No. 2 Lee County, No. 3 Thomas County Central set for high-stakes region showdown

LEESBURG – The No. 2-ranked Lee County Trojans (5-0) are set to host the No. 3-ranked Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets (5-0) on Friday night in Leesburg, weather permitting. Hurricane Helene could cause a delay.

This game marks the first region contest for both teams, and with both squads eyeing a trip to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the winner will take a significant step toward that goal.

Both teams are coming off impressive victories. Lee County defeated Wekiva (Fla.) 62-17, while Thomas County Central dominated Bainbridge, 63-7.

Thomas County Central enters the game riding a 20-game win streak. The closest they came to losing during that stretch was a seven-point victory over Lee County last season in Thomasville. In that game, the Trojans faced a critical fourth-and-nine deep in Yellow Jacket territory. After a tough run by Weston Bryan, they were marked just inches short, turning the ball over to Thomas County, who held on for the win, secured the region title, home-field advantage for the playoffs, and ultimately a state championship. There’s a reason they call football a game of inches.

“Last year was certainly a great high school football game that came down to the very end,” said Lee County Head Coach Dean Fabrizio. “Unfortunately, we ended up coming up a little short.”

Thomas County Central quarterback Jaylen Johnson has picked up where he left off as a sophomore, when he threw for nearly 1,800 yards and 19 touchdowns for the state champion Yellow Jackets. This season, in five games, he has already thrown 10 touchdown passes and racked up 894 passing yards.

Although the Yellow Jackets lost running back Trey Benton to graduation, junior Christian Lawrence has stepped up, rushing for 673 yards and nine touchdowns in the first five games of the season.

“Thomas County Central is well-coached and has great players,” Fabrizio said. “They’re strong in all three phases—offense, defense, and special teams.”

But so are the Trojans.

Lee County will counter with the state’s top running back recruit, Ousmane Kromah, and three-year starting quarterback Weston Bryan on offense, along with a defense anchored by Greg Batson and University of Florida commit Jeramiah McCloud.

Kromah has rushed for 605 yards, added 170 receiving yards, and scored 11 total touchdowns. Bryan has thrown for 837 yards and nine touchdowns, while also rushing for 406 yards and 12 touchdowns.

“To win this game, we have to focus on ball security on offense and avoid negative plays,” Fabrizio said. “Defensively, we need to play disciplined football and limit big plays. Special teams will play a crucial role, so we’ll need to be strong in that area as well.”

As of Tuesday’s deadline, the game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday night in Leesburg. However, Hurricane Helene could force a change in those plans.

By Joe WhitfieldJoeWhitfield[email protected]