King, which led to a 2-yd TD pass from Jacob Huesman to DeShaun Fenwick.  Kyle Thoma kicked a 23-yd FG just before the half to give the Pirates their first lead of the night.

The second half belonged to the Braden River defense, as they picked off two more passes, and bruising RB Dexter Hodo.  Hodo was held to 15 first-half yards, but rushed for 88 in the second half to record his third straight 100-yd rushing game.  Huesman (19-22, 267 yards, 2 TD) added a fourth-quarter TD pass to Juwaan Jenkins (7 receptions, 89 yards) for the final tally.

Curt Bradley's Pirates program continues their remarkable turnaround in his four-year tenure, as their record has improved from 1-9 in 2012, to 5-4 in 2013, to 10-1 last season and tonight improving to 13-0.  They will host perennial state title contender St. Thomas Aquinas next week in the 7A State Semifinals, as the South Florida power looks for their ninth state title.

Plant City's season was historic in its own right, as the 100-year old program set a new record for wins in a single season, finishing the year at 11-2 under first-year head coach Greg Meyer.

OTHER STATEWIDE SCORES

Class 8A
Regional Final
Christopher Columbus Catholic 42, South Dade 9
Flanagan 35, Atlantic Community 0
Kissimmee Osceola 20, Dr. Phillips 19
West Orange 41, Mandarin 26

Class 7A
Regional Final
Braden River 17, Plant City 7
Columbia 51, Bartram Trail 14
St. Thomas Aquinas 60, Mater Academy 7
Viera 24, Lakeland 14

Class 6A
Regional Final
Armwood 40, Gainesville 20
Miami Central 33, Mainland 21
Naples 35, Charlotte 0
Tate 21, Niceville 20

Class 5A
Regional Final
Bishop Moore 51, Hallandale 46
Clay 40, Nature Coast Tech 28
Jesuit 42, Dunbar 0
Wakulla 35, Suwannee 14

Class 4A
State Semifinal
Miami Washington 33, Cocoa 14
Raines 35, Santa Fe 14

Class 3A
State Semifinal
Delray American Heritage 31, Clearwater Central Catholic 24
Trinity Christian-Jacksonville 47, Tampa Catholic 14

Class 2A
State Semifinal
Cambridge Christian 30, First Baptist 26
University Christian 31, Victory Christian 0

Class 1A
State Semifinal
Port St. Joe 42, Baker 13
Trenton 27, Madison County 18