The playoffs are here upon us and we are going to take a dive and look at this week’s slate for Class 2A, Regions III & IV regional semifinals with our prediction of who will advance to next week’s regional finals.
REGION III
Evangelical Christian (5-5) at Indian Rocks Christian (9-0)
The Skinny: Evangelical Christian slipped into the playoffs this year after winning a district runner-up spot through a tiebreaker, while Indian Rocks Christian has been on a roll this season. Evangelical Christian will be going up against one of the most loaded 2A teams in the state in terms of Division I talent and that has been hard for teams to matchup with. Indian Rocks Christian got a key signature win this year as they defeated 3A Tampa Catholic a couple of weeks ago in what suppose to have been a test for the program.
Prediction: Indian Rocks Christian
Northside Christian (8-2) at First Baptist (6-4)
The Skinny: First Baptist’s record means nothing when look at the schedule that has been played this year. Losses have come to 6A Ida Baker, 3A Fort Meade, Arkansas power Shiloh Christian and to a up and coming Duval Charter team. Those losses have all helped First Baptist become battle tested at this point. For Northside Christian, they have surprised a lot of people this year in terms of the way the team has played and the games they have won. Between both teams this playoff games should be a fun one for fans to watch.
Prediction: First Baptist
REGION IV
Dade Christian (5-5) at Glades Day (8-2)
The Skinny: Dade Christian has fought through a competitive schedule this year that seen them go on the road to many places while also hosting a variety of teams. However, Glades Day has been dominate this season for the most part, but end up dropping two games late in the season to Clewiston and Chamiande-Madonna. Glades Day may not have the Kelvin Taylor type of player running around and doing circles, but they sure have the strength that they could compete for a state championship this season.
Predicition: Glades Day
Jupiter Christian (5-5) at Champagnat (7-3)
Editors Note: Champagnat was removed Thursday from the Class 2A bracket due to forfeiting the game against IMG Academy last week. FHSAA bylaws state if a team forfeits a contest other than due to cancellation for weather, the team can be removed from the playoffs and all district games become non-district games as the team is removed from district play. Champagnat still has the right to appeal the FHSAA’s decision and we will keep you updated on this.
