OSCEOLA(5-2) AT LAKELAND(6-0)
Last year the Dreadnaughts beat the Kowboys twice, 21-14 in the regular season and 20-16 in the playoffs. Two years ago the exact opposite happened with Osceola prevailing 25-21 and 22-7. Interestingly, both made the State Championship and lost to St. Thomas. These teams figure to be headed to a similar scenario this year.
Lakeland has more balance on offense with Jarred Haggins at QB, he is capable of beating you with his arm and feet. Athlete Javares McRoy brings game-breaking ability to the table (if healthy). His brother, Ben McRoy, is another offensive weapon. The Osceola D has come alive after allowing 32 points to Mainland in week 3, 26 of which were scored in the 4th quarter. Since that game the have pitched two shutouts and allowed a total of 25 points in 4 games.
Osceola is getting a quality year from RB Akeem Daniels running the ball, with Marc Deas, Max Mellon, and Reggie Hall as other options. It is always tough sledding against the Dreadnaught D, they have yield just 35 points in five games vs. Florida competition.
This game figures to be another slugfest, there are some outstanding LB's on the field with Lakeland's Quayshawn Nealy/William Lucas and Osceolas' Deas/B.J. Butler. Lakeland is the more complete team and they get this one at home.
Lakeland 27, Osceola 17
NAPLES(4-2) AT BARRON COLLIER(6-0)
Huge game for Naples which sits with a district loss heading into this one after losing the Coconut Bowl with Lely last week in overtime. Southwest's Florida's most consistent program (and two time State Champion this decade) is in danger of missing the playoffs with a loss. Collier has rolled through their schedule, pitching two shutouts and scoring 33+ in every game.
Collier QB Mark Schoenfeld was off to a terrific start to the season, but has an injured knee, Julio Gomez has filled in admirably and brings different qualities to the table. RB's Torrey Campbell and Travis Weber are consistent play-makers who excel in the Cougar spread based attack. TE Jeff Heuerman and WR Matt Higgins are dependable targets in the passing game.
The Golden Eagle offense will try to run the ball with Chris Krieg (493 yards) and Jordan Bates (307 yards). Two QB's, William Crook and Travis Carlyle, will try to find big play WR Cameron Schlegel in the passing game.
While a loss would not eliminate Naples from the playoffs, they would need some help down the road to get there. There is no love loss between these teams and Collier actually holds the special teams advantage with K/P Marvin Kloss (a rare situation for Naples strong kicking game to be in). This is just the type of game that Naples has won, and consistently, since Bill Kramer took over. Collier came out tight last year and fell behind early, although they rallied late, it was not enough. This game figures to go down to the wire.
Collier 28, Naples 27
NORTHWESTERN(5-1) VS. MIAMI SPRINGS
It is now or never for the Golden Hawks of Miami Springs. After suffering a blowout loss to Miami Central (70-24), their district hopes come down to this game. Offensively, they should be fine with QB Rakeem Cato throwing to talented WR's Tommy Shuler, Willis Wright, and Tyrone Bibby.
Defensively, they will need a herculean effort against the talented, and balanced, Bull offense. QB Teddy Bridgewater can beat you through the air utilizing stud talents like Michaelee Harris and Eli Rogers. The ground game is paced by Corvin Lamb and Israel Linder. Springs best bet will be to try and take away the run and hope that Bridgewater has an off game.
Springs keeps the game close in the first half, but Northwestern pulls away in the second.
Northwestern 38, Miami Springs 20
Jackson also takes on Booker T. Washington in a district game. Although both figure to make the playoffs, BTW is a little banged up and the rising Jackson program is looking for a signature win.
TRINITY CHRISTIAN(6-0) AT NORTH FLORIDA CHRISTIAN(5-0)
The defending 1A State Champs should get a stern test from Trinity Christian in this district contest. The visiting Conqueror's are averaging 45 points per game behind RB Andrew Buie. Rashad Knight, Ahmad Christian, and Marvel Taylor are other threats on the ground. They will need to pound the ball in this one to keep the powerful NFC offense off the field.
QB Clint Trickett is one of the state's top passers, but the Eagle's have the balance to beat you a number of ways. Trickett will face a talented secondary that should be up to the challenge in this one. The offense's low output for the year in 34 and they appear to be clicking on all cylinders behind a big, solid OL (aided by TE Chad Hollifield). The defense has yielded just 20 points over the last three.
Trinity gives NFC all they can ask for in the first half, but the Eagle's pull away in the second behind some timely passing by Trickett.
North Florida Christian 31, Trinity Christian 21