Here are our predictions for the second round of the Class 8A playoffs.
Last Week: 13-3 – 8A
First Coast (10-1) at Lake Mary (11-0)
Obviously Lake Mary’s best year of football is continuing into the second round and will matchup against a talented First Coast squad. Expect a battle between the two and the end someone is going to have to hang the helmets up for good at the end of this one.
Prediction: First Coast 24, Lake Mary 20
Winter Park (9-2) at Apopka (10-1)
The Wildcats of Winter Park just barely escaped by last week against West Orange and the Blue Darters have been destroying most opponents this year. This could be another game where things will get ugly…quick!
Prediction: Apopka 60, Winter Park 14
Dr. Phillips (11-0) at Plant (9-1-1)
Dr. Phillips has been rolling this season and Plant has been alright, but the difference is here is that Dr. Phillips might just be the stronger team in this matchup once again this season.
Prediction: Dr. Phillips 27, Plant 21
Manatee (11-0) at Fort Pierce Central (9-1)
Manatee allowed Vero Beach to score 28 points on them last week, which is a season high in any game the Hurricanes have played. Fort Pierce Central is looking for revenge in this game as they have been eliminated the past two years by the Hurricanes. We think the game will be close, but Fort Pierce Central will come just short of a knock off.
Prediction: Manatee 35, Fort Pierce Central 31
Palm Beach Gardens (7-4) at Palm Beach Central (8-3)
Palm Beach Central may have started 2013 off slow, but they are a team that is on fire and Palm Beach Gardens will be hard press to get a good stop on them in this game with an offensive line that is just in pure domination right now.
Prediction: Palm Beach Central 38, Palm Beach Gardens 13
Deerfield Beach (11-0) at Miramar (11-0)
A battle of undefeated teams in this matchup and you couldn’t ask for a better toss up game in the state. Deerfield Beach barely escaped Flanagan last week and Miramar had to come from behind to put the brakes on Monarch. However, looking at the overall picture, the teams are about as evenly matched as you could get on paper. Someone will have to hang up the helmets after this one.
Prediction: Miramar 28, Deerfield Beach 27
Columbus (7-4) at Coral Gables (10-1)
It has been Coral Gables’ best season in a while and Columbus is showing that experience in the playoffs does matter after knocking off North Miami 32-6 last week. However, Coral Gables did beat Columbus earlier in the season and we think they will do it again, but this time the result will be tighter and closer.
Prediction: Coral Gables 24, Columbus 21
South Dade (10-1) at Miami Killian (7-4)
South Dade got its rematch against rival Miami Killian and they are out for revenge for their only loss on the season. Miami Killian however is flexing its muscle as a team on the rebound and this game could be the best one of the week involving Miami-Dade teams with South Dade getting its revenge.
Prediction: South Dade 27, Miami Killian 24
