Congratulations to all 10 of our area teams competing in regional finals and semi-finals this coming Friday. The road to this point has been tough and it only gets tougher. Each team is unique in their own right. They all have a special make-up and chemistry which has led them to this point in the season. However, it’s no fun to just list them all highlighted by their strengths. We have to rank them. That’s where the fun comes in. That’s the beer and peanuts conversation that get the competitive juices flowing. With that said, here is how we ranked the Playoff Teams.

#1 ARMWOOD – Their defense makes them great. Their offense makes them dangerous. Their coaching experience makes them hard to beat. Armwood has owned this time of the year for the past 13 seasons. This is where they thrive.

#2 LAKELAND – Dreadnaughts are now hitting their stride and becoming a well rounded team. The first half of the year started off shaky. However, since the Winter Haven win the Dreadnaughts have strung together some impressive victories.

#3 JESUIT – Has been sound all season long. Nothing has changed at this point. Their offensive line and defensive front seven have been huge in their success. Very consistent and never play down to their competition.

#4 CLEARWATER CENTRAL CATHOLIC – So much firepower can not be contained. The defense has been fantastic! They have been here before. They have overcome and failed at this time of year. Those experiences have only fed the beast.

#5 PLANT CITY – It would be hard to argue that any team is playing better this time of year. Offensive and defensive line production gets overlooked by their small skill.

#6 BRADEN RIVER – Kinda a surprise. Kinda not if you have seen them play. Systematic offense and technique sound defense.

#7 TAMPA CATHOLIC – The bumps in the road this season have been few, but needed. What didn’t kill them, made them stronger. Tampa Catholic can score in bunches.

#8 NATURE COAST – It’s more than just RB Deshawn Smith. The weapons the Sharks have are utilized at the perfect time. Putting players in the right position to make plays has been the Calling Card this year for the coaching staff.

#9 CAMBRIDGE CHRISTIAN – There are 100 things positive to say about the Lancers. At the top of the list is Winners! They win when they are the favorite, underdog or down 3 TDs with 14 minutes to play.

#10 VICTORY CHRISTIAN – Have we seen this story before? Yes and we are happy to see it out with VC. 0-4 to start the season. Now just 4 halves away from a second consecutive title.