6. Mainland
2008 Record: 11-1 in 5A, lost to Orange Park in the 2nd Round 21-20.
2009 Classification: District 2-6A with Deltona, DeLand, Pine Ridge, and Spruce Creek.
Reason for Optimism: Mainland returns a host of offensive play-makers including WR's O.J. Ross and Chevin Davis. Would be junior RB Marlin Lane is looking like one of the top RB's in the state for 2011. Plant transfer QB Austin Parker looked dynamite in the Spring. Defensively, Mike Kilgore, Amari Williams, Marcus Arline, and Cortez Davis headline one of the top units in the state.
The Road to the State Championship: Mainland suffered a one point defeat to Orange Park and they are in District 1 possibly setting up a re-match in 2009. The 6A North has run through Boone recently and that figures to be the case again next year. Mainland has the athletes to match-up with the two powerhouse Dade teams (Central and Northwestern).
7. Plant
2008 Record: 14-1 and State Champion in 4A, beat Lincoln 34-14 in State Title.
2009 Classification: District 5-5A with Alonso, Chamberlain, and Gaither.
Reason for Optimism: With two State Championships in three years, Plant is riding a wave of confidence. Phillip Ely received plenty of playing time for the injured Aaron Murray and showed that he can get the job done. Allen Sampson and DeAndre Queen return to headline a fast WR unit. Transfer James Wilder is a tremendous talent. Plant returns 4 of 5 OL, including massive Andre Mondor. Defensively, Javonte Martin is a lock down CB, Mike Mirabella makes as many plays as anyone in the state.
The Road to the State Championship: Plant moves up a class from their last two State Championships. Countryside and Tampa Bay Tech lurk in the same Region. A highly anticipated clash with Lakeland awaits in the semi-finals. St. Thomas should be waiting in Orlando.
8. Lakeland
2008 Record: 14-1 in 5A, lost State Title Game to St Thomas 56-7.
2009 Classification: District 4-5A with Osceola and George Jenkins.
Reason for Optmism: Lakeland is a short list of programs that are the best in the state. They are only two years removed from a three-peat(all wins over St. Thomas) and a National Championship. However, it is now their turn to respond to a woodshed beating that traditionally they have laid on opponents not vice versa. Plenty of talent returns including WR Javares McRoy, QB Jared Haggins, and LB's William Lucas/Quayshawn Nealy. HC Billy Castle will have his team ready to go.
The Road to the State Championship: Osceola will give them plenty of problems in District play and they are more than likely going to have to beat them in the 2nd Round of the playoffs. Seabreeze might be waiting in the quarterfinals. A showdown with Plant in the semi-final would be a huge game and is simply too close to call.
9. Bolles
2008 Record: 14-0 and 2A State Champion, beat Gulliver 49-20 in Championship.
2009 Classification: District 3-2B with Episcopal, Fernandina Beach, Interlachen, University Christian, West Nassau, and Yulee.
Reason for Optimism: QB Chandler Carr returns and has RB Jawan Jamison, all purpose Jacob Stenson, and WR Jay Herndon to work with. OL Brent Benedict is one of the most heavily recruited linemen in the country. Defensively, LB Josh Hood will clean up against the run and Desmond Cooper will patrol a talented secondary. This is one of the state's top coached teams who play a particular brand of football, they are typically peaking in the playoffs.
The Road to the State Championship: Newberry and Trinity Catholic are first/second round potential match-ups. Pensacola Catholic and Florida High are the favorites to get to the semi-finals. A match-up with Pahokee in the State Title Game would be as interesting as any.
10. Booker T. Washington
2008 Record: 10-4 in 4A, lost in State Quarters to Dwyer 24-21.
2009 Classification: District 16-3A with Key West, Edison, and Jackson.
Reason for Optimism: This is one of the state's most talented teams. RB Eduardo Clements is as good and versatile as they come, he has elite hands. WR Quinton Dunbar is a play-maker and the addition of super athlete Ted Meline adds more firepower. DE Lynden Trail will headline a fast, hard hitting unit that has something to prove.
The Road to the State Championship: Booker T. should have too much for teams in their Region, Naples, S. Ft Myers, Booker, and Southeast are Region 3 teams and potential semi-final opponents.