SPCjessica2004

The question was asked seriously, so I'll give the most serious answer I can provide.

I believe in 3A there are only 3 teams that have a realistic shot to beat JaxTCA on a neutral field and all 3 play in the south. Clearwater Central Catholic and Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna should be able to take JaxTCA to the 4th quarter with their teams this year on a neutral field, wither they gut out a win or not is another story, but at least the games would be competitive.  American Heritage is a bit more of a wildcard if they played JaxTCA. Of the three, I think Chaminade is the most talented, American Heritage the most experienced and CCC a strong blend of experience and talent.

 I expect American Heritage and Chaminade to play at Chaminade in round 2.  Chaminade will be the favorite, but don't count the Stallions out- they've added enough pieces in the last month that they'll be ready come November. Since Region 3 hosts the Final 4 this year, the winner of Chaminade/American Heritage will travel north to Clearwater to play CCC on Black Friday. That pretty much sums up the south.

If we're speaking strictly class 3A North, then JaxTCA is really on cruise control until the state finals. In the region, they'll crush Pensacola Catholic in round 1 and then crush Taylor County in round 2. Yes, Trinity Catholic is improved, but look at that schedule. They'll beat AFA in week 1 by 25+, but then for the next 7 weeks they won't be favored in any of those games against those teams. Maybe they'll be a pick-em with Lake Weir. I think OTC will finish behind First Academy and travel to Tampa Catholic in round 1, where the result will be closer than last years 35-6 defeat, but still result in a loss to the Crusaders in round 1.

  Regions 1 and 3 host the final 4 this year, meaning JaxTCA would host the final 4 game.  So, who are the teams they could play in the final 4? I'll look at the 4 teams that have a legit shot at being in the final 4 alongside JaxTCA in the North.

Tampa Catholic-  This is the likely favorite since they've played JaxTCA 2 of the past 3 years and bring the vast majority of their 2015 team back this year. They feature one of the top running backs in America in Sr. Devan Barrett, have a strong QB in Austin Sessums and 2 really strong WR/Corner's that just committed to Toledo in Bentlee Sanders and Darius Corrbett. They have some very strong up and coming Sophomores and they also benefited from some key transfers along the line. Still, JaxTCA matches up really well with Tampa Catholic. The Crusader defense is going to be better than last year, but not good enough to stop any offense that has 3 D-1 strong/speedy WR's and a strong defense. In other words, the Crusaders won't be able to stop JaxTCA from scoring 35 or more. Tampa Catholic will be hard pressed to score more than 2 TD's on the starting JaxTCA defense unless Devan Barrett has the game of his life. Barrett will also have to play both ways to slow down the JaxTCA run game.

Orlando First Academy-  They're a wing-t team that has benefited strongly from transfers in Orlando; however, their defense for the past few years has been atrocious at best. Even with their transfers, I can't see them being in the final 4 if Tampa Catholic is healthy. To beat JaxTCA you have to throw the ball at some point and I think if the Royals are throwing it means they're behind by 2 or more TD's. It's not what they're comfortable with.

Berkeley Prep- The Buccaneers are always a competitive, well coached team. This year, they have a strong QB in Davis Koetter (Dirk Koetter's son), a strong offensive line lead by Dylan Brown and Nicholas Petite-Frere and a physical front on defense. If they somehow made the final 4, they would be overwhelmed by the Conqueror speed. Berkeley just doesn't have the play makers to keep the game competitive for long unless Koetter is able to escape the box and run rampant.

Lakeland Christian- Believe it or not, the Vikings almost beat JaxTCA at JaxTCA in 2014. Coach Wayne Peace's Vikings played above and beyond the norm for them; however, this years Viking team doesn't have the pieces of the 2014 team. This is team squarely looking up at Tampa Catholic in the district this year. If this team made it to play JaxTCA it would be hard pressed to move the ball offensively, although I do hear good things about their transfer QB.

That's generally how I see 3A this year, but injuries happen. If Chaminade loses Henri Columbi or Shaun Shivers (even with Keondra White) they'll struggle, if CCC loses CJ Cotman, Amari Burney or Rashaad Stewart they'll struggle.  If American Heritage loses Alex Sincfield or Cameron Smith, they'll struggle.   Overall, I think we're all interested in how this class turns out as the top 5 teams truly are amazing to check out this year!

The question was asked seriously, so I'll give the most serious answer I can provide.

I believe in 3A there are only 3 teams that have a realistic shot to beat JaxTCA on a neutral field and all 3 play in the south. Clearwater Central Catholic and Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna should be able to take JaxTCA to the 4th quarter with their teams this year on a neutral field, wither they gut out a win or not is another story, but at least the games would be competitive.  American Heritage is a bit more of a wildcard if they played JaxTCA. Of the three, I think Chaminade is the most talented, American Heritage the most experienced and CCC a strong blend of experience and talent.

 I expect American Heritage and Chaminade to play at Chaminade in round 2.  Chaminade will be the favorite, but don't count the Stallions out- they've added enough pieces in the last month that they'll be ready come November. Since Region 3 hosts the Final 4 this year, the winner of Chaminade/American Heritage will travel north to Clearwater to play CCC on Black Friday. That pretty much sums up the south.

If we're speaking strictly class 3A North, then JaxTCA is really on cruise control until the state finals. In the region, they'll crush Pensacola Catholic in round 1 and then crush Taylor County in round 2. Yes, Trinity Catholic is improved, but look at that schedule. They'll beat AFA in week 1 by 25+, but then for the next 7 weeks they won't be favored in any of those games against those teams. Maybe they'll be a pick-em with Lake Weir. I think OTC will finish behind First Academy and travel to Tampa Catholic in round 1, where the result will be closer than last years 35-6 defeat, but still result in a loss to the Crusaders in round 1.

  Regions 1 and 3 host the final 4 this year, meaning JaxTCA would host the final 4 game.  So, who are the teams they could play in the final 4? I'll look at the 4 teams that have a legit shot at being in the final 4 alongside JaxTCA in the North.

Tampa Catholic-  This is the likely favorite since they've played JaxTCA 2 of the past 3 years and bring the vast majority of their 2015 team back this year. They feature one of the top running backs in America in Sr. Devan Barrett, have a strong QB in Austin Sessums and 2 really strong WR/Corner's that just committed to Toledo in Bentlee Sanders and Darius Corrbett. They have some very strong up and coming Sophomores and they also benefited from some key transfers along the line. Still, JaxTCA matches up really well with Tampa Catholic. The Crusader defense is going to be better than last year, but not good enough to stop any offense that has 3 D-1 strong/speedy WR's and a strong defense. In other words, the Crusaders won't be able to stop JaxTCA from scoring 35 or more. Tampa Catholic will be hard pressed to score more than 2 TD's on the starting JaxTCA defense unless Devan Barrett has the game of his life. Barrett will also have to play both ways to slow down the JaxTCA run game.

Orlando First Academy-  They're a wing-t team that has benefited strongly from transfers in Orlando; however, their defense for the past few years has been atrocious at best. Even with their transfers, I can't see them being in the final 4 if Tampa Catholic is healthy. To beat JaxTCA you have to throw the ball at some point and I think if the Royals are throwing it means they're behind by 2 or more TD's. It's not what they're comfortable with.

Berkeley Prep- The Buccaneers are always a competitive, well coached team. This year, they have a strong QB in Davis Koetter (Dirk Koetter's son), a strong offensive line lead by Dylan Brown and Nicholas Petite-Frere and a physical front on defense. If they somehow made the final 4, they would be overwhelmed by the Conqueror speed. Berkeley just doesn't have the play makers to keep the game competitive for long unless Koetter is able to escape the box and run rampant.

Lakeland Christian- Believe it or not, the Vikings almost beat JaxTCA at JaxTCA in 2014. Coach Wayne Peace's Vikings played above and beyond the norm for them; however, this years Viking team doesn't have the pieces of the 2014 team. This is team squarely looking up at Tampa Catholic in the district this year. If this team made it to play JaxTCA it would be hard pressed to move the ball offensively, although I do hear good things about their transfer QB.

That's generally how I see 3A this year, but injuries happen. If Chaminade loses Henri Columbi or Shaun Shivers (even with Keondra White) they'll struggle, if CCC loses CJ Cotman, Amari Burney or Rashaad Stewart they'll struggle.  If American Heritage loses Alex Sincfield or Cameron Smith, they'll struggle.   Overall, I think we're all interested in how this class turns out as the top 5 teams truly are amazing to check out this year!

The question was asked seriously, so I'll give the most serious answer I can provide.

I believe in 3A there are only 3 teams that have a realistic shot to beat JaxTCA on a neutral field and all 3 play in the south. Clearwater Central Catholic and Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna should be able to take JaxTCA to the 4th quarter with their teams this year on a neutral field, wither they gut out a win or not is another story, but at least the games would be competitive.  American Heritage is a bit more of a wildcard if they played JaxTCA. Of the three, I think Chaminade is the most talented, American Heritage the most experienced and CCC a strong blend of experience and talent.

 I expect American Heritage and Chaminade to play at Chaminade in round 2.  Chaminade will be the favorite, but don't count the Stallions out- they've added enough pieces in the last month that they'll be ready come November. Since Region 3 hosts the Final 4 this year, the winner of Chaminade/American Heritage will travel north to Clearwater to play CCC on Black Friday. That pretty much sums up the south.

If we're speaking strictly class 3A North, then JaxTCA is really on cruise control until the state finals. In the region, they'll crush Pensacola Catholic in round 1 and then crush Taylor County in round 2. Yes, Trinity Catholic is improved, but look at that schedule. They'll beat AFA in week 1 by 25+, but then for the next 7 weeks they won't be favored in any of those games against those teams. Maybe they'll be a pick-em with Lake Weir. I think OTC will finish behind First Academy and travel to Tampa Catholic in round 1, where the result will be closer than last years 35-6 defeat, but still result in a loss to the Crusaders in round 1.

  Regions 1 and 3 host the final 4 this year, meaning JaxTCA would host the final 4 game.  So, who are the teams they could play in the final 4? I'll look at the 4 teams that have a legit shot at being in the final 4 alongside JaxTCA in the North.

Tampa Catholic-  This is the likely favorite since they've played JaxTCA 2 of the past 3 years and bring the vast majority of their 2015 team back this year. They feature one of the top running backs in America in Sr. Devan Barrett, have a strong QB in Austin Sessums and 2 really strong WR/Corner's that just committed to Toledo in Bentlee Sanders and Darius Corrbett. They have some very strong up and coming Sophomores and they also benefited from some key transfers along the line. Still, JaxTCA matches up really well with Tampa Catholic. The Crusader defense is going to be better than last year, but not good enough to stop any offense that has 3 D-1 strong/speedy WR's and a strong defense. In other words, the Crusaders won't be able to stop JaxTCA from scoring 35 or more. Tampa Catholic will be hard pressed to score more than 2 TD's on the starting JaxTCA defense unless Devan Barrett has the game of his life. Barrett will also have to play both ways to slow down the JaxTCA run game.

Orlando First Academy-  They're a wing-t team that has benefited strongly from transfers in Orlando; however, their defense for the past few years has been atrocious at best. Even with their transfers, I can't see them being in the final 4 if Tampa Catholic is healthy. To beat JaxTCA you have to throw the ball at some point and I think if the Royals are throwing it means they're behind by 2 or more TD's. It's not what they're comfortable with.

Berkeley Prep- The Buccaneers are always a competitive, well coached team. This year, they have a strong QB in Davis Koetter (Dirk Koetter's son), a strong offensive line lead by Dylan Brown and Nicholas Petite-Frere and a physical front on defense. If they somehow made the final 4, they would be overwhelmed by the Conqueror speed. Berkeley just doesn't have the play makers to keep the game competitive for long unless Koetter is able to escape the box and run rampant.

Lakeland Christian- Believe it or not, the Vikings almost beat JaxTCA at JaxTCA in 2014. Coach Wayne Peace's Vikings played above and beyond the norm for them; however, this years Viking team doesn't have the pieces of the 2014 team. This is team squarely looking up at Tampa Catholic in the district this year. If this team made it to play JaxTCA it would be hard pressed to move the ball offensively, although I do hear good things about their transfer QB.

That's generally how I see 3A this year, but injuries happen. If Chaminade loses Henri Columbi or Shaun Shivers (even with Keondra White) they'll struggle, if CCC loses CJ Cotman, Amari Burney or Rashaad Stewart they'll struggle.  If American Heritage loses Alex Sincfield or Cameron Smith, they'll struggle.   Overall, I think we're all interested in how this class turns out as the top 5 teams truly are amazing to check out this year!

Right now, I have CCC 35, Chaminade 31 if it happens. I'm giving CCC the nod since it would be played in Clearwater, plus they have a huge edge in playoff experience. A lot of football to be played before that one, and I think the injury report (especially with Chaminde playing IMG week 11) will play a role in the outcome. That said, I really hope that game happens- I think it would be a great thing for 3A this year and an instant classic. But, I would also salivate at a American Heritage (Delray) vs Chaminade game. I think AHD, with their transfers (especially Noah Curtis and the RB that just came in) and the return of Alec Sincfield and Cameron Smith make them a very formidable, battle tested team.

Can't wait for the season!

 

Right now, I have CCC 35, Chaminade 31 if it happens. I'm giving CCC the nod since it would be played in Clearwater, plus they have a huge edge in playoff experience. A lot of football to be played before that one, and I think the injury report (especially with Chaminde playing IMG week 11) will play a role in the outcome. That said, I really hope that game happens- I think it would be a great thing for 3A this year and an instant classic. But, I would also salivate at a American Heritage (Delray) vs Chaminade game. I think AHD, with their transfers (especially Noah Curtis and the RB that just came in) and the return of Alec Sincfield and Cameron Smith make them a very formidable, battle tested team.

Can't wait for the season!

 

lol my bad I didn't even realize my mistake their, I do like chaminade over CCC though if they meet in the final 4

No worries. Welcome to the board btw!  

1. TCA
2. BTW
3. Cocoa
4. CCC
5. Hollywood Chaminade
6. Jax U Christian
7. Bolles
8. Raines
9. Madison County
10. Tampa Catholic
11. Delray AH
12. Trenton
13. Admiral Farragut
14. Pahokee
15. Glades Central
16. Trinity Catholic
17. Lakeland Christian
18. Oxbridge Academy
19. Dunnellon
20. North Fl Christian
21. Port St Joe
22. Fort Meade
23. Cambridge Christian
24. South Sumter
25. Dixie County

That CCC preview was a very strong preview- excellent work! 

He didn't initially open the school with a football program because he was concerned for the safety of the students that would be playing the game. 

Former Oxbridge Academy AD files a defamation suit against the school:
 
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/fl-former-ad-sponsky-sues-oxbridge-0713-20160712-story.html

If we are going to bring this up, it should also be noted the school has cut the sailing and rowing teams. 
 
Notable that sailing was cut because Mr. Koch is known, partially, for his love of sailing. 

http://floridahsfootball.com/2016/07/14/2016-preview-guide-clearwater-central-catholic-marauders-team-preview/
 
 
Just read the Clearwater Central Catholic team preview written by Josh.  Very detailed and informative and when you read about a 3A school getting an OTackle  transfer committed to Notre Dame, there is no doubt that this program is all business in 2016!  

1. TCA
2. BTW
3. Chaminade Madonna
4. Clearwater Central Catholic
5. Cocoa
6. AHD
7. Oxbridge Academy
8. Glades Central
9. Madison County
10. Tampa Catholic
11. Bolles
12. University Christian
13. Trenton
14. Raines
15. North Florida Christian
16. Admiral Farragut
17. Northside Christian
18. Pahokee
19. Dunnellon
20. Champagnat Catholic
21. Walton
22. Port St. Joe
23. Fort Meade
24. Avon Park
25. Newberry
 
Others of notice ( South Sumter, Sante Fe,  Blountstown, Dixie County,  University School, Cambridge Christian, Miami Edison, Hialeah Miami Lakes )

I gotcha
 
1. TCA
2. Booker T
3. Chaminade
4. American Heritage
5. Madison Co
6. Cocoa
7. Clearwater Central Catholic
8. Raines
9. Trenton
10. Bolles
11. Oxbridge Academy
12. University Christian
13. Glades Central
14. Port St Joe
15. Dunnellon
16. Trinity Catholic
17. Tampa Catholic
18. Dixie Co
19. Ft Meade
20. NFC
21. Santa Fe
22. Northside Christian
23. Blountstown
24. Pahokee
25. South Sumter

Yeah, Oxbridge lost one solid but picked up two what could be up-and-coming players today.

Interesting that a player is transferring TO Oxbridge Academy.

2018 West Boca Raton RB/FS Va'Lique Carter has transferred to Oxbridge Academy.

C/O 2019 WR/CB Ahmarean Brown transferred from Tampa Jefferson to Tampa Catholic. He's a big-time transfer for TC as he already has offers from Missouri and Michigan State- it gives them a 3 headed monster at WR with Bentlee Sanders, Darius Corbett and now Ahmarean Brown. Devan Barrett is a 40 division 1 offered RB and the QB is a very quality player.

With all of the noise of Chaminade/JaxTCA/CCC/AHD, Tampa Catholic has quietly assembled an impressive list of talent- no doubt trying to arm themselves for the game @ Bergen Catholic.

 

C/O 2019 WR/CB Ahmarean Brown transferred from Tampa Jefferson to Tampa Catholic. He's a big-time transfer for TC as he already has offers from Missouri and Michigan State- it gives them a 3 headed monster at WR with Bentlee Sanders, Darius Corbett and now Ahmarean Brown. Devan Barrett is a 40 division 1 offered RB and the QB is a very quality player.

With all of the noise of Chaminade/JaxTCA/CCC/AHD, Tampa Catholic has quietly assembled an impressive list of talent- no doubt trying to arm themselves for the game @ Bergen Catholic.

 

STARaiders2014,

You've hit the nail on the head. A big reason in my mind is that JaxTCA is a very successful football team because in 3A, they field a roster of 55-60 players and they wear teams down. In 2013, at half-time JaxTCA and CCC were tied 0-0, JaxTCA won the 2nd half 35-7.   In 2014, JaxTCA and American Heritage were tied 0-0,  JaxTCA pulled away in the 2nd half.  In 2016, JaxTCA 7, American Heritage 0. JaxTCA pulls away in the 2nd half.  11 on 11, both of those teams could match JaxTCA, but those starting 11 on offense are also starting on defense and JaxTC is able to have guys go 1 way.

JaxTCA has some impressive wins against 7A/8A schools; however, if they had to go against teams consistently that can match their athletes and had just as much or more depth it would be tough. Then again, isn't that part of the theory of the current classification system? So teams with 30-35 players in a school of 600 play against other teams with 30-35 players in a school that draws similar numbers?

Great breakdown .  3A is appears to be a pretty clear cut 6 team race.  I believe there is a big drop off after these 6.

I wish TC can play at least 2 teams down here a year.. I honestly think there's 2 teams down here that can beat them and a possible 2 others that would be a 50/50 game... But good stuff Jessica! I agree what Josh is saying about your 3a input...

With Spring 2016 in the books and teams getting ready to head into the weight room and prepare for 7-7 season, I wanted to present my post Spring 2016 thoughts and rankings. Please note, I don't care how many D-1 kids a team has or how much hype they get. I take things into consideration such as graduating classes, returning talent, coaching, general know how.

1) Jacksonville Trinity Christian-  JaxTCA isn't just #1 in 3A, they maybe #1 in most classes in Florida. This will be the #1 small school in America until somebody not named IMG beats them. They dismantled Jacksonville Raines in Spring and really showed a flashy offense with their in-your-face defense. Ranking JaxTCA #1 is a no-brainer.

2) Clearwater Central Catholic-  CCC is the 4x defending Class 3A Region 3 Champion and brings their roster from 2015 back almost entirely in tact. CCC knocked off a very stout 6A Clearwater High School football team on the road without 3 starters (Sr. WR/DB/S Dillan Scargle, CB/WR Jaylen Jones, OL/C Aeromis Gonzales).  Last year, I felt that CCC could go blow-for-blow with American Heritage but would come up a few plays short because they lacked maturity. American Heritage was senior loaded, CCC was Junior/Sophomore loaded. CCC lost 31-24 in the final 4 last year. The team went down to Heritage as boys, but came back men. This year- I see the Marauders winning the South especially because they would host the final 4 game this year in Clearwater where they've compiled a 28-3 record since 2012. CCC is a senior loaded team that features a plethora of players who played on their 2013 State Runner-Up team.

3) American Heritage Delray-  The Stallions once again are loaded. They beat Titusville 3-0 and Palm Bay Heritage 14-7. I do think the Stallions will miss Devin Singletary, DJ Davis, Greg Benoche and that was before Lamonte McDougale transferred out. Still, with Alec Sinkfield and a host of transfers (and maybe more..more on that in a moment) this is a team still very much in contention for the south. The defense is still as good as even, but there are concerns about the offense. Never underestimate the Stallions, especially when it comes to crunch time. This will be a potent team this year.

4) Chaminade-Madonna-  I'm aware of the talent the Lions have compiled and have returning. I'm also aware of the overwhelming hype and media coverage the Lions have received. I said last year the Lions are going to be a formidable team this year; however, I can't, in good conscience, put Chaminade into the top 3 when 1) They didn't play a Spring game 2) They consist mostly of transfers that haven't played a game together yet 3) The 3 teams ranked ahead of them have all played in a state championship game in the past 3 seasons and 4) The team hasn't won their district in recent memory and 5) The team hasn't won a playoff game in recent memory.

It may sound like I'm poo-pooing on the Lions, I'm not- these are cold hard facts I'm presenting. Despite all of that, this is arguably the most talented team in class 3A..JaxTCA included. They currently have 19 players on the roster with 1 Division 1 offer or more and I've no doubt they'll make a strong run. Starting week 10, they face a gauntlet of very strong teams including Flanagan and IMG.

5)Oxbridge/Tampa Catholic-  We all know what happened with Oxbridge Academy, it's everywhere. I don't want to touch that from a non-football perspective. With Doug Socha no longer in charge and the AD being let go- what happens to the roster?  For now, I'm keeping Oxbridge at #5 but the cold reality is, with the school clearly wanting to downplay football it's expected the players will transfer to Dwyer, STA, American Heritage or their zoned public school (Does that even mean anything anymore?).  Because of that, I'm going to say it's a tie between Oxbridge and Tampa Catholic for the 5th spot going into the season. Tampa Catholic has quietly put together a strong program that returns the likes of superstar RB Devan Barrett, Darius Corbett and Austin Sessums.

As always, things will change. I forsee all of these teams adding and losing pieces over the next few months. I see Oxbridge losing some pieces and CCC/American Heritage gaining some major pieces to the puzzle. Chaminade has gained a lot of pieces and lost some key pieces, Tampa Catholic will most likely add a few more pieces as well.





 

With Spring 2016 in the books and teams getting ready to head into the weight room and prepare for 7-7 season, I wanted to present my post Spring 2016 thoughts and rankings. Please note, I don't care how many D-1 kids a team has or how much hype they get. I take things into consideration such as graduating classes, returning talent, coaching, general know how.

1) Jacksonville Trinity Christian-  JaxTCA isn't just #1 in 3A, they maybe #1 in most classes in Florida. This will be the #1 small school in America until somebody not named IMG beats them. They dismantled Jacksonville Raines in Spring and really showed a flashy offense with their in-your-face defense. Ranking JaxTCA #1 is a no-brainer.

2) Clearwater Central Catholic-  CCC is the 4x defending Class 3A Region 3 Champion and brings their roster from 2015 back almost entirely in tact. CCC knocked off a very stout 6A Clearwater High School football team on the road without 3 starters (Sr. WR/DB/S Dillan Scargle, CB/WR Jaylen Jones, OL/C Aeromis Gonzales).  Last year, I felt that CCC could go blow-for-blow with American Heritage but would come up a few plays short because they lacked maturity. American Heritage was senior loaded, CCC was Junior/Sophomore loaded. CCC lost 31-24 in the final 4 last year. The team went down to Heritage as boys, but came back men. This year- I see the Marauders winning the South especially because they would host the final 4 game this year in Clearwater where they've compiled a 28-3 record since 2012. CCC is a senior loaded team that features a plethora of players who played on their 2013 State Runner-Up team.

3) American Heritage Delray-  The Stallions once again are loaded. They beat Titusville 3-0 and Palm Bay Heritage 14-7. I do think the Stallions will miss Devin Singletary, DJ Davis, Greg Benoche and that was before Lamonte McDougale transferred out. Still, with Alec Sinkfield and a host of transfers (and maybe more..more on that in a moment) this is a team still very much in contention for the south. The defense is still as good as even, but there are concerns about the offense. Never underestimate the Stallions, especially when it comes to crunch time. This will be a potent team this year.

4) Chaminade-Madonna-  I'm aware of the talent the Lions have compiled and have returning. I'm also aware of the overwhelming hype and media coverage the Lions have received. I said last year the Lions are going to be a formidable team this year; however, I can't, in good conscience, put Chaminade into the top 3 when 1) They didn't play a Spring game 2) They consist mostly of transfers that haven't played a game together yet 3) The 3 teams ranked ahead of them have all played in a state championship game in the past 3 seasons and 4) The team hasn't won their district in recent memory and 5) The team hasn't won a playoff game in recent memory.

It may sound like I'm poo-pooing on the Lions, I'm not- these are cold hard facts I'm presenting. Despite all of that, this is arguably the most talented team in class 3A..JaxTCA included. They currently have 19 players on the roster with 1 Division 1 offer or more and I've no doubt they'll make a strong run. Starting week 10, they face a gauntlet of very strong teams including Flanagan and IMG.

5)Oxbridge/Tampa Catholic-  We all know what happened with Oxbridge Academy, it's everywhere. I don't want to touch that from a non-football perspective. With Doug Socha no longer in charge and the AD being let go- what happens to the roster?  For now, I'm keeping Oxbridge at #5 but the cold reality is, with the school clearly wanting to downplay football it's expected the players will transfer to Dwyer, STA, American Heritage or their zoned public school (Does that even mean anything anymore?).  Because of that, I'm going to say it's a tie between Oxbridge and Tampa Catholic for the 5th spot going into the season. Tampa Catholic has quietly put together a strong program that returns the likes of superstar RB Devan Barrett, Darius Corbett and Austin Sessums.

As always, things will change. I forsee all of these teams adding and losing pieces over the next few months. I see Oxbridge losing some pieces and CCC/American Heritage gaining some major pieces to the puzzle. Chaminade has gained a lot of pieces and lost some key pieces, Tampa Catholic will most likely add a few more pieces as well.