Road to Orlando: Class 3A breakdown

The first round of the state playoffs begin Thursday and Friday for 192 football teams, the dream to win a state title is their for every team.

The playoff format is simple just ‘survive and advance’ and move on to the next round of the playoffs. It takes 4 wins to win the small school state title (1A-4A) and 5 wins to win the big school state title (5A-8A).

So without further ado, here is my prediction for all of the eight classes.

Projected spreads are from notorious expert Joe Pinkos, who has a mathematical formula for picking high school football games across the state of Florida

First round (16 teams)

Episcopal (8-1) at Florida High (5-4)

Pinkos: Episcopal by 4

Corey: Florida High

Outlook: I really wanted to pick Episcopal here, but a incredible stat stopped me from doing it. Episcopal is 0-5 all-time in the playoffs. Now I know what your thinking what does 2000, 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2011 have to do with this team? When the Eagles hit the field, will they be like a deer in headlights like previous teams or will they get their first ever playoff win.

Taylor County (5-4) at No. 2 Trinity Christian (7-3)

Pinkos: Trinity by 41

Corey: Trinity

Outlook: A few weeks ago, Taylor County looked to be well on its way to winning the District 1-3A title but it stumbled and was forced to play in a district shootout just to make the playoffs. As good as the Bulldogs are they are not on the same level with the Conquerors.

Berkeley Prep at No. 5 First Academy (9-0)

Pinkos: Berkeley by 8

Corey: First Academy

Trinity Catholic at Tampa Catholic

Pinkos: Tampa Catholic by 10

Corey: Tampa Catholic

John Carroll at No. 3 Clearwater Central Catholic (8-1)

Pinkos: CCC by 13

Corey: CCC

Cardinal Mooney at No. 4 Melbourne Central Catholic (9-0)

Pinkos: MCC by 34

Corey: MCC