10 Region Final Games To See
As you know, the talent in the state of Florida is so impressive that when it comes to the state playoffs, the stakes rise in every round. As we head toward the Region Finals across the Sunshine State, there are…
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Continue ReadingAs you know, the talent in the state of Florida is so impressive that when it comes to the state playoffs, the stakes rise in every round.
As we head toward the Region Finals across the Sunshine State, there are a number of matchups to keep in eye on.
Heading into today’s games, there are 10 unbeaten teams in the nine classes. There are still 30 No. 1 seeds alive of the 72 schools still playing in this round.
As we continue to do every week of the season, we are bringing you 10 games that you may want to check out today, setting up next week’s state semifinals:
4M
No. 2 Tampa Plant (10-2) at No. 1 Riverview Sumner (11-1). While everyone knows the Panthers from being in the mix for decades, Sumner is still not a household word, but that changes with a win in this round. Both are well coached and talented.
THE PICK: Plant 27, Sumner 20
No. 5 Jacksonville Mandarin (9-3) at No. 2 Sanford Seminole (10-2). Two programs that are hot and ready for a run at a state title. The Mustangs avenged a loss to Lake Mary in the Region Semifinals, while the Seminoles knocked out defending state runner up.
THE PICK: Seminole 24, Mandarin 17
3M
No. 4 Orlando Jones (9-3) at No. 3 Tampa Bay Tech (10-2). There were many who said that no matter what happened early on, the Tigers could be a program that will play spoiler to someone with high hopes. The Titans are at home – and while many believe they are underdogs – they will be ready for the challenge.
THE PICK: Jones 30, Tampa Bay Tech 24
2M
No. 2 Miami Central (8-3) at No. 1 Miami Norland (12-0). It does not get any bigger than this district rematch as more upper-level talent will be on display than perhaps any game in the country this week. The Rockets, four-time defending state champs, held a 20-0 halftime lead in the first contest, only to lose a tough one. Since handling Lakeland at home, the Vikings have been the talk of the state. Tough to go against a program that has been there and done that!
THE PICK: Central 28, Norland 24
1M
No. 2 Tampa Carrollwood Day (8-1) at No. 1 Clearwater Central Catholic (12-0). A rematch of a game played six weeks ago when the unbeaten Marauders came away with a one-point win. Both teams are stacked with talent and are well coached. Several injured players were out for the first contes and both programs are healthy for this showdown.
THE PICK: Central Catholic 27, Carrollwood Day 21
4S
No. 3 DeLand (10-2) at No. 1 Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast (9-2). Before the season started very few experts picked these two teams to be in the region final, but they are here and will battle in one of the best matchups of the round. Both have run a gauntlet down the homestretch and will be ready for this game.
THE PICK: Deland 24, Treasure Coast 23
3S
No. 4 Fort Myers Dunbar (9-2) at No. 2 Naples (10-2). While this hasn’t been the year that either team felt it would be, the fact is they are both around and within two games of playing for a state title. The Golden Eagles have a high-scoring offense – while Dunbar is more of a defensive squad. Tremendous southwest Florida battle.
THE PICK: Naples 30, Dunbar 21
No. 3 Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee (10-2) at No. 1 St. Augustine (11-0). The Indians have flown way beneath the radar screen this season after losing to Pace and Niceville. Scoring over 400 points they have put it together on the offensive side of the ball, but can they stop an elite offense? St. Augustine has been one of the best teams in the state and have turned heads all year. They have scored nearly 500 points and remain a favorite – for good reason.
THE PICK: St. Augustine 35, Choctawhatchee 21
No. 2 Lake Wales (12-0) at No. 1 Ocala Vanguard (10-2). Winner of 26 straight games, the Highlanders take their show on the road – with a productive offense and a stingy defense. On the other side of the ball is a program that is tested, potent and at home. This is one of those games that will attract the football fan, and they will be treated to quite a show. Tough to go against a defending state champion on a roll.
THE PICK: Lake Wales 17, Vanguard 14
1R
No. 2 Hawthorne (10-0) at No. 1 Williston (11-0). For years the Hornets worked hard to prove themselves as a state power, and that came last year. They have 21 in a row and 41 of 45 games. The Red Devils earned the No. 1 seed as they outscored the opposition, 526-153, and scored 50 or more points five times. Always tough to go against the defending state champion!
THE PICK: Hawthorne 30, Williston 21
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You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.