TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Back in January, the Thomas County Central football team met and redefined their goals for the upcoming season. They branded the motto “Whatever it Takes.” Now, eleven months later, the Jackets are exactly where they want to. They’re undefeated and playing in the state semifinals at home with a chance to play for a state title next week in the Benz.
To get to that state championship game, a familiar team stands in the way. Over Justin Rogers’ four seasons at Thomas County Central, this team has lost just one game at home. It happened in 2022 in the quarterfinals when the Jackets lost to Roswell, and that’s who they’ll host tomorrow night.
There’s a lot of anticipation about this one. It’s obviously a big match-up, and to be able to play it at the Jackets’ Nest makes it all the more special.
“Our home field advantage has been a big deal. We’ve been good at home,” said Rogers. “We’re excited about playing at home. It’s huge. We’ve been 29-1 over the four years here. We all know who the one was. Their whole deal at Roswell is trying to play really, really hard and confuse you. They’re hoping they can play harder than you and create some confusion. We just have to be good with our eyes and our discipline and we’ll be fine.”
It’s been a wild couple of weeks for all teams in Class 5A. The semifinal games were supposed to be played last week, but thanks to a holdup after a fight caused Gainesville’s quarterfinal game to be postponed, everything was pushed back.
The Jackets had some time off they didn’t expect, but coach said his team handled it well and now they’re ready to go.
The Jackets had some time off they didn’t expect, but coach said his team handled it well and now they’re ready to go.
“It was either an opportunity or a distraction, so we tried to treat it like an opportunity having extra time,” he said. “We tried to heal up any bangs and bruises and also help us with game prep. We approached it as an opportunity. I think the kids and the coaches did. I’m happy with how we handled it. Everybody is ready to play, I can promise you that. Coaches, players, I have watched enough Roswell film. I am ready to kick it off.”
Thursday’s semifinal game between Roswell and Thomas County Central is set for a 7:30 kick at the Jackets’ Nest.
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