advancing to the FHSAA 2A State Championship game.
With a final score of 28-10, the Dade Christian Crusaders left it all on the field Dec. 7 as they competed for the FHSAA 2A State Championship title.
Finishing runner-up to University Christian of Jacksonville (after having led for three of four quarters), their toughness, tenacity and grit allowed them to perform on a statewide platform as they battled injuries, cramping, exhaustion and a team with considerably more depth in the finals.
Many Crusaders played offense and defense making it extremely difficult to recover physically from play to play. After receiving their Class 2A State Runner-up trophy, the Crusaders received a standing ovation from their beloved fans that were able to share in an amazing season.
“Many people thought that we could not make it far because our lack of depth, but we were determined to prove them wrong,” said senior football player Terrence Alls.
The Crusader Nation was well represented at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando by three charter buses filled with drum lines, pep bands, cheerleaders and a host of red clad Crusaders filling the stands in support.
This year’s DCS varsity fought every Friday night in order to maintain an undefeated season. Day in and day out, they trained harder than ever before and were determined to make it to the state final game, winning three playoff rounds.
The Crusaders finished with a record of 31-5 over the past three seasons and became the first team in the school’s 52 year history to reach the state title game. Head coach, Mike Sonneborn, did not mince words at the conclusion of the Dec. 7 game, commenting with quiet strength, “we’ll be back, I’ll make sure of it.”
