2A
Region 1
Madison County(7-2) at Baker County(8-2)
Madison County is always a threat to get to Orlando, a pair of close losses to Godby and Osceola are the only blemishes. Baker County lost to 1A favorite Trinity Christian and Raines in the regular season. There should be a steady dose of running the ball and defense in this one, we look for Madison County to go on the road and advance.
Ribault(7-3) at Godby(6-4)
Ribault has a well balanced attack with QB Damien Fleming, RB William Union, and WR Javon Bell. Bell is a special play-maker who is one of Jacksonville's best athletes. Throw in 2011 stud A.C. Leonard and the Trojan's have the offensive pieces in place. Godby made the State Title game last year in 3A, but lost to Cocoa. They are just 6-4, but losses to playoff teams Leon, Jackson, Niceville, and Lincoln are all quality. While the offense is not as explosive as last year's Willie Downs/A.J. Graham version, QB Dennis Andrews, RB Lavorrie Johnson, and WR Chris St. Hillaire are a talented trio. There is a lot of offensive firepower in this one. This game is a toss up.
Region 2
Astronaut(8-2) at Bishop Moore(7-3)
Astronaut enters at 8-2 and district runner-up to Cocoa. They have struggled at times to score points, but the defense has been consistently solid throughout the year, it will need to carry them. Bishop Moore lost to Lake Highland Prep last week 37-13. They will rely on a pair of RB's, Jalen Singleton and Tyler Ford, along with QB Eric Connolly to put some points on the board. We look for Astronaut to advance in a defensive game.
Jones(5-5) at Cocoa(10-0)
Defending State Champ Cocoa is clearly the favorite in this half of the draw. At 5-5 Jones won a playoff to get into the playoffs and their defense will need a herculean effort vs. Cocoa. The Tigers have thrown it a little more with senior QB Matt Younger, but the running game is still the bread and butter. Chevelle Buie, Frank Berry, and A.J. Lee are the three horses with Buie being a special player. Cocoa beat previously unbeaten Bolles last week in OT and enter the playoffs with a lot of confidence, they roll here.
Region 3
Jesuit(8-1) at Hardee(8-1)
Hardee suffered their first setback last week with a loss to Lakewood Ranch. Coming after the big rivalry win over Desoto County and a week before the playoffs, we will give them a pass. They are one of the top running teams in the state, but the defense has been equally good. They are going to be tough to beat. Jesuit beat Tampa Catholic last week for a big win. QB Bobby Eveld has thrown for over 1,600 yards and 17 TD's, he spreads it around to Bryce Walker, Ben Gutowski, and William Schaefer. Robby Garcia is the main ball carrier. Interesting match-up, we like Hardee's defense to get them through this one.
Desoto County(6-4) at Robinson(8-2)
Robinson enters off a loss to a great Plant team 29-13. They have been dominant most of the season, QB Blake Rice is capable of getting it done through the air to a plethora of WR's. They will run the ball with a 3-4 different backs. On the other side of the field is RB Marcus Shaw(2,361 rushing yards), the state's top rusher. Desoto will not put it up in the air very much and Shaw will get his yards, the Bulldog's would like to get a big game from rising junior Antonio Washington. Desoto has a good DL led by Dalton Wertz and Davis Marshall. We like the Bulldogs to go on the road and steal one.
Region 4
Boynton Beach(4-6) at American Heritage-Plantation(8-2)
There is considerable buzz emanating from Broward County about 8th grader Sony Michel. He has torched defenses to the tune of 1,560 yards and a 8 yards a clip. QB Gunner Holcombe has been solid at protecting the ball, he needs to up his completion percentage. Boynton lost 6 games and their defense has had a hard time stopping anyone. Friday night should not be much different, American Heritage rolls.
Cardinal Gibbons(6-4) at Glades Central(10-0)
These teams have met each of the last four years with Glades Central winning each game. Gibbons hung with them last year in a 35-30 loss. Chief QB Chris Rapka will need to match throws with Raider QB L.J. Thomas to keep them in this game. Thomas is a perfect fit for this team because of his ability to throw the ball deep and accurately. Glades Central has more offensive play-makers with Greg Dent, Demetrius Evans, and Kelvin Benjamin. Gibbons WR Shawn Corker is tough to stop, but he can't do it alone. Glades is coming off a huge win in the Muck Bowl over Pahokee and they also handed Dwyer their lone setback of the season. This team seems poised for another State Title, they pull away in the second half.