Here are our predictions for the second round of the Class 5A playoffs.
Last Week: 9-6 – 5A
West Florida Tech (10-1) at Pensacola Catholic (11-0)
What a week last week it was if you were a West Florida Jaguars fan and if you were a Pensacola Catholic fan, the last thing you wanted was this rematch coming this week…or you wanted it depending on your mood. Anyways, looking at this rematch, the Crusaders won it big the last time these two teams meet and we would not be surprised if this actually happens once again, but the Jaguars might have their say here as well. No matter who wins a run to Orlando could be very likely in the cards.
Prediction: Pensacola Catholic 35, West Florida Tech 24
Clay (7-4) at Bishop Kenny (10-0)
Bishop Kenny is the stronger team here in this game and no one has even come close to besting the Crusaders at all this season. Clay has been powerful at times, but also sluggish at other times as well and this could play a factor into which Clay team shows up on the field on Friday night. Nonetheless, expect John Wolford to throw another three or four touchdown passes to build upon his state record he now owns fully.
Prediction: Bishop Kenny 42, Clay 14
South Sumter (11-0) at North Marion (9-2)
For either team a trip to the region finals for the first time in a while would be in order with a win here. South Sumter has proven year-in and year-out that they can play and win against almost anyone. However, North Marion has proven it can play as well, but we think this is the year for South Sumter to make its deepest run in a long time.
Prediction: South Sumter 34, North Marion 21
Tarpon Springs (7-4) at Lakewood (8-3)
Rematch again in this one and while Tarpon Springs was able to put up some points the last time these two teams met, Lakewood flexed a huge muscle last week against Hudson in which they scored 77 points. Do we think they will score 77 points here this week? Likely not, but we don’t expect it to be totally close either.
Prediction: Lakewood 50, Tarpon Springs 21
Lake Wales (7-4) at Jesuit (8-3)
Looking at this matchup, both of these teams are evenly matched when it comes to talent and being able to win games that are necessary to make a statement. However, Lake Wales has experience that we think will help them advance to the third round, but Jesuit will battle nicely in this one to keep it close.
Prediction: Lake Wales 24, Jesuit 21
Palm Bay (9-2) at Merritt Island (10-0)
Can Merritt Island’s unexpected first round bye help them or hurt them? It depends, but the Mustangs have played well this year despite a few close games during the season, but beat Palm Bay pretty nicely earlier in the season. However, the Pirates are looking for revenge, but we just don’t see them pulling off the upset.
Prediction: Merritt Island 35, Palm Bay 20
Booker (7-3) at Hardee (10-1)
Yet again, another district rematch right here between the Booker Tornadoes and the Hardee Wildcats. The Wildcats have been an explosive team this year and winning quite a few games big, but Booker has been a surprising team and knocking off Island Coast was a real surprise to fans around the state. However, we think the road ends here for Booker with Hardee getting a Regional Final matchup with either American Heritage-Plantation or Immokalee next week.
Prediction: Hardee 35, Booker 13
American Heritage-Plantation (10-1) at Immokalee (9-2)
American Heritage rolled last week against Lely and Immokalee had a nail bitter against Cardinal Gibbons. However, this week American Heritage will likely find themselves up against a little bit more of a challenge, but so will Immokalee. American Heritage is loaded with tons of talent, however Immokalee does have talent. In the end though, we don’t see anyone really stopping American Heritage on the Road To Orlando.
Prediction: American Heritage 38, Immokalee 20
