Road to Orlando: Class 4A 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).

While a lot of people frown upon on one of the states smallest classification, its one of the most exciting and evenly balanced classification as well, I believe as many as 5 teams have a chance to bring home the state title trophy.

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)

Raines (6-2) at Walton (3-7)

Pinkos: Raines by 21

Corey: Raines

Outlook: Despite the 6 hour plus drive and Thursday start, the Viking should have little trouble with the Braves. Bolles made the trip last year and won easily as well.

East Gadsden (5-4) at No. 2 Bolles (9-0)

Pinkos: Bolles by 39

Corey: Bolles

Outlook: There was a consistent theme with the Bulldogs this season, get out to an early lead establish a running clock and rest the starters by halftime. This will follow suit.

No. 4 Dunnellon (8-1) at Bradford (7-1)

Pinkos: Dunnellon by 4

Corey: Dunnellon

Outlook: It’s been a great season for the Tornadoes winning their first district title in 12 years and the Tornadoes were rewarded with having to play the fourth ranked team in the state. Dunnellon was one win last year from playing in the state semi-finals.

Santa Fe (4-5) at No. 5 South Sumter (8-1)

Pinkos: South Sumter by 27

Corey: South Sumter

Bishop Verot at No. 1 Cocoa (7-1)

Pinkos: Cocoa by 48

Corey: Cocoa

Jones at Avon Park

Pinkos: Jones by 8

Corey: Avon Park

Edison at Clewiston

Pinkos: Edison by 6

Corey: Edison