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 IV regional quarterfinals with our prediction of who will advance to next week’s regional semifinals
Cape Coral (8-2) at DeSoto County (8-2)
The Skinny: To fairly even teams in this first round matchup means this game could be another close one as well. DeSoto County has been here many times and experience will be a huge factor in the game. If things go as planned, DeSoto County will host district rival Booker in round two.
Prediction: DeSoto County
Sarasota Booker (6-3) at Island Coast (8-2)
The Skinny: To be a fairly new school, Island Coast has built quite a program making the playoffs for the fifth time in the last six years. For years Booker was a consistent playoff program but fell on hard times two years ago. The Tornadoes rebounded with a second round playoff appearance last season.
Prediction: Island Coast
Miami Jackson (6-4) at Lely (7-3)
The Skinny: Anything less than a Jackson-American Heritage matchup in the second round would be considered an upset. Generals have been battle tested with losses coming to Booker T. Washington, Central and American Heritage. Lely has made the playoffs for the second straight year and their ninth time in the last 20 years. The odds of advancing to the next round are against them though as the Trojans haven’t won a playoff game since 1987.
Prediction: Miami Jackson
Immokalee (4-6) at Plantation American Heritage (7-3)
The Skinny: Most years this would likely be the Game of the Week across the state but not this year, this one won’t be close. Immokalee will have their hands full with Patriots quarterback Tarvaras McFadden who is just as lethal on the ground as he is passing. The Patriots have played a brutal schedule that featured games with Mainland, St. Thomas Aquinas, Miramar, Bolles, Apopka, Kathleen and Delray American Heritage.
Prediction: American Heritage
