5 Bold Predictions: What could happen during Week 1 of Ocala-area high school football
Marion County football starts early with Vanguard’s big game against Colorado powerhouse Erie Thursday night. When the bright lights flash on Thursday night, the 2023 season begins in an epic fashion.
Anything can happen when the ball kicks off. Teams haven’t cemented their identities and are searching for signature wins.
Can the Knights apply the defensive pressure needed to rattle their out-of-state opponent in Week 1? Here's how that game may shake out, and four more bold predictions for the start of the season.
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Trinity Catholic destroys rival by 3 touchdowns
There’s something about a rivalry game that brings out the best of both teams. Lately, Florida State University High School has had the upper hand in this battle.
We finally get to watch these perennial state powers play Friday night in Marion County. Trinity Catholic’s home-field advantage and maturation of its younger players could give them a convincing win Friday night.
Lake Weir begins its longest win streak since 2018
The Hurricanes’ last season above .500 was five years ago. Their move to the Sunshine Athletic Association could bring them their most competitive season since 2018.
The FHSAA has Lake Weir ranked an average of 55 spots higher than its next two opponents. By the time they reach week 3, they should have the confidence to push them past Umatilla. If that happens, they could be on their way to the best start in five seasons.
North Marion and Forest combine for over 50 points
The Colts and Wildcats have played high-scoring games for the past two seasons. The outcome has favored North Marion in the last two years, favoring the latter. Setting the over-under for this game at 50 points is about reading the tea leaves.
Forest returns all-state honorable mention quarterback VJ Poole. North Marion has a pair of the county’s most physically gifted wide outs.
Both teams have solid defenses, but they put points on the board quickly. Big plays from either could give them the scoring momentum to combine for six touchdowns.
Dunnellon forces three turnovers, and the game is decided in overtime
The War for Highway 40 will have the west side of Marion County rocking Friday night. Both teams were young last year, but the rivalry burned white hot.
The 2023 season pits Dunnellon’s defensive stars against West Port’s big-play offense. Advancing the ball down the field can be dangerous at the high school level, and that’s where the Tigers can take advantage of mistimed balls or broken routes. While turnovers may be a factor, the Wolf Pack can score in bunches, which could force overtime if Dunnellon struggles to capitalize on opportunities.
Vanguard shuts out Erie
Preseason play proved the Knights' backfield can handle any offense you can throw at them by limiting Miami Central to 13 points. If they can handle a top 10 team with Division 1 players, Vanguard should do well against their out-of-state opponent.
Erie isn’t a slouch. They return several starters from last year’s final four team that fell to eventual 4A state champion Broomfield. They’ll bring Kansas State commit Blake Barnett to challenge Vanguard. He’ll have his work cut out for him as he stares down a backfield filled with Division I college football players.
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: 5 bold predictions for week 1 of Marion County High School Football
