THE BOX

Large Class uncommitted playoff X-Factor prospects

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8A North State Semifinals:
Apopka (12-1) at Plant (11-1-1), Friday, 12/6
UNCOMMITTED X-FACTOR: Bernard Rogers, Plant S 2014
Not sure if you can stop the Apopka offense that has scored, in the range of 679 points this season. But, Plant will need to slow them down. Easier said than done. Bernard Rogers will be crucial because the position he plays and his responsibility. The misdirection, single wing offense will require Rogers to be discipline vs. the pass and very involved vs. the run. The more bodies on the ball carrier gives Plant a better chance to win each down. But, if Rogers starts sniffing too soon and stops reading his keys, Apopka has the ability to put the ball over his head.

Weston Fordham, East Lake 2014 RB

7A South State Semifinals:
Dwyer (13-0) at East Lake (13-0), Friday, 12/6
UNCOMMITTED X-FACTOR: Weston Fordham, East Lake RB 2014
Weston Fordham just needs to do it again. He has been so good this year and needs to it again behind that really unselfish offensive line. With the help of his fullbacks and the change of pace with Artavis Scott, it’s not a secret that Weston will have to play big. Dwyer will be fast and physical. Fordham needs to be physical and productive. East Lake doesn’t need 60 yard runs (Would be nice), but chain moving 6 yard grinds.

6A North State Semifinals:
Bartram Trail (8-5) at Armwood (13-0), Friday, 12/6
UNCOMMITTED X-FACTOR: Jordan Griffin, Armwood ILB 2015
Bartram Trail has pounded the ground. Not uncommon for them to rush the ball more than 30 times a game. Big reason why the man in the middle of the Armwood defense will need to be a monster tomorrow night. Griffin has been great versus the run this year and more important now than ever, he will have to be inside out. Stop the inside run and be a big factor on the outside runs.

5A North State Semifinals:
Lakewood (10-3) at Clay (9-4), Friday, 12/6
UNCOMMITTED X-FACTOR: Brujoun Bonner, Lakewood S 2014
Lakewood is more talented and physical than Clay. However, that does not guarantee the Spartans a win. Brujoun Bonner, from the safety position will need to be the “8th man” in the box to help the Spartans stop the Clay running attack. If Bonner can consistently fly in from 12 yards deep and be an impact versus the run, Lakewood has a great chance at dominating on defense.

5A South State Semifinals:
American Heritage-Plantation at Lake Wales (9-4), Friday, 12/6
UNCOMMITTED X-FACTOR: Leon Hawthorn, Lake Wales ILB 2015
Hard to say the Highlanders will stop Sony Michel. But maybe he is not the guy they need to neutralize. QB Torrance Wilson has over 1500 yards passing and is approaching 1k rushing. Looks like Leon Hawthorn and his LB company will need to play both the run and pass as well as they ever have before. If Hawthorn can regulate the inside runs and disrupt the passing lanes of Wilson, now the Highlanders can focus on Sony Michel.

Small Class X-factors coming in the morning