The Race For State Begins This Week
It’s usually the most exciting time in the Florida high school football season. Welcome to the state playoffs. In any year, it would get the heart pumping and the blood rushing. But this season has been different – to say…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIt’s usually the most exciting time in the Florida high school football season. Welcome to the state playoffs.
In any year, it would get the heart pumping and the blood rushing. But this season has been different – to say the least.
The amazing talent that is on display for a five week period is simply an experience that it is tough to explain – and will carry with it plenty of memories.
While the crowds are not gaudy – like in some state championships – the talent and future collegiate and NFL stars that this region produces is amazing.
But this year has been all about the Coronavirus and what it has stripped away from the high school athletic scene.
It has indeed been a year where the normal is what you are doing at that particular time. But as the playoffs get into full swing, there are some noticeable players in that race for a state title that are absent.
Miami’s Booker T. Washington (4A) and Christopher Columbus (8A) had to opt out of getting that chance to repeat – and that is something that does not sit well with many in south Florida.
Other than Miami Edison (3A), Miami Northwestern (4A), Miami Central (6A), Homestead (7A) and Miami Palmetto (8A), no other public school in Miami-Dade, Broward or Palm Beach Counties will be competing in the state championships, diluting the product. South Florida programs have long dominated the landscape of football and that will be missing in 2020 – other than those programs who “opted in”.
As the games will get started, here is the way that race will shape up.
8A
DEFENDING STATE CHAMPION
Miami Christopher Columbus
With Columbus not playing for a state title, this thing is wide open.
Programs that figure to be in the mix include Sanford Seminole, Miami Palmetto, Jacksonville Bartram Trail, Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast, Orlando Dr. Phillips, Winter Park, Sarasota Riverview, Orlando Boone, Orlando Timber Creek, Orange Park Oakleaf, Apopka, Lithia Newsome, Vero Beach and DeLand.
7A
DEFENDING STATE CHAMPION
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
The Raiders are back – and they are ready for another state title run. They are gifted on both sides of the ball – and have some of the best special team performers in Florida.
But as good as they are, there are other programs who figure to make a run as well. Valrico Bloomingdale has been exceptional, even though they lack extended playoff experience. Niceville, Bradenton Manatee and defending state runner up Orlando Edgewater has players as well.
In addition, Mitchell finished the season unbeaten and will be a program to watch. So will Venice, Gainesville Buchholz, Plant City, Orange Park Fleming Island, Lakeland, Bartow, Neptune Beach Fletcher, Navarre and Tallahassee Lincoln.
6A
DEFENDING STATE CHAMPION
Miami Central
The Rockets are back – and even though they will have played just one game – a 21-14 loss to one of the best teams in the state, Northwestern, they are stacked with talent.
Other 6A programs with a chance to do something includes: Lakeland Lake Gibson, Tampa Gaither, Jacksonville Lee, North Fort Myers, defending state runner up Pensacola Escambia, surprising Naples Palmetto Ridge, Lake Minneola, Daytona Beach Mainland, Naples, Punta Gorda Charlotte, Fort Pierce Westwood, Gulfport Boca Ciega, Fort Myers Dunbar and Port Charlotte.
5A
DEFENDING STATE CHAMPION
Miami Northwestern
The Bulls are back and ready for a fourth consecutive state title.
This team is loaded and comes in as a big favorite – with athletes all over the field.
One of the major southern obstacles will be Plantation American Heritage, which has played a challenging schedule this season and will be ready.
Also, defending state runner up Orlando Jones is solid and very talented. So are Tampa Jesuit, Rockledge, Baker County, Lake Wales, Green Cove Springs Clay, Dunnellon, Ocala Vanguard, Live Oak Suwannee, Crawfordville Wakulla, Sebring, Brooksville Nature Coast and Eau Gallie.
4A
DEFENDING STATE CHAMPION
Miami Booker T. Washington
Without the Tornadoes competing to defend their title, this a wide-open race.
Miami Gulliver Prep, Cocoa, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, St. Petersburg Lakewood, The Villages, Tampa Catholic and surprising Englewood Lemon Bay are all very talented programs.
3A
DEFENDING STATE CHAMPION
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna
The Lions are back and are not only looking for a fourth consecutive title, but a fifth straight trip to the finals – and that experience will weigh heavily.
Even though this is a program that remains the favorite, watch out for always impressive Jacksonville Trinity Christian, defending state runner up Tallahassee Florida High, Miami Edison, Tampa Berkeley Prep, Clearwater Calvary Christian, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, Lakeland Christian, Fort Pierce John Carroll and Baldwin.
2A
DEFENDING STATE CHAMPION
Hialeah Champagnat Catholic
Another program that is ready to defend their state title are the Lions.
Winners of two of the past three state championships, this is a program that is also looking for yet another trip to the state finals.
While they are definitely the team to beat, keep an eye on Tampa Cambridge Christian, Foundation Academy, Zephyrhills Christian, Naples First Baptist, defending state runner up Lakeland Victory Christian, Jacksonville University Christian and Tampa Carrollwood Day.
1A
DEFENDING STATE CHAMPION
Madison County
Getting the three-time defending state champion Cowboys off the podium will indeed not be easy.
This is a school that played one of the toughest schedules in 1A – and while there are some gifted teams making a run, they are a huge favorite to win it all.
Vernon, Baker, Wildwood, Newberry, Port St. Joe, Cross City Dixie County and Hawthorne also have some impressive players as well.
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Foridakids1@aol.com. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.