Interesting Playoff Games in Central Florida

[DarterBlue2]

The two hardest to predict games involving Central Florida teams in the first round of the playoffs are:

1. Cardinal Gibbons at Jones

2. Apopka at Sanford Seminole

I think it's a pity Gibbons and Jones meet up in the first round. I say this because I believe that they are two of the four best teams in 5A and that both are top 15 (probably top 10) in the state. I have not seen Gibbons on film, so whatever I say is prefaced based on results and the comments of others that have seen them. Gibbons took American Heritage to the the limit. They also blew out South Ridge, last year's 8A title holder. On the other hand, they were given all they could handle by Dillard for a half before pulling away. Dillard may be a slightly underrated team, though, so I am not sure how much to read into this result. 

Jones on the other hand, is stocked with athletes at the skill positions but is a little undersized on its lines. They have one quality win, a blowout victory against Bishop Moore and one quality loss to St. John's College Prep, which has cemented itself as a very good team on the national level. Jones acquitted itself reasonably well against St. John's scoring 30 points in the game. However, they were unable to contain that team's offence.  In a KOC in August, Jones had Norland on the ropes reeling off three straight scores. However, they removed their starters too early, letting Norland back into the game. The remainder of Jones's schedule has been mediocre due to a weak district and its keeping commitments to play fellow inner city schools, Oak Ridge and Evans. Thus, although they are district champs, they actually had a lesser points average than runner up Bishop Moore. This weak schedule could affect them against Gibbons.

Prediction: I think Jones pulls out a squeaker at home and wins by 2. But I would not be surprised if it went the other way. I think this is going to be a great game and if Apopka were not playing tonight, I would attend it.

Apopka at Seminole - This game is very hard to predict. Seminole's offense is guided by a freshman quarterback who plays at least two years ahead of his age. Timmy McLaine was very impressive both times I saw him this year. If he grows another three inches, fills out his frame and continues to improve, he will play on Saturdays at a high level. If Apopka is to beat Seminole, they will have to get to Timmy early and often and disrupt his rhythm. If they cannot do this McLaine may end up lighting up the field as he has a talented, if young receiver core to throw to.

It has been 9 years since these two teams played (2008). So, even though they are relatively close by, I expect Apopka's single wing offense will give some trouble. My feeling is that Apopka will be good for between 21 and 28 points. So, to win, they will have to keep Seminole below three scores. I am truly not sure if the Darters will be able to do so. 

Prediction: I am unable to predict a winner in this game. It is that close in my mind. Although Seminole is the number 4 seed in the region, I feel they are at least the second best district champion in it. 

Other games that should be very competitive:

1. Dr. Phillips vs Ridge Community

2. Wekiva vs Lake Mary

While Phillips is the favorite, I would not be at all surprised if Ridge Community pulled the upset. They gave Osceola all they could handle. Through ten weeks, I would have picked Wekiva to win against Lake Mary. However, their week 11 performance against Lake Nona, if it's a real reflection of where Wekiva is at against teams that spray the ball around, puts LM in with a solid chance, as to me they are a slightly better but similar team to Lake Nona. 

 

[“PANTHER NATION(CODE BLUE)]

1 hour ago, DarterBlue2 said:

The two hardest to predict games involving Central Florida teams in the first round of the playoffs are:

1. Cardinal Gibbons at Jones

2. Apopka at Sanford Seminole

I think it's a pity Gibbons and Jones meet up in the first round. I say this because I believe that they are two of the four best teams in 5A and that both are top 15 (probably top 10) in the state. I have not seen Gibbons on film, so whatever I say is prefaced based on results and the comments of others that have seen them. Gibbons took American Heritage to the the limit. They also blew out South Ridge, last year's 8A title holder. On the other hand, they were given all they could handle by Dillard for a half before pulling away. Dillard may be a slightly underrated team, though, so I am not sure how much to read into this result. 

Jones on the other hand, is stocked with athletes at the skill positions but is a little undersized on its lines. They have one quality win, a blowout victory against Bishop Moore and one quality loss to St. John's College Prep, which has cemented itself as a very good team on the national level. Jones acquitted itself reasonably well against St. John's scoring 30 points in the game. However, they were unable to contain that team's offence.  In a KOC in August, Jones had Norland on the ropes reeling off three straight scores. However, they removed their starters too early, letting Norland back into the game. The remainder of Jones's schedule has been mediocre due to a weak district and its keeping commitments to play fellow inner city schools, Oak Ridge and Evans. Thus, although they are district champs, they actually had a lesser points average than runner up Bishop Moore. This weak schedule could affect them against Gibbons.

Prediction: I think Jones pulls out a squeaker at home and wins by 2. But I would not be surprised if it went the other way. I think this is going to be a great game and if Apopka were not playing tonight, I would attend it.

Apopka at Seminole - This game is very hard to predict. Seminole's offense is guided by a freshman quarterback who plays at least two years ahead of his age. Timmy McLaine was very impressive both times I saw him this year. If he grows another three inches, fills out his frame and continues to improve, he will play on Saturdays at a high level. If Apopka is to beat Seminole, they will have to get to Timmy early and often and disrupt his rhythm. If they cannot do this McLaine may end up lighting up the field as he has a talented, if young receiver core to throw to.

It has been 9 years since these two teams played (2008). So, even though they are relatively close by, I expect Apopka's single wing offense will give some trouble. My feeling is that Apopka will be good for between 21 and 28 points. So, to win, they will have to keep Seminole below three scores. I am truly not sure if the Darters will be able to do so. 

Prediction: I am unable to predict a winner in this game. It is that close in my mind. Although Seminole is the number 4 seed in the region, I feel they are at least the second best district champion in it. 

Other games that should be very competitive:

1. Dr. Phillips vs Ridge Community

2. Wekiva vs Lake Mary

While Phillips is the favorite, I would not be at all surprised if Ridge Community pulled the upset. They gave Osceola all they could handle. Through ten weeks, I would have picked Wekiva to win against Lake Mary. However, their week 11 performance against Lake Nona, if it's a real reflection of where Wekiva is at against teams that spray the ball around, puts LM in with a solid chance, as to me they are a slightly better but similar team to Lake Nona. 

 

Great assessment bro 

[STILL KRUNK]

I like Apopka, for only 1 reason - I give the Old Ball Coach the edge.  

But if anyone can beat Apopka, and it has been done this year, I would put money on Coach Starke, great ball coach and get the most out of his team.

[badbird]

Coach Starke has done a great job.  I am excited to watch this game tonight.  I agree with Darterblue.  I have gone back n forth on the game.  It should be a great one and have a really good atmosphere.