Spring 2016, Class 3A

[SPCjessica2004]

Spring Football 2016
Class 3A

Spring football is a rite of passage in Florida where reporters, fans, family, coaches and players can evaluate where a program is likely heading going into Fall. I, for one, have never put to much stock into Spring games- some of the best teams in Fall lose their Spring game, and some teams that win by 70 in Spring can't reproduce those results in Fall; however, if we take Spring for what it is- 20 days of practice and a glorified scrimmage we can enjoy its subtle nuances.

Class 3A is going to be different this year- for the first time in recent memory, I believe there will be a legitimate challenger to Jacksonville Trinity Christian's throne. The off-season in 3A has been plastered with the rise of Chaminade-Madonna and there 16 division 1 offered athletes. There's also been much Bru-ha-ha made about Tampa Catholic fielding a team that has extremely high expectations with a healthy senior class and a load of division 1 athletes, TC made national news when it was announced they would be flying up to New Jersey to play national powerhouse Bergen Catholic.

So, the question remains- who are the contenders and who are the pretenders to still be playing late November?  Here's some general thoughts on 3A going into Spring.


1) Can Jacksonville Trinity Christian 4-Peat?  It's hard to win a state-championship in Florida, but can you imagine the pressure to win 4 in a row? Trinity has been the flag bearer for small school excellence for quite awhile and I have every expectation this will remain the same this year. Outside of Tampa Catholic, the North of 3A is rebuilding. Trinity will need to rework major parts of their offense as they've put together a highly competitive schedule that includes Ribault, IMG, Cocoa, Pine Forrest and Godby.  The defense is expected, as usual, to lead the way.

2) Chaminade-Madonna, already a national Super-Duper-Power? -  It's amazing how quickly things change in Florida. Just two seasons ago Chaminade-Madonna was the poster child for 1-9 teams making the playoffs while 7-3 teams didn't.  Now? The Lions feature a plethora of playmakers, defensive prowess and the class 4A Player of the year QB Henry Columbi who transferred in from Uschool.  Chaminade, wisely realizing that they play in the South of 3A which will feature no less than 4 teams in Maxpreps national small school rankings, is playing up most of the season to prepare them for a long playoff haul.

3) Oxbridge Academy has finally arrived- this time last year, most reporters were crowning Oxbridge as the De Facto 3A team. I still had them behind American Heritage Delray, but this year? I think Oxbridge has finally arrived and they've built a schedule that's comparable to IMG's schedule. Oxbridge will be playing a bevy of 8A schools throughout the year. Oxbridge, similar to Chaminade already knows 3A South is a gauntlet and they're preparing accordingly.

4) Any Dark horses?  Oxbridge/Chaminade/JaxTCA/CCC  are going to be talked about in Class 3A as the 4 top teams; however, are there any teams that could spoil the party? Looking around the state this year, 3A is going to be very top heavy.  I think Tampa Catholic and American Heritage Delray can play the spoiler roll. Heritage is in a position where, for the first time in, maybe ever, they go into the season as a clear and convincing underdog. Tampa Catholic has the talent and expertise to make another long playoff run as well.  Berkeley Prep is expected to have a strong/competitive football team this year and there is some hype around Winter Park Trinity Prep and Lakeland Christian.  If you're looking for a dark horse for 2016, Tampa Catholic would be it.

5) Ocala Trinity Catholic- up or down? The Celtics aren't used to experiencing many 4 win seasons; however, the schedule was unmerciful last year as the Celtics played a highly competitive schedule in 2015. 2016 should see the Celtics starting to resemble their old selves a bit more. The talent and coaching is there, but the 2015 version was young and immature by most accounts. This year, I think it's safe to say they'll be more competitive and I'm thinking, be a 2nd round playoff team this year.


Who has the toughest and easiest route to the Championship game?

Without question, Chaminade-Madonna has the toughest route to Daytona Beach. If you go by expectations and popular opinion, this is what Chaminade is most likely looking at to get to Orlando.

Week 10: @ Flanagan
Week 11: IMG
Rd 1:  Vs American Heritage Delray
Rd 2: Vs Oxbridge
Rd 3: @ CCC

That is the very definition of crazy. That CCC game, would come at the worst possible time considering CCC has a senior loaded roster that will feature 12-15 division 1 athletes of their own and that's before they get their expected transfers in June. But, even to get to Clearwater there's heavy resistance- Oxbridge is loaded, American Heritage will end up being loaded, IMG is IMG and Flanagan despite having some transfers out- is still the defending 8A State Champions. If Chaminade does get to Daytona or win it, they'll have earned it.

Ironically, the easiest route to the Championship game is most likely Jacksonville Trinity Christian.

Jacksonville Trinity is in a unique situation that they stand a a great chance of hosting all 3 playoff games in the North. I don't expect rounds 1 and 2 to be trouble at all as the teams in Region 1 are rebuilding.  That would leave JaxTCA with a  home game against Tampa Catholic and/or LCS/Berkeley Prep/Trinity Prep. JaxTCA will be heavy favorites at home against any of those teams.

Those are my thoughts for now- keep in mind, it's APRIL. Teams will get transfers in, out..those who transferred out will come back if others transfer in and vice versa. But, as Spring goes- there's enough story lines to keep people interested in small school football!


 

[Joshua Wilson]

I am digging this right now....serious digging this! Great info Jessica as always!