6A PREVIEW: Let The Competition Begin
Moments after the news of Miami Northwestern moving from 5A – where they won three consecutive state titles a few years back – to 6A – there were those who were ready to hand the Bulls the state title. But…
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Continue ReadingMoments after the news of Miami Northwestern moving from 5A – where they won three consecutive state titles a few years back – to 6A – there were those who were ready to hand the Bulls the state title. But it may not be that easy.
Sure, head coach Max Edwards and his football team is gifted and still loaded with quality talent, but there are frankly other programs in the state who are capable of making some noise in 2021.
With several prospects moving on to the next level – a number to the University of Miami, Northwestern will be tested throughout the season – as the road to the state title game is not clear cut.
Orlando Jones. For head coach Elijah Williams and his football team, the beat goes on – and this program figures to be right in the middle of the race as they come up from 5A.
Naples. Down the stretch, this was a team that gave everyone problems – and with several key returnees, head coach Rick Martin and this gifted team will be at it once again and will be a true force in the south.
Ocala Vanguard. No matter what camp or 7-on-7 you attended during the summer, coach Edwin Farmer and his football program came and impressed. This is an elite team that figures to give everyone a run for a spot in the north finals.
Tampa Hillsborough. Over the past few seasons, the Terriers have certainly launched themselves into the spotlight – with quality talent and tremendous coaching, led by Earl Garcia, who is bringing back the tradition that was once in place.
Pensacola Escambia. When it comes to coaching and getting the prospects to perform at a high level, veteran Mike Bennett has the formula as he looks to get back to the state finals like in 2019.
Fort Myers Dunbar. Yet another team that got derailed late in the season after a tremendous run. What head coach Sam Brown and his program is they have the talent to finish off the job this coming season.
Lake Minneola. In the finals a year ago, this is a program that now makes plans every year to be in the position to win it all. What the loss to Miami Central did for this program, is give head coach Walter Banks and this team plenty of confidence – and it showed at camps and 7-on-7 events all summer.
Tallahassee Rickards. Moving up from 5A, where they were in the finals a year ago, this is a program that has the talent and quality coaching under Quintin Lewis, who helped to get so much out of this program. They already made believers once!
St. Augustine. Here is team that came within a few minutes of heading to Tallahassee for the finals last year – and with plenty of impressive talent coming back, this is a program – under head coach Brian Braddock, that has a real shot at advancing to the state finals.
Lake City Columbia. Coach Demetric Jackson comes in from nearby Fort White to keep this program in the spotlight – as the Tigers will play a loaded schedule as they will showcase several key football players who will be special this coming season.
Eau Gallie. There is no secret that head coach Chris Sands and his team are for real – and with a number of gifted football prospects as the Commodores will make another push toward a state title appearance.
THERE ARE SOME IMPRESSIVE TEAMS – STATEWIDE
As you have noticed in our previews is we mention every football-playing team in the state of Florida, and that continues in 6A.
In addition to Escambia, Tallahassee Rickards, St. Augustine and Lake City Columbia, Region 1 also includes Booker T. Washington (Pensacola), Gulf Breeze, Milton, Pensacola Pine Forest, Choctawhatchee (Fort Walton Beach), Fort Walton Beach, Lincoln (Tallahassee), Mosley (Lynn Haven), Englewood (Jacksonville), Lee (Jacksonville), Orange Park, Westside (Jacksonville), Gainesville, Matanzas (Palm Coast), Middleburg and Ridgeview (Orange Park).
Besides talented Ocala Vanguard, Lake Minneola and Orlando Jones, Region 2 also has some quality programs this season – with Belleview, Lecanto, Pasco (Dade City), Springstead (Spring Hill), Mainland (Daytona Beach), New Smyrna Beach, South Lake (Groveland), Auburndale, Gateway (Kissimmee), Heritage (Palm Bay), Lake Wales, Okeechobee, Port St. Lucie, South Fork (Stuart) and Suncoast (Riviera Beach).
With Tampa Jesuit and Tampa Hillsborough leading the way, Region 3 boasts Countryside (Clearwater), Fivay (Hudson), Freedom (Tampa), River Ridge (New Port Richey), Sunlake (Land O’ Lakes), Blake (Tampa), Jefferson (Tampa), Jesuit (Tampa), King (Tampa), Boca Ciega (Gulfport), Hollins (St. Petersburg), Northeast (St. Petersburg), Pinellas Park (Largo), Seminole (Seminole), St. Petersburg, Braden River (Bradenton), Brandon, Southeast (Bradenton), Spoto (Riverview) and Sumner (Riverview).
With Miami Northwestern, Naples and Fort Myers Dunbar, there are some impressive 6A programs – such as – Cape Coral, Charlotte (Punta Gorda), Fort Myers, Ida Baker (Cape Coral), North Fort Myers, Barron Collier (Naples), East Lee County (Lehigh Acres), Golden Gate (Naples), Lely (Naples), South Fort Myers, Boyd Anderson (Lauderdale Lakes), Coconut Creek, Hollywood Hills, Northeast (Oakland Park), Plantation, American (Hialeah), Belen Jesuit (Miami), Miami Norland and South Miami.
TRACKING FLORIDA: Teams Look At 2021 Season. https://prepredzone.com/2021/03/tracking-florida-teams-look-at-2021-season/
PHOTO COURTESY OF TAMPA JEESUIT FOOTBALL
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl