16. Christopher Columbus (Miami)
2008 Record: 9-1 in 6A, lost first round to Miami Northwestern 21-6.
2009 Classification: District 14-6A with Coral Gables, Miami, Coral Park, Ronald Reagan, and South Miami.
Reason for Optimism: RB Jakhari Gore has been very productive for three years and is focused on having a big senior year. QB Garrett Colao threw 19 touchdowns and just 8 interceptions in 2008, another year under his belt and those numbers figure to improve. Defensively, LB Tommy Heffernan and DE Anthony Rabassa should lead an Explorer defense that gave up just 8.4 points per game last year.
The Road to the State Championship: .....Runs through Miami Northwestern and Miami Central. Two of the State's top 5 teams are in District 13, thus are potential first and second round opponents. After that, the road might actually get easier. Columbus will break through one of these years....is it 2009?
17. Charlotte
2008 Record: 11-2 in 5A, lost in the quarterfinals to Largo 59-17.
2009 Classification: District 11-4A with Lakewood Ranch, Palmetto, and Port Charlotte.
Reason for Optimism: QB Kyle Midgett has been around for what seems forever and gets better every year. He is accurate with a big arm and is comfortable in the offense. His leading receiver Alex Mut returns and the 6'3 target catches everything. The man is would be junior Mike Bellamy who is one of the state's most electric backs and a threat to house it every time he touches it. He is a special talent. Byron Grant and Antwan Allen lead a great OL. Defensively, Charlotte is coming off a shutout in the Spring vs. Cape Coral.
The Road to the State Championship: Cape Coral lurks in the first two rounds of the playoffs and then potentially Armwood in the quarters. Dwyer should be sitting in the semi-finals.
18. Pine Forest
2008 Record: 12-1 in 5A, lost to Lakeland in quarters 22-21.
2009 Classification: District 1-4A with Escambia, Milton, Navarre, Pace, and Tate.
Reason for Optimism: This team was playing as good of football as anyone at the end of last year and lost the heartbreaker to Lakeland. They can run the football and the move from 5A to 4A will only help.
The Road to the State Championship: Niceville, Lincoln, and Gainesville figure to be the toughest competition in the 4A North. Pine Forest handled Niceville last year. The team that comes out of the South will be a tough match-up in Orlando.
19. Venice
2008 Record: Venice was 11-1 in 5A, lost to Charlotte in the second round of playoffs.
2009 Classification: District 10-5A with Manatee, North Port, Riverview, and Sarasota.
Reason for Optimisim: QB Trey Burton is the state's top runner at the QB spot. He is an improving passer and has TE Beckett Wales to rely on. RB Justin Grant had a big Spring Game and will look to fill the void of 'lightning' (Dri Archer). Defensively, this is a tough unit led by Brandon Wilkinson....a 6'4 intense pass rushing terror who will set the tone of the defense.
The Road to the State Championship: All roads in 5A eventually lead to St. Thomas. Venice has a tough District with Manatee and Riverview, Royal Palm Beach showed what type of offense they have by scoring 50+ in the Spring Game. Boyd Anderson is yet another team who is capable of making a run.
20. North Florida Christian
2008 Record: State Champion in the 1A Class. Beat Fort Meade 17-7.
2009 Classification: District 3-1A with Bishop Snyder, Eagle's View, P.K. Younge, Providence, and Trinity Christian.
Reason for Optimism: The defending champs return a host of weapons on offense led by QB Clint Trickett. Extremely accurate with a great feel for the game, he will have WR Cason Knight and TE Chad Hollifield to throw to. Drew Gentry and Gage Baxter will headline what should be an outstanding OL.
The Road to the State Championship: NFC is the favorite to repeat, some of their toughest tests will come in their own district from Trinity Christian and Providence.