Playoff predictions: Which Palm Beach County teams will advance to regional finals?
What was once a group of 16 teams has already dwindled down to six — two of them automatic qualifiers — after just one week of FHSAA playoffs.
Why the majority of area teams struggle to thrive once they cross Palm Beach County lines is a question to ponder in another article.
For now, however, let's take a look at which teams will prove to withstand the brutalities of this week's schedule.
Inside 3A: Benjamin prepares to host The First Academy in regional semifinals
Inside 1A: Pahokee football: Blue Devils enter playoffs brimming with confidence
Last Week: Cardinal Newman advances to 3A regional semifinals with dominant win over St. Andrew's
6. Champagnat Catholic (7-2) at Glades Day (9-1)
Last year, Champagnat Catholic earned its second consecutive state title. Returning the majority of its roster, the Lions will likely be going for a threepeat.
Despite a 9-1 record, the strength of their regular season schedule just wasn't there to prepare the Gators for making it out of this week.
Friday, 7 p.m.
Prediction: 35-14, Champagnat Catholic
5. Cardinal Newman (8-3) at Miami – Florida Christian (8-1)
Florida Christian has only faced two teams with a winning record this season: Somerset Academy-Pembroke Pines and Ransom Everglades. And both teams played opponents that could be argued to be categorically worse.
While the Crusaders schedule wasn't the most demanding, they did at least face Cardinal Gibbons and Gulliver Prep – two learning experiences that I think will help Newman advance to the next round.
Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Prediction: 31-14, Cardinal Newman
4. Bradford (6-5) at Pahokee (7-1)
Let's keep it simple.
If Pahokee's not worried, I'm not worried. The Blue Devils are moving on in Class 1A.
Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Prediction: 42-7, Pahokee
3. The First Academy (8-2) at Benjamin (7-3)
Benjamin's offense is clicking with quarterback Tyler Aronson and Chauncey Bowens at 100 percent. The only question coming into this week is if Benjamin can handle the Wing-T.
Considering their success against it earlier in the season and just finishing their best defensive performance of the year against King's Academy, this won't be the last time we see the Bucs.
Friday, 7 p.m.
Prediction: 38-17, Benjamin
2. Glades Central (6-5) at Lakewood (8-2)
If Garrison Kepley has another performance like he did last week, completing 76 percent of passes for 252 yards and three touchdowns, Glades Central is going to go toe-to-toe with Lakewood.
Kepley missed an early-season loss to Atlantic – the only common opponent between this week's competitors. Considering the Eagles only lost 34-28 against the Spartans, I think the Raiders can pull off the upset.
Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Prediction: 28-20, Glades Central
1. Vero Beach (7-2) at Palm Beach Central (9-0)
Last week, Vero Beach posted its first road win in the postseason since 2003. However, it could be their last after losing impact players due to disciplinary issues this week.
Additionally, the Indians defensive line lacks the size that it's known for and doesn't seem to be a focus for the coaching staff, allowing an average of approximately 23 points per game.
Friday, 6:30 p.m.
Prediction: 31-21, Palm Beach Central
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Which Palm Beach County football teams will advance to region finals?
