The second round of the state playoffs are here and for the smaller classifications (1A-4A) that means one win from advancing to the state semi-finals.
We started with 22 area teams in the playoffs last week and now we are down to 13. By tonight we will be down to at least a minimum of 9 teams.
So what do the experts think about tonight’s games, lets find out.
Class 7A: Columbia (7-3) at Lee (8-1)
Outlook: Rematch of regular season meeting Sept. 13 in Lake City, a lot has changed since then as Columbia got some of its playmakers back who were suspended. The Tigers haven’t lost since and have won six in row but this Lee team is stacked in all three phases and winning in Lake City wasn’t a fluke.
Andre: Lee
Corey: Lee
Class 7A: Bartram Trail (7-4) at Buchholz (8-2)
Outlook: Rematch of regular season meeting Oct. 14 at Bartram Trail, in which the Bobcats won a low 17-10 scoring affair. While the Bobcats have 5 in a row, the Bears haven’t lost since have won 4 in a row too. Never count out Darrell Sutherland, whose team seems to be clicking offensively right now averaging 45 points a game ever since.
Andre: Buchholz
Corey: Bartram Trail
Class 6A: Crestview (10-1) at St. Augustine (10-1)
Outlook: Intriguing game in St. Johns County, as Crestview comes into Foots Brumley Stadium with their high powered air attack (44 passing touchdowns). St. Augustine surprised me last week in a 35-28 win over Niceville, who lost to Crestview 27-21 three weeks ago. Both beat Middleburg by nearly 35 points as well. To close to call, go with the home team here.
Andre: St. Augustine
Corey: St. Augustine
Class 6A: Mainland (10-0) at Sebastian River (10-1)
Outlook: Top ranked Mainland continues to roll teams and traveling to Sebastian River, while will prove to be a tough challenge; it’s hard to phathom Mainland my state champion pick to stumble here.
Andre: Mainland
Corey: Mainland
Class 5A: Ribault (6-3) at Ponte Vedra (10-0)
Outlook: Andre and I disagree with this game, but I come from the hard knocks class of defense wins championships and offense sells tickets. Yes Ponte Vedra has put up nearly 50 points every game but have they truly played a defense as good as Ribault.
Andre: Ponte Vedra
Corey: Ribault
Class 5A: Clay (8-3) at Baker County (9-1)
Outlook: Rematch of regular season meeting Oct. 21 in Maclenny, in which the Wildcats won 28-14 to win the District 5-5A title. While Clay has made some changes on offense, they likely won’t be enough. Can the Wildcats get to the third round of the playoffs for the first time in the schools 70 year plus history ?
Andre: Baker County
Corey: Baker County
Class 4A: Raines (7-2) at Bolles (10-0)
Outlook: We have been greatly entertained for the most part when these two pair up in the playoffs. If the last meeting won by Bolles 24-23 is any indication of what to expect, buckle your seat belts folks its going to be a long and bumpy ride.
Andre: Bolles
Corey: Bolles
Class 3A: Florida High (6-4) at Trinity (8-3)
Outlook: Miss match on paper, but the game isn’t played on paper its settled on the field. Florida High barely got by Episcopal last week, look for Trinity to role into the state semi-finals.
Andre: Trinity
Corey: Trinity
Class 2A: NFC (7-3) at UC (7-2)
Outlook: These two know each other well having played 13 previous times in the playoffs since 1986. Even head coach David Penland played against NFC back in the days. This one comes down to experience and UC is senior driven.
Andre: UC
Corey: UC
Class 1A: Madison County (10-0) at Fort White (9-2)
Outlook: If Fort White was playing any other team in 1A, I would have no problem picking Fort White; but this is Madison County. Top ranked team in the state is undefeated and is 2-0 all-time against Fort White in the playoffs.
Andre: Madison
Corey: Madison
Overall record
Corey (130-35)
Andre (125-40)
