Five Round 3 Must-See Playoff Matchups

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Five Round 3 Matchups to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 5A, Region 2: Tampa Bay Tech (9-2) at Lakeland (11-0)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Polk vs. Tampa showdown brings all the energy of a true “War on I-4.” Bryant Stadium will be buzzing for this heavyweight clash between two powerhouses. The Titans are riding high on their dynamic playmakers, while the undefeated Dreadnaughts have been a well-oiled machine all season. Expect this to be a physical, high-stakes battle where the atmosphere alone is worth the price of admission.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Players to Watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>TBT:</strong> Dallas Wilson (WR), [player_tooltip player_id='1263588' first='Darryon' last='Jones'] (QB), Jovarius Landry (ATH)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Lakeland:</strong> Malik Morris (LB), [player_tooltip player_id='1127045' first='Keon' last='Young'] (DB), Shanard Clower (ATH)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 7A, Region 1: Sanford Seminole (10-1) at Lake Mary (10-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lake Mary took the first matchup earlier this season, but the Seminoles return with star quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1247559' first='Michael' last='Clayton II'] back in action. This rematch has all the ingredients of a thriller, with both teams firing on all cylinders. Can the Rams repeat history, or will Seminole turn the tables? Expect an intense back-and-forth in this rivalry clash.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Players to Watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Seminole:</strong> Michael Clayton (QB), [player_tooltip player_id='826588' first='Ethan' last='Pritchard'] (LB), Kemarion Robinson (RB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Lake Mary:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1206696' first='Noah' last='Grubbs'] (QB), Isaiah Thomas (RB), [player_tooltip player_id='1134215' first='Luke' last='Prieto'] (LB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 3A, Region 2: Bishop Moore (10-2) at Eau Gallie (11-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This matchup is a blend of familiarity and intrigue. Virginia commit [player_tooltip player_id='205703' first='Bjorn' last='Jurgensen'] leads a talented Bishop Moore squad, while Eau Gallie has been a force in Brevard County all season. With both teams loaded with playmakers, this game could come down to who executes better in the clutch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Players to Watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Bishop Moore:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='205703' first='Bjorn' last='Jurgensen'] (QB), [player_tooltip player_id='1251761' first='Trenton' last='Gummer'] (DB), [player_tooltip player_id='402800' first='Amar'e' last='Johnson'] (RB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Eau Gallie:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1247547' first='Xavier' last='Lherisse'] (ATH), [player_tooltip player_id='736787' first='Joseph' last='Allen'] (QB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 5A, District 2: Lincoln (10-2) at Niceville (11-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lincoln and Niceville both escaped nail-biters last week, setting the stage for an epic showdown. Both squads are battle-tested and bring deep rosters filled with talent. In a game this tight, the winner will be the team that minimizes mistakes and capitalizes on key opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Players to Watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Lincoln:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='836435' first='Christian' last='Sims'] (QB), [player_tooltip player_id='1638507' first='Tadarius' last='Huggins'] (RB), Chauncey Warren (LB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Niceville:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='275812' first='Connor' last='Mathews'] (RB), Maddox Hayles (ATH), [player_tooltip player_id='1322350' first='Kane' last='Lafortune'] (QB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 2A, District 4: Bolles (10-1) at Gadsden County (11-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bolles' defense has been an immovable wall, going three straight weeks without allowing a touchdown. On the flip side, Gadsden County boasts one of the most athletic rosters in the state. With contrasting styles and high stakes, this game will be a true chess match between two elite programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Players to Watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Bolles:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='831350' first='Ethan' last='Drumm'] (QB), [player_tooltip player_id='1206198' first='Naeem' last='Burroughs'] (WR), Asher Ghito (DE)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Gadsden County:</strong> Landon Doughtery (QB), Kemarrion Battles (RB), Antonio Vasquez (LB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->