The St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders went into a highly anticipated match against McArthur Mustangs on September 19, 2025. The Raiders were coming off a 45-6 blowout win the previous week against Western Wildcats. Similarly, the Mustangs  were coming off a 40-6 blowout win to Cypress Bay , and were looking for an upset against the well-known STA team. This game was the Raiders’ district championship game, and it was a beautiful Friday afternoon. The game started on time this week, and the skies were clear. Both teams were ready and very stoked to play this game.

The Raiders started the game on defense, and got a 3-and-out stop. The Raiders’  offense then went down into the red zone but couldn’t capitalize. The Raiders capped out the drive with a field goal. The Mustangs got the ball back and drove down the field and scored to go up 7-3. The Raiders fought back, and a Virgil Lemons rush made the score 10-7. Going into halftime, the Raiders needed to pick their energy up,and they did just that. Starting the 3rd quarter, the Raiders got a passing touchdown with Mason Mallory connecting to Leroy Thomas. The Raiders’ defense continued to show out and get stops. The Raiders got the ball back, and Julius Jones got a receiving touchdown from Mason Mallory. The Raiders defense got another stop, and the Raiders got the ball back. Morris Choice immediately ran for a long touchdown to make the score 31-7. To cap off the game, Samari Howard got an interception. STA will be going on a bye week and will face off against Hollywood Hills on their senior night.