Class 1A Playoff Watch – Week 7 Edition

It is hard to believe we are already through six weeks of high school football action in the state meaning most teams are now left four or five games to play. It is also that time to start talking about playoffs and we will give you a weekly update how each and every district looks around the state and break it down for you. Also we will look back on our preseason predictions for state championship games and eee if they still hold up to the test of it possibly happening.

Starting with Class 1A, things have changed and there has been improvements among some of the teams, but some of last year’s playoff teams are likely not going to be found come this postseason.

Preseason State Championship Game Prediction: Bonifay Holmes County vs Jefferson County
Chances of this game still happening: Still pretty high right now despite the fact that Jefferson County only has a 1-5 record, we must remember that Jefferson County had a 5-5 record entering the playoffs last year and the chances of them entering postseason with a record with 5, 6 or even 7 losses is very possible, but Jefferson County is battle tested as their entire schedule outside of district play includes teams all the way up into Class 5A and so on.

For Holmes County things are looking alright with a 4-1 record, however their is still a bit of shock after Port St. Joe defeated them in Week 5. Holmes County pretty much has an easier road and likely will finish the regular season 9-1 or 8-2 at the worst and still has the horses to make a run to Orlando. If that happens expect the entire town of Bonifay to clear out come the second weekend of December.

Prediction change needed?: No, not at this time despite the fact that Union County appears to be the most legitimate contender in Class 1A South to challenge on Jefferson County in the state semifinals. Trenton is a close second, but weaker schedule for Trenton could show some flaw in the playoffs.

Looking at the districts: Each district is finding it has a clear cut leader in terms of wins and strength with the exception of 2-1A and 4-1A where two teams a piece are neck and neck with everything. However, with most teams having a couple of district games in, we are starting to see some light as to who the pretenders are and who are the true contenders.

Now we will look at each district and see how things are looking. Remember when looking at the record, it is the overall district record

DISTRICT 1-1A |  4 teams, 3 district games
In the Driver’s Seat: Northview, 1-0; Freeport, 1-0
Still Alive: Baker, 0-1; Jay, 0-1
Still Alive, But Needs Help: None
Eliminated: None

Analysis: Pretty much anything can happen in this district, but we expected Northview and Freeport to take to the top and that has what has happened to start out. Baker and Jay still has a chance, but we think Baker might try to take a chance here and play darkhorse on everyone.

Preseason District Projection: 1. Northview, 2. Freeport, 3. Baker, 4. Jay

DISTRICT 2-1A | 5 teams, 4 district games
In the Driver’s Seat: Cottondale, 2-0; Graceville 2-0
Still Alive: Vernon, 1-1; Sneads 0-1
Still Alive, But Needs Help: None 
Eliminated: Wewahitchka, 0-3

Analysis: It has pretty much turned out to be surprise seasons for both Cottondale and Graceville at this point as they take the driver’s seat in this one. Also add in the fact that Wewahitchka is now eliminated from playoff contention after three district losses can officially put our preseason projection into the burn pit. At this rate look for Cottondale, Graceville and Vernon to fight for the two playoff spots at this point.

Preseason District Projection: 1. Vernon, 2. Wewahitchka, 3. Sneads, 4. Cottondale, 5. Graceville

DISTRICT 3-1A | 4 teams, 3 district games
In the Driver’s Seat: Homles County, 1-0; Chipley, 1-0
Still Alive: Bozeman, 0-1; South Walton, 0-1
Still Alive, But Needs Help: None 
Eliminated: None

Analysis: This district is setting up for a showdown between Holmes County, Chipley and Bozeman. All three teams are playoff worthy and while Holmes County is the favorite to win the district again, do not be surprised if either Chipley or Bozeman get that second spot.

Preseason District Projection: 1. Holmes County, 2. Bozeman, 3. Chipley, 4. South Walton

DISTRICT 4-1A | 5 teams, 4 district games
In the Driver’s Seat: Liberty County, 2-0; Blountstown, 1-0
Still Alive: Port St. Joe, 1-1; West Gadsden 0-1
Still Alive, But Needs Help: Franklin County, 0-2
Eliminated: None

Analysis: We are pretty much not surprised at all that Liberty County and Blountstown are in the lead in this district. Both rivals who are only located about 4 miles apart seem to build some of the strongest teams in the Big Bend Area of the state. However, Port St. Joe is back on the rise and are looking to play the role of the darkhorse and still has that chance with 2 district games left to go. West Gadsden has not won a game yet this season, but still is alive and could come back from the bye week improved. For Franklin County, they need a combination of things to happen to have a shot of the postseason by virtue of a tiebreaker game.

Preseason District Projection: 1. Blountstown, 2. Liberty County, 3. West Gadsden, 4. Port St. Joe, 5. Franklin County

DISTRICT 5-1A | 4 teams, 3 district games
In the Driver’s Seat: Lafayette, 1-0; Jefferson County, 1-0
Still Alive: Branford, 0-1; Hamilton County 0-1
Still Alive, But Needs Help: None 
Eliminated: None

Analysis: By no means has this district been determined yet, despite the dismal combined overall record of the teams combined in 5-1A. However we still feel Lafayette and Jefferson County will come out of the district and go on into the playoffs.

Preseason District Projection: 1. Jefferson County, 2. Lafayette, 3. Hamilton County, 4. Branford

DISTRICT 6-1A | 5 teams, 4 district games
In the Driver’s Seat: Trenton, 2-0; Hilliard, 2-0
Still Alive: Bronson, 0-1; Hawthorne, 0-1
Still Alive, But Needs Help: Bell, 0-2
Eliminated: None

Analysis: Trenton is back at again this year and is on track to make 2 years of back to back of undefeated regular seasons with 2 district championships. However, Hilliard has shown great improvement and is a decent surprise and likely could get a taste of the playoffs depending on how well they finish out the district schedule. For Bronson and Hawthorne they are still in it, but must run the table on their remaining games in order to have a shot. With Bell, help is going to be needed to force a tiebreaker game which is likely the only way right now that Bell has a shot at the postseason.

Preseason District Projection: 1. Trenton, 2. Hawthorne, 3. Bell, 4. Hilliard, 5. Bronson

DISTRICT 7-1A | 5 teams, 4 district games
In the Driver’s Seat: Union County, 2-0; Newberry, 1-0
Still Alive: Dixie County, 1-1; Baldwin, 0-1
Still Alive, But Needs Help: Chiefland, 0-2
Eliminated: None

Analysis: Union County is back on a roll again this season, picking up where it left off, while Newberry has shown that is a much improved team and ready to compete for a playoff spot. Dixie County is still fully alive and like Newberry is much improved as well. Baldwin which still has a good chunk of district games to play finds an uphill battle waiting for them. Chiefland however, has been the surprise story going 4-2 in the season and dropping two very close district games, meaning they need help to force a tiebreaker game for a shot at the postseason.

Preseason District Projection: 1. Union County, 2. Baldwin, 3. Dixie County, 4. Newberry, 5. Chiefland

DISTRICT 8-1A | 4 teams, 3 district games
In the Driver’s Seat: Taylor (Pierson), 1-0; Wildwood, 1-0
Still Alive: Crescent City, 0-1; The Villages, 0-1
Still Alive, But Needs Help: None 
Eliminated: None

Analysis: If you want to see a district projection be flipped upside down, this is a good district to look at. Taylor (Pierson) has all, but come out and has an incredible season so far going, 4-2 overall and getting a key district victory over winless Villages, who was the district champion last season. Wildwood is also in the driver’s seat and it is likely right now that them and Taylor will clash for the defacto district title. Crescent City, while having a star talent in Caleb Brantley on the team, things have not been as promising even under a new head coach.

Preseason District Projection: 1. The Villages, 2. Crescent City, 3. Wildwood, 4. Taylor (Pierson)