5 Bold Predictions for Week 2 of the Ocala-area high school football season
Football teams around the state knocked off the offseason rust in week 1. Week 2 is about fine tuning their on field production.
Due to Hurricane Idalia, the in-county football game between North Marion and Dunnellon is cancelled, and all 11-man football teams in Marion County are on the road. Their matchup has been rescheduled for Monday, October 9th.
As teams gear up for Friday night, it's time to get clairvoyant. Here are five bold predictions to track before the action begins.
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Vanguard finds offensive consistency
The talk around Vanguard's success starts on the defensive side of the ball. Their X factor coming into week two is offense.
The Knights have playmakers at every position, but the offense sputtered during the Erie game. Playing Lake Minneola is a chance for them to work out all the kinks. When that happens, Vanguard becomes a threat on each snap in all three phases of the game.
Trinity Catholic has a statement win
Trinity Catholic's Covid scare scrapped their season opener and growing rivalry with Florida State University High School. This week they head down to Tampa to play state runner-up Clearwater Central Catholic.
The Celtics staved off a second half comeback in last year's meeting. This game is a chance for Trinity Catholic to show teams it is at the top of its game by keeping the Marauders under 21 points and winning by two touchdowns.
Belleview gets its first win
Belleview lost to Lecanto in week 1 but flashed an offense that can score in bunches. The Rattlers had four touchdowns behind Nick Mills' 150 return yards.
The Rattlers are showcasing an offense that can cross the pylons several times a game. That offensive firepower could lead to Belleview getting its first win under coach Tom Elliott.
Lake Weir scores two defensive touchdowns
The Hurricanes season opener was pushed back a week due to a Covid outbreak at Saint Francis. Another week of preparation will only amplify the hunger every football player feels before the season starts.
There's some dangerous players on Lake Weir's defense. If they're as active as they were in the preseason, turnovers will come on their own. With the athletes the Hurricanes have, they'll turn opportunities into points.
West Port bounces back in a big way
West Port had a rough week 1 game against Dunnellon, but that doesn't feel like the Wolf Pack team we'll see for the rest of the season. When they travel down to Winter Springs High School to play the FHSAA 528th ranked football team.
West Port could shrink their 39 point deferential by the end of the night. With a point to prove and revenge on their minds, predicting a five touchdown night with a 21 point win is on the table.
Allen Pettigrew is a sports reporter for the Ocala Star-Banner. You can follow him on Twitter @AP_Writess and contact him at apettigrew@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: 5 Bold Football Predictions: What could happen in Ocala during Week 2
