Class 8A Region I has been home to a state finalist in the Apopka Blue Darters the last three years, but could a different team in the region have plans to end that streak? The regional quarterfinals could set up for some great showdowns in the regional semifinals next week.
Oviedo (7-3) at No. 10 Mandarin (10-0)
Last Playoff Appearance: Oviedo, 2014; Mandarin, 2005
Skinny: The odds are highly against Mandarin, 1-5 all-time in the playoffs, making a long playoff run, but the Mustangs have been bucking the odds all season. Brian Braddock has taken a program on life support to its first undefeated regular season. This is the first playoff meeting between the two teams, who were once district rivals.
Joe Pinkos Line: Mandarin 1 over Oviedo
FHSF Predictions
Joshua Wilson: Mandarin 20, Oviedo 13
Corey Davis: Mandarin 24, Oviedo 14
Who do you think will win? Vote in our Twitter poll below for the next 24 hours.
POLL: Who wins playoff game between @Oviedo_Football & @Mandarin_hs_fb? PREVIEW: https://t.co/WTSZb0GUS2 #flhsfb
— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) November 12, 2015
Sandalwood (8-2) at Lake Brantley (10-0)
Last Playoff Appearance: Sandalwood, 2013; Lake Brantley, 2013
Skinny: Longtime coach George Clayton who is in his 19th and final season with the Patriots has done a remarkable job going from 1-9 to 10-0. Sandalwood, who is 0-2 all-time against Lake Brantley in the playoffs, will have a hard time stopping the Patriots triple option offense featuring quarterback Jared Bernhardt (1,215 yards, 10 TDs), tailback Trace Christian (1,198 yards, 14 TDs) and fullback Tim Marinan (1,142 yards, 20 TDs) who have combined for 4,151 yards and 44 touchdowns.
Joe Pinkos Line: Lake Brantley 17 over Sandalwood
FHSF Predictions
Joshua Wilson: Lake Brantley 35, Sandalwood 20
Corey Davis: Lake Brantley 31, Sandalwood 14
Who do you think will win? Vote in our Twitter poll below for the next 24 hours.
POLL: Who wins playoff game between #Sandalwood & @LBHSfootball? PREVIEW: https://t.co/WTSZb0GUS2 #flhsfb
— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) November 12, 2015
No. 3 Apopka (9-1) at Timber Creek (7-3)
Last Playoff Appearance: Apopka, 2014; Timber Creek, 2014
Skinny: The defending state champs start the journey over again to try to claim their third state title in four years. Defending the Blue Darters unique single wing offense will be the key focal point of the game, can the Timberwolves stop them. Apopka beat Wekiva 43-6, who beat Timber Creek 26-9.
Joe Pinkos Line: Apopka 20 over Timber Creek
FHSH Predictions
Joshua Wilson: Apopka 49, Timber Creek 14
Corey Davis: Apopka 42, Timber Creek 10
Who do you think will win? Vote in our Twitter poll below for the next 24 hours.
POLL: Who wins playoff game between @ApopkaFootball & #TimberCreek? PREVIEW: https://t.co/WTSZb0GUS2 #flhsfb
— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) November 12, 2015
Boone (5-5) at No. 2 West Orange (9-1)
Last Playoff Appearance: Boone (2014), West Orange (2014)
Skinny: Boone will try to do something it hasn’t done in six years, win a playoff game and a first round playoff game. The Braves, who have dropped five straight playoff games including four straight first round games, will have their hands full trying to stop a lethal combination of quarterback Woody Barrett and receiver Eddy McDoom.
Joe Pinkos Line: West Orange 23 over Boone
FHSF Predictions
Joshua Wilson: West Orange 45, Boone 17
Corey Davis: West Orange 42, Boone 14
Who do you think will win? Vote in our Twitter poll below for the next 24 hours.
POLL: Who wins playoff game between @ocpsboone & @WestOrangeFB? PREVIEW: https://t.co/WTSZb0GUS2 #flhsfb
— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) November 12, 2015