Here it is. Better late than never and statistically proven to be the last one you remember before kickoff. It’s time for someone to be crowned state champions and I’m here to bring you up to speed on what you might now know or reinforce what you already do. It’s gameday. It’s a great day to be a champion…

 

(1A)

Chipley Tigers (11-2) vs. Jefferson County Tigers (8-5)

Chipley comes entered the playoffs as the 1A-3 Champions. Their only losses are to Marianna and Holmes County. A loss avenged in Round 2 by the Tigers who have faced adversity (mostly off the field) to get to the Finals. Their bus caught fire on the way to their game against Northview and then narrowly avoided a car driving the wrong way on I-10 on the way back. Their students were collecting donations to try and get the transportation needed for Head Coach Rob Armstrong and his boys. Chipley has won 8 of their last 9 games. Jefferson County may have 5 losses, but their to? Madison County, Godby, Wakulla, Taylor County, and North Florida Christian. You do know they play in rural 1A right? They smashed undefeated Union County last week and are averaging 41 points versus opponents in their same classification.

Whoa. Who are THESE guys?…

For Chipley you need to know who Kobe McCrary is. He’s the team’s leading rusher and leading tackler at the LB position. For JeffCo it’s QB Lanorris Footman who’s thrown for over 2,000 yards for his Tigers.

I think we’re lost…

Just in case you’re wondering. Let me save you the trouble and time looking up these places on a map. I’ve done it for you. Chipley is pretty much as the crow flies 40 miles North of Panama City and about 65 miles West of Tallahassee situated pretty much right off of I-10. It’s actually about 10-15 minutes from the Alabama Border. I can vouch as many of you can. It’s actually pretty country up there. At least in my opinion. Jefferson County is situated much closer to Tallahassee about 30 minutes ENE of the capital city in Monticello. It’s even closer to Georgia than Chipley is to Alabama. That’s also a nice bit of property as well. As you can see though, that’s a pretty hefty drive for each teams fan bases. That’s probably my guess as to why they scheduled this game for the night game out of sequence. Props to the FHSAA if that’s the case.

Prediction time..(Oh No Pugh, not again)

Jefferson spreads it out and will put up points although the Chipley Defense has hunkered down when needed this season. They’ll need to slow JeffCo’s Offense down or it’s shootout time and that’s not what they want to do obviously. I think you see Chipley’s Defense keep Jefferson Co. close, but slowing them down is relative when you average 41ppg against teams in your class. Jefferson County wins this one in a spirited and entertaining game pulling away late 28-14.

 

(2A)
North Florida Christian (12-0) vs. Admiral Farragut (12-1)

It’s all about the “O” when it comes to NFC. They’ve got Travis Blanks who is a Clemson Commit on the Defensive side of the ball, but they’ve also got Quarterback Matt Dobson who went 7-for-11 for 157 yards and 3 TD’s while rushing for another 116 yards on 9 carries and 2 TD’s. They also had RB Jonathon Vickers rush 146 yards on 17 carries. The Eagles really are playing some of the best ball of any team in the state right now. Funny thing is, the team opposite of them from St. Petersburg is also playing some of the best ball in any class as well. Farrgut can do it on the ground and with their athletes, and it’s going to be all hands on deck for them this week.

Say What?…*Tacks to Bulletin Board*

I read in the Daytona Beach News-Journal when I was back home this week that Warner Christian Head Coach said about that they’re (NFC) better than everybody. Wait till next week. They’re the real deal.” Whoa. Okay. Had to cut that one out and bring it back to Tampa with me and use it somehow. I’d be sour too if I couldn’t stop anybody on the ground for the last 3 years as well. Good thing they’re not the ones playing Farragut this week because Todd Macon would be this years version of Kelvin Taylor who Warner couldn’t stop the last 2 years for a ring.

Prediction…

I’m sticking with the earlier version from Monday. I see it as up and down the field, but Farragut better be ready to deal with that hurry-up offense. Fresh bodies. Get hydrated. Get right. Assignment football and special teams can beat NFC as good as this team is. Defense has to show up. Plain and simple. Although the score won’t reflect it. Admiral Farragut 41-38.

 

(3A)
American Heritage (11-1) vs. Madison County (12-1)

These kinds of matchups are the reason why the State Finals are appointment viewing. Both teams are good enough to play with anyone in the state (and out) and it shows. American Heritage lost in OT to Glades Central for their only defeat while MadCo lost in the final 2 minutes of their game on the road at 5A Georgia powerhouse Colquitt County. The Stallions, Stallion is Greg Bryant with 22 TD’s this season and has been offered by Alabama. Both teams have done it with defense in the playoffs especially last week. Heritage defeated Berkeley Prep holding them to only 9 points while Madison County ground out a 14-0 victory over 2B (now 3A) State Champs Trinity Catholic.

Prediction…
No cliche to say “Defense wins championships.” Over/under on passing attempts in this game combined might be at 20? Then again Madison County can stop the run and the Stallions will need to throw so I’ll set it at 30. Probably 25 of those coming from American Heritage. Madison County just runs, and runs, and runs. I like it though. Madison County 16-14 over American Heritage.

 

(4A)
Booker T. Washington (12-1) vs. Bolles (12-1)

Bolles HC Corky Rogers is attempting to surpass former St. Thomas Aquinas HC George Smith in wins in the playoffs with 69. If he gets number 70 that means he’s also a state champion. After losing their district to Raines this season, the Bulldogs have gone hunting and have dismantled everything in their way. They’ve even got the Son of former FSU great Dexter Carter. His name is Dexter Carter Jr. You’ll get to know it well. Booker T. has brought the family home to roost with Tim “Ice” Harris, the Father of Miami Hurricane Brandon, while hiring his son as the Offensive Coordinator. This game combined with the 1:00 game makes for the best tandem of games anywhere in the country being played. I’ll debate anyone on that.

Prediction…

If you know about the Pop Warner scene (and most of you coaches and parents do) then you’ll know this name. The Overtown Rattlers. This Tornadoes team is full of kids from their system and they’ve won national championships as teammates already. They’ve got talent everywhere. I mean everywhere and they’re nearly all underclassmen. 3 names…Matthew Thomas (DE/LB/S), Michael Johnson (DB), and Treon Harris (QB). You’ll be glad you had the chance to watch them. They’ll be back in Orlando next year too. Bolles is good, but I doubt they can make every play needed. If they give up points early, it could be trouble with their Wing-T, but Booker T. is of the same mold. Tough one, but I’m taking Booker T. 21-19 over Bolles.

There you have it. Make sure you watch the games live on Florida SunSports or get your fannies over to Orlando. Drop the wives, girlfriend, significant others and the children (well, bring your sons) and come check out the future. See you at the games!