10 Games To Watch
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We are finally here. The last week of the 2022 regular football season in the state of Florida. While the playoffs start next week, this season is far from over as we head to the final days. Unlike in the…
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Continue ReadingWe are finally here. The last week of the 2022 regular football season in the state of Florida.
While the playoffs start next week, this season is far from over as we head to the final days.
Unlike in the past – when the last week of the season was meaningless and used for teams to have a bye or play against teams that were non-district rivals – things changed and last night, today and tomorrow, district titles and playoffs are very much on the line.
Every Friday, we take a look at the schedule throughout the Sunshine State and come up with 10 games that are must-see contests. Games that we urge football fans in those area to at least check them out. While many times the games don’t turn out like expected, other times those matchups more than live up to the billing.
Here are 10 games that are worth checking out on this Friday and tomorrow:
Bradford (9-0) at Live Oak Suwannee (7-2). There is no doubting that the Tornadoes have indeed enjoyed one of the most successful and dominating season in school history, yielding just three touchdowns all season and winning the district title. But the Bulldogs have also played well and are at home for a game that is their biggest of the season by far. Should be packed and a great season-ender.
Delray Beach Atlantic (6-3) at Lantana Santaluces (8-1). What head coach Hector Clavijo and his coaching staff have done with a team that won just once a year ago, and with a district title and high playoff seeding in hand, they get set to close out the regular season against an Eagle squad that is dangerous and are loaded with quality talent. Easily one of the best Palm Beach County matchups this week.
Fort Myers Dunbar (6-1) at Fort Myers (6-2). With two losses to start the season, the Green Wave have played lights out the past six games, and head into this district title matchup feeling good. But on the other side of the ball sits a team that is loaded and lost just once on the road at Georgia power Lowndes County.
Lecanto (7-2) at Springstead (8-1). Here is another game where the home team has enjoyed so much success this season, they are looking to heard into the state playoffs on a roll. Their only setback came in a key district matchup two weeks ago – and they are eager to finish off with a solid non-district win. The Panthers, despite being up against it, come in on a four-game winning streak and has loads of confidence.
Oviedo (8-1) at Oviedo Hagerty (8-1). If you were going to Oviedo on Friday night, you may see much of the community not hanging around the restaurants and malls between 7 and 10. That’s because the two high schools are clashing in a season-ending contest that will showcase two programs with a combined 16-2 record – outscoring their opponents, 588-180. Who you got – the Lions or the Huskies? Huge hometown game!
Panama City Bay (8-1) at Northview (9-0). The Chiefs are one of the biggest surprises in Florida, flying way beneath the radar, but dominating the opposition, 415-133. Their closest contest has been by nine, but the rest of the way, they have cruised. For the Tornadoes, who come in on an eight-game winning streak, they have four shutouts and have relied on a stingy defense and a timely offense. They realize that they are up against it, but will play hard, using this contest as a tune up for next week’s state playoffs.
Niceville (8-1) at Navarre (8-1). With just one setback to the defending 6A state runner up Pensacola Pine Forest Eagles, this team hits the road for a non-district team that his dangerous and has won seven straight since losing to that same Pine Forest team. This is a game that is one of the best in the region and will draw plenty of fans and interest. Who heads into the state playoffs on a high? We will see Friday night!
Plantation (7-2) at Davie Western (5-3). One of the most competitive south Florida matchups for the final week of the regular season. Both headed to post season play, this promises to be a contest that features to explosive offenses and gifted defensive units. Both teams are well coached and are completely opposite in what they bring to the table. Both lost to Miramar and beat Coconut Creek, which are common opponents.
Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (8-0) at Fort Lauderdale Dillard (6-3). This Saturday night may the biggest “Soul Bowl” these teams have played in many years. Last year, the Panthers cruised. As the Tigers have remained unbeaten, Dillard has lost to the No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 teams in the state – something that simply has never happened before. Throw out the records, this party is about to get real – as both teams look to use this non-district contest as a tune up for the post season.
Rockledge (8-1) at Cocoa (5-3). It’s another edition of the famed BBQ Bowl, and do not let the records fool you. The Raiders have lost just once and are ready for this contest with the Tigers, who are at home, loaded with talent, expect to win a 2S state title and come in with three straight wins after losing to three Top 25 state teams. This could be one of the most entertaining games this week. Always is!
St. Petersburg Lakewood (6-3) at Lakeland (8-0). While the Spartans have been impressive after getting off to a slow start this season, the Dreadnaughts have never taken their foot off the gas – outscoring the opposition, 319-54, posting three shutouts. Does Lakewood have enough to derail Lakeland right before the playoffs? We will see.
Tampa Jesuit (6-3) at Tampa Catholic (7-1). After a 3-3 start, the defending 6A state champion Tigers appear to have everything back in order. Even though they have been playing a lot better, nothing is automatic, and a road game against a longtime rival that has reeled off six straight wins could be a challenge. If either team is going to advance deep in the state playoffs, this non-district contest will be important.
SCORES FROM THURSDAY, NOV. 3
Boca Raton 17, Fort Pierce Westwood 0
Boynton Beach 47, Lake Worth 6
Coconut Creek North Broward Prep 44, Delray American Heritage 10
Coral Gables 32, Southwest Miami 6
Crestview 41, Fort Walton Beach 3
Davie Nova 55, Coral Springs Charter 13
Fort Myers Gateway 20, Lehigh Acres East Lee 0
Gainesville Countryside Christian 47, West Melbourne Calvary Chapel 8
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 45, Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast 6
Hollywood Hills 46, Oakland Park Northeast 8
Jacksonville University Christian 29, Jacksonville Bishop Kenny 10
Jupiter 27, Stuart South Fork 7
Lakeland Christian 42, Bradenton IMG Blue 14
Miami Coral Park 19, Miami Sunset 14
Miami Dr. Krop 23, Hialeah 18
Miami Gardens TRU Prep 48, Miami Ferguson 7
Miami Norland 42, Miami Killian 14
Miami Varela 14, North Miami Mourning 6
Monticello Aucilla Christian 44, Bainbridge Grace Christian, Georgia 7
Oviedo The Master’s Academy 48, Winter Haven Oasis Christian 0
Riviera Beach Inlet Grove 15, Palm Beach Christian Prep 0
Sarasota Christian 63, Florida Deaf 48
Somerset Academy Silver Palms 35, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy 26
Stuart Martin County 27, Jensen Beach 22
Tallahassee Florida High 10, Tallahassee Lincoln 9
Tavernier Coral Shores 35, Miami Palmer Trinity 27
Wellington Palm Beach Central 34, Miami Carol City 28
West Boca Raton 42, Boca Raton Olympic Heights 14
West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman 54, Miami Gulliver Prep 14
SCORES FROM TUESDAY, NOV. 1
Apopka 24, Sanford Seminole 23
DeLand 23, Port Orange Spruce Creek 15
Eustis 29, The Villages Charter 22
Maitland 35, Winter Park Trinity Prep 0
Orlando University 34, Orlando Colonial 0
Sarasota Cardinal Mooney 14, Sarasota Riverview 7
South Miami 28, Miami High 26
Winter Garden 41, Ocoee 17
SCORES FROM MONDAY, OCT. 31
Englewood Lemon Bay 34, Arcadia DeSoto 22
Kissimmee Poinciana 49, Wauchula Hardee County 14
New Smyrna Beach 7, Orange City University 8
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.