PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Class 7A – Region I – 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 I regional quarterfinals with our prediction of who will advance to next week’s regional semifinals.

Leon (4-6) at Niceville (8-2)
The Skinny: This is a rematch of last year’s first round game and it seems to be almost the same situation once again with how this one should play out. Leon closed out the regular season loss to Providence while Niceville didn’t fair well in a trip to Jacksonville against Bolles. Both teams are hungry for a win to start the first round, but Niceville is loaded with more talent than Leon and that is an advantage Niceville will use to win the game.
Prediction: Niceville

Tate (8-2) at Lincoln (8-2)
The Skinny: Again another first round rematch from the first round, but both Tate and Lincoln appear to be improved teams compared to a year ago. Tate wants nothing more to get a win here against Lincoln to get a possible rematch against Niceville in the second round. Lincoln’s only two losses this season come to Godby and Camden County, GA, with Camden County not reaching the playoffs in Georgia for the first time in 25 years. This game might be a toss-up with some, but Lincoln wins the advantage on talent.
Prediction: Lincoln

Wekiva (8-2) at Oakleaf (10-0)
The Skinny: Both Wekiva and Oakleaf are first time playoff teams and both are on a mission that both should be here. The only thing is that one is going to win and one is going to lose. Both Wekiva and Oakleaf have been tested this season as Wekiva’s only two losses were to Apopka and Oak Ridge while Oakleaf ran into some tough tests including Clay, Atlantic Coast and Fleming Island. Overall, though this another game where one team has talent just above the other one that will decide the game and that advantage goes to Oakleaf.
Prediction: Oakleaf

Fletcher (6-4) at Oak Ridge (9-1)
The Skinny: Another year again that Fletcher is runner-up and is on the road in the first round somewhere in Central Florida. Most years we would like Fletcher’s advantages as the team that can go on the road and win, but Fletcher has been shaky at times this year. That shakiness includes losing a game against Fleming Island that about cost them a playoff spot. Oak Ridge is a district champion for the first time in nearly 40 years and they have clicked on all cylinders, even if the games are closer than some would expect. Oak Ridge’s only loss this season was to undefeated West Orange squad.
Prediction: Oak Ridge