For the fourth straight season, the East Lake Eagles have advanced to the Region Finals, as they cruised past Braden River 37-21 in Manatee County on the Game of the Week.  The Eagles will face Fort Myers next Friday, as they will vie for their second straight state semifinals appearance.

Player of the Game Jake Hudson improved to 25-1 as a starter, completing 17-of-23 passes for 197 yards and 2 TD.  George Campbell, the nation's #1-ranked ATH recruit, finished with 84 total yards and a TD reception, his 11th of the season.  Several players made an impact in the backfield, as Dylan Renaker rushed for two first-half touchdowns, Carson Lydon added a rushing TD in the third quarter and Drew Couto gained 55 rushing yards on 10 carries.

Braden River's ballhawking defense did force East Lake into three turnovers, but their offense struggled to put together prolonged drives.  For the second straight week, sophomore Raymond Thomas rushed for three touchdowns (40 yards on 13 carries).  Jacob Huesman finished with 181 passing yards.

East Lake's road to a state championship continues, along with three other county teams - Lakewood, CCC and Indian Rocks Christian - as Pinellas County still is in search of their elusive first state title.