OldSchoolLion

Nease only won 1 State title. 2005 Tebows senior year. Ponte Vedra High School opening up has hurt them. 

Martin County
Martin Bowl
Martin County vas South Fork
 
St. Lucie County
Ft. Pierce Central vs Ft. Pierce Westwood

Polk County - Lake Wales vs Bartow is a big rivalry.  Lake Wales vs Haines City use to be.
                         Fort Meade vs Frostproof is also a big rivalry.  
 
Manatee County - Palmetto vs Manatee 
Charlotte County - Port Charlotte vs Charlotte
Lee County - Estero vs Fort Myers

This is going to be a long post since I'm going to do a regional review of Class 3A.  It will probably be broken up into 2 posts.

First, old business- here's meh Class 3A Top 10 going into week 6. Throw out the old rankings: We re-evaluated each team based on their individual merits, compared key wins and losses and also looked at overall strength of schedule. In other words, just because a team is undefeated doesn't mean they're a top ranked team, or just because a team has 2 losses doesn't mean they're out of the top. We also compared injuries and added a small pinch of looking at the forthcoming schedule.

#1) Clearwater Central Catholic (6-0)
#2) Chaminade-Madonna (4-2)
#3) American Heritage Delray (5-0)
#4) King's Academy  (6-0)
#5) Florida High School (5-1)
#6) Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (5-0)
#7) Benjamin School (6-0)
#8) Baldwin (5-0)
#9) Tampa Berkeley Prep (3-2)
#10) Orlando First Academy (5-0)

REGION 1:
At the start of the season many (myself included) felt that Florida High School would be the favorite to represent the north of Class 3A. Little has happened to change anybodies mind; however, Baldwin is playing at a very high level right now and will be a significant challenge for the Seminoles.  Florida High is still the most complete team in the region. Ft. White, despite being bitten by the injury bug- is still playing quality football and can make some noise with a win over Dixie County in coming weeks.  St. Joseph Academy is currently sitting at 6-0, but haven't played a quality team, still- this is a remarkable improvement.

Don't sleep on Pensacola Catholic who is sitting at 3-3 but has played a competitive schedule thus far.   I think Florida High and Baldwin are on a collision course in the Regional Finals, but there will be some excellent games in the first 2 rounds as well.

REGION 2:
No region was more impacted by Oxbridge Academy disbanding football than Region 2. Three teams sit atop the region heads and shoulders above everybody else. Orlando First Academy, Cardinal Newman and West Palm Beach King's Academy. Both King's and Orlando TFA are 6-0 and Newman is right behind them at 5-1. Of all the teams, Newman has played the toughest schedule and will probably end up playing the toughest schedule (Glades Central, Pahokee).   King's has a rivalry game against Benjamin remaining down the road. Orlando TFA plays a good Trinity Catholic team.

Melbourne Central Catholic could play spoiler, but their body of work hasn't shown it yet. They have 2 blowout losses on the books including a merciless 41-0 loss to Tampa Catholic at home.

I'm going with Orlando First Academy and Cardinal Newman meeting in the regional finals.

REGION 3:
This used to be one of the most competitive regions not just in 3A, but in the entire state; however, in recent years it's become CCC and everybody else and 2018 is no different.  CCC is 6-0 and that's with their best  offensive player only taking 2 snaps all year at running back and their top linebacker missing significant time, both players should return in the coming weeks.  Berkeley Prep overcame the early season loss of QB Joshua Youngblood who broke his hand after a week 1 loss to CCC.  Tampa Catholic, which is arguably the most talented team in the region has faltered. They've now lost 2 games, CCC and Berekley Prep and still have a huge rivalry game vs Jesuit on tap.

Cardinal Mooney has quietly caught fire and is anticipated to be undefeated going into a week 10 game vs CCC if they can overcome a good Bradenton Southeast team this week.  Calvary Christian, who many felt would finally break through under the leadership of Reggie Crume is sitting at 3-3 and haven't looked good in any of those 3 losses outside of the 2nd half of their 49-28 loss to Orlando TFA.   Lakeland Christian could make noise, but will need to do so without their starting QB who is out for the season.  

Trinity Catholic is sitting at 3-2 and could be a dark horse if they can get their offense on track, a win over Orlando TFA could get them going. St. Pete Catholic is sitting at 2-3, but a 4 win season is achievable which would be a good showing for the Barons.

I have no doubt that CCC will host the regional finals even if they slip up and drop a game (as long as it's not to Cardinal Mooney), but who will their dance partner be? You can make cases for Berkeley Prep, Tampa Catholic and Cardinal Mooney.  I think Berkeley Prep gets the nod right now.

REGION 4:
To say Chaminade-Madonna is the favorite would be an understatement. They are the best coached team, have the best athletes and have played the toughest schedule. Last year, they bulldozed class 3A until the state finals.  This year, there will be challengers to the Lions throne. American Heritage Delray is playing at a very high level as is Benjamin School. Westminster Christian is sitting at 6-0 as well.  The question is, can any of these teams compete with a healthy Chaminade team? That remains to be seen. 

While all eyes are on C-M and AHD, there are some quality teams in region 4. Westminster Christian is 6-0, Palmer Trinity is 5-0.  These teams  can't realistically compete with the top ranked regional teams, but it does show there's good football being played.

C-M and AHD are on a collision course for the regional finals. The only question is where the game will be played.

BIG GAME OF THE WEEK

American Heritage Delray vs University School

This is a biggie! Both teams are undefeated. Uschool is ranked #1 in class 4A, AHD is ranked #2 in 2A. There's a lot on the line for both teams, particularly for playoff positioning. Uschool was hit by controversy this week when their offensive coordinator resigned. I happen to think the AHD defensive coaches are top notch and they have the tools in the secondary to contain the Uschool passing attack. The question will come down to slowing down Uschool RB Kenny Mcintosh. 

I don't think there's much advantage across the lines, they seem to match-up pretty well although Uschool is a bit deeper. That means this comes down to a coaching chess match.

THE PICK:   Prior to this week, I would have picked Uschool by 17, but with the latest controversy and the belief that Uschool is going to get AHD's best effort I can see this game being tight.  AHD has the weapons to score in bunches, but I think Mcintosh gets a few key runs in the 4th to provide seperation.  Uschool 35, AHD 21.

Ocala Trinity Catholic vs Orlando First Academy

First Academy is undefeated and their offense is scoring points in bunches behind RB Rolous Frazier. Ocala Trinity Catholic started the season strong and continues to exceed expectations at 4-2. The defense is playing at a high level but the offense needs to help the defense out a bit. Still, QB King Redd has done an admirable job guiding OTC to 4 wins thus far.
 
THE PICK: I'm going TFA 42-28. 

OTHER GAMES:
Berkeley Prep over Miami Edison by 7
Tampa Catholic over Steinbrenner by 28
Land O Lakes over Lakeland Christian by 10
Baldwin over Westside by 42
CCC over FAMU DRS by 28
St. Pete Catholic over Northside by 10
Cardinal Mooney over Southeast by 3
Madison County over Pensacola Catholic by 21
King's Academy over Pine Crest by 35
Bishop Moore over MCC by 21
Benjamin over John Carroll by 24
Florida High over NFC by 17
Ft. White over Providence by 21
Jefferson County over Taylor County by 10






 

Classes are a problem for some teams, which is why independent works.  For example, one school that is struggling, but not named is a 5A school after going back to districts. Their problem is that they are a 100% magnet HS.  8th graders must have a 2.5 GPA and 3/3 on standardized test to even apply. Then they have a straight lottery draw with 250 kids being taken out of 800 applying.  No concessions. Even if an athlete has the grades still have to go to lottery.  Once in the school, they need to maintain a 2.5 GPA taking all AP or Honors classes. If they fall below they get kicked out of school. This really hits 9th and 10th graders or aren't used to these standards and up to 1/3 of JV team is removed each year. Also, they are a zero zone school, so nobody gets an automatic bid. Students live as far as 45 minutes away and need to catch the bus at 4:00 am and then stay through for practices or games. You can't build. Some schools need exceptions made or will always struggle.

Adding the following to the original list.
6ALake Wales(4-1) @ 7AWinter Haven(4-2)   Classic Polk County rivalry.  Winter Haven has won 10 of the past 12 meetings, including the last 8.  6 of those 12 games were decided by a TD or less.

Would've been nice to see Jenkins/Lakeland both come into this game undefeated.
I can see Jenkins coming into this game with some energy. But Lakeland should put this team away early, as long as they don't play down to Jenkins (which they sometimes have a tendency to do). Plus, this is homecoming for Lakeland. So, hopefully they don't get too caught up in those distractions.
Jenkins looks good at 4-1....but if you really look at their schedule, it's easy to see why they are 4-1. Gateway kind of exposed them a bit.

Lake Wales (4-1) vs Winter Haven (4-2)
Sebring (4-1) vs Kathleen (3-2)
 

The idea of going to a college prep school used to be to get college academic scholarships.   Athletic scholarships were icing on the cake.  University has already collapsed once.  Will not be surprised when/if it happens again.

The idea of going to a college prep school used to be to get college academic scholarships.   Athletic scholarships were icing on the cake.  University has already collapsed once.  Will not be surprised when/if it happens again.

The guy I’m watching on TV right now! Frank Gore!!

I made the mistake of mentioning Vero.    LOL
I mentioned the word "balance" earlier.  I am seeing a lack of that this year, even in some of the ranked teams.  ...teams struggling to get into rhythms offensively.  That is why I called out Columbus....nice balance last night.   
 

Isn't Superior playing Rockledge?

29-22 Cocoa goal-line stand as time expired

Cocoa 29 Glades Central 22
The Raiders are up 22-22 coming into the fourth qtr.  Cocoa scores and then makes a goal-line stand as time expires to hold on for the win.  There is just something about these games between Glades Central and Brevard County teams.

...just added this game.
4ACocoa(3-2) @ 6AMainland(4-2)  Cocoa won last year 21-7, but Cocoa's defense has been giving up 27 points per game on average.
Cocoa gave up 93 points during the entire regular season last year.  20 of those points came during OT's.  Cocoa has already allowed 134 points in 5 games this year.  Somebody mentioned a running clock against Pahokee.  Cocoa better plan on scoring 60 to do that. 

Venice vs Champagnat Catholic and IMG vs Superior Collegiate could both be nail biters next week, 2 very heavyweight matchups

South Florida
7ASt Thomas Aquinas(4-1) @ 8ADeerfield Beach(6-0)   DB has beaten STA more than any other team.  These two have split their last 4 games.  DB won 6-3 in 2015 and STA won 14-0 last season.
3AAmerican Heritage Delray(5-0) @ 4AUniversity School(5-1)   University has won 2 of the past 3 meetings, including a 35-14 victory last season.
6ACarol City(5-0) @ 8ASouthridge(5-1)   Carol City has won the last 5 meetings, including a 44-0 victory last year.
4ABooker T(3-3) @ 8ACoral Gables(4-2)   Booker T has won the last 3 meetings, including a 34-21 victory last year.  The losses these two have had came against very tough competition.
 
Central Florida
6AArmwood(4-1) @ 7APlant City(6-0)    Armwood has won the past 7 meetings, most in blowout fashion.  Could this be Plant City's year?
8AOsceola(5-0) @ 5AJesuit(5-0)   Osceola won last year 35-0 at Osceola.
8AColumbus(5-1) @ 6ALake Gibson(2-4)   Normally this would be a blockbuster, but maybe not this year.  Nice chance for central FL folks to see one of the better teams from south FL.
8AGeorge Jenkins(4-1) @ 7ALakeland(6-0)    Lakeland has owned this rivalry and will likely win this one easily, but George Jenkins may put up more of a fight than they have in recent years.
6ALake Wales(4-1) @ 7AWinter Haven(4-2)   Classic Polk County rivalry.  Winter Haven has won 10 of the past 12 meetings, including the last 8.  6 of those 12 games were decided by a TD or less.
5AJones(4-1) @ 8AWest Orange(5-1)    West Orange has won 4 of the last 7 meetings.  Jones has won the past 2 of those, including a 21-10 win at home last season
4ACocoa(3-2) @ 6AMainland(4-2)  Cocoa won last year 21-7, but Cocoa's defense has been giving up 27 points per game on average.
 
North Florida
6AGainesville(4-1) @ 7A Buchholz(3-2)  This will be the 47th meeting between these two city rivals.  Buchholz holds the edge in the series 26-21, but Gainesville has won 7 of the past 9 meetings, including the last two games. 
4ARaines(4-1) @ 8ASandalwood(4-1)  Raines won 55-20 last year at home.
5ATrinity Christian(5-0) @ 7AOakleaf(4-1)   First ever meeting between these two teams.
6ANavarre(6-0) @ 6AEscambia(4-1)  Escambia won last season 35-27, but Navarre won the 5 games prior to that.  These two teams typically play close.
 
 

4a Bishop Verot 5-1, only loss to unbeaten Cardinal Mooney by 3, handed Labelle their only loss. 
7a Pinellas Park 6-0, winning games convincingly. 
6a Sebring 3-1, only loss to an unbeaten team in OT.
5a Desoto 3-1, highly underestimated by a lot of people,  yours truly included. 

I was screaming at the TV in my dad's 55 and plus community apartment loool

Get a little nervous there at the end?

It’s like they field a team because they have to. No passion towards the program 

Polk County had a number of coaching legends who moved on...Paul Quinn at Bartow, Rod Shafer at Lake Wales, Faris Brannen at Frostproof.  The entire county lost some of its mojo compared to years past.  

They've had seasons where it looks like they are getting on track.....then the coach leaves and it falls apart the next season. There are probably kids walking around the halls of Bartow who could help that team, but they just don't want to be a part of it.