The playoffs are here upon us and we are going to take a dive and look at this week’s slate for Class 4A, Region III & IV regional semifinals with our prediction of who will advance to next week’s regional finals.
Region III
Jones (5-5) at Clewiston (10-0)
The Skinny: Jones is back in the playoffs after missing out last season, but they will need to play a near perfect game to escape to the second round for a possible rematch with Cocoa. However, Clewiston has been on a roll and their goal is hopefully to roll through the playoffs and to upset some of the expected favorites. But first things first. Clewiston will have to be ready here for Jones. Their schedule has not been as much of a challenge compared to the schedule Jones has played. If they relax too much on Jones, Clewiston might be one and done.
Prediction: Clewiston
Avon Park (2-8) at Cocoa (9-1)
The Skinny: Avon Park is back in the playoff for the first time in a while, but this is likely not how they wanted to get in by having a losing record. This could be a tough game for the Red Devils who are playing of the best teams in the state that has played a very challenging schedule. We don’t like lopsided games in the playoffs, but this is one game we feel is going to go in that direction and very quickly on Friday night.
Prediction: Cocoa
Region IV
Somerset Academy (2-8) at Booker T. Washington (10-0)
The Skinny: Booker T. Washington likely wishes they had a better challenge in the first round, but the way the brackets are set and how district assignments are setup. This will be Somerset Academy’s first ever playoff appearance, but it might be one they will want to forget. The Tornadoes have rolled through the season winning games, almost in the same fashion as they did last season when they won the national championship. This is one game likely be over very quickly.
Prediction: Booker T. Washington
Gulliver Prep (6-4) at Glades Central (8-2)
The Skinny: Glades Central has bounced back nicely this season under Rick Casko who is in his first year of his second tenure as Glades Central’s head coach. Beating Dwyer at the start of the season was one thing that set the tone for the Raiders, but with one of the losses being to a very strong Delray American Heritage team, it has made them stronger. Gulliver Prep could say the same thing for them, but their loss to American Heritage this season was more lopsided and at times Gulliver Prep has looked lifeless in games. Advantage goes to Glades Central in this game based upon strength of schedule and competitiveness this season.
Prediction: Glades Central
