DarterBlue2

That's a defect in the system as it relates to playing out of state teams which go by a different time period.

I totally agree with this.

Well, the two byes advance for sure. Plus LG vs Auburndale is an all Polk affair. Aside from them, Lakeland, Lake Gibson, and probably Lake Wales should win their games.

My feelings are this is a relatively good draw for Columbia given where your team is at this point. Not a certain win, but a winnable game. A few years ago, PV had a really good team that got to and almost won a state title. I don't think this team rivals that one.

Should be an easy win for Dillard. They are the other significant public high school in Naples (Naples High is the one with State titles). With a 6-4 record, I can't imagine they will be competition for an obviously strong Dillard team.

It could happen if Apopka's defense can hold teams to 10 points or less in the playoffs. To be honest, the offense has looked better since Spivey was moved from the D line to running back. He is tough to bring down. It also helps that Sibley, who came back from Oakridge for his senior season, has improved each game since getting the start due to injuries. Even so, though, I can't see Apopka scoring more than 21 a game on average against good playoff teams and that may be pushing it. So, the D will have to keep up its stellar play if we are to have a chance. And, if it does happen, I am gonna hold you to the dogs and burgers promise.

It did not help. It is really academic this year as Plant did not have the horses to make a deep run even if they were in the playoffs.

That's the value of playing an Edgewater or Archbishop Spaulding. You may lose those games, but it gives you a shot when the playoffs come for you have seen teams that could win a state title already. BTW, that was a special BM team that won in 2015. It benefited from LMP shutting down its football program to a degree.

I am inclined to agree. They would also have a great shot at winning the semifinal. Unfortunately, the state game would see either against: American Heritage or Miami Northwestern. Both of those teams would be very difficult to beat.

If successful, the early, brutal schedule may have helped. If nothing else, it exposed weaknesses that needed to be addressed. BM has a very tough first playoff game. If somehow, they beat Jones, then they would have as good a chance as any in the region to make the semifinal.

Yes, but Steinbrenner, who beat Plant, lost and Lake Nona won; that allowed Lake Nona to eek them out.

No, Oakleaf would win unless the triple option gave them trouble.

It is a tough region. But I feel Bishop Moore would have a better chance against either Dunnelion or Vanguard. I just feel they would be better matchups. If I am right and they faced Jones in the third round instead, who knows what the result would be? Sometimes teams go in different directions during the playoffs.

I am glad Lake Nona made it. I saw them in the spring game against Timber Creek. They had some nice, tall receivers. Plant which had a losing record, did not have much basis to stake a claim. Regarding the Bishop Moore draw, that is tough luck and one of the defects in the new system, in my opinion. A district rematch should not take place till at least the second round.

Hard to say, but it may well have been that they were resting guys for round 1. Their loss cost Plant the 8th seed in the region which went to Lake Nona instead.

That's awesome. As long as you win, you will host at least the first two playoff games.

https://www.fhsaa.org/node/45776 Some interesting matches.

I saw that after I made my post. I would still be cautious about using that against them as, historically, sometimes the final game of the regular season yields strange results especially when it involves a team that has already locked up its district. Still, it is not a good omen to lose just before playoffs begin and spoil an undefeated season.

The Tigers know the Panthers got this one, man!

Game is over before it started. Dillard by 35 or more.

Defense is very good, I agree. Offense is average for an Apopka team, but looked good last night. Not sure if that means it's improving or says more about Wekiva's defense. 8A has several solid teams, but unless relatively untested Steinbrenner or Vero Beach for that matter is better than I think they are, I agree 8A does not have anywhere near the best football this year.

The 2012 Apopka team gave up around 19 per game. However, that team had a very prolific offense that compensated for the relatively high number of points given up.

Why you hatin on the Bucs?

I could easily see them making it out of Region 4 to the south semifinal. Depending on who makes it from Region 3, they may even make it to the state final. From there, who knows? 8A is reasonably wide open heading into the playoffs.

I am sorry to hear that. I was thinking this could have been the year of the Tigers of Columbia versus the Panthers of Dillard!