PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Class 8A – Region IV – 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 8A, Region IV regional quarterfinals with our prediction of who will advance to next week’s regional semifinals.

Coral Gables (8-2) at North Miami (9-1)
The Skinny: Both Coral Gables and North Miami are in the playoffs again this season and this time they will both meet each other in the first round. North Miami which exited in the first round last season after a loss to Columbus looks to make the season go an extra week longer this week. Coral Gables which advanced all the way to the regional finals this year will have to win this game to get a possible rematch Columbus. Both of these teams seem even on paper, but who wants it more? Toss up on this game.
Prediction: Coral Gables

North Miami Beach (4-6) at Columbus (9-1)
The Skinny: Columbus has looked impressive as of late and while North Miami Beach has done enough to just work their way into the playoffs this season. The Explorers have looked good in all facets of the game so far this season and that has improved as time has gone on. North Miami Beach has had several tough games this season where they couldn’t put up a challenge that was needed to win the game. Almost safe to say that this game could be one that might be out of reach by the time half time rolls around.
Prediction: Columbus

Miami Southridge (7-3) at Belen Jesuit (8-2)
The Skinny: Miami Southridge has bounced back as a strong team this year and put the damper on South Dade’s chances of returning to the playoffs to defend their state championship. Belen Jesuit won their district after having to earn it through a tiebreaker with losses coming to Ferguson and independent Key West this season. End the end it is who is ready the most of this game and it seems Miami Southridge might be ready for this more than Belen Jesuit at this point.
Prediction: Miami Southridge

Southwest Miami (8-2) at Miami Killian (10-0)
The Skinny: Miami Killian has played tough all season long and while they might not have won some games by wide margins, they have shown they will play a full four quarters. Southwest Miami dropped games against Belen Jesuit and Coral Gables at the end of the season and questions surround just how strong they are compared to Miami Killian when look at the schedule play. It is hard to ignore the fact that Miami Killian is loaded with a ton of good athletes that have made a name for themselves and that is game tips in their favor.
Predicition: Miami Killian