2012 STATE CHAMPION
University Christian (8-2) – The Christians are rolling once again with only two losses coming to tougher opponents that includes Highlands, KY and Jacksonville Trinity Christian, one of the top Class 3A teams going into the playoffs. Did I mention this team has just as much talent as they had last year? That is a key thing that will be a driver for them in the playoffs.
THE TEAM TO BEAT – 2A NORTH
Warner Christian (8-1)Â – This Eagles have once again rolled through another winning season and it should only fair looking at them as a team to beat in the Northern part of the bracket. A trip to the state finals this season would be a first for the program since 2010 and would be the first state championship appearance for current head coach Steve Allen.
THE TEAM TO BEAT – 2A SOUTH
Champagnat (10-0) – What an year can make and do for any team, especially this one from Hialeah. The Lions have rolled through every game this season winning nicely or winning big. Plus they have quite a few more athletes on the roster than last season which has helped them improve from that 2-9 overall record, to winning their first district title in football.
SLEEPER – 2A NORTH
North Florida Christian (7-2) – North Florida Christian has improved compared to last season and has not been having to deal with the injury bug as much. The two losses for the team have come to teams in higher classifications, which is not surprising as the Eagles usually play bigger schools to prepare for the playoffs. We wouldn’t be surprised to see them try to make a run, but will have a tough road to go through with University Christian.
SLEEPER – 2A SOUTH
First Baptist-Naples (8-1) – This team was talked about being a possible state title contender for years to come and here they are again as a possible contender for the second year in a row. While some of the talent from the 2012 is no longer there, this team has shown they can play and their only loss comes to another playoff team, Class 5A Immokalee.
THREE FIRST ROUND MATCHUPS TO WATCH
Carrollwood Day (7-3) at First Baptist-Naples (8-1) – This is a rematch from last year’s regional semifinal playoff game and the Patriots of Carrollwood Day would like to get a win, but this could be a game that is won on a battle of field position. First Baptist is looking to make it 3-1 in playoff wins here in school history and they might have enough to do it.
Dade Christian (6-4) at Glades Day (7-3) – Glades Day once again has won its district, minus Kelvin Taylor this year. It’s three losses have come to teams in higher classifications including Clewistion (4A), Chaminade-Madonna (3A) and Archbishop McCarthy (6A). For Dade Christian, the 2012 Class 2A State Runner-up, they will have to do some work to get a win here, but this game could be closer than some would expect.
Harvest Community (6-3) at North Florida Christian (7-2)Â – North Florida Christian has a long storied history of making the playoffs and winning state championships, but for Harvest Community this is their first playoff game and they have some talent that could make this game interesting and maybe possible cause an upset.
ORIGINAL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION – PRESEASON
University Christian vs. Dade Christian
NEW STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION
Champagnat over University Christian
