Win or go home. Play well or get embarrassed. It’s time for the postseason. Several teams kicked off last night down south, but tonight the entire state gets its playoffs-on. We’ve got a few extra games in this week’s edition of the Friday Fireworks. There’s eight in total and many more that could’ve been included, but we’ve some of the best games in the entire state–not just region–in our own backyard on this very special Friday the 13th. Things could get weird–they could get scary–or they could be downright horrifying for teams with dreams of being in Orlando the first and second weeks of December. Find out who’s on the pyrotechnical list for this week and enjoy your Friday Night!
Gainesville (6-4) at Mitchell (9-1) – Class 6A, Region 2
The Purple Hurricanes make their way down I-75 and into the Trinity area to face a Mustangs squad looking for revenge from last season–and for an extension to their best season in school history. Gainesville defeated Mitchell last season up at Citizens Field 24-17. Gainesville’s undergoing a bit of a step back the last two seasons posting a 13-10 record–even though it should be noted they’ve been in the playoffs both years–but it took them five years to lose that many–11 to be exact–from 2009-13 winning 55 games and making a state title game appearance in 2012. This is the season the Mustangs have learned from mistakes in years past and their underclassmen are playing like upperclassmen. The one thing in Gainesville’s defense regarding this season however–their three losses outside of the district are to North Marion, Lake City-Columbia and Bucholz. Those aren’t babies. It’s Mitchell’s first playoff game ever at home. Light the fuse!
Brandon (8-2) at Lake Gibson (7-3) – Class 6A, Region 2
After a tumultuous start to the season, the Braves are right where many had them in the preseason and that was district champions hosting a first round playoff game. The Eagles are in the postseason for just the sixth time since 2000 and it’s the first time since 2011. Under the direction of Head Coach Dean Eychner, the Eagles are in full turnaround mode. His first two seasons, Brandon was 4-16. Their last two? –They’re 15-5 and they’re primed to pounce into Polk County and play some pounding pigskin of their own. Whether there’s points-a-plenty or points-at-a-premium, there will be some hitting going on and there will be an atmosphere that’s classic Florida-Friday-Nights. Light the fuse!
Zephyrhills (8-2) at Nature Coast Tech (10-0) – Class 5A, Region 2
This one almost writes itself. Antwione Sims vs. Deshawn Smith–hashtag, well actually—it’s the Bulldogs at the Sharks in one of the state’s best match-ups in the first round. Yes, we said the state. This was a district game the last two seasons, with the ‘Dogs winning both. Zephyrhills won last year, 17-14 in addition to a tiebreaker for the playoffs. Combined, these two average 750 yards per game on the ground. Sims averages 209 per–Smith set the Hernando County All-Time record last week and is averaging 279 per game with 47 touchdowns on the season. Take the over–in rushing yards and points–take the under–in passes. Take the scoreboard operator a cup of water and some Advil for all the buttons he should be pushing. Oh, and LIGHT THE FUSE!
Jefferson (4-6) at Gibbs (6-4) – Class 5A, Region 3
It’s all–well “mostly about” anyways–the signal-callers this evening. Gibbs’ DJ Johnson and Jefferson’s Tyrese Spain will look to make things happen with the arms, legs,—whatever it takes. The Dragons are in the playoffs after missing last season and are making their 13th appearance since 2000. The Gladiators are making just their sixth appearance in the postseason and their first time since 2009. The Dragons are coming off a thrilling victory over Lennard last week and are starting to find their way on offense–in spite of their losing record. Gibbs’ week wasn’t as happy with blowout loss to Braden River, but we are confident they won’t be sleepwalking like they were against the Pirates. This one has the potential to have 80 points at least–and possibly as many highlights. Light the fuse!
Kathleen (9-1) at Plant (8-2) – Class 7A, Region 2
The Red Devils come into Dad’s Stadium feeling the sting of their loss to arch-rivals Lakeland on the 30th of October. Playing consecutive games at Bryant Stadium and Dad’s Stadium however is like playing ball in the Bermuda Triangle and Area 51 in back-to-back weeks. It’s not physical most of the time–it’s mental. The Panthers use their home atmosphere and their coaching to make things nearly impossible for visiting teams this time of year. Kathleen’s bound to lean on their senior leaders and if they don’t get caught up in the hype surrounding their opponent–this one’s bound to provide pyrotechnics in spades regardless of who wins. Light the fuse!
Sickles (9-1) at Lakeland (8-2) – Class 7A, Region 2
The Gryphons shouldn’t be intimidated by the atmosphere at Bryant Stadium if they can lean on the experience they had playing at Plant in the regular season. If they can correct some of the mental mistakes and turnovers from that Plant game–they’ve got more than a shot against the ‘Naughts if that defense of theirs plays to its potential. Sickles will obviously need to put points up in the board–and more than 14 or 17 at that–but if Cameron Miller is living in Lakeland’s backfield tonight, this game becomes a toss-up as Carol City and Bartow have shown that hang around long enough and force Lakeland’s hand–they just might show their true colors. Lakeland’s-still-gonna-Lakeland this time of the season and be in the hunt as they’re probably acutely aware of the fact that a win this evening and a Plant win sets up an epic match-up at Bryant Stadium next week. Light the fuse!
Tampa Bay Tech (6-4) at Countryside (9-1) – Class 7A, Region 3
It’s a rematch from 2010 in which the Cougars defeated the Titans 34-21. C-Side’s back in the playoffs after a brief couple of years out–while TBT’s looking to make a run bcd to the regional finals at least–such as the case last season when they made it all the way to Kissimmee-Osceola in round three. It’s been a roller-coaster at times for Tech, but they’ve hit their stride after some “come to Jesus” moments implemented by the staff. C-Side’s Trent Chmelik needs 3TD passes to his brother for the school-record, but he’ll have to face a Tech Defense that’s full of talent and will make him pay for the slightest of mistakes if he’s not careful with the distribution from the QB spot. This is easily one of the “sexiest” match-ups in the region in the first round. Winner of this game gets the winner of East Lake at Plant City so the gauntlet is just getting started for the both of these squads. Light the fuse!
Steinbrenner (9-1) at Dr. Phillips (7-3) – Class 8A, Region 2
The Warriors are experiencing their best season in school-history and for their accomplishments they get a first round road trip to Orlando to face one of the biggest juggernauts along the I-4 Corridor. Here’s what Steinbrenner can take solace in though–the Panthers haven’t exactly blown the doors off any of the Bay Area teams they’ve faced in recent years. Whether it’s been Bloomingdale, Wharton or East Lake in recent seasons–the Panthers have somehow managed to pull out victories while looking pedestrian to say the least. The way and with the confidence they’ve played this season, Steinbrenner’s not the team you want to just roll your helmets on the field and assume victory against–regardless of the pedigree. Is it a preparation thing? Or is it a simple case of schedule weakness + unfamiliarity = a perfect storm of upset this Friday the 13th for the good doctor? Either way, this game is going to have fireworks. Light the fuse!