The St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders and the Lakeland Dreadnaughts faced off in a state championship rematch on December 11, 2025. The Raiders came into this game with a 13-1 record and the Dreadnaughts were 12-2. In the 2024 State Championship the Raiders dominated Lakeland with a score of 37-0 and the Dreadnaughts were ready for a rematch.

To start the game, the Raiders received the ball and came out aggressive. The Raiders put together a big drive but Lakeland did not break as they held the Raiders to a Field Goal that was kicked by John DiSalvatore. The score was 3-0 and the Dreadnaughts were looking to respond. The Raiders defense did not let up as they got off the field in just three plays.

The next drive was set up by a 45-yard pass completed to Julius Jones, but the Lakeland defense stood strong. The rest of the first half looked very similar as senior Johnny DiSalvatore made two more field goals, while the Raiders defense let up zero points. The score going into halftime was 9-0, Raiders leading. Coming out of halftime, the Raiders defense made a statement on the second play when junior Zayden Gamble intercepted a pass putting the offense in great field position.

Like most of the game, Johnny Disalvatore trotted onto the field to make his fourth field goal of the game, taking the score to 12-0. The stingy Raider defense continued to go to work, forcing a three-and-out. The Dreadnaughts attempted a fake punt which did not work, spotting the Raiders offense on the 15-yard line. Senior Johnny Disalvatore didn’t get much rest this game as he ran out to kick his fifth field goal of the game. With this kick he tied the state championship record for most field goals made.

Throughout the remainder of the game, the Raiders defense stayed aggressive, not letting up any points for the second state championship in a row. As the offense goes, running backs Jaden Desir, and Morris Choice punched in touchdowns taking the score to 29-0.

After the game, junior wide receiver Julius Jones shared “It feels great, being able to make a big play and put the team in a winning position is always the main goal. A lot of the time I don’t really pay attention to anything other than the play, so when I’m focused, the noise and distractions don’t really bother me.” He also shared that coming out of halftime he reminded the team of all the things that they had said before the game and that it was nowhere near over and they had to finish strong. When asked about his feelings about another state championship and the future he replied, “…glad for the time I had with the guys and now it’s time to go put in work in the offseason and get big.” After the game, the Raiders celebrated in fashion as this was their seventh state championship in a row, cementing themselves as the best program in the South Florida area.