DarterBlue2

Fair enough. Deland has a solid team as does FPC.

Lakeland has to be the big favorite to make it back to State most likely setting up a rematch with St Thomas. Could a team upset them? Sure, but it's not likely. If I were a betting man, my money would be on Lakeland unless they suffer significant injures to at least two to three of their stud players.

I have seen them live in the past, as I visit South Florida a few times each year. They are generally a good team. I have some reservations about Apopka this year. T his game could either confirm my feelings or prove them wrong. A loss or very close game performance by Apopka will do the former; a comfortable Apopka win will prove me wrong.

I would add the Coral Gables at Apopka game to your list.

From Central Florida, I agree with Jones, but not this year's Winter Park team unless it makes a lot of improvement as the season progresses. Winter Park has talent, but, they don't look the part to me (I saw the spring game and good chunks of the Wekiva game last night). I have said it before, but will repeat for emphasis, the Mandarin of Central Florida this year is going to be Spruce Creek provided their key running back and quarterback remain healthy. I would totally not be surprised if they are the North's state finalist and would not be surprised if, like Mandarin, they won the title.

It would be kind of funny if Dillard and Columbia made it to State!

Edgewater has some transfers, but not nearly as many as the truly recruited teams. In fact, the core of their team are returnees from last year with a couple freshmen who got significant playing time. Their QB did transfer in from DP, though. If you were to compare them to Lakeland or Cocoa where transfers were concerned, they would look pretty home grown. I though BM was competitive tonight (as they were in the spring against much bigger schools) and see no reason at this stage to drop the Edgewater game. It draws well as one would expect from two schools about a half mile apart, and the atmosphere is nice. Further, it provides Bishop Moore with a picture of what to expect if it makes it to the third round of the playoffs or beyond.

Not sure about that. They may be the second best 7A team in the North bracket. Unfortunately they have little chance against Lakeland.

Bishop Moore is not a bad team and should make the playoffs. No, they won't beat Archbishop Spaulding, but may keep it interesting for a half. Tonight they gave Edgewater a good game before the got worn down and beaten 34-21 by a more physically imposing team. Until the final Edgewater touchdown late in the 4th quarter, they found a way to keep the game close and competitive with a couple big plays. Tommi Hill of Edgewater continues to impress me. He had a big night with two catches in the end zone and a big first down catch on 3 and 15 which kept Edgewater's drive alive and ended in their first score which tied the game 7-7 at the end of the first quarter.

Osceola and Bishop Moore should be top 10 in their respective classes. Dr. Phillips seems, at this stage, to be a shell of its usual self. However, last year they started just as badly and made the third round, so we will see. I don't know much about Niceville this year, but historically they have always been a tough team.

Perhaps East Ridge?

Yes, they did a pretty good job covering the entire East Central Florida area.

Why not? Now is the best time, maximum pressure and all that.

The changing media landscape is responsible for the decline in coverage. Most of the traditional media outlets are hurting financially and, therefore, don't devote much resources to high school football anymore. In the Orlando area, WFTV still does a pretty good media days. We will see how much longer this lasts.

Darn, I am reasonably familiar with Miami Gardens and was not aware of this college. For Harris and Hyppolite to leave BTW and CC this close to the start of the season has got to be very negative for the two programs.

Offers from a host of Ivys. Certainly looks like the kind of kid St. Thomas would have at the position.

Great ending indeed!

Someone can correct me if the rules have changed. But historically, the decision has been largely left in the hands of the two teams' administration. So, if you wanted a full blown game, that could be arranged as long as the other part agrees.

Smith?

Okay. How is James Delgado doing down there? I believe he took his team to the playoffs for the first time in forever last year. Do you think this was luck or is there any chance he could build a winning program at Riverdale?

Why do you think Lee County is so routinely bad?

You could have reasonable exceptions such as divorce (or a verified new guardian) or death in the family or a verifiable situation where the family moves for employment reasons. You would just need to shift the burden of proof to the kids seeking the transfer. No, that would not eliminate all transfers for athletic reasons, but it would probably reduce them greatly.

Almost four hours of video in total, but for those with an interest, some of the interviews are useful. https://www.wftv.com/news/local/hundreds-of-high-school-football-players-join-wftv-s-10th-annual-media-day/969530940 Evan's new HBC is actually a Miami Central alum, Vernon Mitchell. Not sure if he will be able to turn them around, but with patience it's possible, as there is a lot of talent still in the school's zone.

You are not wrong.

If the private schools were not able to provide a lot of financial aid to attract talent, most of them would not be state contenders and the ones that were able to be based on "regular" enrollment, would not be super teams year after year. Schools like Dillard, Deerfield and Ely would have hung on to a lot of their talent and if they had consistent, good coaching would have state titles among them to show for it.