PLAYOFF PREVIEW CAPSULES: Class 8A – Region Four

With Region Four of Class 8A being all Miami-Dade County teams, at least one team will emerge in the playoff with the chance to play for the rights to go to Orlando in Class 8A. Who will it be? It will all start with these regional quarterfinal match-ups with predictions below.

NOTE: All game times are slated for 7:30 p.m. Eastern on Friday unless noted.

No. 6 Columbus (9-1) vs. American (6-4) at Ted Hendricks Stadium at Milander Park.
Last Playoff Appearance: Columbus, 2014; American, 2014
Skinny: This is unlikely to be a thrilling match-up unless American has something up their sleeves that would make a lot of fans totally pay attention. When it comes to tough games this season, American has been unable to cash in and secure a win in those games. Columbus, who was a heavy favorite to win their district instead ended up dropping the deciding game to Coral Gables, but that still hasn’t taken them out of a possible state championship run. However, expect the Explorers to get through this week for a possible rematch next week against the Cavaliers.
Joe Pinkos Line: Columbus 10 over American
FHSF Predictions
Joshua Wilson: Columbus 34, American 14
Corey Davis: Columbus 27, American 14

Who do you think will win? Vote in our Twitter poll below for the next 24 hours.

POLL: Who wins playoff game between @ColumbusFtball and #American? PREVIEW: https://t.co/PQurJqCGGz #flhsfb

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) November 12, 2015

Hialeah (5-5) vs. No. 5 Coral Gables (9-0) at Tropical Park, 7:00 p.m. Eastern (Thursday)
Last Playoff Appearance: Hialeah, 2013; Coral Gables, 2014
Skinny: After a one-year absence, Hialeah is back in the playoffs under new head coach Steve Smith. However, the Thoroughbreds have struggled at times against more difficult competition. It should also be noted that is a rematch from Week 7, in a game that the Cavaliers won only 15-6, so the temptation to say that Hialeah might not have a chance in this game might not be such. However, the Thoroughbreds have given up more points this season than scored, while the Cavaliers have given up a state playoff low 49 points in 9 games played.
Joe Pinkos Line: Coral Gables 49 over Hialeah
FHSF Predictions
Joshua Wilson: Coral Gables 42, Hialeah 10
Corey Davis: Coral Gables 42, Hialeah 6

Who do you think will win? Vote in our Twitter poll below for the next 24 hours.

POLL: Who win playoff game between @TbredAthletics & @CAVALIERNATION1? PREVIEW: https://t.co/PQurJqCGGz #flhsfb

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) November 12, 2015

Miami Southridge (6-4) at Belen Jesuit (7-3), 3:00 p.m. Eastern (Friday)
Last Playoff Appearance: Miami Southridge, 2014; Belen Jesuit, 2014
Skinny: This is a very even match-up on paper between two teams that might not have the biggest names in talent around, but have been able to compete this season. The question is which team has the mojo to be able to push on to the second round. Given home field advantage is everything in the playoffs and Belen Jesuit will be a rare exception to a team having that home field advantage, it will likely come down to that in this game.
Joe Pinkos Line: Southridge 7 over Belen Jesuit
FHSF Predictions
Joshua Wilson: Belen Jesuit 20, Miami Southridge 17
Corey Davis: Miami Southridge 24, Belen Jesuit 17

Who do you think will win? Vote in our Twitter poll below for the next 24 hours.

POLL: Who wins playoff game between @Southridge_SHS & @BelenJesuitFB? PREVIEW: https://t.co/PQurJqCGGz #flhsfb

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) November 12, 2015

Southwest Miami (7-3) vs. South Dade (8-1) at Harris Field
Last Playoff Appearance: Southwest Miami, 2014; South Dade, 2013
Skinny: After missing the playoffs last year and not being able to defend their state championship, South Dade is back in the state championship hunt and has crushed a lot of teams long the way. For Southwest Miami, they have struggled in key games they could have used to make a statement this year. This might turn into an ugly game if the Eagles are unable to keep up with the tempo of a South Dade offense that has can put up points when it wants to and has one of the Top 10 leading rushers in Miami-Dade County.
Joe Pinkos Line: South Dade 6 over Southwest Miami
FHSF Predictions
Joshua Wilson: South Dade 35, Southwest Miami 17
Corey Davis: South Dade 23, Southwest Miami 17

Who do you think will win? Vote in our Twitter poll below for the next 24 hours.

POLL: Who wins playoff game between @Sweaglefootball & @SDSHathletics? PREVIEW: https://t.co/PQurJqCGGz #flhsfb

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) November 12, 2015