Florida HS Football’s Third Round Playoff Predictions – 5A, 6A, 7A & 8A

CLASS 8A REGIONAL FINALS
Apopka (11-1) at First Coast (11-1): Apopka has been unstoppable from game two and beyond this season and First Coast has been pulled in to quite a few close games this season. The Blue Darters may be three hours from home, don’t expect them to fall here to the Buccaneers.
Prediction: Apopka 52, First Coast 30

Plant (10-1-1) at Fort Pierce Central (10-1): The Cobras pulled the upset last week on a huge favorite in Manatee and are looking to do it again this week from the comfort of home again against the Plant, while the Panthers look to continue flying high after a 24-23 overtime thriller against Dr. Phillips last week.
Prediction: Fort Pierce Central 20, Plant 17

Miramar (12-0) at Palm Beach Gardens (8-4): Miramar looked like a state title contender last week after destroying Deerfield Beach. However, Palm Beach Gardens has been one big surprise in the playoffs and Gators are looking to pull another upset this week against the Patriots. We don’t see this happening though this week as Miramar is just a physically and mentally tougher team.
Prediction: Miramar 35, Palm Beach Gardens 17

South Dade (11-1) at Coral Gables (11-1): These teams have been the best for the Miami-Dade Class 8A team this year and either one would represent well in the state semifinals next week. Coral Gables showed last week it can be 20 points down and make a comeback. South Dade showed they are truly a better team against Miami Killian. Expect this one to be close.
Prediction: South Dade 24, Coral Gables 21

CLASS 7A REGIONAL FINALS
Fletcher (10-2) at Niceville (11-1): Fletcher will have to make the long trip to the Panhandle after Thanksgiving and this could be where the road ends for the Senators unexpected deep run. The Eagles of Niceville have been flexing a huge muscle so far during the playoffs with a team that is healthier than it was at certain points during the season.
Prediction: Niceville 42, Fletcher 20

Sickles (11-1) at Osceola-Kissimmee (10-2): Osceola has so far knocked off two Lakeland teams in the playoffs and is looking to put the brakes on Sickles this week from Tampa. The Kowboys were in this position last year and is likely closing in on another trip to the state semifinals, but the Gryphons are having their best season ever. However, the likely winner of this game faces a likely road trip to the Panhandle next week.
Prediction: Osceola 28, Sickles 24

Port Charlotte (10-1) at East Lake (12-0): Both of these teams have been running high on the octane and both are going to clash to see who is truly the better team. We like to think that this might be one of the closest games East Lake will play as Port Charlotte plays in its first regional final in school history.
Prediction: East Lake 27, Port Charlotte 25

St. Thomas Aquinas (10-2) at Dwyer (12-0): This matchup was to be expected in the third round and it should be one dandy of a game. Both teams going up head to head is what you would expect for a solid regional final and each one has their own set of qualities to be a state title contender. Expecting this one to be a drag out through all 48 minutes.
Prediction: Dwyer 30, St. Thomas Aquinas 27

CLASS 6A REGIONAL FINALS
Choctawhatchee (9-3) at Bartram Trail (7-5): Neither of these teams were expected to make it this far in Region I and both have knocked some good teams. This one could be close and it is about as close of a tossup as you could get here. The only question will be is to see how much of an effect the long drive from the Panhandle truly effects Choctaw.
Prediction: Bartram Trail 27, Choctawhatchee 24

Springstead (11-1) at Armwood (12-0): Call this game a birds of prey (or something like that) as the Eagles and Hawks take flight. Springstead is getting its first taste in school history of getting to the regional finals, but this is nothing new for Armwood. This game could be close or this came could be ugly. It depends who is hungry and who is really ready to get one step closer to Orlando.
Prediction: Armwood 35, Springstead 21

South Fort Myers  (9-3) at Mainland (11-1): South Fort Myers has been sort of an unpredictable team this year in terms of which games they should win and which ones they will fall in. Mainland has been tough team and has played in some very tough games that have tested the abilities to the extreme. We believe the Buccaneers will get to the state semifinals next week.
Prediction: Mainland 28, South Fort Myers 17

Heritage (12-0) at Miami Central (10-1): Heritage is making the three hour road trip to Miami, but that is really not the bad part as facing the toughest team they will have faced all season in Miami Central. The Rockets are state title contenders and have shown that in every game they have played this year. The Panthers are looking to play knock off and if they can come in play their best football, they will have a shot.
Prediction: Miami Central 30, Heritage 17

CLASS 5A REGIONAL FINALS
Pensacola Catholic (12-0) at Clay (8-4): Clay hasn’t been this far in the playoffs since 2003 and Pensacola Catholic is flying high looking to get to the state semifinals after getting close to it last year. However, the Crusaders face the long six hour drive from Pensacola and this sometimes can change outcomes quickly. However, the Crusaders are a very tough team and the Blue Devils will have tough time keeping them contained.
Prediction: Pensacola Catholic 35, Clay 20

Lakewood (9-3) at South Sumter (12-0): This should be an interesting matchup and for both teams a nice trip to the state semifinals is on the line, but a likely long road trip to Pensacola would be waiting. However, looking at this matchup, Lakewood can be pushed around at times depending which team shows up to play. As for South Sumter, they have been playing some great football this year that has been some of the best for the Raiders in a while. We see them getting one step closer to Orlando this week.
Prediction: South Sumter 38, Lakewood 20

Merritt Island (12-0) at Lake Wales (8-4): Merritt Island has been rolling this year, with some games being close, but they are flexing the muscle that is needed most and that is the winning muscle. For Lake Wales, despite only going 6-4, they are making a statement in the playoffs and are looking to get one more win to not only keep the season alive, but as another step closer to Orlando. Either way this could come down to a battle, but we think the Mustangs will hang on for another week, ending the season for the Highlanders.
Prediction: Merritt Island 17, Lake Wales 14

Hardee (11-1) at American Heritage-Plantation (11-1): Both of theses teams have been having strong seasons and it will come to end here on this one. For Hardee, they will have to find a way to stop Sony Michele or it could be a long night for the Wildcats. In the end though we just see the Patriots getting another win on their journey towards getting to Orlando.
Prediction: American Heritage 28, Hardee 21