The high-powered offense of Tampa Bay Tech scored 28 first-half points and the Titans withstood a Palmetto second-half rally to advance to the 7A Region 3 Championship, with a 42-26 victory.

Tampa Bay Tech advances to their first Region Final since 2014 and set a new school record for wins in a season, improving to 11-1 (their only loss came to Armwood in the season opener).

Michael Penix, Jr. earned Player of the Game honors for the second time this year on Spectrum Sports, accounting for five of the Titan touchdowns (3 pass, 2 rush). The Tennessee commit finished with 167 passing yards and 38 rushing yards.

Treshaun Ward led the powerful Tampa Bay Tech running game, finishing with 114 yards, including a 30-yd TD in the first quarter. Isaiah Stephens was Penix, Jr.'s favorite receiver, hauling in five catches for 76 yards and two TD. Malik Young also had a 18-yd TD reception.

Palmetto may have been down 28-3 at the half, but the Tigers didn't go down without a fight. They nearly had three different 100-yard rushers, as senior Elijah Davis finished with 153 yards and two TD, while juniors Anthony Marino (98 yards, TD) and Johnny Jones (95 rushing yards) nearly topped the century-mark.

Marino's favorite target was Lajohntay Wester, who tallied five receptions for 75 yards. Palmetto finishes the season 7-4.

Tampa Bay Tech will travel to #1 seed Venice for the 7A-3 Championship next Friday. The Indians improved to 11-1 with a 41-32 win over Braden River in the other 7A-3 Region Semifinal. Venice's only loss this season is to nationally-ranked IMG Academy.

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