PALM BEACH COUNTY – And then there were six.
After the FHSAA regional quarterfinals, just six of the initial 15 teams in the playoffs remain. Of the six, two of them were automatic qualifiers – Pahokee and Benjamin – and four will host home games – the aforementioned Pahokee and Benjamin, along with Palm Beach Central and Glades Day.
All six of these teams will hope to continue their respective run to the state finals.
It will not be easy for any of these teams, however.
CLASS 1A, REGION 4
Bradford (6-5) at Pahokee (7-1) – 7:30 p.m. kickoff
To keep it short: A loss this early would be disappointing for Pahokee.
Pahokee has not lost a game since Sept. 24 and since then, it has allowed just 17 points in four games. In the Muck Bowl, Pahokee held Glades Central scoreless (28-0) and put out a real statement.
Expect Pahokee to get a win against a Bradford team that is traveling from a long distance.
PREDICTION: 35-10 Pahokee
CLASS 2A, REGION 4
Champagnat Catholic (7-2) at Glades Day (9-1) – 7:00 p.m. kickoff
Glades Day came away with a home win against Westminster Academy in the opening round, certainly giving it a good amount of momentum. Champagnat Catholic, though, is one of the best team in the 2A classification.
Last season, Champagnat Catholic defeated University Christian to win the Class 2A state championship for the second time in a row.
Glades Day will have to play a near-perfect game and will need its stars to make big plays.
PREDICTION: 40-24 Champagnat Catholic
CLASS 3A, REGION 2
The First Academy (8-2) at Benjamin (7-3) – 7:00 p.m. kickoff
The Benjamin Buccaneers feel like they are finally hitting their stride, and that could not come at a better time.
No game in the playoffs is easy, especially with The First Academy’s unique offense. But Benjamin’s offense has plenty of talent to take over games.
Look for quarterback Tyler Aronson and running back Chauncey Bowens to lead the way for Benjamin.
PREDICTION: 31-17 Benjamin
CLASS 3A, REGION 4
Cardinal Newman (8-3) at Miami-Florida Christian (8-1) – 7:30 p.m. kickoff
Cardinal Newman – being the road team – adds an interesting element to this one. But it has been battle-tested for these games.
With games against opponents like Benjamin, Cardinal Gibbons, and Gulliver Prep throughout the season, the Crusaders seem ready to play in a big road game in a win-or-go-home situation.
Look for quarterback Davi Belfort to have a solid game on the road.
PREDICTION: 32-20 Cardinal Newman
CLASS 4A, REGION 3
Glades Central (6-5) at Lakewood (8-2) – 7:30 p.m. kickoff
It has been an up-and-down season so far for Glades Central.
Last week, Glades Central picked up a critical win against American Heritage-Delray, thanks to a strong showing by quarterback Garrison Kepley.
Kepley will have to be strong again as Glades Central makes the trek up to St. Petersburg for the game.
Glades Central is well-coached and has the offensive talent to win this game. But having to make a nearly 185-mile trip northwest may make things difficult.
Overall, expect a close one either way.
PREDICTION: 29-24 Lakewood
CLASS 8A, REGION 2
Vero Beach (7-2) at Palm Beach Central (9-0) – 6:30 p.m. kickoff
Vero Beach is a talented football team that has an offense capable of keeping up with almost anyone.
Palm Beach Central has the same thing, and it has the home-field advantage.
Vero Beach has a talented secondary. But the Palm Beach Central passing attack, led by quarterback Ahmad Haston, can win any game.
Prediction: 37-23 Palm Beach Central
