Race For State: Challenges Are Ahead
While we know that this is a strange year – with many of the south Florida teams not playing for a state title, the show must go on. In the eight classes, only defending state champs 4A Miami Booker T.…
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Continue ReadingWhile we know that this is a strange year – with many of the south Florida teams not playing for a state title, the show must go on.
In the eight classes, only defending state champs 4A Miami Booker T. Washington and 8A Miami Christopher Columbus have opted not to play for a state title – rather play an 8-10 game season to get enough film for their many seniors who are on the fence.
We all know that this season should have been delayed for EVERYONE in the state – at least until November 1. No team should have to make a decision whether they are going to play for a state title. That has always been part of the process, but others felt differently, splitting the Sunshine State in half. Serious lack of leadership at the top. But we will for a minute look at the teams who will be playing for state titles in 2020.
With Columbus out of the mix, 8A will be competitive.
Right off the bat, the two teams that come to mind are Miami Palmetto, who happens to have as many Power 5 recruits as any other school in the country. They would be the favorites to win along with an Apopka squad that lost in the title game a year ago.
Sanford Seminole, Treasure Coast and Vero Beach are the other teams with a realistic shot to win it.
St. Thomas Still Stands Tall In 7A.
Despite Orlando Edgewater pushing St. Thomas Aquinas to the limit in last year’s state title game, the Raiders are once again an overwhelming favorite to win it all.
Besides Edgewater – Lakeland, Valrico Bloomingdale, Venice and Armwood are all solid and talented.
Miami Central Could Be Pushed In 6A
When the Miami Central Rockets won the 6A state title over Pensacola Escambia last December, this team finally had that chance to jump back on the podium.
With plenty of talent, the Rockets will once again be favored to repeat, but there are others in the mix as well.
Look for Tampa Gaither, Jacksonville Lee and Palmetto to be right back in the mix – with some quality prospects – along with Escambia, North Fort Myers and Lakeland Lake Gibson.
Northwestern Looking For A 4-Peat In 5A
Winning a state title is never easy – unless you happen to be Miami Northwestern, who like Miami Palmetto, are stacked with Power 5 prospects as well as elite players all over the field.
Perhaps the toughest challenge to get back for a fourth straight time will be Plantation American Heritage, who pushed the Bulls to the limit last year and has one of the best defensive units in Florida.
In addition, look for last year’s runner-up Orlando Jones, Rockledge, Crawfordville Wakulla and Baker County.
Do Not Sleep On Cocoa, Gulliver Prep In 4A
With last year’s state champion Miami Booker T. Washington opting out of the state championship series, it opened things up in 4A for last year’s runner-up Jacksonville Bolles, but for other teams as well.
If you haven’t followed football over the past few years, Cocoa is one of the teams that could have easily won it all last year – and they will be right back in the mix. But so will Miami Gulliver Prep. The Raiders are loaded and lost their only game to eventual state champion Booker T. Washington in a heart-breaker.
Other 4A schools that will be in the mix include Cardinal Gibbons and St. Petersburg Lakewood, which lost its only game last year to Booker T. Washington as well.
Defense Gives Chaminade A Chance For 4 Straight In 3A
While the offense may not be what it has been for the three time defending 3A state champion Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna Lions, the defense is as good as you will find at this level – and they are very young.
Once again, it looks like Tallahassee Florida High will be a team to challenge, but so will always battle tested Jacksonville Trinity Christian, Clearwater Central Catholic and surprising Miami Edison.
Champagnat Rolling Toward Another 2A State Title
After winning a second state title in three years, the Hialeah Champagnat Lions are looking for that coveted fifth straight trip to the finals – and with plenty of talent and a major schedule, this is a team that may have that clear path to another crown.
Other teams in 2A should be last year’s runner up Lakeland Victory Christian, Foundation Academy, Tallahassee North Florida Christian and Tampa Cambridge Christian.
Madison County Is Loaded Up In 1A – Again
No matter what opponent it is, trying to get by three-time 1A state champion Madison County will be a very large task.
The Cowboys are stacked again – and while Baker, Vernon, Hawthorne and Wildwood figure to make a push, none of them have depth that Madison County has.
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Foridakids1@aol.com. We are also on Social Media on @PrepRedzonefl.