The playoffs are here upon us and we are going to take a dive and look at this week’s slate for Class 1A, Region I & II regional semifinals with our prediction of who will advance to next week’s regional finals.
Region I
Graceville (5-5) at Baker (9-1)
The Skinny: Matt Baker and his Baker Gators should have little problem with visiting Graceville. Baker was rolling along through its season until a 28-21 loss on the road to South Walton in the finale. The Tigers will have a tough time winning on the road especially since Baker is 6-0 at home.
Prediction: Baker
Northview (6-3) at Vernon (9-1)
The Skinny: Two years ago, Northview was the king of the class winning the school’s first ever state championship. A year later, the Chiefs were district runner ups and went on the road to Vernon and upset the host Yellow Jackets 22-19 before falling to Cottondale in the second round. Since a season opening loss to Chipley, Vernon has rebounded with nine straight wins and head coach Bobby Johns should have his Yellow Jackets plenty motivated for this one.
Prediction: Vernon
Region II
Port St .Joe (8-2) at South Walton (9-1)
The Skinny: Port St. Joe is loaded and very athletic and head coach John Palmer has all the tools necessary for a long playoff run. South Walton is back in the playoffs for the second straight year and thanks to the lethal combination passing game of Johnathan Ortner (2354 yards, 33 TDs) and wide receiver Alex Smith (1030 yards, 14 TDs).
Prediction: South Walton – Editor’s Note: Our Corey Davis has Port St. Joe, but we think South Walton will emerge this one with a huge passing game.
Blountstown (5-3) at Liberty County (7-2)
The Skinny: Blountstown used a 40-6 first round beat down over Liberty County to catapult its way to a state runner-up finish. Look for Liberty County to return the favor over a rebuilding Tigers team.
Prediction: Liberty County
