You’ve been waiting for it. This year we’ve got over 100 teams and six counties to rank from, and from the new additions come some changes to the status quo. There’s sure to be some saltiness felt by teams, and there’s sure to be teams that are out for sweet revenge for being left out. Here now are BCP’s Sweet 16 for week one.
1. Manatee – The ‘Canes are clicking on all cylinders heading into the season and even though they’ve got as stiff a test you could ask for week one, we expect big things in Alabama–and beyond.
2. Plant – Although the summer wasn’t as kind to the Panthers as they would’ve liked, and a huge test at nationally-ranked Colquitt County (GA) this week–Plant still has the tools to get the job done this week–and the rest of the season, too.
3. Lakeland – The Dreadnaughts will be banging on the door for the top spot all season and even though they will lean on AJ Davis in the absence of James Robinson, their defense and their talent on offense are Orlando-worthy in 7A.
4. Winter Haven – Hot on the heels of Lakeland, the Blue Devils are going to hit the ground running following their win in the preseason classic against Columbus.
5. Armwood – The Hawks are dangerously close to figuring things out. They’ve yet to sort out the rhythm they need on offense, but they’ve got an Olympic track team at the QB and skill positions that can put you down two scores in a New York-minute and their defense is well on its way.
6. Hillsborough – If the Terriers can produce points like they did in the jamboree with East Bay and Armwood, things just got very interesting in their district and beyond –The “Big Red” could end up being the “Big Dread” for opposing teams.
7. Jefferson – We already know they’ve got the offensive firepower, but balance on offense and a suffocating defense
like that on display versus King last week will equal many wins this seasons for the Dragons.
8. Braden River – Ladies and Gentlemen. The Pirates are not a one-year wonder. They’ve got plenty of pieces to get back to the playoffs and we cannot wait to see them duke it out with Venice and Palmetto in their district.
9. East Lake – Even though they’re young and made plenty of mistakes in their preseason classic, they still finished off a very good Sunlake team and proved that even in a year of “transition” they’re still reloading, not rebuilding.
10. Lake Gibson – The Braves took it on the chin in the preseason against Lakeland. Quite frankly that’s going to happen to many teams at the hands of the ‘Naughts so we aren’t holding that against them. They do need to quickly forget last week even happened and display that talent we know they’ve got–and soon.
11. Countryside – The Cougars have the ability to beat anybody on their schedule if they can produce in all phases like they did against Alonso in their preseason classic. Playmakers on offense and special teams plus a bruising defense will keep them in every game.
12. Jesuit – The Tigers boast one of the best rushing attacks in Hillsborough County and started off fast against ‘Crest last week. They’ll start their quest for Orlando this week at Lakewood Ranch.
13. Clearwater – Things are about to get exciting across the water in Pinellas. Don’t look now, but here come the Tornadoes. They’re balanced and their focused. If they stay that way, look out. A HUGE game with Countryside looms week two.
14. Clearwater Central Catholic – Just because they’re young doesn’t mean they’re without copious amounts of talent. One things slow down and start to click for CCC, it could be CCC-ya to the rest of their district and beyond.
15. Lake Wales – The Highlanders may be making their debut somewhat lower than expected, but don’t get it twisted. We’d be kidding ourselves if we didn’t feel they are still one of the top 16 schools out of over one-hundred in the area.
16. Tampa Bay Tech – Which TBT do we get this season? If we get the one that sputtered out of the gate like last season, then we will just have to wait for them to come back and prove us wrong–if we get the one we saw last week? Then expect to see them lay claim to a nice two-bedroom/two-bath within the friendly sweet-16 neighborhood.
| SWEET 16 TEAM RANKINGS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RANK | TEAM | OVERALL RECORD | PREVIOUS RANK | RECENT GAME |
| 1 | Manatee | 0-0 | ||
| 2 | Plant | 0-0 | ||
| 3 | Lakeland | 0-0 | ||
| 4 | Winter Haven | 0-0 | ||
| 5 | Armwood | 0-0 | ||
| 6 | Hillsborough | 0-0 | ||
| 7 | Jefferson | 0-0 | ||
| 8 | Braden River | 0-0 | ||
| 9 | East Lake | 0-0 | ||
| 10 | Lake Gibson | 0-0 | ||
| 11 | Countryside | 0-0 | ||
| 12 | Jesuit | 0-0 | ||
| 13 | Clearwater | 0-0 | ||
| 14 | Clearwater Cen. Cath. | 0-0 | ||
| 15 | Lake Wales | 0-0 | ||
| 16 | Tampa Bay Tech | 0-0 |