Hard to believe but we are just three weeks from the start of the playoffs, where has the time gone.
With just a few weeks left, tonight is virtually win or go home for several teams. Who will be some of the teams clinching playoff berths or ending their playoff hopes tonight?
Without further ado, here are expert picks for Week 9.
Atlantic Coast at First Coast
Outlook: The game was played last night with First Coast winning on a walk-off field goal 17-14 to remain alive in the District 2-7A playoff race.
Andre: First Coast
Corey: First Coast
Wolfson at Westside
Outlook: Another game played last night we weren’t aware of, host Westside had little trouble with Wolfson winning 35-0 to remain alive in the District 4-5A runner-up race.
Andre: Westside
Corey: Westside
Clay (5-2, 3-0) at Baker County (6-0, 3-0)
Outlook: A lot of stake in this one tonight in Maclenny as the winner takes the District 5-5A title and home field advantage in the playoffs with a win tonight. The Wildcats have rolled through the opposition in nearly every game but how will they respond in a tight game late in the fourth quarter. Clay has been battle tested and is finally healthy. If you make the trip out to Maclenny tonight you won’t be disappointed, nothing better than small town football.
Andre: Baker County
Corey: Clay
Ponte Vedra (6-0) at Bartram Trail (4-3)
Outlook: Ponte Vedra has looked flawless in its season so far winning nearly every game by running clock. Look for Sharks quarterback Nick Tronti to have another huge night in this one. This one could easily be a wild shootout or running clock.
Andre: Ponte Vedra
Corey: Ponte Vedra
Fleming Island (4-2, 1-2) at Buchholz (4-2, 2-0)
Outlook: Buchholz is the defending district champion and can clinch its second straight District 3-7A title with a win tonight at home. We are not sure what to make with the Bobcats, who seem okay winning low scoring games in the district by an average of 10-0. Fleming Island is playing for its life tonight, a loss eliminates the young Eagles squad from any playoff berth; while an upset win keeps them alive and in the mix for the runner-up berth. If you like a good old fashion defensive game keep an eye on this one.
Andre: Buchholz
Corey: Buchholz
Fletcher (6-0, 2-0) at Columbia (3-3, 1-1)
Outlook: A Fletcher win would set up a winner take all game at home with Lee next Thursday for the District 2-7A title. A Columbia win would keep the Tigers playoff hopes alive and could also create a three-way tiebreaker. With a lot of stake in this one, we expect a offensive shootout tonight in Lake City.
Andre: Columbia
Corey: Fletcher
Mandarin (5-0, 2-0) at Spruce Creek (4-3, 2-1)
Outlook: After a unbelievable come back win over arch-rival Sandalwood last week, could the Mustangs be headed towards a let down in this one. We don’t think so, took much at state in this District 1-8A showdown, a win would lock up the district title and home field in the first round of the playoffs. Spruce Creek would love nothing more than knocking off the defending district champs at home and keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Andre: Mandarin
Corey: Mandarin
IMG at Trinity (5-2)
Outlook: When you have both IMG and ESPN coming in tonight you have a huge game on your hands. The IMG traveling all-starts invade the Westside tonight putting their undefeated record on the line against Trinity. This will be a huge test for Trinity to get them ready for next week’s showdown with Episcopal and come playoff time.
Andre: IMG
Corey: IMG
North Fla Educational (3-3) at First Academy (6-0)
Outlook: The first year NFEI program has had a nice season so far but will have their hands full with a more established program out of Orlando.
Andre: First Academy
Corey: First Academy
Christ’s Church (6-1) at St. Joseph (5-1)
Outlook: With the playoffs just a week away, this will be a huge test for the Eagles who have put running clocks on their last two opponents. The Flashes are a solid program and were a win over Oak Hall from playing for their second straight conference title.
Andre: Christ’s Church
Corey: St. Joseph
Nease (1-4, 0-2) at St. Augustine (6-1, 2-0)
Outlook: St. Johns County second oldest played rivalry has a lot of playoff implications on the line in the nations oldest city. A St. Augustine win eliminates both Nease and Ed White and would clinch a playoff berth and set up a showdown with Middleburg next Friday for the District 4-6A title. A Nease win keeps both Nease an Ed White temporarily alive another week.
Andre: St. Augustine
Corey: St. Augustine
Menendez (2-5, 1-2) at Ridgeview (0-7, 0-3)
Outlook: You can bet Menendez will be keeping an eye on other games tonight but first things first they must take care of winless Ridgeview or they can kiss their playoff hopes goodbye.
Andre: Mendendez
Corey: Menendez
Bishop Kenny (3-3, 1-1 at Parker (2-4, 0-2)
Outlook: Does anybody want to clinch the runner-up spot in this district. Nobody has been eliminated yet coming into tonight. A BK win puts them in position to clinch the runner-up with another district win, while a loss would throw another wrench in the district standings.
Andre: Bishop Kenny
Corey: Bishop Kenny
Palatka (2-3, 1-2) at Orange Park (4-2, 1-2)
Outlook: Officially out of the playoff picture, Orange Park can play the spoiler route tonight with a win over Palatka. Palatka needs a win and a Clay win to stay in the race.
Andre: Orange Park
Corey: Orange Park
Keystone Heights (2-4, 1-1) at Interlachen (3-3, 1-1)
Outlook: These two long time arch-rivals go at it Interlachen tonight with tons at stake. The winner stays alive for the two playoff spots out of District 3-4A, while the loser could be eliminated.
Andre: Interlachen
Corey: Interlachen
