Armwood (Fla.) shuts down rival Tampa Bay Tech (Fla.)

TAMPA, Fla.- Last year’s meeting between the Armwood Hawks and Tampa Bay Tech was a down to the wire, 31-27 win for the Hawks home at Lyle Flagg Field.

For the second consecutive year, it’s Armwood taking the regular season meeting between the Hillsborough County foes, 28-7 on Friday night at Titan Stadium. The Hawks improved to 3-0 and the Titans fell to 2-1.

Armwood’s defense might be as good as any in Florida’s Class 6A 

The Hawks historically have always been known to have a defense as good as any in the state. This 2025 edition is as advertised, with Armwood putting that on full display at Titan Stadium on the road.  

Behind the front seven play of linebackers Theo Wilson Jr. and Otis Reed in addition to a lockdown secondary unit, led by Miami commit Jaelen Waters, the Hawks made things more than difficult all night long for the Titans. 

From the defensive line to linebacking corps to secondary unit, Armwood’s defense proved all throughout the night that they are going to be tough to beat. 

Tampa Bay Tech’s offense stalled most of the night 

Armwood’s defense would obviously be most to blame for Tampa Bay Tech’s woes on offense, but the Titans were just not able to get much going regardless on the night. 

Titans quarterback Nate Richardson was under duress for most of the evening as the Hawks sent blitzes along with defensive line pressures all evening long. Richardson was eventually replaced by freshman Martavious Conway, who provided the Titans with a brief spark, throwing a touchdown pass.

Running back Javari Bennett was kept in check as the senior rushed for 29 yards on 14 carries. 

For the game, Tampa Bay Tech’s offense finished the night below the 200-yard mark and their seven points was the lowest since they faced Armwood back in 2019, a 32-0 loss. 

Rhys Brush showed he’s a dual-threat in every sense of the way 

The USF commitment was effective whether he was needed to throw the rock or run it for Armwood. 

Brush ended the night compiling 265 all-purpose yards and accounted for two touchdowns. Whenever the Hawks needed their senior signal caller to make a play, Brush was able to oblige and get the necessary yardage or clutch throw, run. 

A lot of attention in Hillsborough County is rightfully given to Jesuit’s Will Griffin, but Brush proved he’s pretty good in his own right against a stout defense. 

Hawks have a path to go undefeated the rest of the way 

Many around the Tampa Bay Area would argue this was the Hawks’ toughest game of the season as the next seven games, Armwood will be favored and should go on to win their district championship. 

A Sep. 26 date with Plant might be the one other game Armwood may be challenged the rest of the way en route to attempting to go 10-0. When it comes to preparing for the Class 6A playoffs, Hawks issue comes from not being able to play enough challenges along the way. 

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