Road to State: Five Semi-Final Showdowns To Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Five Must-Watch Round 4 Semi-Final Games</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With state championship aspirations on the line, these five semi-final matchups will have fans glued to the action. From powerhouse programs to underdog stories, each game offers its own brand of excitement. Here's a breakdown of the top matchups and players to keep an eye on this week:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 5A: Lakeland (12-0) vs Niceville (12-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch:</strong></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>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>Lakeland continues to dominate, riding an undefeated season and eyeing a potential three-peat. However, they'll need to overcome a tough and disciplined Niceville squad making a six-hour trip to Bryant Stadium. Both teams boast championship-level talent, and this clash of nearly undefeated powerhouses is shaping up to be one for the ages.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 7A: Lake Mary (11-2) vs Dr. Phillips (12-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch:</strong></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>Dr. Phillips:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1550563' first='Stanley' last='Anderson-Lofton'] (QB), [player_tooltip player_id='1314088' first='Maliki' last='Wright'] (S), Mykel Calixte (WR)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you're in Central Florida, this is the game you can't miss. Earlier this season, Dr. Phillips stunned Lake Mary with an upset victory. But since then, Lake Mary has been on a tear, and now they have home-field advantage. Expect an electric rematch between two of the region's top programs, with the winner advancing to the championship stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 4A: Jones (13-0) vs Naples (11-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Jones:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='405300' first='Dereon' last='Coleman'] (QB), [player_tooltip player_id='826542' first='Vernell' last='Brown III'] (WR), [player_tooltip player_id='1368296' first='Larry' last='Miles'] (WR)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Naples:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='830584' first='Shawn' last='Simeon'] (RB), Trayvon Jean (RB), [player_tooltip player_id='1202377' first='Khari' last='Bendolph'] (LB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones remains undefeated and nearly unstoppable offensively, but Naples' potent rushing attack will challenge them. This game could come down to who makes fewer mistakes and who can deliver key defensive stops. It's a classic clash of styles that will test both teams' resolve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class 6A: Osceola (11-2) vs Buchholz (10-3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Osceola:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='826448' first='Taevion' last='Swint'] (RB), [player_tooltip player_id='826562' first='Elijah' last='Melendez'] (LB), [player_tooltip player_id='1258685' first='Camren' last='West'] (QB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Buchholz:</strong> Justin Williams (WR), Trace Johnson (QB), Nicholas Clayton (LB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last week, Osceola shocked the state by taking down previously unbeaten Armwood. The Kowboys' physical brand of football—anchored by their relentless ground game and hard-hitting defense—has them rolling. Buchholz, however, is no stranger to big-game success and has the offensive weapons to counter. This battle of grit vs. explosiveness is must-watch football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rural: Fort Meade (5-7) vs Dixie County (7-6)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Fort Meade:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1628903' first='Omari' last='Russell'] (ATH), [player_tooltip player_id='1230854' first='Darian' last='Kirkland'] (ATH)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Dixie County:</strong> Mister Williams (RB), Stewart Bray (LB)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fort Meade is the last Polk County school standing in the playoffs. Despite their 5-7 record, the Miners have found their stride, overcoming adversity with three straight wins, including a nail-biting one-point victory last week. Dixie County presents a new challenge, but with momentum on their side, Fort Meade could be poised for another upset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Each of these matchups offers high stakes, standout talent, and plenty of drama. Whether you're rooting for your local team or just love playoff football, these games are guaranteed to deliver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->