10 Playoff Games To Check Out Tonight
If you are a high school football fan, you already know how exciting the first round of the state playoffs can be. As we began this year’s run at Tallahassee (1A-3A) and Fort Lauderdale (4A-8A) on Thursday, the objective is…
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Continue ReadingIf you are a high school football fan, you already know how exciting the first round of the state playoffs can be.
As we began this year’s run at Tallahassee (1A-3A) and Fort Lauderdale (4A-8A) on Thursday, the objective is to play your best football.
Many teams were impressive down the stretch, and while many first round games appear to be “mismatches” on the surface, you never know what can happen to athletes and coaches when they are on the BIG STAGE.
As we did each and every week during the football season, we brought you 10 games to check out for that week. The first round of the playoffs has come contests you may want to keep an eye on.
Here are 10 first week state playoff games that could be interesting to watch:
8A
No. 6 St. Johns Creekside (8-2) at No. 3 Apopka (8-2). Both teams have played well at times, and while the Blue Darters hold the home field advantage, Creekside has played several games this season in which they were tested.
No. 6 Kissimmee Osceola (8-2) at No. 3 Lithia Newsome (8-2). This is a really a matchup that could be one of the best. Two underexposed teams that are well coached and loaded with talent. The fans will be treated to a game that could go either way.
7A
No. 5 Lakeland (9-1) at No. 4 Lakeland Lake Gibson (6-3). Because of the Round 1 win by the Braves earlier this season, they are once again the home team. The Dreadnaughts have played extremely well, and like Lake Gibson have been tested. This is one of those games that you will want to be there. This means everything in these two football communities.
No. 6 Tampa Wharton (7-2) at No. 3 Trinity Mitchell (8-2). Another game that will test two teams that have not received the exposure they deserve. Last year the Mustangs finished the season strong, losing in the third round of the state playoffs. Wharton has shown in big games this season that they have the talent to lineup against anyone. This should be a game that you want to catch.
6A
No. 8 Plantation (7-2) at No. 1 Fort Myers Dunbar (9-0). For years, Dunbar has been trying to make a statement, and as the No. 1 seed this year, the now have everyone’s attention. But as talented as they are, beating the Colonels is not a given. This is a program that can give you fits trying to stop their offense, and on defense, they will hit you. This is NOT an automatic for Dunbar.
No. 6 Tallahassee Lincoln (8-2) at No. 3 Gainesville (8-2). There is so much to like about this game between two very well coached programs who have started to play well down the stretch, and it has paid off. Early season losses do not tell what the Trojans and Hurricanes have done to improve throughout October.
No. 7 Tampa Hillsborough (8-2) at No. 2 Pinellas Park (9-1). Another one of those games where you have a pair of explosive teams, and while the Patriots have been able to dominate during a 9-1 season, keep a close eye on a very talented Terrier team that has playmakers on both sides of the ball. This is another game that could go down to the wire.
5A
No. 5 Rockledge (8-2) at No. 4 Daytona Beach Seabreeze (6-4). Trying to figure the Raiders out this season has not been easy – and as a second place finisher in the district, they hit the road against a very feisty and much improved Seabreeze team that is capable of scoring points and playing defense. This is a classic game of two rising programs.
4A
No. 6 Havana Gadsden County (2-6) at No. 3 Jacksonville Andrew Jackson (7-3). While plenty of respect has to go to Andrew Jackson for playing so well this season – while building the program, do not sleep on Gadsden County. They outplayed power Niceville for 4 quarters before dropping a game in overtime. Then, the game that got them into the playoffs – a win at previously unbeaten Lynn Haven Mosley. Don’t be fooled by the two wins!
1A
No. 5 Sneads (8-2) at No. 4 Bristol Liberty County (8-2). Outstanding first round matchup with a pair of teams more than capable of playing championship football. The Pirates have won 6 straight – while Liberty County saw its eight-game winning streak come to an end last week – against Sneads. Great first round game.
THURSDAY SCORES
8A – Miami Palmetto 56, Coral Glades 21
7A – Gainesville Buchholz 35, Fleming Island 7
5A – Miami Central 49. North Miami Beach 6
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.