skyway

https://www.lakecityreporter.com/sports/commentary-it-hard-count-four
 
 

First, there are, as you imply, too many classes and probably too many teams making the playoffs. But this is only part of the problem with respect to competitiveness. Equally important, is the rise of the "super team." This had already been a serious trend over the past decade where, in addition to a few select private schools, some of the public schools in larger metro areas had begun to assemble talent within a ten to twenty mile radius, "borrowing" heavily from other, less successful programs.
With the relaxing of student transfer rules by the State's legislature, this trend will only continue. If the goal is to put together a few teams that can compete effectively on a National Stage in out of state match ups, then this works. However, if the goal is to have competitive playoffs in state, it defeats it, and, to a degree this has impacted attendance at the playoffs all the way through the title games. Fans don't want to pay their hard earned money (which has not grown in real terms in decades) to watch their local team get blown out in Orlando or elsewhere. 
In a sense, high school football is just a microcosm of what has, and continues to happen, in wider American society. For the successful, I am sure this is a great thing. For the rest, probably not so much. 

*Though not that surprising. Officiating can be downright terrible these days.

Well, my understanding is Viera's press box blared music all night over the loud speakers all game. Sounds like you had a couple of political campaigns doing their thing.

From the Florida Times-Union:
"
One of the few on Columbia’s side not complaining about the apparent discrepancy was head coach Brian Allen.
″[The referee] explained it to me, so I don’t think the down was wrong,” Allen said."

Fixed it for you.

LOL. That's not analysis. That's trash talk. All fine and dandy, but the distinction is necessary.

I suppose going on the road and losing a close game wouldn't be much a choak, I agree.
I read what DarterBlue has said about Lakeland. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But, I'm pretty sure he thought last year's Lakeland team was better than this one. Once I read that, I started to question his judgement a good bit. There's simply no question this team is better. So, I'm not sure exactly what he's basing his opinion on. I have a couple of guesses, but I'm not sure.

If Columbia beat STA and/or Lakeland it would be a upset mainly because on paper it would be considered a huge mismatch but considering IMG was also a huge mismatch on paper it can't be ruled out but we still a ways out before we can start worrying about 7a finals
 
Viera vs Plant and Columbia vs Lee could have huge implications on who plays in final 4

LOL. That's not analysis. That's trash talk. All fine and dandy, but the distinction is necessary.

I thought Lou Holtz retired! 

The L won't have too many problems with Plant this year. Probably playing Viera anyway.

Like most Lakeland people, I'm pulling for Plant to win Friday! Kind of dread seeing the Plant name on the playoff schedule on one hand, but on the other we need to make up for past losses. I think this is the best defense we've ever had, but if it ends up being a shootout of any kind, it's hard to have faith that we'll be able to get it done on offense based on past encounters with Plant. You guys have kept our offense in check for the most part every time we've played with Weiner as coach. Last year I felt like we got too cute and should've just kept pounding Bowman and mixing in vertical routes.

STA running clock these teams 

Very different teams.
 
They are much more of a power running team this year. They don't throw the ball particularly well for a Plant team, and this concerns me. It's not that they are incapable, but it's just not the offense they've run. A lot of Wilbon and a lot of Gleason. Overall, the offense is probably better, but not as diverse.
Defense is a slight step down. If last year was 8.5 on defense, this year is about a 7.5.  They are very capable, just not quite as consistent.
Special teams is about the same. What concerned me last game is that the kicker wasn't hitting the end zone on kickoffs. Don't know if this was by design or inability.