Battle-tested True North football finding stride as it wins third in a row
The True North Classical Academy football team got off to a rough start this season.
But the battle-tested Titans used those early setbacks against some of the state’s best teams as learning experiences, and have been building momentum ever since.
Led by quarterback Zac Katz, an FIU commit who completed 14 of 18 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns, and had a career-high 158.6 passer rating, True North won its third in a row with a 28-8 triumph over Jacksonville University Christian at Tropical Park.
Katz connected with Kamari Bailey for a touchdown four plays into the game, and later connected twice for touchdowns of 42 and 30 yards with fellow FIU commit Malik Penson.
Cecil Smith led the Titans on the ground with 11 carries for 103 yards and a touchdown. He also had two catches for 40 yards.
Penson finished with four catches for 113 yards. Duane Johnson led True North’s defense with 12 tackles and one sack while Ricky Carter had 11 tackles and a sack.
The Titans (3-2) began the season with an ugly, turnover-riddled first quarter, which led to a 41-14 loss to Class 2A state title contender Sarasota Cardinal Mooney. True North followed that with a tough 44-34 loss to another state championship contender in Fort Myers Bishop Verot.
But things have clicked in recent weeks for a Titans’ squad, which is hoping to finally legitimately challenge four-time reigning state champion Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna in Class 1A this season.
