PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Class 5A – Region II – 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 5A, Region II regional quarterfinals with our prediction of who will advance to next week’s regional semifinals.

Zephyrhills (8-2) at Suwannee (9-1)
The Skinny: Zephyrhills first playoff appearance in eight years could a be a quick one, drawing No. 7 Suwannee. Suwannee, which was ranked as high as No. 2, is coming off a beatdown from arch-rival Columbia in the Battle of the Old Bucket. Denzel Washington (Sr., RB) and Aaron McCallister (Jr., QB) will have plenty of motivation in this one in the Battle of the Bulldogs.
Prediction: Suwannee

North Marion (8-2) at South Sumter (10-0)
The Skinny: Two playoff juggernauts meet up in the first round, unfortunately North Marion got a bad draw. The Colts will be looking to avoid a second straight playoff loss to South Sumter after 42-8 second round decision last year at home. It’s virtually impossible to win at No. 1 South Sumter especially come playoff time.
Prediction: South Sumter

Tarpon Springs (7-3) at River Ridge (9-1)
The Skinny: One program is making their first playoff appearance since 1998, the other is making their seventh appearance in the last ten years. No. 8 River Ridge has had a very special season but will that transition well into the postseason since most of their kids were not born the last time the Knights were in the playoffs. The Spongers have been here often including a Sweet 16 appearance last season.
Prediction: Tarpon Springs

Gulf (8-2) at Lakewood (7-3)
The Skinny: Its been six years since Gulf made a postseason appearance and it could be a quick exit. Lakewood rode quarterback Ryan Davis to a state semifinal appearance last season and the Spartans have the experience and tools necessary to get back.
Prediction: Lakewood