10 Games To Watch - Week 7

As we continue to speed along in the 2023 high school football season, each and every game continues to gain more importance.   District and Regional games are now taking center stage, and this Friday and Saturday will not only affect standings but also will show up in the state rankings.   Football in October is exciting, important, and crucial to programs from Pensacola to Key West and everywhere in between.   Each week we spotlight 10 games that we feel will be those “must see” contests to check out in your area. Here are some games to consider:   Bradenton Manatee (No. 24 – 6-0) at Venice (4-2). This is a game that everyone in the area has been looking for as the Hurricanes and Indians will battle in a contest that both teams have been working hard to make happen. Will easily be one of the most well attended as each fan base is eager for this contest. Both teams have been tested in 2023.   THE PICK: Venice 34, Manatee 23   Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy (5-1) at Titusville (6-0). With state-rated Cocoa on the horizon, the Terriers have been able to do something that no other schools have been able to accomplish in decades, going unbeaten through the first six games. On the other side, the Eagles are no pushover and make the two plus hour drive to continue another quality season. They have plenty of talent and are well coached and will present some problems in this contest.   THE PICK: Titusville 27, Calvary Christian 17   Fort Myers Bishop Verot (No. 19 – 6-0) at Tampa Jesuit (3-2). After a tough start, the Tigers have started to turn things around – with a mix of veteran and young players. The early season losses have helped this team as they look to return to the state championship mix again. The Vikings came within one game of playing for a state title last year and have picked right off where they ended. This is a team that is loaded with quality prospects and more than ready for the challenge.   THE PICK: Bishop Verot 30, Jesuit 24   Homestead (No. 10 – 3-1) at Columbus (No. 4 – 6-0). This Saturday night special promises to be entertaining as two teams, who went to the state final a year ago, square off in a contest that will not only be well attended, but will be loaded with impressive athletes and quality coaching. The Broncos are indeed stacked with impressive players who returned from the 3M runner up team from last year – while the Explorers are set for another 4M state title run.   THE PICK: Christopher Columbus 23, Homestead 16   Miami Northwestern (2-4) at Miami Central (No. 3 - 3-2). This annual war has been played 14 times in the past 10 years with the Rockets winning eight times. Throw away the records between two schools that are separated by just 24 blocks, Families are split and that is what makes this game so special. Bragging rights will always be on the line when these two schools get together – any sport.   THE PICK: Central 28, Northwestern 17   Pensacola Pine Forest (4-2) at Niceville (5-1). Two of the best teams in the Panhandle will get together in a game that will be entertaining and promises to attract a large crowd as the battle of the Eagles will be a contest that could go a long way in determining what will happen in the post season. Niceville does not lose very often at home.   THE PICK: Niceville 27, Pine Forest 20   Sanford Seminole (5-1) at Cocoa (4-1). Here is a battle between two Top 25 teams as both programs continue playing a challenging schedule, getting ready for a state playoff run. The Seminoles have started to turn it up with some key wins the past few weeks – while the Tigers have shown every indication that they are ready to defend their 2S state crown.   THE PICK: Cocoa 24, Seminole 20   Tallahassee FSU High (4-1) at Tampa Carrollwood Day (3-1). Still stinging from a one-point loss to Clearwater Central Catholic, the Patriots take on the defending 2S state runner up. This is a matchup that has everything you are looking for in a classic Week 7 game as the Seminoles are looking to stay sharp against a team that is loaded with big time talent. This also promises to be entertaining for those fans looking for a quality matchup.   THE PICK: Carrollwood Day 28, FSU High 24   Tallahassee Leon (5-0) at Tallahassee Lincoln (4-1). For the first time in decades, the two longtime Leon County programs promise to offer a competitive game as the Lions have turned things around against a Trojan team that boasts some of the top talent in the Big Bend.  This is certainly a contest that you may want to check out this evening.   THE PICK: Lincoln 30, Leon 21   Zephyrhills (5-1) at Bushnell South Sumter (5-1). Easily one of the most under-the-radar games this evening. Two programs who have talent, great coaching and a winning tradition offer fans a look at what the two state playoff teams look like here in the final stretch of the season. Fans will be treated to this competitive game in North Central Florida.   THE PICK: South Sumter 24, Zephyrhills 20   THURSDAY'S SCORES   Fort Lauderdale NSU University School 43, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep 22   Gainesville Buchholz 35, Gainesville 7   Gainesville Oak Hall 52, Jacksonville Harvest Community 7'   Hudson 40, Land O'Lakes Sunlake 6   Jacksonville Providence 43, Hilliard 15   Jupiter Christian 54, Somerset Academy Key 20   Lakeland 30, Bartow 2   Miami Archbishop Carroll 49, Somerset Homestead South 14   Miami Braddock 35, Miami Coral Park 0   Miami Carol City 25, Westland Hialeah 8   Miami Country Day 37, South Daytona Beach Warner Christian 0   Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace 28, Miami Dr. Krop 7   Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman 41, Hialeah Gardens 0   Miami Norland 20, Miami Booker T. Washington 19   Miami Springs 13, South Miami 0   Miramar 61, Pines Charter 0   Moore Haven 22, Fort Pierce Westwood 20   Ocala Lake Weir 35, Holiday Anclote 0   Pace 49, Pensacola 0   Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer 35, West Palm Beach Forest Hill 7   Plantation 34, Davie Nova 6   Weston Cypress Bay 43, Coral Springs Taravella 3   Winter Haven All-Saints 41, Central Florida Christian Academy 0   WEDNESDAY SCOREBOARD   Miami Palmetto 13, Miami Edison 0   PROSPECT SHEET: Statewide Coverage Daily. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/03/statewide-daily-team-coverage/">https://prepredzone.com/2023/03/statewide-daily-team-coverage/</a>   You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: <a href="mailto:Floridakids1@aol.com">Floridakids1@aol.com</a>.

As we continue to speed along in the 2023 high school football season, each and every game continues to gain more importance.