Week 8: Down The Homestretch

With just three weeks left before the state playoffs begin, there are several spots up for grabs.   Football teams throughout the Sunshine State are now seeing that every week will dictate the outcome of the early November contests that will eventually lead 18 teams to Tallahassee for the state final in December.   As footballs fill the air, we are right on top of the action, picking the 10 best games of the week.   While we are NO the definitive when it comes to choosing the winners and losers, the past four weeks have watched us post a pretty decent 35-7 record, picking the games.   With some impressive games coming up this week, here are 10 games to keep an eye on:   Cocoa (2S, 5-1) at Titusville (2S, 7-0). On the surface, the Tigers are an overwhelming favorite to knock off the Terriers who have gotten off to a 7-0 start for the first time in nearly five decades. No matter what the outcome, it's great exposure for the Space Coast.   THE PICK: Cocoa 34, Titusville 7.   Davie Western (4M, 3-3) at Weston Cypress Bay (4M, 6-2). Here is the district championship game for a Wildcat team that has been disappointing at times against a Lightning team that has been getting better. Even though many are still waiting for Western to have that breakout season, Cypress Bay may not be ready for the spotlight. Last year they played twice, and the same could happen again.   THE PICK: Western 24, Cypress Bay 18   DeLand (4S, 5-1) at Sanford Seminole (4M, 5-2). After a tough road loss to Cocoa last week, the Seminoles are searching for a turnaround game, but the Bulldogs, a program that many said would be a force over the next few years, are ahead of schedule and are ready for a statement game. This is another spotlight matchup for the region.   THE PICK: DeLand 27, Seminole 21   Lakeland Victory Christian (1S, 4-3) at Lakeland Christian (1S, 5-1). Another key contest that will certainly propel the winner into the state playoffs. Both teams are well coached and ready for this Polk County matchup.   THE PICK: Lakeland Christian 27, Victory Christian 12   Live Oak Suwannee (2S, 6-0) at Madison County (1R, 3-1). This is a game that has long been one of those that has produced talent and tremendous coaching. While the Cowboys are playing well and looking to return to their dominance, the Bulldogs have returned to their winning ways and have a truly impressive team heading into tonight's contest. Madison County can make a statement – while Suwannee can put a stamp on what has already been a successful year.   THE PICK: Madison County, 24, Suwannee 19   Miami Central (2M, 3-2) at Miami Norland (2M, 6-0). Here is a statement that will never be disputed: there will be more collegiate football talent on this field at Traz Powell Stadium than any other place in the country. If you dispute it, you need to brush up on your knowledge. While this is the district title game between these two national powers, it very well could be the first of two meetings.   THE PICK: Central 28, Norland 14   Miami Southridge (3M, 6-1) at Homestead (3M, 4-1). Just as all the attention started to fall on Homestead after an impressive win against Miami Christopher Columbus, the Broncos had to be reminded that this a Spartan team that beat them last year and won the district. A home game after a huge win.   THE PICK: Homestead 27, Southridge 13   Pensacola Catholic (2S, 5-1) at DeFuniak Springs Walton (2S, 6-0). The stakes do not get any higher in this key matchup that will tell a lot about where these programs will be slotted when the state playoffs begin in a few weeks. Both teams are loaded with quality talent and tremendous coaching. A must-see Panhandle showdown.   THE PICK: Walton 32, Pensacola Catholic 28   Starke Bradford County (2S, 6-0) at Miami True North Classical Academy (1M, 6-0). Here is one of those games that does not happen very often – as the Tornadoes make their first trip into Miami-Dade County for an unbeaten program that very few people know much about. While Bradford County has been dominating the past two years – with a serious defense – and timely offense – their opponent has been gaining respect. Knocking off defending state champion Naples Baptist is indeed a signature win.   THE PICK: Bradford County 21, Miami True North 14   West Boca Raton (3M, 5-1) at Coconut Creek (3M, 5-2). Last year the Cougars ran the Bulls off the field by halftime and cruised to a lopsided win. Fast forward one year and things have changed. West Boca Raton is greatly improved while Coconut Creek has turned heads with major wins and huge tests. The district belongs to the winner, here.   THE PICK: Coconut Creek 20, West Boca Raton 14   THURSDAY'S SCORES   Belle Glade Glades Central 7, Riviera Beach Inlet Grove 6   Boca Raton St. Andrew's 42, Boynton Beach 7   Clewiston 44, Lake Placid 22   Coral Springs Coral Glades 17, Coral Springs Taravella 8   Daytona Beach Mainland 65, Deltona 0   Doral Ronald Reagan 34, North Miami Mourning 28   Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian 44, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep 21   Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 63, Hallandale 6   Fort Lauderdale NSU University School 42, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy 7   Fort Myers Bishop Verot 57, Fort Myers Gateway 0   Fort Myers Evangelical Christian 37, Moore Haven 0   Hialeah Gardens 34, Miami Coral Park 0   Jacksonville Christ's Church 47, Young Kids In Motion 0   Jupiter 42, Palm Beach Lakes 12   Kissimmee Tohopekaliga 18, Gulf Breeze 14   Lake Minneola 62, Groveland South Lake 14   Lake Worth Park Vista 26, Lake Worth 0   Miami Booker T. Washington 28, Miami Northwestern 20   Miami Braddock 35, Miami Varela 28   Miami Palmetto 42, Homestead South Dade 34   Miramar Everglades 29, Pines Charter 2   Palm Beach Gardens 34, Royal Palm Beach 0   Somerset South Homestead 31, Homestead Everglades Prep 14   South Plantation 36, Pompano Beach 0   Tampa Berkeley Prep 42, Dunedin 6   Umatilla 57, Eustis 0   Viera 26, Harmony 0   Wellington 28, Greenacres John I. Leonard 6   Wellington Palm Beach Central 48, West Palm Beach Forest Hill 12   West Palm Beach The King's Academy 49, Riviera Beach Suncoast 7   WEDNESDAY GAMES   Hialeah 25, North Miami 7   Miami Killian 33, South Miami 6   Miami Coral Reef 26, Miami Sunset 0   MONDAY GAMES   Dunnellon 53, Citra North Marion 14   Ocala Christian 1, Gainesville Christian 0 (forfeit)   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>.

With just three weeks left before the state playoffs begin, there are several spots up for grabs.