PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Class 5A – Regions I & II – Regional Semifinals

Class 5A is looking very interesting with the way things are shaping up, but who is really wanting to get to Orlando in a few weeks? Here is our predictions for this week’s Regional Semifinal games.

Region I

West Florida (10-1) at Godby (9-2)
Last Week’s Results: West Florida def. Wakulla, 41-34; Godby def. Mosley 35-30
The Skinny: West Florida got all it could handle and more in a shootout win over Wakulla. The Jaguars are on a ten game winning streak thanks to quarterback Adarius Purifoy, tailback Jaelyn Allen, wide receiver Kevante Millender and wide receiver Ke’Andre Prim. After seeing its 18 point halftime lead evaporate to five points in the closing minutes, the Godby defense stepped up and held off Mosley on the final drive. The No. 6 Cougars don’t need any motivation this week as they look to make up for a shocking first round loss to West Florida last season. Godby quarterback Darius Bradwell, who ran for 102 yards and three touchdowns and threw for 196 yards last week, will be counted on heavily.
Looking Ahead: If West Florida wins, they would travel to Bishop Kenny or they would host Clay. If Godby wins, they would travle to the winner of the Clay/Bishop Kenny game.
Prediction: Godby

Bishop Kenny (9-1) at Clay (10-1)
Last Week’s Results: Bishop Kenny def. Palatka, 38-15; Clay def. Westside, 46-6
The Skinny: Everyone across the state and country can’t forget last year’s wild 74-73 shootout game in the second round of the playoffs; you can bet Kenny hasn’t forgot either. Bishop Kenny had little trouble with Palatka thanks in part to senior quarterback Jackson Bradley (2207 yards, 30 ) 18 of 28 for 323 yards and five touchdowns and senior utility player Charles Wade (1119 yards, 16 TDs), who caught eight passes for 157 yards and three touchdowns. Clay ranked No. 3 has looked invincible and is huge favorites to get back to the state finals again. The Blue Devils took the first step with an easy win over Westside. Quarterback JT Turner and tailback Colin Wilson combined for six touchdowns and 302 yards rushing and will be counted on.
Looking Ahead: If Bishop Kenny wins, the would host the winner of the Godby/West Florida game. If Clay wins, they would host Godby if they win or  would travel to West Florida if they win.
Prediction: Clay

Region II

Suwannee (10-1) at South Sumter (11-0)
Last Week’s Results: Suwannee def. Zephyrhills, 42-34; South Sumter def. North Marion, 16-12
The Skinny: Zephyrhills first playoff appearance in eight years was one the visiting Bulldogs will likely never forget. Leading by as many as 18 points, Zephyrhills held a 34-29 lead with a minute left, but a 30-yard touchdown pass from Steven Anderson to Jamari Wheeler and a scoop and score on the ensuing kickoff helped host Suwannee steal a win. Now No. 7 Suwannee looks to keep its season going traveling to top ranked South Sumter, where it’s virtually impossible to win especially come playoff time. As the top ranked team, the Raiders are continually given everyone’s best shot. North Marion didn’t disappoint accumulating 488 yards of offense, but couldn’t punch it in twice for the red zone.
Looking Ahead: If Suwannee wins, they host Lakewood or would have to travel to River Ridge if they win. If South Sumter wins, the would travel to the winner of the River Ridge/Lakewood game.
Prediction: South Sumter

River Ridge (10-1) at Lakewood (8-3)
Last Week’s Results: River Ridge def. Tarpon Springs, 29-28; Lakewood def. Gulf, 30-27 (2 OT)
The Skinny: Their first playoff appearance since 1998, No. 8 River Ridge is making the most of it knocking off Tarpon Springs. Trailing 28-0, the Royal Knights rallied for 29 unanswered points to stun the Spongers. Chris Schwarz carried the Knights on his back accounting for 401 yards and four touchdowns. Lakewood coach Cory Moore had a huge decision to make trailing by three in double overtime and facing a fourth and goal from the two. Kick the field goal and play for a third overtime or go for the win and end it now. Moore decided to give the ball to his playmaker quarterback Ryan Davis and Davis delivered with a 2-yard scamper just inside the end zone giving the Spartans a 30-27 win over Gulf. Just like he did many times last season, Davis came through in the clutch.
Looking Ahead: If River Ridge wins, they would host Suwannee/South Sumter winner. If Lakewood wins the would travel to Suwannee if they win or host South Sumter if they win.
Prediction: Lakewood