Here are our predictions for the second round of the Class 3A playoffs.
Last Week: 7-1 – 3A
Trinity Catholic (8-3) at Trinity Christian-Jacksonville (9-1)
It appears Trinity Catholic may have lost one of its better players entering the playoffs, but that won’t stop the Celtics from issuing a challenge against the top team in Class 3A. However, Trinity Christian has beaten a lot of bigger teams this year as well as upstart IMG Academy which had a big year out of the gate. Right now everyone is expecting to see Trinity Christian in Orlando right now and we see nothing that really could stop them.
Prediction: Trinity Christian 35, Trinity Catholic 21
Tampa Catholic (9-2) at Melbourne Central Catholic (11-0)
Toss out the records in this one. Tampa Catholic has played a strong schedule that has mixed it up with some quality teams, while Melbourne Central Catholic may not have that game that stands out as strong game. However, nonetheless both teams are hungry to get to the state semifinals and only will do with a likely date against Trinity Christian-Jacksonville.
Prediction: Tampa Catholic 27 Melbourne Central Catholic 17
St. Petersburg Catholic (8-3) at Clearwater Central Catholic (9-2)
A district rematch is in the works here and St. Petersburg Catholic would love nothing more to get the knock off here to send the Marauders to hanging up the helmets. However, Clearwater Central Catholic could have been 11-0 and not 9-2 if it were not for overtime losses to Tampa Catholic and IMG Academy during the season. However, we still think the Marauders are going to be too much for the Barrons to handle the second time around.
Prediction: Clearwater Central Catholic 34, St. Petersburg Catholic 14
Westminster Christian (9-1) at Cardinal Newman (8-3)
Westminster Christian barely escaped last week against Pahokee and is going to be down a couple of key players and that is what is going to make this game very interesting. Cardinal Newman would like to get ot the State Semifinals and they now have their best chance at doing so in years with no American Heritage-Delray in the way to stop them. At this point Cardinal Newman is the healthier team and they are at home so the tipping of the scale goes in their favor here.
Prediction: Cardinal Newman 28, Westminster Christian 13
