Florida quarterback commit Jake Allen led his Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas squad to a 50-10 victory over Hialeah (Fla.) Mater Academy Friday to advance to the state semifinals. During the game, Allen completed 12 of 17 passes for 185 yards and three touchdowns to one interception.

“We knew what we were coming into with this game,” Allen said of the win. “We did what the coaches put forward, and I think it was a successful, good day.”

Allen’s scoring strikes came from 14, 21 and 22 yards out and was extremely accurate throwing down the field.

“The chemistry is flowing right now. It’s just keep our foot on the peddle and keep going.”

A few weeks back, Allen was in Gainesville to watch the Gators take on South Carolina. The message from Florida’s staff centered around Allen’s own team.

“Just win a state title. They want me to focus on what’s going on here, so I’m focusing on what’s going on here.”

The Gators are back in the SEC Championship Game, and that certainly something that excites Allen.

“Obviously, sweet getting back to Atlanta, another time to play Alabama. It’s definitely a cool experience.”

This is the second year in a row Florida has won the SEC East after losing its starting quarterback midway through the season.

“That says that Coach [Doug Nussmeier] and Coach [Jim McElwain] know what they are doing. It doesn’t matter who they have back there. Austin Appleby is a great quarterback, I love the guy, and he’s making damn good plays. You got to put some on him.”

The 247Sports Composite, an industry generated average, currently ranks Allen as the nation’s No. 251 overall prospect in the 2017 class.