It’s time for another edition of the Friday Fireworks. It’s the second round of the playoffs and it’s on-and-poppin’ like pyrotechnics are supposed to be! See who made the list this week and grab your popcorn!
Admiral Farragut (10-1) at Cambridge Christian (10-0) – Class 2A, Region 3 Final
This one’s for the Class 2A, Region 3 title and it’s one we’ve been waiting on for a hot minute. It’s the fifth meeting in the last seven years with Farragut leading in that time 3-1. Cambridge broke through the last time they played in 2012 by a 68-45 score. The Lancers defeated Northside Christian 19-14 while Farragut cruised over Carrollwood Day School 34-0 last week. Both are averaging over 40 points per game, yet strangely enough–80+ points might be tough to accomplish. Whether they break 80–or barely score 40 combined–we promise this game will be chocked full of fireworks. Winner will host either First Baptist out of Naples or Miami’s Dade Christian next week. Light the fuse!
River Ridge (10-1) at Nature Coast Tech (11-0) – Class 5A, Region 2 Semifinal
Not much you can add to this one when you’ve got the top two rushers in Florida squaring off. Well over 5,000 yards on the season combined will step out on the field when Chris Schwarz from River Ridge and Deshawn Smith from Nature Coast strap up. Last time these two met, Nature Coast Tech defeated the Royal Knights 34-21 in 2012. Here are your scenarios moving forward. If Clay wins at home against North Marion, then the Royal Knights or the Sharks travel to Green Cove Springs next week. If North Marion wins, it won’t matter who wins this game, River Ridge or Nature Coast Tech will be headed to horse country. River Ridge defeated Lecanto 24-6 while NCT defeated Zephyrhills 42-13 last week in the first round. Light the fuse!
Plant (9-2) at Lakeland (8-2) – Class 7A, Region 2 Semifinal
Again–just like the previous game there’s not much that needs to be stated when you look at the two names going at it in Bryant Stadium this evening. The Panthers defeated Kathleen at home last week 38-24, while Lakeland destroyed Sickles 55-26. The last two times these teams met–it ended with Plant winning by a combined score of 68-6. We all know the history of this one–unless you’ve been living under a rock. There isn’t the presence of any household names like the last time they played, but this one has the feel of anything-but a running clock our a shutout like in 2009 and 2010. A Lakeland win coupled with a win by Viera means the ‘Naughts travel to the Space Coast. A Plant victory with a Viera win means the Panthers host. If Martin County pulls the upset of Viera, then Lakeland or Plant would host the Tigers next week in the Region 2 Finals. Light the fuse!
Tampa Bay Tech (7-4) at Plant City (10-1) – Class 7A, Region 3 Semifinal
The Titans return to the scene in which they dropped a 19-3 contest in October. They’ve got the feel of a team that’s possessed right now, but the Raiders are on a mission themselves. TBT dispatched Countryside 34-21 while Plant City defeated East Lake 47-34 in their opening round contests. The fireworks may–or may not–come from the points scored, but rather from the hit-sticks that will be present and accounted for throughout the game on defense. Both teams are quite familiar with each other in this district 7A-9 rematch, so will familiarity breed success for the Titans? If the Raiders win, they host either Braden River or Venice. If the Titans win and Braden River is victorious, then they’ll be on the road for the Region 3 Finals. If Venice defeats the Pirates and TBT beats Plant City, the Titans will host the Indians next week. Light the fuse!
Venice (10-1) at Braden River (11-0) – Class 7A, Region 3 Semifinal
The Pirates are trying to do something twice win one season that took them six years to do in the first place–namely, defeated Venice. Braden River defeated Naples-Gulf Coast 37-14 while Venice crushed South Fort Myers 35-14 in their opening round contests last week. They both feature smothering and stingy defenses while using their QB’s to properly manage and distribute the ball all around the field. They both can run the ball and when needed–Braden River can air it out with FIU commit Jacob Huesman. Winner of this game would travel north if Plant City wins. Venice would travel north regardless as a matter of fact. Braden River hosts the Region 3 Finals if TBT wins and they are victorious as well. Light the fuse!
Manatee (9-2) at Dr. Phillips (8-3) – Class 8A, Region 2 Semifinal
The gauntlet in 8A continues for the ‘Canes as they hit the road to Orlando. They hope to be just down the street at the Citrus Bowl in three weeks, but for now the business at hand is to stop the Panthers. Both teams can score points in bunches, but as was the case last season, it was about making one more stop on defense if you want to survive and advance. DP’s three losses–in case you were wondering–were in successive weeks to West Orange, Apopka and Mainland–that’s worth noting, but they’re also playing their best ball of the season right now. If Manatee wins, they’ll host the winner of Vero Beach at Kissimmee-Osceola. Survive all the way to the State Semis, and the ‘Canes could host as Region 2 is a designated host in 8A this year. Light the fuse!