The Prep Zone

The Prep Zone Show – August 23rd, 2017

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August 23, 2017

Date: Wed 08/23/2017 Title: “The Prep Zone”

Event Details: Join Mike Ridaught & Marty Pallman as they talk high school sports from Sonic of Gainesville. Their guests for this episode include Larry Savage, the prep editor of the Gainesville Sun, and Joshua Wilson, Owner & Publisher of FloridaHSFootball.com. #ThePrepZone.com

Click Here to Listen

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2017 AP High School Football State Rankings – Week #1

Mike Ridaught

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August 22, 2017

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The first Associated Press Top 10 Florida High School Football Poll for the 2017 season. First place votes in parentheses, followed by records, and rating points. Area teams in bold.

CLASS 8A
1. Miami Southridge (9) 0-0 108
2. Deerfield Beach (1) 0-0 93
3. Dr. Phillips (Orlando) 0-0 74
4. Osceola (Kissimmee) 0-0 60
5. Apopka (1) 0-0 55
6. Vero Beach 0-0 46
7. Atlantic (Delray Beach) 0-0 40
8. Columbus (Miami) 0-0 35
(tie) Coral Gables 0-0 35
10. Miramar 0-0 15
Others receiving votes: University (Orange City) 14, South Dade (Homestead) 7, Park Vista Community (Lake Worth) 7, Palm Beach Gardens 5, Miami Palmetto 4, Seminole (Sanford) 3, Spruce Creek (Port Orange) 1, University (Orlando) 1, Western (Davie) 1, Miami Senior 1.

CLASS 7A
1. St. Thomas Aquinas (Ft. Lauderdale) (12) 0-0 120
2. Plant (Tampa) 0-0 107
3. Venice 0-0 81
4. Bartram Trail (St. Johns) 0-0 76
5. Braden River (Bradenton) 0-0 48
6. Lakeland 0-0 40
7. Robert E. Lee (Jacksonville) 0-0 38
8. Dwyer (Palm Beach Gardens) 0-0 35
9. Viera (Melbourne) 0-0 33
10. Tampa Bay Tech 0-0 27
Others receiving votes: Columbia (Lake City) 18, Melbourne 14, Mater Academy Charter (Hiahleah Gardens) 6, Buchholz (Gainesville) 5, Winter Haven 5, Gulf Coast (Naples) 3, Lincoln (Tallahassee) 2, South Fort Myers 1, Blanche Ely (Pompano Beach) 1.

CLASS 6A
1. Miami Carol City (9) 0-0 115
2. Miami Northwestern (3) 0-0 101
3. Miami Central 0-0 89
4. Mainland (Daytona Beach) 0-0 73
5. Armwood (Seffner) 0-0 60
6. Lake Gibson (Lakeland) 0-0 45
7. Vanguard (Ocala) 0-0 38
8. Miami Norland 0-0 32
9. Navarre 0-0 28
10. St. Augustine 0-0 24
Others receiving votes: Naples 17, Dillard (Ft. Lauderdale) 14, Escambia (Pensacola) 9, Tate (Cantonment) 8, Sebastian River 3, Forest (Ocala) 2, Fort Myers 1, Charlotte (Punta Gorda) 1.

CLASS 5A
1. American Heritage (Plantation) (13) 0-0 130
2. Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) 0-0 113
3. Jones (Orlando) 0-0 69
4. Jesuit (Tampa) 0-0 64
(tie) Bishop Moore (Orlando) 0-0 64
6. Bolles (Jacksonville) 0-0 61
(tie) Cardinal Gibbons (Ft. Lauderdale) 0-0 61
8. Rickards (Tallahassee) 0-0 41
9. Clay (Green Cove Springs) 0-0 41
10. Dunbar (Ft. Myers) 0-0 30
Others receiving votes: Ponte Vedra 17, Godby (Tallahassee) 12, Wakulla (Crawfordville) 6, Palm Bay (Melbourne) 5, West Florida (Pensacola) 4, Baker County (Glen St. Mary) 2, Belleview 2.

CLASS 4A
1. Booker T. Washington (Miami) (8) 0-0 116
2. Cocoa (4) 0-0 103
3. Raines (Jacksonville) 0-0, 83
4. South Sumter (Bushnell) 0-0 54
5. University School (Ft. Lauderdale) 0-0 29
(tie) Gadsden County 0-0 29
Others receiving votes: Glades Central (Belle Glade)26, Dunnellon 22, Avon Park 18.

CLASS 3A
1. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) (11) 0-0 110
2. Oxbridge Academy (West Palm Beach) 0-0 83
3. Melbourne Central Catholic 0-0 74
4. Berkeley Prep (Tampa) 0-0 38
5. American Heritage (Delray Beach) 0-0
Others receiving votes: Clearwater Central Catholic 32, Lakeland Christian 23, Fort White 19, Florida High (Tallahassee) 7, Baldwin 7, Newberry 6, Tampa Catholic 6.

CLASS 2A
1. University Christian (Jacksonville) (10) 1-0 109
2. Champagnat (Hialeah) (1) 0-0 98
3. Cambridge Christian (Tampa) 0-0 72
4. North Florida Christian (Tallahassee) 0-0 47
5. Victory Christian (Lakeland) 0-0 38
Others receiving votes: Admiral Farragut (St. Petersburg) 35, Northside Christian (St. Petersburg) 21, Glades Day (Belle Glade) 12, First Baptist (Naples) 8.

CLASS 1A
1. Pahokee (6) 0-0 115
2. Madison County (4) 0-0 107
3. Baker (2) 0-0 97
4. Blountstown 0-0 76
5. Union County (Lake Butler) 0-0 48
Others receiving votes: Port St. Joe 25, Frostproof 12.

Joe Pinkos’ 2017 Weekly Game Forecast for Week 1

Mike Ridaught

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August 21, 2017

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joepinkosgameforecast Joe Pinkos’ Power Ratings are calculated by a formula based on strength of opposition and margin of victory with greater weight given to recent games. The forecasted margin of victory for each game is determined by subtracting the power rating of the lower-rated team from the power rating of its higher-rated opponent.

Game forecasts are sorted by classification of favorite and listed alphabetically. The underdog’s classification is noted for inter-classification games. Teams in The Prep Zone’s coverage area are in bold.

CLASS 8A
Apopka 35 over (7A) Ocoee
Atlantic (Delray Beach) 3 over Palm Beach Central
Boca Raton 13 over Jupiter
Columbus 21 over (7A) Mater Academy
Coral Gables 14 over South Dade
Coral Reef 3 over (7A) Reagan
Coral Springs 3 over (5A) Coconut Creek
Cypress Bay 1 over (7A) Cooper City
Cypress Creek (Orlando) 49 over (7A) Windermere
Delaware Valley PA 1 over Fort Pierce Central
Dr. Krop 23 over Miami Beach
Dr. Phillips (Orlando) 4 over University (Orange City)
Evans 6 over Freedom (Orlando)
Ferguson 21 over (7A) Sunset
Flagler Palm Coast 7 over (6A) Matanzas (Palm Coast)
Gateway 3 over Boone
George Jenkins 20 over (4A) Mulberry
Haines City 13 over (6A) Lake Region
Hialeah 8 over (7A) Miami Springs
Hialeah Gardens 21 over (7A) Westland Hialeah
Homestead 1 over Braddock
Lake Brantley 3 over (7A) Hagerty
Lake Mary 8 over (6A) Heritage
Lyman 37 over (4A) Atlantic (Port Orange)
Mandarin (Jacksonville) 14 over (7A) Atlantic Coast (Jacksonville)
Miami High 1 over North Miami
Miami Palmetto 38 over (6A) Hialeah-Miami Lakes
Monarch 19 over (5A) Pompano Beach
North Miami Beach 3 over Killian
Olympia 8 over West Orange
Palm Beach Gardens 20 over John I. Leonard
Park Vista 3 over (7A) William T. Dwyer
Plantation 1 over (7A) West Broward
Ridge Community 14 over (7A) Bartow
Riverview (Sarasota) 26 over (5A) Booker
Sandalwood (Jacksonville) 14 over (5A) Ribault (Jackonville)
Seminole (Sanford) 33 over (7A) Lake Howell
Seminole Ridge 39 over Santaluces
South Plantation 1 over Taravella
Southridge 4 over (5A) Cardinal Gibbons
Southwest Miami 27 over Coral Park
Spruce Creek (Port Orange) 30 over (6A) Seabreeze (Daytona Beach)
Steinbrenner 6 over (7A) Freedom (Tampa)
TimberCreek 7 over Oviedo
Treasure Coast 14 over (6A) Okeechobee
Vero Beach 4 over Oscar Smith VA
Wekiva 35 over Oak Ridge
Wellington 14 over (7A) Royal Palm Beach
Western 7 over (7A) South Broward
Winter Park 10 over (7A) Lake Nona

CLASS 7A
Bloomingdale 10 over (8A) Newsome
Braden River 3 over Chatfield CO
Buchholz (Gainesville) 42 over (5A) Eastside (Gainesville)
Cartersville GA 7 over Bartram Trail (St. Johns)
Columbia (Lake City) 6 over (6A) Gainesville
Countryside 17 over (6A) Osceola Fundamental
Creekside (St. Johns) 3 over (8A) Winter Springs
East Bay 6 over (8A) Riverview
East Lake 24 over (8A) Palm Harbor University
East Ridge (Clermont) 34 over (8A) Colonial
East River 21 over (7A) University (Orlando)
Ely 6 over (5A) Stranahan
First Coast (Jacksonville) 14 over (5A) Terry Parker (Jacksonville)
Fletcher (Neptune Beach) 4 over (5A) Bishop Kenny (Jacksonville)
Forest Hill 9 over (5A) Suncoast
Gaither 1 over (6A) Chamberlain
Gulf Coast 7 over (5A) Lely
Harmony 3 over (5A) Space Coast
Lakeland 14 over (8A) Manatee
Lakewood Ranch 12 over (6A) Ida Baker
Leon 1 over (4A) Gadsden County
Martin County 3 over (5A) John Carroll
McArthur 1 over (8A) Flanagan
Nova 6 over (Ind.) Coral Glades
Oakleaf (Orange Park) 7 over (5A) Orange Park
Palmetto 22 over (5A) Southeast
Plant 17 over (6A) Hillsborough
Robert E. Lee (Jacksonville) 13 over (4A) Raines (Jacksonville)
Sarasota 17 over Celebration
Sickles 19 over (8A) Alonso
South Fort Myers 4 over (6A) Cape Coral
South Miami 3 over (8A) Varela
St. John Bosco CA 7 over St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Petersburg 10 over (6A) Largo
Venice 21 over Camden County GA
Viera 17 over (5A) Rockledge
West Boca Raton 31 over (6A) Bayside
Wharton 8 over (6A) Brandon
Winter Haven 11 over (6A) Auburndale
Wiregrass Ranch 13 over (5A) Zephyrhills

CLASS 6A
Archbishop McCarthy 21 over (7A) Fort Lauderdale
Armwood 6 over (7A) Tampa Bay Tech
Barron Collier 1 over Crescenta Valley CA
Blake 11 over (7A) Lennard
Boyd Anderson 4 over (4A) Monsignor Pace
Boynton Beach 10 over (7A) Olympic Heights
Carol City 17 over (8A) Deerfield Beach
Clearwater 54 over (5A) Dunedin
Crestview 21 over (5A) Bay
Deltona 6 over (4A) Mount Dora
Eau Gallie 7 over (Ind.) Satellite
Ed White (Jacksonville) 3 over (5A) Westside (Jacksonville)
Escambia 1 over (5A) West Florida Tech
Estero 7 over (5A) Mariner
Forest (Ocala) 11 over (7A) West Port (Ocala)
Fort Myers 2 over (5A) Clewiston
Gulf Breeze 10 over Pascagoula MS
Jensen Beach 9 over (7A) South Fork
Lake Gibson 6 over (8A) Osceola (Kissimmee)
Lake Wales 7 over (7A) St. Cloud
Lake Weir (Ocala) 14 over (5A) Weeki Wachee
Land O’ Lakes 11 over (5A) Ridgewood
Mainland (Daytona Beach) 45 over (8A) DeLand
Miami Central 13 over (3A) Chaminade-Madonna
Mitchell 28 over (5A) Anclote
Naples 4 over (4A) Edison
Navarre 28 over (3A) Pensacola Catholic
New Smyrna Beach 14 over (4A) Astronaut (Titusville)
Niceville 3 over (7A) Lincoln
Norland 24 over (8A) Piper
North Fort Myers 28 over (7A) Riverdale
Northeast (Oakland Park) 1 over (7A) Hollywood Hills
Northeast (St. Petersburg) 27 over (7A) Seminole
Northwestern 40 over (8A) American
Pace 12 over Fort Walton Beach
Pasco 1 over (5A) Hudson
Pine Forest 15 over (5A) Pensacola
Pine Ridge (Deltona) 11 over (3A) Father Lopez (Daytona Beach)
Port Charlotte 19 over (7A) North Port
Sebring 14 over Lehigh
South Lake 1 over (7A) Liberty
Springstead (Spring Hill) 28 over (5A) Central (Brooksville)
Tate 14 over Choctawhatchee
Vanguard (Ocala) 28 over (7A) Kathleen (Lakeland)
Washington (Pensacola) 14 over Milton

CLASS 5A
American Heritage (Plantation) 7 over Bishop Sullivan Catholic VA
Arnold 11 over (4A) South Walton
Avon OH 7 over Merritt Island
Baker County (Glen St. Mary) 1 over (6A) St. Augustine
Belleview 4 over (3A) Trinity Catholic (Ocala)
Bishop Moore 35 over (7A) Edgewater
Citrus (Inverness) 11 over Bayshore
Clay (Green Cove Springs) 19 over (7A) Fleming Island (Orange Park)
Cypress Lake 18 over (6A) Island Coast
Dunbar 1 over (6A) Charlotte
Eustis 6 over (7A) Lake Minneola
Godby 19 over (7A) Chiles
Hallandale 22 over (8A) Everglades
Hardee 7 over (1A) Fort Meade
Hernando (Brooksville) 33 over Fivay (Hudson)
Immokalee 29 over (6A) Golden Gate
Jefferson 6 over (7A) Plant City
Jesuit 14 over (7A) Durant
Lakewood 17 over (6A) Boca Ciega
Menendez (St. Augustine) 7 over (6A) Middleburg
Miami Jackson 63 over (7A) Mourning
Middleton 17 over (6A) King
Mosley 14 over (4A) Walton
Palatka 7 over Yulee
Palm Bay 14 over (6A) Sebastian River
Paxon (Jacksonville) 1 over (6A) Englewood (Jacksonville)
Ponte Vedra 21 over (6A) Nease (Ponte Vedra)
Port St. Lucie 7 over (4A) Lake Placid
Rickards (Tallahassee) 4 over North Marion (Citra)
Ridgeview (Orange Park) 34 over (4A) Andrew Jackson (Jacksonville)
River Ridge 6 over (7A) Pinellas Park
Robinson 37 over (7A) Leto
Spoto 12 over (7A) Strawberry Crest
St. John’s DC 7 over Jones
Stanton College Prep (Jacksonville) 3 over (4A) Wolfson (Jacksonville)
Tarpon Springs 14 over (6A) Dixie Hollins
Titusville 10 over (7A) Melbourne
Wesley Chapel 1 over (6A) Suncoast
Westwood 6 over (8A) Centennial
Whittier Christian CA 21 over Poinciana

CLASS 4A
Avon Park 17 over (1A) Frostproof
Booker T. Washington 11 over (6A) Dillard
Cocoa 16 over (5A) Trinity Christian (Jacksonville)
Cocoa Beach 14 over (SSAC) Orangewood Christian
Cypress Creek (Wesley Chapel) 6 over (5A) Gulf
Dunnellon 17 over (5A) Crystal River
Fernandina Beach 6 over Keystone Heights
Gulliver Prep 7 over Key West
Keys Gate 23 over (3A) Everglades Prep
Lake Highland Prep 42 over (Ind.) Kingdom Prep
Marianna 18 over (1A) Chipley
North Broward Prep 38 over (Ind.) Pembroke Pines Charter
PK Yonge (Gainesville) 21 over (1A) Wildwood
Pine Crest 14 over Coral Springs Charter
Rutherford 20 over North Bay Haven
Somerset Academy 7 over (Ind.) Miami Community Charter
South Sumter (Bushnell) 7 over (6A) Leesburg
The Villages 14 over (5A) Tavares
Trenton 21 over (1A) Chiefland
University School 3 over Glades Central
West Nassau (Callahan) 14 over (2A) North Florida Educational Institute (Jacksonville)

CLASS 3A
American Heritage (Delray Beach) 10 over (8A) Belen Jesuit
Archbishop Wood PA 7 over Oxbridge Academy
Baldwin 23 over (1A) Hamilton County (Jasper)
Benjamin 6 over (2A) Glades Day
Buford GA 3 over Melbourne Central Catholic
Calvary Christian (Clearwater) 6 over (2A) Admiral Farragut
Calvary Christian (Fort Lauderdale) 11 over Westminster Christian
Cardinal Mooney 25 over (4A) Bishop Verot
Cardinal Newman 10 over (8A) Spanish River
Clearwater Central Catholic 7 over Berkeley Prep
Episcopal (Jacksonville) 24 over (SSAC) Christ’s Church Academy (Jacksonville)
Florida High 1 over Marple Newtown PA
Fort White 12 over (5A) Suwannee (Live Oak)
Holy Trinity Episcopal 16 over Trinity Prep
King’s Academy 49 over St. John Paul II Academy
Lakeland Christian 38 over (4A) Tenoroc
Marathon 3 over Somerset Silver Palms
Newberry 20 over (4A) Santa Fe (Alachua)
Palm Glades Prep 42 over Pinecrest Prep
Palmer Trinity 24 over (Ind.) Miami Country Day
Tampa Catholic 31 over (5A) Gibbs
Taylor (Pierson) 20 over (2A) Halifax Academy (Daytona Beach)
Taylor County (Perry) 8 over (4A) Bradford (Starke)
The First Academy 42 over (Ind.) West Oaks Academy
Westminster Academy 14 over St. Andrew’s

CLASS 2A
Aucilla Christian (Monticello) 28 over Pataula Charter GA
Cambridge Christian 16 over Foundation Academy
Cedar Creek Christian (Jacksonville) 20 over Rocky Bayou Christian (Niceville)
Champagnat Catholic 1 over (7A) Doral Academy
Community School of Naples 32 over Marco Island Academy
Evangelical Christian 20 over (SSAC) Bell Creek Academy
First Baptist 27 over Village Academy
FAMU DRS 3 over (1A) Franklin County
Moore Haven 11 over (3A) St. Petersburg Catholic
North Florida Christian 20 over Deerfield-Windsor GA
Northside Christian 27 over Carrollwood Day
Oak Hall (Gainesville) 34 over (Ind.) Florida Deaf (St. Augustine)
Seffner Christian 19 over (SSAC) Shorecrest Prep
Seven Rivers Christian (Lecanto) 16 over (1A) Branford
Snook Christian AL 7 over Munroe Day
Southwest Florida Christian 10 over (4A) LaBelle
St. Francis Catholic (Gainesville) 17 over (Ind.) St. Johns Country Day (Orange Park)
St. John Neumann 27 over Keswick Christian
University Christian (Jacksonville) 24 over (3A) Providence (Jacksonville)
Victory Christian 28 over Agape Christian
Warner Christian (South Daytona) 1 over Eagle’s View Academy (Jacksonville)
Zephyrhills Christian 30 over (SSAC) Bishop McLaughlin

CLASS 1A
Baker 8 over Holmes County
Bell 20 over (2A) Maclay (Tallahassee)
Blountstown 20 over Graceville
Bozeman 6 over Liberty County
Brookwood GA 6 over Lafayette (Mayo)
Cottondale 7 over Sneads
Crescent City 19 over (5A) Lecanto
Dixie County (Cross City) 23 over Jefferson County (Monticello)
Flomaton AL 1 over Jay
Freeport 17 over Vernon
Hawthorne 5 over (4A) Interlachen
Hilliard 19 over (SSAC) Duval Charter (Jacksonville)
Madison County 6 over (5A) Wakulla (Crawfordville)
Northview 7 over Blacksher AL
Pahokee 11 over (7A) Palm Beach Lakes
Port St. Joe 41 over Wewahitchka
Union County (Lake Butler) 69 over (Ind.) Avant Garde Academy

INDEPENDENT
Boca Raton Christian 20 over Hillel
Clearwater Academy International 7 over (2A) Indian Rocks Christian
Coral Shores 7 over (4A) Immaculata-LaSalle
IMG Academy 14 over Chandler AZ
IMG Academy White 7 over (5A) Nature Coast Tech (Brooksville)
Jordan Christian Prep 20 over (SSAC) Bradenton Christian
Lowndes GA 70 over International School of Broward
Miami Christian 34 over (SSAC) Inlet Grove
South Elgin IL 42 over Ransom Everglades

SUNSHINE STATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (SSAC)
All Saints Academy 7 over Santa Fe Catholic
Berean Christian 7 over (Ind.) Highlands Christian
Canterbury (Fort Myers) 14 over Out-of-Door Academy
Central Florida Christian 28 over (2A) Cornerstone Charter
Faith Christian 38 over (2A) St. John Lutheran (Ocala)
First Academy-Leesburg 6 over (4A) Umatilla
Harvest Community (Jacksonville) 24 over Bishop Snyder (Jacksonville)
Jupiter Christian 6 over (Ind.) Somerset Canyons
Lake Mary Prep 7 over (2A) Merritt Island Christian
Legacy Charter 14 over Mount Dora Christian
Orlando Christian Prep 21 over (2A) Trinity Christian (Deltona)
St. Stephen’s Episcopal 15 over Windermere Prep
The Master’s Academy 7 over Ocala Christian Academy

FloridaHSFootball.com’s 2017 Preseason Rankings

Mike Ridaught

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August 21, 2017

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FloridaHSFootball.com has released its Preseason Rankings for all eight classifications, plus the Florida Top 25 Preseason Rankings. For teams to be ranked in the Florida Top 25, they must be ranked in the classification rankings.

Schedule, tradition, possible playoff seeding placement and what a team will potentially have to work with were considered in the football rankings. Area teams in bold.

FLORIDA TOP 25
Ranking, Team, Classification in parenthesis, 2016 record
1. St. Thomas Aquinas (Ft. Lauderdale) (7A), 13-2
2. American Heritage (Plantation) (5A), 14-0
3. Miami Carol City (6A), 10-3
4. Miami Northwestern (6A), 10-2
5. Cocoa (4A), 11-1
6. Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) (5A), 11-3
7. Miami Central (6A), 6-2
8. Miami Southridge (8A), 12-2
9. Dr. Phillips (Orlando) (8A), 12-3
10. Deerfield Beach (8A), 10-3
11. Booker T. Washington (Miami) (4A), 9-3
12. Plant (Tampa) (7A), 13-1
13. Mainland (Daytona Beach) (6A), 11-1
14. Venice (7A), 12-1
15. Chaminade-Madonna (3A), 9-4
16. Jones (Orlando) (5A), 10-2
17. Coral Gables (8A), 10-2
18. Armwood (Seffner) (6A), 10-2
19. Robert E. Lee (Jacksonville) (7A), 10-2
20. Navarre (6A), 12-2
21. Clay (Green Cove Springs) (5A), 10-4
22. Bartram Trail (St. Johns) (7A), 8-5
23. Cardinal Gibbons (5A), 9-2
24. Vanguard (Ocala) (6A), 10-2
25. Madison County (1A), 11-1

CLASS 8A
Ranking, Team, 2016 Record
1. Miami Southridge, 12-2
2. Dr. Phillips, 12-3
3. Deerfield Beach, 10-3
4. Coral Gables, 10-2
5. Vero Beach, 11-1
6. Apopka, 9-1
7. Seminole (Sanford), 12-1
8. Osceola (Kissimmee), 10-1
9. Atlantic (Delray), 9-4
10. Park Vista, 10-1

FIVE ON THE BUBBLE
University (Orange City), 8-2
Columbus, 7-4
Wekiva, 7-4
Winter Park, 9-4
Western, 8-3

CLASS 7A
Ranking, Team, 2016 Record
1. St. Thomas Aquinas, 13-2
2. Plant, 13-1
3. Venice, 12-1
4. Robert E. Lee (Jacksonville), 10-2
5. Bartram Trail (St. Johns), 8-5
6. Tampa Bay Tech, 9-2
7. Lakeland, 8-2
8. Dwyer, 11-1
9. Viera, 9-3
10. South Fort Myers, 9-2

FIVE ON THE BUBBLE
Buchholz (Gainesville), 8-3
Columbia (Lake City), 7-4
Wiregrass Ranch, 7-3
Braden River, 9-2
Kathleen, 5-5

CLASS 6A
Ranking, Team, 2016 Record
1. Miami Carol City, 10-3
2. Miami Northwestern, 10-2
3. Miami Central, 6-2
4. Mainland (Daytona Beach), 11-1
5. Armwood, 10-2
6. Navarre, 12-2
7. Vanguard (Ocala), 10-2
8. Lake Gibson, 10-2
9. St. Augustine, 11-2
10. Naples, 9-2

FIVE ON THE BUBBLE
Charlotte, 12-1
Sebastian River, 10-2
Clearwater, 10-2
Niceville, 8-3
Fort Myers, 8-5

CLASS 5A
Ranking, Team, 2016 Record
1. American Heritage (Plantation), 14-0
2. Trinity Christian (Jacksonville), 11-3
3. Jones, 10-2
4. Clay (Green Cove Springs), 10-4
5. Cardinal Gibbons, 9-2
6. Bolles (Jacksonville), 12-1
7. Rickards, 10-2
8. Bishop Moore, 11-2
9. Ponte Vedra, 13-1
10. Dunbar, 9-3

SIX ON THE BUBBLE
Jesuit, 12-1
Palm Bay, 10-1
Nature Coast (Brooksville), 10-2
Baker County (Glen St. Mary), 9-2
River Ridge, 9-2
West Florida, 9-3

CLASS 4A
Ranking, Team, 2016 Record
1. Cocoa, 11-1
2. Booker T. Washington (Miami), 9-3
3. Raines (Jacksonville), 7-3
4. Dunnellon, 9-2
5. South Sumter (Bushnell), 10-2

THREE ON THE BUBBLE
Glades Central, 6-5
Avon Park, 9-2
Gadsden County, N/A

CLASS 3A
Ranking, Team, 2016 Record
1. Chaminade-Madonna, 9-4
2. Melbourne Central Catholic, 11-1
3. Clearwater Central Catholic, 9-3
4. Oxbridge Academy, 10-2
5. Newberry, 9-1

THREE ON THE BUBBLE
Berkeley Prep, 9-3
Fort White, 9-3
King’s Academy, 11-0

CLASS 2A
Ranking, Team, 2016 Record
1. University Christian (Jacksonville), 10-2
2. Champagnat, 10-2
3. Victory Christian, 10-2
4. Cambridge Christian, 9-1
5. Northside Christian, 10-3

THREE ON THE BUBBLE
North Florida Christian, 7-4
First Baptist (Naples), 8-4
Oak Hall (Gainesville), 10-0

CLASS 1A
Ranking, Team, 2016 Record
1. Madison County, 11-1
2. Baker, 14-0
3. Pahokee, 12-2
4. Blountstown, 10-3
5. Port St. Joe, 6-4

THREE ON THE BUBBLE
Hamilton County (Jasper), 4-5
Williston, 5-4
Frostproof, 5-6

2017 Keystone Heights football preview

Mike Ridaught

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August 13, 2017

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Keystone Heights By Mike Ridaught
@ridaught

If you’ve ever gone to a Keystone Heights football game in the last 20 years, you’ve probably noticed the offense always looked the same.
That’s because the Indians have always been a north-south, downhill power running team under Chuck Dickinson, who enters his 19th season as head coach of the Indians.
That’s about to change.
“We’ll have more of an offset look in the backfield with misdirection,” noted Dickinson, whose team battled injuries and struggled to a 2-7 record in 2016. “We changed the whole offense from what we used to.”
The new-look Indians are expecting to be better in the passing game this year because of the return of quarterback Adrien Ciena, who tore his labrum last summer. The junior had a good spring and looks good early throwing the ball.
Don’t expect Keystone to abandon the run though.
They have three running backs returning, including leading rusher Blake Sanders. The senior rushed for 873 yards in nine games last year.
So it could be the run or the pass that sets the tone.
“We are going to do what is best in the scope of the game to win the game,” said Dickinson. “We have to be able to throw on first down.”
Senior wide receiver Sawyer Maxwell said the team’s strength relies more in their offense.
“We have more returning players there and we did a good job of moving the ball in the spring game (against Interlachen and Crescent City),” he said.
That confidence is carrying over to the other side of the ball too.
““We have a lot of returning players,” said returning senior running back Alex Cruz, who will also play linebacker. “Guys who played as juniors are back this year. We’ve got some speed on defense. I think we’ll be pretty good on defense.”

L-R: #8 Briar Smith, #25 Alex Cruz, #90 Sawyer Maxwell, and head coach Chuck Dickinson

While the cupboard isn’t bare at the running back spot, there is concern about depth at certain positions.
“It’s going to be a lot like it was 30 years ago with guys playing both ways,” said Dickinson. “We had a lot of injuries last year and we weren’t good at throwing the ball and that hurt.”
With the FHSAA’s new playoff format for Classes 1A-4A, the Indians will have to be one of the top four teams in the new 11-team Class 4A-Region 2 to advance to the state playoffs.
That region consists of: Bradford (Starke), Dunnellon, Interlachen, Keystone Heights, Mount Dora, P.K. Yonge (Gainesville), Santa Fe (Alachua), South Sumter (Bushnell), Trenton, Umatilla, and The Villages.
Also, since there are no districts, a conference was formed and whoever wins the most games will win a championship.
“We have seven teams in it – Umatilla, Pierson Taylor, Crescent City, Interlachen, Wildwood & The Villages and Keystone,” noted Dickinson. “That’s six of our games right there, so that made it easy for us to schedule games.”
While the schedule will be tough with five straight road games during the season, there are a total of 15 seniors who are up to the challenge.
“I think we’re going to be solid all around,” said returnee & fellow senior Briar Smith, who will play running back and defensive back. “We’ve got great leadership. I feel like our seniors are going to take charge.”
The expectations are to make the playoffs.
However, in order to have a successful season, with a chance at a state playoff appearance, Dickinson said there is one key ingredient.
“We have 29 players and not all of them are healthy yet,” said Dickinson. “The whole key is we can’t have any injuries. One injury could have a big effect on us.”
It could bring down a whole tribe.

2017 Keystone Heights Football Schedule
Aug. 25 – vs. Fernandina Beach
Sept. 1 – vs. P.K. Yonge (Gainesville)
Sept. 8 – at Bradford (Starke)
Sept. 15 – at Umatlla
Sept. 22 – Off
Sept. 29 – at Hawthorne
Oct. 6 – at Crescent City
Oct. 13 – at Wildwood
Oct. 20 – vs. The Villages
Oct. 27 – vs. Interlachen
Nov. 3 – vs. Taylor (Pierson)

2017 Hawthorne football preview

Mike Ridaught

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August 11, 2017

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Hawthorne_Hornets football By Mike Ridaught
@ridaught

Off the field, there is uncertainty surrounding Hawthorne High School after the school received its third consecutive “D” grade from the state this past summer.

In 2013 and 2014, the school received an “F.”

There’s been discussion about the state closing down the school unless they can raise their grade to a “C” in 2017-18.

But on the field, you might give the Hornets an “A.”

Well, at least on offense.

It’s a team strength because they are loaded with athletes on the offensive side of the ball.

Last year, Hawthorne averaged 21 points per game and finished 6-3, but missed the playoffs after finishing just 1-3 in 1A-District 6. They were two dropped TD passes away, in a 27-26 loss to Union County, from winning seven games.

Based on some key returnees this season, and some new faces, including coaches, the Hornets are a legitimate contender to make their first postseason appearance since 2011.

It all starts on the offensive side of the ball with the return of 2-sport star Devin Lawrence.

“I’m looking for a better year,” said Lawrence, who led the Hornets in rushing last year with 821 yards in just eight games. “Even though we are a small school, I feel like we have some of the best athletes in the area.”

Head coach Cornelius Ingram, a former Gator and 2-sport Hawthorne alum, agrees.

“This is the most athletes we’ve ever had,” said Ingram, who enters his third season with the Hornets. “We have guys who can take a bubble screen and go 80 yards. At running back, he’s (Lawrence) special. I can’t even imagine what he’ll be able to do this upcoming season.”

They have a new quarterback in Kahleil Jackson, the son of former Gator wide receiver Willie Jackson.

The younger Jackson, who has been playing football since he was five, is excited and optimistic about this year’s offense.

“We can make a run for state, especially in this division (Class 1A),” he said. “We just added some key guys at the skill positions, plus we’ve added some coaches.”

His dad Willie is new to the coaching staff this year, along with Hawthorne grad & Ivy League football player Dustin Adkins, who will be the new defensive coordinator.

Willie Jackson will be the team’s offensive coordinator with his son Kahleil running the offense.

“He can throw it,” said Ingram. “We’re excited with all the athletes that we have out there that he can get the ball to in space and make some plays.”

Senior Justin Wright, who is the fastest player on the team, also has good size which will help the Hornets spread the field along with wide receiver & athlete Ethan Kelly.

L-R #8 Kahleil Jackson, #24 Ethan Kelly, coach Cornelius Ingram, #1 Devin Lawrence, #3 Justin Wright. — L-R #8 Kahleil Jackson, #24 Ethan Kelly, coach Cornelius Ingram, #1 Devin Lawrence, #3 Justin Wright

“We’ve got a pretty good team,” said Wright, a recent FAMU offer who is also garnering interest from FIU and FAU. “We have a QB that’s throwing the ball really well and we’re deep this year. “We have excellent coaches everywhere.”

Ingram said the addition of Adkins is helping by getting the players to move around on defense.

“He’s upbeat at practice,” said Ingram. “He talks more trash than me. He’s put guys in their true positions where they are able to be successful. In years past we weren’t able to do that because of the lack of numbers but he understands we have a little bit more depth. He’s a smart cat.”

With the FHSAA’s new playoff format, the top four teams from the 8-team Class 1A-Region 4 will advance (Bronson, Crescent City, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Hawthorne, Pahokee, Wildwood & Williston).

With Willie Jackson drawing up the plays, Dustin Adkins running the show on defense, and Cornelius Ingram steering the ship, expect the Hornets to reach uncharted territories since 2011.

Last year they took a step by posting six wins, their most victories in a season since 2010.

It all adds up to a postseason berth and a chance to get to double-digit wins for a special season in Alachua County.

2017 Hawthorne football schedule
Aug. 25 – vs. Interlachen
Sept. 1 – vs. Holy Trinity Episcopal (Melbourne)
Sept. 8 – at P.K. Yonge
Sept. 15 – at Bell
Sept. 22 – Off
Sept. 29 – vs. Keystone Heights
Oct. 6 – at Union County
Oct. 13 – at Chiefland
Oct. 20 – vs. Frostproof
Oct. 27 – vs. Hilliard
Nov. 3 – at Bronson

Gainesville Classic this Saturday at Oak Hall School

Posts

Mike Ridaught

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August 10, 2017

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Gainesville Classic

Q&A with first-year Dixie County football coach Eric Richeson

Mike Ridaught

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August 8, 2017

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dixie_county_bears Dixie County (Cross City) Bears
Region: 3-1A
Total of nine teams in the region (Top four make the state playoffs) – Bell, Branford Chiefland, Dixie County (Cross City), Hamilton County (Jasper), Hilliard, Lafayette (Mayo), Madison County & Union County (Lake Butler)

Q: Congratulations on the new position. How excited are you about becoming the new head coach at Dixie County?
A: Thank you. It’s been a whirlwind. I’m going into this as a rookie, but luckily I had a great teacher and Coach (Brent) Wilkerson kind of guided me along. When I first got it, I was scared and nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve been a coordinator for most of my career, an O-line coach and a little bit on the defensive side. When Brent told me he was stepping down, it kind of hit me at once. I’ve been waiting for this over 20 years. I got my start at Apopka and worked my way up to Georgia and back down here. These kids have kind of made the transition so much easier. When I got the job they were so enthusiastic. They’ve done everything I’ve asked them to do. They are a fun bunch of kids to coach. They make the job a lot easier. We’ve got close to 20 seniors so it’s like 50% of our team. We’re excited. We’ve got a rough schedule ahead of us, but if we can find through that middle part and try to stay injury free, we’ve got a shot. These kids have really worked hard this summer. We’re looking forward to the fall.

Q: What is a team strength coming into the year?
A: Definitely their grit and their toughness. They’re just tough kids. I’m not going to have your 6’4, 300-pound offensive lineman or your 6’4, 200 pound deers, I’ve got little guys and I’ve got little stumps, as I call them, and they really get after it. They’re just tough kids. They love playing football. They love their football in Dixie. That’s what makes your job so much fun. Every time you put your feet on the ground, you’re just trying to think ‘what can I do to make them better?’ Every challenge I’ve given them they’ve owned up to it. I need to start making these challenges a little bit harder.

Q: How about some of your offensive and defensive starters? How are you looking there?
A: Excellent. We had to replace Kyle Chesser at quarterback but we’re kind of shifting our game plan on offense. We’re going to be Wing-T based but we’re going to run a lot more option. I’ve got three good quarterbacks. They’re all runners – junior Carlos Williams, Jr., senior Aaron Dawson (5’11, 154), and senior James Smith (5’8, 155). All three of them could be playing at one time depending on the situation. They will be rotating to keep them fresh because those guys are going to be playing defense. You’ve got to understand that 1A football is iron man football. If one plays offense, he’s playing three positions – offense, defense and special teams. We’ve got to try and rest some guys when we can, and especially these skill guys. We’re pretty deep with our line but my skill guys I’m not as deep. We’ve got good depth on the line. But I’ve got to keep my skill guys healthy. That’s the key.

Dixie County football coach Eric Richeson

Q: For Dixie County to have a successful year, what has to go right?
A: Injuries. We have to be injury free. We go 11 straight weeks if you count the Kick-off Classic. We don’t get a break. Our open week is Week #11. This is the first time in five years since I’ve been at Dixie that we’ve got 10 games. Every year it’s been nine games. Last year we only had eight. So this is kind of a good thing to get the kids to understand what a 10-week grueling season’s going to be. Every week it’s going to be rough. It’s not going to be easy. We have a tough schedule. Everybody in 1A is like that. All of these smaller schools are playing tough schedules so just keeping everybody healthy is going to be like the gold mine trying to keep them healthy. But we’ve got a good plan in store for the kids and we’ll try to keep them healthy because it’s going to be a grueling season. We start off in Week #1 with Jefferson County, then Trenton, then three weeks on the road. So, it’s pretty tough. Then when we get back off the road, it gets even tougher. We’ve got Taylor County, Newberry, Fort White and Williston, so it’s rough. But we’re excited. We’re ready for the challenge.

Q: What do you think about the new playoff system?
A: To tell you the truth, I am not 100% on task with that. I’ve got two assistant coaches who kind of guide me. But here’s the key with the playoff system, if you keep winning then you’re going to keep playing. You want to cheer on the teams after you beat them so they can get some points for you. But that’s my philosophy. We had this kind of point system when I was in Georgia and I used to tell my head coach that all we had to do is win. If we keep winning, we keep playing. This region is going to be pretty tough. Madison County is in there. Union County is in there. Trenton got moved out which helps a little bit but it’s still going to be a rough region.

2017 Dixie County Football Schedule
Aug. 25 – vs. Jefferson County (Monticello)
Sept. 1 – vs. Trenton
Sept. 8 – at Baldwin
Sept. 15 – at Union County (Lake Butler)
Sept. 22 – at Chiefland
Sept. 29 – vs. Taylor County (Perry)
Oct. 6 – vs. Hamilton County (Jasper)
Oct. 13 – at Newberry
Oct. 20 – vs. Fort White
Oct. 27 – at Williston
Nov. 3 – Off

2017 Chiefland football preview

Mike Ridaught

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August 5, 2017

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Chiefland_Indians By Mike Ridaught
@ridaught

This year, Chiefland is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its first state football title.

However, the Indians haven’t been to the postseason since 2004.

They came close in 2013, but they finished third in the district despite finishing 7-3 overall. That might have gotten the Indians in the playoffs under the FHSAA’s new playoff format.

This year, Classes 1A-4A don’t have districts. Chiefland will compete in the nine-team Region 3 with the top four teams advancing among Bell, Branford, Chiefland, Dixie County, Hamilton County, Hilliard, Lafayette, Madison County and Union County.

The playoffs haven’t been in the conversation for a long time, but first-year coach Adam Gore, a Chiefland alum, is trying to change the mindset.

“If the kids will figure that out, that this is who we are, that this has been our tradition to be physical, then we can be a playoff team,” said Gore, who noted he and the team have a chip on their shoulder. “But the kids have to believe in themselves.”

This year Chiefland will only have six returning seniors. They are an extremely young team.

But seniors Brian Norris, Jr., Lance Horne, Dalton Tiner, Brian-Caiden Fehmerling, and Tramaine Brown all have experience and will be instrumental in the Indians’ success in 2017.

“Those five guys will have to carry our football team because they have been in the fire,” said Gore. “We expect them to be leaders – leaders on the stat board and in their positions, leaders in the locker room, leaders in the community, and leaders on campus.”

On offense, Gore will use a two-QB system, going with junior Wyatt Hammond, who played some quarterback last season, and sophomore Ty Corbin.

“We’ll let it sort itself out,” he said. “We’ll go with the hot hand.”

The Indians will have some D-I talent in the backfield to help make it a smoother transition. Brian Norris, Jr., who combines size and speed, is playing with a chip on his shoulder.

“I feel like I will do everything in my power to make this team successful,” said Norris, whose father played for the Indians only state title in 1997. “We are trying to get our respect back, like we used to have. Every game will be an opportunity to gain respect.”

Norris (6’1, 225), who committed to USF this summer, said he picked the Bulls because it was the school that made him feel most comfortable.

“It was like home,” he said. “It was my first time being on campus. All the coaches were down to earth. It made me feel like home.”

Senior running back Tramaine Brown is the ‘Lightning’ to Norris’ ‘Thunder.’

“You want him (Brown) in the fox hole,” said Gore. “He’s a guy you want to go to battle with. He’s a great kid also.”

The 1-2 punch gives the offense a little more balance in the backfield. There’s a sense of confidence about he offense this year.

“I think we’re going to score more points than we did last year,” said senior right guard Lance Horne (6’, 200). “The offense is a whole lot better. Everything is better. Passing is better, the blocking is better and the running is better.”

Look for the Indians to be physical on defense.

‘We want to play fast and physical,” said Gore. “We have our best 11 players playing on defense first and then we go from there offensively.”

Gore said the plan is to have the defensive line and linebackers play defense only “so we can keep those guys fresh. They are all head hunters. We want physical guys on that side of the ball.”

Expect the defense to be better too.

L-R: Coach Adam Gore, Tramaine Brown, Brian Norris, Jr., Dalton Tiner, BC Fehmerling & Lance Horne

“It’s (defense) going to be pretty nasty this year,” said senior DT/G Dalton Tiner (5’8, 218). “Our defensive line is pretty stout. We all bench over 300. It’s going to be a strong defense.”

Tiner is tied for first in the bench press with rising sophomore Brandon Bowers. They can each bench 350.

“This year is looking way better than last year’s team,” said Brown (5’10, 170), who will also play free safety and defensive back. “Everyone is really committed to the team. We are way closer as a team this year.”

The schedule will be challenging early. The Indians open the season at home on August 26 against rival Trenton.

“The front half of our season is a pretty tough half,” said Gore. “We play Dixie County, Lafayette, Trenton in the first half of our season. We’ve got a tough schedule early so we have to be ready to go at it.”

The players seem up to the task.

“We have a tough schedule but I think with our commitment to go to practice, to the weight room, to the film sessions, our unity is going to make us a stronger team,” said Fehmerling (6’1, 195), who will play tight end and defensive end.

Chiefland will close the season with games at 2A Agape Christian Academy (Orlando) and Williston, giving the Indians an opportunity to compete for a playoff spot.

“We want to play good teams,” said Gore. “We’re looking forward to the challenge. We’re going to let the pads do the talking for us.”

2017 Chiefland Football Schedule
Aug. 25 – vs. Trenton
Sept. 1 – vs. Branford
Sept. 8 – vs. Lafayette (Mayo)
Sept. 15 – at Hamilton County (Jasper)
Sept. 22 – vs. Dixie County (Cross City)
Sept.29 – Off
Oct. 6 – at Hilliard
Oct. 13 – vs. Hawthorne (Homecoming)
Oct. 20 – vs. Bronson (Senior Night)
Oct. 27 – at Agape Christian Academy (Orlando)
Nov. 3 – at Williston

Q&A with Interlachen football coach Joe Szymanski

Mike Ridaught

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August 3, 2017

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Interlachen Rams
Region: 2-4A
Total of 11 teams in the region: Bradford, Dunnellon, Interlachen, Keystone Heights, Mount Dora, P.K. Yonge, Santa Fe, South Sumter, Trenton, Umatilla, The Villages (Top four make the state playoffs)

Q&A with Interlachen head coach Joe Szymanski (2nd Year)

Q: How did it go for you in year one at Interlachen?
A: First year was a pretty solid year. I actually got the job about two weeks before the season started. So, it was kind of last-minute. But we actually ended up winning five games last year and for our standard out there, it was a pretty good improvement. The previous six years they won a total of four games. We’re having to teach the kids how to win (changing the mentality). We’ve had good numbers in the spring and all summer long. We’ve averaged around 40 kids in the work outs, so I think it’s working.

Q: How are things looking going into your second year in 2017?
A: We have a solid group of kids coming back. We’ve had some new kids at our school that weren’t playing because we weren’t winning in the past come out to play. We’ve actually had several kids transfer in from the local area. It’s looking up.

Q: Who are some of your key leaders?
A: We’ve got a few of them. Defensively, Corey Atkins (5’11, 174), a senior, will play middle linebacker; junior Carter Kutchko (6’, 175) will play quarterback. He transferred from Eastside (Gainesville); junior Uveekie Fields (5’8, 155) will play running back; Aubrey Williams, who transferred in from Palatka, will play wide receiver; and, also Michael Reed will be playing wide receiver. He was a basketball kid who had never played football before.

Q: What do you think of the new FHSAA playoff format?
A: I’m not a huge fan. When you take away the districts, then you only have one champion, who is the state champion. We actually went together with some coaches last year and made a conference up – North Central Florida Football Conference (NFFC). There’s seven teams total. It’s us, Keystone Heights, Crescent City, Taylor (Pierson), Umatilla, Wildwood and The Villages. We’re going to have a championship trophy. We’re actually going to do all-conference teams. Stuff like that. It will be the first year of it since we won’t have a district this year. I think the kids need something to play for.

Q: What has to go right for Interlachen to have a successful season?
A: We have to stay healthy. Our team goals are to win seven ball games and we want to win the conference.