Here are our predictions for the second round of the Class 7A playoffs.
Last Week: 14-2 – 7A
Lincoln (7-4) at Niceville (10-1)
Niceville is fully loaded once again with its top players at quarterback and running back all back in the line up and it couldn’t come at a better time than now. Lincoln just barely escaped by a highly improved Tate team and with that this game could prove worrisome for the Trojan faithful with the Eagles healthy again.
Prediction: Niceville 50, Lincoln 21
Fletcher (9-2) at Oak Ridge (8-3)
Two district runner-ups are meeting after each knocked off district champions last week. This game could be very exciting as each has a chance to get to the regional finals where they would likely face a long road trip to play a loaded Niceville team next week. Oak Ridge has improved a lot since earlier this season and Fletcher has been your normal typical team that finds ways to win no matter what it takes.
Prediction: Fletcher 24, Oak Ridge 21
Osceola-Kissimmee (9-2) at Kathleen (9-2)
Kathleen is having a great year and Osceola was expected to be a this level once again this year. Both teams have played competitive football this year and this going to come down to a tough battle that will leave someone hanging up the helmets. However, homefield advantage might not totally work out here in this one.
Prediction: Osceola 27, Kathleen 20
East Bay (8-3) at Sickles (10-1)
Both teams won their first playoff games in school history last week so on the line this week is the first trip to the regional finals for either team. However, Sickles seem to be a much more dominate team, but East Bay knows how to put a fight and we expect them to do so, but Sickles is the favorite in this one.
Prediction: Sickles 30, East Bay 21
Pinellas Park (10-1) at East Lake (11-0)
East Lake barely escaped last week against Palmetto while Pinellas Park rolled through Sarasota. This game is a district rematch and Pinellas Park has two 1,000 yard rushers that are big leaders on the ground game. However, East Lake has a ton of young talent that has been contributors that we think will get them on to the Regional Finals.
Prediction: East Lake 35, Pinellas Park 28
Melbourne (9-2) at Port Charlotte (9-1)
Port Charlotte has been a team that has been rolling nicely this year and Melbourne has been a team that can contend in the playoffs yearly. Port Charlotte seems to be a team that has been nearly unstoppable and it might prove hard for another Brevard County team to try to knock them out this week.
Prediction: Port Charlotte 27, Melbourne 20
Blanche Ely (6-5) at Dwyer (11-0)
Blanche Ely proved it was the stronger team last week against West Boca Raton, but now they get a Dwyer team that is loaded with talent and is fast. This game might be a hard one for the Tigers to keep up with despite playing a tough schedule this season which resulted in five of their losses.
Prediction: Dwyer 35, Blanche Ely 21
Plantation (8-2) at St. Thomas Aquinas (9-2)
Here is another district rematch happening here in the second round of the playoffs. Plantation has been playing some strong football and only allowed St. Thomas Aquinas to slip out with a 16-6 win a few weeks ago. This time around the result should be close again and don’t be surprised if Plantation tries to pull the upset on the Raiders.
Prediction: St. Thomas Aquinas 20, Plantation 17
