While the FHSAA football playoffs begin Friday, Nov. 15, the SSAA football playoffs are already winding down. One Southwest Florida school is still alive and about to compete for a state championship.
Winning state championships is becoming pretty much routine for Canterbury football. The Cougars have won three in program history, including last year's title. Now, Vince Camarca's squad is going for lucky number four this weekend as it squares off with Rocky Bayou Christian in the SSAA 3A state championship.
“I really think we’re ready," Canterbury quarterback JT Huether said. "I think we have a chance to bring this thing home.”
“We all know we’re going to work to get towards the ring and the state championship," Canterbury linebacker Kyle Sharlau added.
That path to get here wasn't the easiest for the Cougars. Canterbury went just 2-6 in the regular season and entered the playoffs as the No. 4 seed. While other teams expected them to be an easy out, the Cougs flipped the switch.
“Playoff ball is completely different from the season because your record does not matter," Canterbury offensive lineman Colin Gaddis said.
The underdog Cougars rattled off back-to-back upsets to start the playoffs. Most recently, Canterbury took down Galdes Day 29-28 in the semifinals thanks to a fourth-quarter comeback and the go-ahead touchdown with less than a minute to go.
“It shows that good teams can beat good players," Camarca said. "It also says that hard work does pay off.”
Their hard work is not done yet. The Cougars' thrilling semifinals win earned them a spot in the 3A state championship, where they are hungry for their third statement win.
“One they can call a fluke, two that have to take notice, and three we send a message," Camarca said. "So this week has been all about sending a message.”
That message is to never underestimate Canterbury football.
“We’re not the most physical team, we’re not the biggest team, but we’re making a statement and hopefully bringing home that ring," Huether said.
Canterbury takes on Rocky Bayou Christian in the SSAA 3A state championship on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 4 p.m. at Destin Middle School.