PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Class 7A – Region III – Regional Quarterfinals

The playoffs are here upon us and we are going to take a dive and look at this week’s slate for Class 7A, Region III regional quarterfinals with our prediction of who will advance to next week’s regional semifinals.

Palmetto (5-5) at East Lake (10-0)
The Skinny: This is another first round rematch from last year and it looks almost the exactly same situation again. Palmetto, a team that has struggled against an East Lake team that is likely to make another run to the state semifinals once again. In games that Palmetto should have won this year, they didn’t, but the hung around to at least get in the playoffs. Just very hard to see Palmetto get the upset here with East Lake running around with a bit more talent on the sideline.
Prediction: East Lake

Pinellas Park (8-2) at Braden River (9-0)
The Skinny: Braden River has been on a tear this year winning every single game they have played and have left very little room for anyone to question what they can exactly do up until now. The question is how much of a threat can they be in the playoffs? Pinellas Park on the other hand knows it can stop teams in the playoffs like it did Sarasota in the first round last year, but Braden River is no Sarasota. Braden River is a good team running on talent that likely doesn’t get a lot of credit, where Pinellas Park has been recognized on some of their talent through out the season. This game is a pure toss up on who wins.
Prediction: Braden River

Melbourne (7-3) at Fort Myers (10-0)
The Skinny: Fort Myers is on a hot streak now with winning, already capping an undefeated regular season. Melbourne has had some ups and downs, but has come around the block to finish the season as a district runner-up. However, this could be a one and done situation for Melbourne as Fort Myers has been a dominating team no matter who they have played and no matter the record. To be honest, we seriously think Fort Myers might be a dark horse in the playoffs.
Prediction: Fort Myers

Charlotte (6-3) at Viera (9-0)
The Skinny: Charlotte is a perennial playoff team that is back here once again this season, but Viera is a first time playoff and will certainly see a challenge be thrown up by the Tarpons. For the Hawks, they have run through every team on the schedule to get to their first playoff berth and first district championship in school history and that might be enough power for them to advance through to at least the second round. Charlotte, however might find itself once again a one and done team depending on how the play on Friday night.
Prediction: Viera