Hwy17

I remember when USA Today said Jacksonville Bolles was the #1 team in the country, then a week later Bartow beat them in the state title game. My opinion of national rankings has been the same ever since.

We now live in an age where winning at all costs, media buzz, mythical national titles, and prima donna athletes with inflated egos are looked upon as the gold standard.

I think they belong in the same class, but AHP knows its better to not play them.

Because AHP got whipped pretty bad last time. Better them stick to playing 5a public schools that don't recruit

Yes, region 3

I think so. Both looked good in their respective spring games; granted neither played a strong opponent.

The two have been in the same district since 2011. Before that I don't know Southeast's history so I'd have to refer to the record book. Hardee and Southeast played against each other in the playoffs in 2002. From about 1975 to 2012 both programs were regulars in the playoffs but in different classes. Paul Maechtle was a legendary coach at Southeast from 1980-2013. Bob Martin, the same at Hardee from 1978-1995. The two only met once.

Last year Southeast was district Runner-up. Hardee made the playoffs last in 2013.

This district has had a different champ each year: 2015: Champ: Lemon Bay Runner-up: Southeast 2014: Champ: DeSoto Runner-up: Booker 2013: Champ: Hardee Runner-up: Booker 2012: Champ: Palmetto Runner-up: Southeast 2011: Champ: Palmetto Runner-up: Hardee

I think so too. Honestly I believe these two will finish 1 & 2 in the district, but which order? Hardee beat district champs Lemon Bay last year and was in position to win the district before a late season melt down. Hardee returns a qb, rb, and some other key players but needs to get creative on offense.

The teams in this area all like to run the ball and all have good defenses, therefore a lot of low scoring games. Jesuit is on top until proven otherwise. You saw my thread on Southeast and Hardee - this region is actually full of teams that in any given year can win it all. The biggest challenge with all of them: Keeping a coach!

Basically going by the last year result. You have more insight on that than me. I will say this, it's pretty obvious that the best teams in 5a are in region 4, but the best teams in 5a north would have had trouble winning region 3. Jesuit and Dunbar got no respect last year.

Defending champ with a proven coach.

Both have all the potential to be great. Both schools hired alums as new coaches. Southeast hired someone with experience as a head coach and has been successful. I think both can be turned around quickly.

Two programs with a lot of tradition. Two programs that were once powerhouses. Both mired in mediocrity. Both with new head coaches. Both returning a lot of players from last year. Can either return to the glory days?

1. Bishop Moore 2. AHP 3. Tampa Jesuit 4. Wakulla 5. Merritt Island 6. Coconut Creek 7. Dunbar 8. North Marion 9. Suwannee 10.Clay

Key West High and Marathon High are the only two I know. When I was in 9th grade we played Key West in the playoffs. I though once we got to Miami we were almost there. Heck no! Another 2 1/2 hour ride! It was freezing cold that night too. A cold front came in and the wind chill off that water was brutal.

That I can understand. But at the same time, how much more does it take to fund a middle school program compared to a PAL or Pop Warner or other leagues that have playoffs?

One other thing I left out - middle school ball is governed by FHSAA. I wonder if they would let the kids have a conference vs conference bowl game at year end? Like our winner vs the winner of your conference?

Here's why I ask: The pro's are - 1. Get the kids use to playing for their school, and 2. Gives a chance for bigger kids to play who otherwise wouldn't get to play pop-warner due to size. The con is, not as many games, not as many opponents.

Do you think it helps your high school program if their is a middle school feeder program or not?

We have 6 schools and play a 6 game schedule. There were a couple of private schools in Polk county that had middle school program but they don't play in our conference anymore or they dropped the program.

How many schools are in the conference? How many games are they able to schedule.

Which counties in Florida still have Jr. High or middle school football? Any private schools? I know Hardee, DeSoto and Highlands counties still do.

Its the ruin of high school football! Especially small town high schools.