When the FHSAA reveled the new playoff format in the beginning of the calendar year, we stressed to followers and area coaches the importance of scheduling above average teams. Some counties are handcuffed by large districts and counties policies. Those with more freedom scheduled some good teams to play.
Strength of schedule plays a significant role when when BCP ranks our area teams for the Sweet 16. Then, comes the eye ball test. Teams have to look good “Doing what they do.” Good teams beat better teams and smash the teams who are not very good. Cycle of [Football] life.
We took a look at the current large class area BCP ranked top 10 teams and jotted down other ranked teams each played. What you should see, a high percentage of the BCP Top 10 teams played a quality number of other BCP ranked teams (ranked at some point after mid season) or really good out of area teams.
Listed:
- Current BCP Sweet 16 Top 10 Ranking and attached teams
- BCP ranked opponents. Ranked in the BCP Sweet 16 at one point during the season
- Out of Area Quality teams. Category 2 or better
- Remaining Opponent ranked in the Sweet 16 or previously ranked
CURRENT RANK |
TEAM |
BCP RANKED OPPONENTS |
OUT OF AREA QUALITY OPPONENTS |
REMAINING BCP RANKED OPPONENTS |
| 1 | ARMWOOD | TAMPA BAY TECH, PLANT, CHAMBERLAIN, HILLSBOROUGH | X | DURANT |
| 2 | LAKELAND | EAST LAKE | APOPKA | x |
| 3 | BRADEN RIVER | PALMETTO | CHATFIELD (CO), VENICE | CLEARWATER |
| 4 | TAMPA BAY TECH | ARMWOOD, HILLSBOROUGH, DURANT | X | GAITHER |
| 5 | PLANT | HILLSBOROUGH, ARMWOOD, GAITHER, WIREGRASS RANCH | x | x |
| 6 | LARGO | EAST LAKE, CLEARWATER | X | LAKEWOOD |
| 7 | MITCHELL | CLEARWATER | X | X |
| 8 | LAKE GIBSON | LAKE WALES, PALMETTO | KISS. OSCEOLA, COLOMBUS, SEBRING | X |
| 9 | ZEPHYRHILLS | WIREGRASS RANCH | X | X |
| 10 | HILLSBOROUGH | PLANT, TAMPA BAY TECH, CHAMBERLAIN, ARMWOOD | X | X |