DRIVE TO STATE: Class 2A playoff road map heading in to Week 6

The halfway point of the regular season is here and it is that time where teams start to jockey their way into prime playoff position with either a district title or an at-large bid on the line. The Drive To State is well underway so we will provide a road map, going district by district showing you the ins and outs of who we think has the inside track to a playoff berth.

District 2A-1

All in all, the race in 2A-1 should be a highly competitive one to say the least. If there is a favorite in this district, the logic would point to 4-1 Pensacola Catholic despite Freeport’s 4-0 start. South Walton, also lurking with a 3-1 start to their season, is looking to spice things up quite a bit as well. Pensacola Catholic will get the district slate off the ground with a trip to Freeport on September 26. Their battle with South Walton is not until October 24. As for Freeport’s game against South Walton, that will take place on October 10.

Games of Note:

Sep 26 - Pensacola Catholic at Freeport

Oct 10 - Freeport at South Walton

Oct 24 - South Walton at Pensacola Catholic

On The Highway: None

In Traffic: Pensacola Catholic, Freeport, South Walton

In The Parking Lot: Walton

District 2A-2

The logic for 2A-2 seems to be pointing towards one bid coming from this district. Marianna already has a victory in hand over Bozeman. North Bay Haven, should be considered as the leader of the pack by the time the district picture clears up. The Buccaneers will host Marianna on October 2 for what could be the presumptive district championship game.

Games of Note:

Oct 2 - Marianna at North Bay Haven

On The Highway: None

In Traffic: Marianna, North Bay Haven

In The Parking Lot: Rutherford, Bozeman

District 2A-3

What a difference a year makes. This two team district last year ended up with both teams reaching the post-season. This season.. Not so much. The Florida High Seminoles are expected to win the district on October 10 when they travel to Gadsden County. Considering Gadsden County is still ruled as ineligible, the game might be a moot point.

Games of Note:

Oct 10 - Florida High at Gadsden County

On The Highway: Florida High

In Traffic: None

In The Parking Lot: Gadsden County

District 2A-4

There are two teams that stand out in the four team 2A-4 race and they are both expected to make the big dance by the time the pairings are announced. Both Baldwin and Bolles are off to 4-1 starts and the two teams will face off on September 26. Although Andrew Jackson and Wolfson are 2-3 on the season, they are not expected to be a factor in the district race.

Games of Note:

Sep 26 - Bolles at Baldwin

On The Highway: Baldwin, Bolles

In Traffic: None

In The Parking Lot: Andrew Jackson, Wolfson

District 2A-5

In all reality, there are two teams that stand out amongst the rest in this district. Branford and Santa Fe. Bradford’s defense has been phenomenal this season but Santa Fe remains the only undefeated team. Santa Fe and Newberry already have wins in district play. Newberry starting 2-0 in district play will be expected but getting wins over Santa Fe and Bradford might be a tall order. If things play out as they should, Santa Fe and Bradford will meet on October 24 in Bradford for the district title and likely an at-large bid waiting in the wings.

Games of Note:

Oct 3 - Newberry at Santa Fe

Oct 10 - Newberry at Bradford

Oct 24 - Santa Fe at Bradford

On The Highway: Santa Fe, Bradford

In Traffic: Newberry

In The Parking Lot: Palatka, Keystone Heights

District 2A-6

What is there to say about this district? Which Cocoa team will show up for district play? Can The Villages keep its perfect record intact? These are some of the questions that linger into this district and nobody seems to know how to react to the way it is playing out. The Villages will get Astronaut on October 10 at home before going on the road October 17 at Cocoa. Astronaut will host Cocoa on October 24.

Games of Note:

Oct 10 - Astronaut at The Villages

Oct 17 - The Villages at Cocoa

Oct 24 - Cocoa at Astronaut

On The Highway: None

In Traffic: Astronaut, Cocoa, The Villages

In The Parking Lot: None

District 2A-7

Lake Placid is already 2-0 in district play with wins over Tenoroc and Discovery. The Dragons are virtually in the driver’s seat with one game remaining in district play for the district title and that will take place on October 24 at home against Avon Park. Avon Park does not begin district play until October 10 where they begin three straight district games. Tenoroc and Discovery will likely not factor into the picture.

Games of Note:

Oct 24 - Avon Park at Lake Placid

On The Highway: Lake Placid

In Traffic: Avon Park

In The Parking Lot: Tenoroc, Discovery

District 2A-8

Uncharacteristic records are afloat in this district but that does not reflect the potential of what these teams are capable of. Should strength of schedule play a factor in the way the playoff teams are selected, this district should have no problems getting an at-large bid. Berkeley Prep travels to Tampa Catholic on October 10 but before that Berkeley Prep will face Clearwater Calvary Christian on September 26. As for Calvary Christian’s match against Tampa Catholic? That will help on October 24 at home in Clearwater.

Games of Note:

Sep 26 - Clearwater Calvary Christian at Berkeley Prep

Oct 10 - Berkeley Prep at Tampa Catholic

Oct 24 - Tampa Catholic at Clearwater Calvary Christian

On The Highway: None

In Traffic: Clearwater Calvary Christian, Berkeley Prep, Tampa Catholic

In The Parking Lot: None

District 2A-9

Lakewood and Cardinal Mooney are the expected duo to challenge for the district title and it is likely both will be playoff bound. Tarpon Springs, slow out of the gate this season, is not likely to be a factor in the race but don’t sleep on the Spongers. Cardinal Mooney will host Lakewood on October 10. The question remains, will Lakewood be undefeated heading into that match?

Games of Note:

Oct 10 - Lakewood at Cardinal Mooney

On The Highway: Lakewood, Cardinal Mooney

In Traffic: Tarpon Springs

In The Parking Lot: None

District 2A-10

The question about this district isn’t whether or not we get at least two teams in the playoffs with Glades Central and Bishop Verot but whether Glades Central can keep Bishop Verot from not only a perfect season, but the district championship. Unlike last season, we have a clear vision on what type of team Bishop Verot is. On October 10, we should have the picture of the district clear exponentially.

Games of Note:

Oct 10 - Bishop Verot at Glades Central

On The Highway: Bishop Verot, Glades Central

In Traffic: None

In The Parking Lot: Oasis

District 2A-11

Somerset Canyons already has a district win over Inlet Grove. Their game against King’s Academy will be held on October 9 in Boynton Beach. A win gives the Cougars the automatic bid into the playoffs.

Games of Note:

King’s Academy at Somerset Canyons

On The Highway: Somerset Canyons

In Traffic: King’s Academy

In The Parking Lot: Inlet Grove

District 2A-12

Two team districts.. There’s a reason these things take the fun out of the spirit of the high school football season. That being said and off the soap box.. The winner of the Calvary Christian and North Broward Prep game gets the district championship. That game will be held on October 9 in Coconut Creek with host North Broward Prep.

Games of Note:

Oct 9 - Calvary Christian (Fort Lauderdale) at North Broward Prep

On The Highway: Calvary Christian (Fort Lauderdale)

In Traffic: North Broward Prep

In The Parking Lot: None

District 2A-13

The stage is set for October 3 for the District 2A-13 District Championship Game between the Hallandale Chargers and Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs. One game. One win. That’s all she wrote! The logic says the favorite is Cardinal Gibbons. Don’t be surprised if the Chargers put up a big fight to give the Chiefs a run.

Games of Note:

Oct 3 - Hallandale at Cardinal Gibbons

On The Highway: Cardinal Gibbons

In Traffic: Hallandale

In The Parking Lot: None

District 2A-14

Everything points to the 2A-14 race being a three team race to the finish with Miami Carol City, Monsignor Pace and North Miami Beach at the center of attention. If there is a slight favorite, Miami Carol City stands out but the game is won on the field. Carol CIty has Monsignor Pace on September 26 and then North Miami Beach on October 10. North Miami Beach and Monsignor Pace face off on October 23.

Games of Note:

Sep 26: Miami Carol City at Monsignor Pace

Oct 10 - Miami Carol City at North Miami Beach

Oct 24 - Monsignor Pace at North Miami Beach

On The Highway: None

In Traffic: Miami Carol City, North Miami Beach, Monsignor Pace

In The Parking Lot: Westland Hialeah

District 2A-15

If anything, Immaculata-La Salle has put the Class 2A world on notice after humbling district rival Booker T. Washington with a 31-0 score. It is safe to say that Immaculata-La Salle is the overwhelming favorite to win the district. If there is a team that can stand out from the crowd, Miami Springs should be the one in the district that gives the Royal Lions a run. The match up with Miami Springs will be October 10.

Games of Note:

Oct 3 - Miami Springs at Ransom Everglades

Oct 10 - Immaculata-La Salle at Miami Springs

On The Highway: Immaculata-La Salle

In Traffic: Miami Springs, Ransom Everglades

In The Parking Lot: Booker T. Washington (Miami)

District 2A-16

Despite being 5-0, Somerset Silver Palms still has a game against Miami Killian that could determine their chances to a playoff berth. In all likelihood, the games against Killian will be a game that decides the district title. Silver Palms and Millian will face off October 24.