PLAYOFF PREVIEW: Class 5A – Regions III & IV – 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 III

Spoto (8-3) at Jesuit (7-4)
Last Week’s Results: Jesuit def. Auburndale, 35-28; Spoto def. Lake Wales, 42-6
The Skinny: A 3-3 start has now turned into a five game winning streak and second round playoff appearance for the Spoto Spartans. Now the Spartans turn their attention to district rival Jesuit; a rematch of Oct. 3 game won by Jesuit 32-20. Jesuit has been battle tested having played five teams who made the playoffs: Clearwater Central Catholic, Bishop Moore, Largo, Spoto and Trinity Catholic.
Looking Ahead: Either Jesuit or Spoto will travel to Bishop Moore/Merritt Island winner next year.
Prediction: Jesuit

Bishop Moore (11-0) at Merritt Island (9-2)
Last Week’s Results: Bishop Moore def. Titusville, 24-7; Merritt Island def. Mount Dora, 21-14
The Skinny: Nobody has come close to stopping the freight train of the Bishop Moore Hornets the last four weeks. The Hornets have put up 191 points while giving up just 45. The Space Coast area is always a tough area to play in and that’s no exception as Merritt Island is 6-0 at home, however if there is anybody who won’t be intimated its Bishop Moore.
Looking Ahead: Either Bishop Moore or Merritt Island would host Spoto/Jesuit winner.
Prediction: Bishop Moore

Region IV

Cape Coral (9-2) at Island Coast (9-2)
Last Week’s Results: Cape Coral def. DeSoto County, 37-21; Island Coast def. Booker, 35-7
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. The Gators are nearly unbeatable at home including 5-0 this season. This is a rematch of an Oct. 2 game won by Island Coast 23-3 in Cape Coral.
Looking Ahead: Either Cape Coral or Island Coast will travel to Lely/American Heritage winner.
Prediction: Island Coast

Lely (8-3) at Plantation American Heritage (8-3)
Last Week’s Results: Lely def. Miami Jackson, 28-25; American Heritage def. Immokalee, 51-0
The Skinny: Lely has already defied the odds having won their first playoff game since 1987. The reward is traveling to No. 1 American Heritage and Patriots quarterback Tarvaras McFadden, who is just as lethal on the ground as he is passing.
Looking Ahead: Either Lely or American Heritage would host the winner of the Cape Coral/Island Coast game.
Prediction: American Heritage