Final Dress Rehearsal For 16 Teams
Last week, some familiar faces punched their ticket to Tallahassee. This weekend, eight more teams, who have sacrificed spring and summer, and ultimately fought Covid and this pandemic, will join 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A teams this next week at…
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Continue ReadingLast week, some familiar faces punched their ticket to Tallahassee.
This weekend, eight more teams, who have sacrificed spring and summer, and ultimately fought Covid and this pandemic, will join 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A teams this next week at Doak Campbell Stadium
The Race For Tallahassee is indeed much like the rest of 2020 has been. But we are one week away, and football is going to be played this weekend in 33 Florida cities, producing some of the best teams and players anywhere in the country.
Here is a look at each game – and why things can turn out to be fun for all involved.
CLASS 8A
STATE SEMIFINALS
NORTH
Sanford Seminole (10-0) at Apopka (8-3), 7. Two tremendous programs – as Seminole has been building for a return to the grand stage for years.
The Blue Darters are the blueprint how to build successful programs and follow a rich tradition. Still good and capable of some big things.
SOUTH
Kissimmee Osceola (8-2) vs. Miami Palmetto (6-1) at Traz Powell Stadium – Saturday, 6. Everyone pretty much knows the story of head coach Mike Manasco and the Palmetto Panthers, who have put together a three-year run the like this school has never seen before. A defense that strangles and sets up a “limited” offensive attack. While the Panthers are in uncharted waters, the Kowboys are very much at home.
This is a program that is in the mix every year – because of tremendous coaching and elite prospects who have bought in to what this program has long been about.
CLASS 7A
STATE SEMIFINALS
NORTH
Orlando Edgewater (7-2) at Niceville (11-0), 7 Central Time. Long trip for the defending state runner up Eagles have to make, but they have been down this road before and have the players, coaches and experience to hold their own.
One of the few teams from the Panhandle that has enjoyed success over the years – at the state level, this is a Niceville program that is loaded with tremendous talent, and play on the fact that Edgewater has to travel nearly eight hours and a time zone change.
SOUTH
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (6-1) at Valrico Bloomingdale (12-0). This has been a magical run for this program that will be at home for a game that this program has never had. NOT with this much riding on a trip to the state finals.
Keep in mind that this football team and its coaches have been to this game basically every year. To beat the Raiders, you cannot make mistakes. They will make you pay.
Understand that while most teams have seven and eight big time prospects that are as good as any, St. Thomas Aquinas has that and more who are waiting their opportunity on a crowded sideline.
But all that being said – and the Bulls being tested a number of times, you never know what will happen – in this crazy year.
CLASS 6A
STATE SEMIFINALS
NORTH
St. Augustine (10-2) at Lake Minneola (10-1). The best thing about the Hawks is getting to know about this football team and how young they are, so Lake Minneola will have a seat at this elite party for years to come.
St. Augustine has been there – and yes – done that. State championship games, deep into the playoffs and a culture that has always included winning.
SOUTH
Palmetto (9-3) vs. Miami Central (6-1) at Traz Powell Stadium. Weren’t we here last year at this time? Yes, we were, and while last year’s meeting between the two schools was up in the Bradenton area, this year may also be an entertaining contest.
The Rockets and Tigers both have a number of new faces, but the objective for both teams is very much the same.
While the Tigers played much of the fall, the Rockets only began the last week in October, and with just 16 quarters of football this entire season, head coach Roland Smith will not let this team lose focus. Great running game and speed on defense have paved the way for 4 wins.
CLASS 5A
STATE SEMIFINALS
NORTH
Dunnellon (10-0) vs. Tallahassee Rickards (8-1), Gene Cox Stadium. Look who is just one game from staying home for the state title game – and they are a hot team right now, getting by a resourceful and talented Dunnellon team will not be that easy – even at home.
No matter what happens, this is certainly a game that will get the fans of Tallahassee ready for the eight games that will be played.
SOUTH
Tampa Jesuit (13-0) at Plantation American Heritage (9-2). This is a very interesting game, and while one team is loaded with high star-rated talent, the other has football players who come out every week and make things happen.
These two teams are familiar – being among the elite every year – and play sound football. This has a chance to be one of the best match ups of the entire weekend. Time will tell.
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Foridakids1@aol.com. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.