The Stakes Rise In Week 2
It has gotten to the point where looking forward to weekly matchups have been met with Covid. Something we felt that was left back in 2020 is starting to cut into the 2021 season, and that could very well be…
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Continue ReadingIt has gotten to the point where looking forward to weekly matchups have been met with Covid.
Something we felt that was left back in 2020 is starting to cut into the 2021 season, and that could very well be a problem down the road this season.
While some games have been called off because players and teams have had symptoms, you have to think what will happen come playoff time. Failure to report cases – just to continue playing – will come with serious problems, and that is why this could get complicated and dangerous.
Even with the pandemic hanging over everyone, Week 2 is loaded with matchups that could be very interesting.
Here is a look at games to check out this week:
No. 2 St. Thomas Aquinas (1-0) at No. 7 Tampa Jesuit (1-0). One of those last-minute games came when both programs had opponents pull out because of Covid. This is a really impressive matchup over a Raiders’ team that is coming off a huge win against St. Frances Academy against a team that many do not know much about. They are the best 6A team right now, which will show why this game is going to be very interesting.
Las Vegas Bishop Gorman (1-0) at No. 3 Miami Central (0-1), Saturday, Naples. Another long-awaited matchup between two of the best teams in the country. The Rockets lost two weeks ago to one of the nation’s best – St. John Bosco – while Bishop Gorman opened with a win. A classic national matchup as Gorman makes a rare southeastern appearance. Central’s objective is to get back on the winning track.
No. 5 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1-0) at No. 15 Plantation American Heritage (0-1). Here is one of those games that was talked about months ago – as being a second week showdown that would get plenty of interest. The Lions rolled over 8A power Western – while the Patriots were upset in Naples by Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast and are facing a must win.
No. 17 Orlando Edgewater (1-0) at No. 6 Venice (0-0). While John Peacock and his Indians have had to wait two weeks since rolling over Miami Northwestern in the kickoff classic, the two-time defending state 7A runner up Eagles jumped on Bishop Moore to start the season off right. This is a game that many will be watching.
No. 8 Miami Christopher Columbus (1-0) at St. John’s Bartram Trail (1-0). The Explorers remain one of the under-the-radar programs – winning in Georgia last week – and now heading to the Jacksonville area to play a team that could be a preview of the 8A state finals. You never know, but this should be a very good one. Both teams have plenty at stake in this game.
No. 9 Deerfield Beach (1-0) at Fort Lauderdale Dillard (1-0). One of the marquee games in south Florida with two teams who are among the elite, but the winner could make a major statement. The Panthers are in 7A – while the Bucks are very much in the 8A mix.
No. 13 Miami Northwestern (1-0) at Miami Booker T. Washington (1-0). After both teams came up with opening-night wins, this is a game that now takes on new meaning – with the Bulls rebounding after a poor performance in the kickoff classic against Venice – and the Tornadoes rebounding from a kickoff setback to Armwood. This could be a good one.
Tampa Hillsborough (1-0) at No. 16 Seffner Armwood (1-0). There are those who believe that Terriers are the surprise team and were ranked too low by a number of outlets. The task is simple. Win and you get the respect. The Hawks are once again loaded up with talent and can only enhance their standing with a victory on Friday.
Winter Garden West Orange (1-0) at No. 18 Apopka. Another one of those teams with plenty of promise and pre-season publicity against an established team that is looking to once again establish itself as the best 8A team in the north. Plenty at stake in this impressive matchup.
Kissimmee Osceola (1-0) at No. 23 Cocoa. Both programs are coming off huge opening-night games – and will treat this matchup as a must win to continue to get that much-needed recognition. Both teams figure to be heavily in the playoff mix this season.
No. 25 Jacksonville Bolles (1-0) at Lake City Columbia (1-0). Another impressive matchup between 4A powerhouse Bolles, which fell short in the state title game the past two years and a Columbia program that is loaded with talent. This is certainly a game that will draw plenty of interest.
Other games that figure to grab the spotlight:
Clearwater Central Catholic vs. Ocala Trinity Catholic
Daytona Beach Mainland vs. Flagler Palm Coast
Fort Myers vs. South Fort Myers
Homestead vs. South Dade
Miami Palmetto vs. Miami Gulliver Prep
Miami Killian vs. Miami Norland
Palmetto vs. St. Petersburg Lakewood
Pensacola West Florida Tech vs. Pine Forest
Sneads vs. Panama City Arnold
South Walton vs. Walton
Tallahassee Lincoln vs. Godby
Tampa Catholic vs. Lakeland Kathleen
Winter Park vs. Lake Mary
TRACKING FLORIDA: Teams Look At 2021 Season. https://prepredzone.com/2021/03/tracking-florida-teams-look-at-2021-season/
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.