10 Games To Watch Tonight
As we move closer to Tallahassee and Fort Lauderdale – the two sites for this year’s state football championships, something will be in the air tonight as the Region finals will be played across the Sunshine State. With Thanksgiving now…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAs we move closer to Tallahassee and Fort Lauderdale – the two sites for this year’s state football championships, something will be in the air tonight as the Region finals will be played across the Sunshine State.
With Thanksgiving now in the rearview mirror, it’s time to concentrate on the games this evening, sending some on to the small school state finals while others will move on to the next round.
As we do each and every Friday during the season, we look at 10 games that could be considered as contests to keep an eye on. Here are this week’s matchups:
Class 3-Metro, Region 1
REGION FINALS
No. 2 Orlando Jones (10-2) at No. 1 Orlando Edgewater (12-0). This is one of those rematches from earlier this season when the Eagles won a tight one over the Tigers, 14-13. Two of the best programs in the state – especially over the past two months when both have put it into high gear. If you are anywhere near this contest, you need to check it out. It has all the makings for a classic.
Class 3-Metro, Region 4
REGION FINALS
No. 2 Miramar (10-1) at No. 1 Homestead (9-2), Harris Field, 7:30. The Broncos were in this situation last year and failed to come through and will be at home for a contest that appears to be the best matchup of all the games. While Homestead has been tested throughout the year, this is easily the Patriots’ biggest test. They did beat district champion Miami Southridge last week, but that was last week and they are on the road with more balance than they have had in a long time.
Class 2-Metro, Region 3
REGION FINALS
No. 2 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (11-1) at Plantation American Heritage (11-1), 7:30. One of three rematches that took place earlier in the season when the Patriots took care of business on the road, 21-2. Both teams are used to being in this round, and while the Chiefs are two-time defending state champions, their work is truly cut out for them on the road.
Class 1-Metro, Region 1
STATE SEMIFINAL
No. 2 Jacksonville University Christian (10-1) at No. 1 Jacksonville Trinity Christian (11-0). When they met earlier this season, the Conquerors pulled out a thrilling 20-13 game – and the Christians left the game believing that if they had another chance, things could be different. Well as they say – be careful what you wish for because the rematch is here with so much at stake. In Jacksonville on Friday night? This is one place you just may want to be. Both programs have dominated all season.
Class 4-Suburban, Region 3
REGION FINALS
No. 2 Kissimmee Osceola (9-3) at No. 1 Vero Beach (11-1). The Kowboys and Indians will be no child’s play as Osceola, who has played one of the toughest schedules in the state will have another road matchup and this could be one of the best games in the state. Does the home field advantage win out over a team that is as tested as you get this season? We will see!
Class 3-Suburban, Region 4
REGION FINALS
No. 2 Fort Myers Dunbar (8-1) at No. 1 Naples (9-2). Another game where these two teams have escaped the east coast teams like Miami Central and Miami Northwestern this year, playing as a suburb school. Bot have a chance to play for a state title but getting by this contest is essential. Collier and Lee, who had a rough year, will meet with so much at stake.
Class 2-Suburbanm, Region 1
STATE SEMIFINAL
No. 2 Live Oak Suwannee (10-2) at No. 1 Tallahassee FSU High (12-0). Since losing to Chiefland and Wildwood early in the season, the Bulldogs have won eight straight and are playing their best football of the season with huge wins against Starke Bradord County and Pensacola Catholic. In the Seminoles, they are facing a team that has won 21 of the past 22 games and are loaded with talent. Has the potential to be a real classic. The state capitol will be jumping tonight.
Class 2-Suburban, Region 3
STATE SEMIFINAL
No. 2 Lakeland Christian (8-1) at No. 1 Fort Pierce John Carroll (9-1). Two programs who may not get the recognition they deserve, but as they are one step away from the state finals, each can make a major statement. The Rams, who lost only to unbeaten West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman, has laid down a foundation that included several camps, combines and 7-on-7 events while the Vikings have been playing at this level for several years and dropped their only game to state playoff team Clearwater Calvary Christian.
Class 1-Rural, Region 1
STATE SEMIFINAL
No. 1 Chipley (11-0) at No. 1 Bratt Northview (11-0). This has the potential to be a game that could see a record number of points as each team is averaging nearly 40 points per game. The two common opponents are Holmes County and Baker. The Chiefs beat Holmes County, 34-26 and Baker, 49-10. Chipley got by Holmes County, 18-0, and Baker, 39-20.
Class 1-Rural, Region 4
STATE SEMIFINAL
No. 2 Pahokee (9-2) at No. 1 Hawthorne (9-0). This is another game that pits two quality opponents that both have a chance to win it all. The Hornets have been hanging around the top for a number of year and are poised to take home the team title after they fell short a year ago. They have won 24 of the past 26 games. The Blue Devils have played really well during this five game winning streak, but are they up to beat a team on a mission on the road?
CLASS OF 2023 RANKINGS. https://prepredzone.com/florida/rankings/2023-rankings/
CLASS OF 2024 RANKINGS. https://prepredzone.com/2022/08/updated-2024-florida-rankings/
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.