With the smaller classifications like Class 4A having one less round of playoffs, the Regional Semifinals will kick off things this week. Who will emerge to go to Orlando from these two regions? Will it be Booker T. Washington or could be it Cocoa, Avon Park or someone else totally we are not talking about? We will start to get a better answer this weekend, but first here is our previews and predictions for this weekend’s regional semifinals.
REGIONÂ THREE
Bishop Verot (8-2) at No. 2 Cocoa (8-2)
Last Playoff Appearance: Bishop Verot, 2014; Cocoa, 2014
Skinny: The records might be the same for both teams, but that is about the only thing in common you will find with either team. Bishop Verot, comes in to this game having faced a tough test from a rising Tenoroc team two weeks ago and was a sign that Bishop Verot might not be ready for Cocoa. With Cocoa, the schedule has been tough having lost to nationally ranked powers in IMG Academy and St. Edward out of Ohio. If anything the strength of schedule matters here and Cocoa has this hands down.
Joe Pinkos Line: Cocoa 62 over Bishop Verot
FHSF Predictions
Joshua Wilson: Cocoa 56, Bishop Verot 7
Corey Davis: Cocoa 49, Bishop Verot 13
Who do you think will win? Vote in our Twitter poll below for the next 24 hours.
POLL: Who wins playoff game between @BishopVerot & @CocoaHighSchool? PREVIEW: https://t.co/5fy3zCakU3 #flhsfb
— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) November 12, 2015
Astronaut (6-4) at Avon Park (9-1)
Last Playoff Appearance: Astronaut, 2011; Avon Park, 2014
Skinny: Avon Park comes into this game with a record that looks way better than Astronaut, but when it comes down to strength of schedule, things compare up pretty closely between the two teams. When it comes to good ball games that are tight, you can find Astronaut usually fighting it out in them. However, Avon Park does have some athletes on the roster that have some experience now in winning in close ballgames, which that will be the difference here in this one.
Joe Pinkos Line: Astronaut 6 over Avon Park
FHSF Predictions
Joshua Wilson: Avon Park 28, Astronaut 24
Corey Davis: Avon Park 21, Astronaut 20
Who do you think will win? Vote in our Twitter poll below for the next 24 hours.
POLL: Who wins playoff game between @ASTRO_ATHLETICS & #AvonPark? PREVIEW: https://t.co/5fy3zCakU3 #flhsfb
— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) November 12, 2015
REGION FOUR
Gulliver Prep (5-5) at Glades Central (9-2)
Last Playoff Appearance: Gulliver Prep, 2014; Glades Central, 2014
Skinny: Gulliver Prep has struggled at times during the season and has been smothered by stronger competition. Given that Glades Central’s schedule didn’t include Dwyer and yet had a close battle against University School, we expect much of anything can happen in this game. For Glades Central, they would love nothing more than a crack at possibly taking out Booker T. Washington in the regional finals, while Gulliver Prep would love a rematch against the Tornadoes.
Joe Pinkos Line: Glades Central 17 over Gulliver Prep
FHSF Predictions
Joshua Wilson: Glades Central 30, Gulliver Prep 28
Corey Davis: Glades Central 34, Gulliver Prep 17
Who do you think will win? Vote in our Twitter poll below for the next 24 hours.
POLL: Who wins playoff game between @GulliverSchools & @GCHSRaiders? PREVIEW: https://t.co/5fy3zCakU3 #flhsfb
— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) November 12, 2015
University School (7-3) vs. Booker T. Washington (5-5) at Traz Powell Stadium, 7:00 p.m. Eastern (Thursday)
Last Playoff Appearance: University School, 2013; Booker T. Washington, 2014
Skinny: Booker T. Washington is the defending three-time Class 4A state champion, looking to make history in the state record books this season by aiming to win a fourth consecutive state championship. However, with a third different head coach in as many seasons, the Tornadoes have struggled to be competitive in games that usually would have likely resulted in a win before this season. With University School being much improved compared to last season, the Tornadoes find themselves in a position that could end their run of dominance as early as this week.
Joe Pinkos Line: Booker T. Washington 13 over University School
FHSF Predictions
Joshua Wilson: Booker T. Washington 25, University School 24
Corey Davis: Booker T. Washington 31, University School 28
Who do you think will win? Vote in our Twitter poll below for the next 24 hours.
POLL: Who wins playoff game between @UNS_Athletics & @MiamiBTW_FB? PREVIEW: https://t.co/5fy3zCakU3 #flhsfb
— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) November 12, 2015
