PLAYOFF PREVIEW CAPSULES: Class 1A – Regions One & Two

Class 1A has been known to produce great teams, but which team will emerge from Regions One and Two that will represent Class 1A North in Orlando next month? Will it be Port St. Joe defending its state championship? Could it be Vernon, Baker, Blountstown or someone else? The first step is with the regional semifinals which start this week.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Special thanks to Florida high school football historian Richard Burton on the statistical records.

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

REGION ONE

Graceville (8-2) at Baker (7-3), 7:30 p.m. Central
Last Playoff Appearance: Graceville, 2014; Baker, 2014
Skinny: Baker eliminated Graceville in the playoffs last year to earn their first playoff win since 2001. Graceville, who has lost three in a row on the road, holds a slim 9-7 lead in the all-time series since 1976. Graceville can score at will having scored 40 points in several games this year, but can they do that against one of the best defenses they have faced.
Joe Pinkos Line: Baker by 3
FHSF Predictions
Joshua Wilson: Baker 28, Graceville 20
Corey Davis: Graceville 24, Baker 21

Northview (2-8) at Vernon (9-1)
Last Playoff Appearance: Northview, 2014; Vernon, 2014
Skinny: Vernon knocked out Northview out of the playoffs last year ending the Chiefs four year run of first round playoff wins. Northview holds a 2-1 lead in the postseason but the Chiefs will go into this one crawling into the playoffs with just a pair of wins. Vernon is on another level right now and has to many weapons on both sides of the ball.
Joe Pinkos Line: Vernon by 10
FHSF Predictions
Joshua Wilson: Vernon 48, Northview 10
Corey Davis: Vernon 42, Northview 14

REGION TWO

Chipley (5-5) at No. 3 Port St Joe (8-1)
Last Playoff Appearance: Chipley, 2011, Port St. Joe 2014
Skinny: Port St Joe is 2-0 all-time against Chipley in the playoffs, but this will be their first playoff meeting since 1990, however Chipley leads the all-time series 14-11 since 1975. Chipley’s last playoff appearance four years ago was a memorable one finishing as state runner-ups, this one won’t be. Port St Joe struggled offensively early on but has found a rhythm and should cruise through to the second round.
Joe Pinkos Line: Port St Joe by 28
FHSF Predictions
Joshua Wilson: Port St. 48, Chipley 7
Corey Davis: Port St Joe 42, Chipley 14

Blountstown (8-2) at Liberty County (7-3)
Last Playoff Appearance: Blountstown, 2014; Liberty County, 2014
Skinny: Fourth straight year these two teams will meet in the playoffs, Blountstown leads the all-time series 17-12 since 1976 and has won 2 of the 3 playoff meetings. The two met earlier in the season with Blountstown cruising to a 43-21 win, Liberty County hasn’t lost since. Blountstown schedule has prepared them well for this one with games against playoff teams Walton, Vernon, Baker, Chipley, Liberty County, Port St Joe and Vernon.
Joe Pinkos Line: Blountstown by 1
FHSF Predictions
Joshua Wilson: Blountstown 38, Liberty County 20
Corey Davis: Blountstown 34, Liberty County 21