Football Hotbed Florida High School Football Regional Final Rankings

Marcus Benjamin @_BenjaminReport

On any given day, a team can lose.  American football is the ultimate team sport and if there is a lack of focus from some members the football team, that team has a chance to lose, and lose big.  Teams considered the favorites going into black Friday suffered gut wrenching losses and will be thinking about what could have been for months. It goes to show you that if you do not come out swinging, you might get knocked out and wondering what happened when it is too late.

Running With The Bulls

The defending 6A champion Miami Northwestern Bulls has been overlooked all season. The Bulls lost two out of their first three games and just about everyone counted them out to repeat as champions.  Northwestern finished the regular season 5-5 and entered these playoffs as a six seed forcing them to start their playoff run on the road. In the first two rounds of the playoffs, the Bulls defeated Mainland (Daytona) and Heritage (Palm Bay) by a combined score of 69-36 setting up a rematch with district rival Miami Central.  Central defeated state title favorite Miami Carol City in the previous week and defeated Miami Northwestern 38-10 earlier this season setting up an anticipated rematch at a neutral site at Traz Powell Stadium in Miami.

The score was 15-12 when senior quarterback Isaiah Velez completed 10 of 12 passes for 88 yards on the game-winning drive.  

Must see highlights!!! 🔥🔥🔥 @IsaiahVelez_ engineers game winning drive. UPSET: Miami @MNW_Bulls1955 Northwestern shocks Miami Central in 2018 Playoffs https://t.co/IhlKqjsbqB via @YouTube @FootballHotbed

— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) November 25, 2018

Velez found sophomore Romello Brinson on the touchdown winning play to advance the Bulls to their second straight state semifinals.

Velez had an enormous amount of pressure going into this season replacing Chatarius “Tutu” Atwell now at the University of Louisville.  After the huge win over Miami Central the pressure might be greater now to bring a state championship back to Dade County. ‘The West’ travels west to Naples this week with the chance to punch their ticket to Orlando.  The Bulls defeated the Golden Eagles 42-7 in the state semis at Traz last season.

Mandarin Wins Battle Of the Mustangs

Getting big wins on the road have been a theme in these playoffs.  The Mandarin (Jacksonville) Mustangs defeated who many considered the 8A favorite Wekiva 19-7 in Apopka.  It was the most points the Wekiva Mustangs surrendered to their last seven opponents combined. The score was 7-6 in the third quarter when Alabama commit Carson Beck found senior wide receiver and FIU commit Kris Mitchell for a 54-yard touchdown to take the lead for Mandarin that would not be relinquished.  Senior defensive back Demario Douglas sealed the victory with a 55-yard pick six in the final minute. The Mustangs will host the state semifinal against Riverview Sarasota.

The top high-school football games in #Orlando over Thanksgiving weekend delivered! @FootballHotbed has the highlights as @CocoaFootball Tigers roared Bishop Verot & @Mandarin_hs_fb upset top seed Wekiva. pic.twitter.com/9XqclzeIIy

— FOX Sports Florida (@FOXSportsFL) November 26, 2018

QB2 playing Role Of QB1

Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) pulled out a gutty win over Jones (Orlando) the previous week and lost their leader and starter Nik Scalzo at quarterback to a season ending ACL injury in the process.  Nik Scalzo will be featured in the third season of the Netflix series QB1.  The following week Gibbons needed to defeat their district 16-5A rival American Heritage (Plantation) in one of the biggest games in the their school’s history. Backup quarterback Brody Palhegyi was efficient in his first start as he completed 78% of his passes scoring two passing touchdowns and zero interceptions in a 35-7 win.  

South Florida is still buzzing about these final results. In Broward, revenge was spelled G-I-B-B-O-N-S as @GibbonsFootball topped rival American Heritage. In #Miami, twas a Year of the Bull approved final as Northwestern topped rival Central. @FootballHotbed with more=> pic.twitter.com/aGNI6YEb7F

— FOX Sports Florida (@FOXSportsFL) November 26, 2018

He leaned on his defense led by standout senior Khris Bogle and the running game of senior Vincent Davis and junior Tajae Davis. 

The duo combined for 218 yards and two touchdowns. The Chiefs now host Tampa Jesuit with a chance to move on to their first championship game since 1990.

Rams Likely 

The defending 8A champion Dr. Phillips (Orlando) fell to Riverview Sarasota over the Thanksgiving weekend 33-7.  Junior quarterback Sean White continues to lead the read/option Rams through the playoffs.  The Rams defense shutout the Panthers in the second half.  

Indians Hault Bulls

The best season in school history came to an end for Bloomingdale (Valric0) as they were eliminated by defending 7A state champion Venice.  The Indians trailed at halftime 32-29 but score 28 unanswered points to move on the state semifinals.  Senior running back Brandon Gregory and senior quarterback Hayden Wolff lead a strong offensive attack into Fort Lauderdale to take on top seeded St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale).  Venice has won 12 straight games since losing the opener to Vero Beach.

In #Tampa, there was no stopping @LHSDreadnaughts and high-flying running back @Bowman_22. @FootballHotbed has the highlights, plus the scoop on @VeniceIndianFB victory. pic.twitter.com/GWfUitI1Sy

— FOX Sports Florida (@FOXSportsFL) November 26, 2018

State Semifinals This Week

8A

Columbus (Miami) (13-0) At Deerfield Beach (12-1) Friday 7:30 PM

Riverview Sarasota (11-3) At Mandarin (Jacksonville) (9-4) Friday 7:30 PM

7A

Edgewater (Orlando) (12-1) At Lakeland (13-0) Friday 7:30 PM

Venice (12-1) At St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) (12-1) Friday 7:30 PM

6A

Crestview (10-2) At Armwood (Seffner) (12-1) Friday 7:30 PM

Miami Northwestern (8-5) At Naples (12-1) Friday 7:30 PM

5A

North Marion (Citra) At Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) (13-0) Friday 7:30 PM

Tampa Jesuit (12-1) At Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) (11-2) Friday 7:30 PM

4A

Dunnellon (8-5) At Raines (Jacksonville) (11-1) Friday 7:30 PM

University School (Davie) (11-1) At Cocoa (9-3) Friday 7:30 PM

3A

Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) (10-2) At Clearwater Central Catholic (12-0) Friday 7:30 PM

King’s Academy (West Palm Beach) (11-1) At FSU High (Tallahassee) (8-3) Friday 7:30 PM

2A

Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah) (8-5) At Admiral Farragut (St. Petersburg) (10-1)

Victory Christian (Lakeland) (11-1) At North Florida Christian (Tallahassee) (7-4) Friday 7:00 PM

1A

Hawthorne (12-0) At Madison County (11-1) Friday 7:30 PM

Port St. Joe (11-0) At Baker (12-0) Friday 7:30 PM

Top 25

(Teams eliminated from playoffs not included)

1. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) (7A) (12-1)

Last week: Defeated Dwyer (Palm Beach Gardens) 35-0

This week: Vs. Venice Friday 7:30 PM

2. Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) (5A) (13-0)

Last week: Defeated Bolles (Jacksonville) 34-7

This week: Vs. North Marion (Citra) 7:30 PM Friday

3. Deerfield Beach (8A) (12-1)

Last week: Defeated Palm Beach Central (Wellington) 24-13

This week: Vs. Miami Columbus Friday 7:30 PM

4. Miami Columbus (8A) (13-0)

Last week: Defeated South Dade (Homestead) 54-28

This week: At Deerfield Beach Friday 7:30 PM

5. Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) (5A) (11-2)

Last week: Defeated American Heritage (Plantation) 35-7

This week: Vs. Tampa Jesuit Friday 7:30 PM

6. Lakeland (7A) (13-0)

Last week: Defeated Plant (Tampa) 49-30

This week: Vs. Edgewater (Orlando) Friday 7:30 PM

7. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) (3A) (10-2)

Last week:  Defeated American Heritage (Delray) 14-3

This week: At Clearwater Central Catholic Friday 7:30 PM

8. Clearwater Central Catholic (3A) (12-0)

Last week: Defeated Berkeley Prep (Tampa) 35-7

This week: Vs. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) Friday 7:30 PM

    9. Venice (7A) (12-1)

Last week: Defeated Bloomingdale (Valrico) 57-32

This week: At St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) Friday 7:30 PM

10. Armwood (Seffner) (6A) (12-1)

Last week: Defeated Vanguard (Ocala) 31-6

This week: Vs. Crestview Friday 7:30 PM

11. Tampa Jesuit (5A) (12-1)

Last week: Defeated Jefferson (Tampa) 34-14

This week: At Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) Friday 7:30 PM

12. Miami Northwestern (6A) (8-5)

Last week: Defeated Miami Central 19-15

This week: At Naples Friday 7:30 PM

13. Raines (Jacksonville) (4A) (11-1)

Last week: Defeated West Nassau (Callahan) 42-0

This week: Vs. Dunnellon Friday 7:30 PM

14. Mandarin (Jacksonville) (8A) (9-4)

Last week: Defeated Wekiva (Apopka) 19-7

This week: Vs. Riverview Sarasota Friday 7:30 PM

15. Edgewater (Orlando) (7A) (12-1)

Last week: Defeated Lee (Jacksonville) 41-7

This week: At Lakeland Friday 7:30 PM

16. Naples (6A) (12-1)

Last week: Defeated North Fort Myers 23-0

This week: Vs. Miami Northwestern Friday 7:30 PM

17. Madison County (1A) (11-1)

Last week: Defeated Chiefland 49-14

This week: Vs. Hawthorne Friday 7:30 PM

18. University School (Davie) (4A) (11-1)

Last week: Defeated Glades Central (Belle Glade) 45-14

This week: At Cocoa Friday 7:30 PM

19. Cocoa (4A) (9-3)

Last week: Defeated Bishop Verot (Fort Myers) 38-14

This week: Vs. University School (Davie) Friday 7:30 PM

20. Crestview (6A) (10-2)

Last week: Defeated Navarre 49-27

This week: At Armwood (Seffner) Friday 7:30 PM

21. Riverview Sarasota (8A) (11-3)

Last week: Defeated Dr. Phillips (Orlando) 33-7

This week: At Mandarin (Jacksonville) Friday 7:30 PM

22. Victory Christian (Lakeland) (2A) (11-1)

Last week: Defeated Foundation Academy (Winter Garden) 36-7

This week: At North Florida Christian (Tallahassee) Friday 7:30 PM

23. Admiral Farragut (St. Petersburg) (2A) (10-1)

Last week: Defeated Seffner Christian 20-7

This week: Vs. Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah) Friday 7:30 PM

24. Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah) (2A) (8-5)

Last week: Defeated Neumann (Naples) 21-10

This week: At Admiral Farragut (St. Petersburg) Friday 7:30 PM

25. King’s Academy (3A) (11-1)

Last week: Defeated The First Academy (Orlando) 23-22

This week: At Florida State University High (Tallahassee) Friday 7:30 PM

Rankings By Class

8A

1. Deerfield Beach (12-1)

Last week: Defeated Palm Beach Central (Wellington) 24-13

This week: Vs. Miami Columbus Friday 7:30 PM

2. Miami Columbus (13-0)

Last week: Defeated South Dade (Homestead) 54-28

This week: At Deerfield Beach Friday 7:30 PM

3. Mandarin (Jacksonville) (9-4)

Last week: Defeated Wekiva (Apopka) 19-7

This week: Vs. Riverview Sarasota Friday 7:30 PM

4. Riverview Sarasota (11-3)

Last week: Defeated Dr. Phillips (Orlando) 33-7

This week: At Mandarin (Jacksonville) Friday 7:30 PM

7A

1. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) (12-1)

Last week: Defeated Dwyer (Palm Beach Gardens) 35-0

This week: Vs. Venice Friday 7:30 PM

2. Lakeland (13-0)

Last week: Defeated Plant (Tampa) 49-30

This week: Vs. Edgewater (Orlando) Friday 7:30 PM

3. 3. Venice (12-1)

Last week: Defeated Bloomingdale (Valrico) 57-32

This week: At St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) Friday 7:30 PM

4. Edgewater (Orlando) (7A) (12-1)

Last week: Defeated Lee (Jacksonville) 41-7

This week: At Lakeland Friday 7:30 PM

6A

1. Armwood (Seffner) (12-1)

Last week: Defeated Vanguard (Ocala) 31-6

This week: Vs. Crestview Friday 7:30 PM

2. Miami Northwestern (8-5)

Last week: Defeated Miami Central 19-15

This week: At Naples Friday 7:30 PM

3. Naples (12-1)

Last week: Defeated North Fort Myers 23-0

This week: Vs. Miami Northwestern Friday 7:30 PM

4. Crestview (10-2)

Last week: Defeated Navarre 49-27

This week: At Armwood (Seffner) Friday 7:30 PM

5A

1. Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) (13-0)

Last week: Defeated Bolles (Jacksonville) 34-7

This week: Vs. North Marion (Citra) 7:30 PM Friday

2. Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) (11-2)

Last week: Defeated American Heritage (Plantation) 35-7

This week: Vs. Tampa Jesuit Friday 7:30 PM

3. Tampa Jesuit (12-1)

Last week: Defeated Jefferson (Tampa) 34-14

This week: At Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) Friday 7:30 PM

4. North Marion (Citra) (12-1)

Last week: Defeated Nature Coast Tech (Brooksville) 29-22

This week: At Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) Friday 7:30 PM

4A

1. Raines (Jacksonville) (11-1)

Last week: Defeated West Nassau (Callahan) 42-0

This week: Vs. Dunnellon Friday 7:30 PM

2. University School (Davie) (11-1)

Last week: Defeated Glades Central (Belle Glade) 45-14

This week: At Cocoa Friday 7:30 PM

3. Cocoa (9-3)

Last week: Defeated Bishop Verot (Fort Myers) 38-14

This week: Vs. University School (Davie) Friday 7:30 PM

4. Dunnellon (8-5)

Last week: Defeated The Villages Charter 43-41

This week: At Raines (Jacksonville) Friday 7:30 PM

3A

1. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) (10-2)

Last week:  Defeated American Heritage (Delray) 14-3

This week: At Clearwater Central Catholic Friday 7:30 PM

2. Clearwater Central Catholic (12-0)

Last week: Defeated Berkeley Prep (Tampa) 35-7

This week: Vs. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) Friday 7:30 PM

3. King’s Academy (11-1)

Last week: Defeated The First Academy (Orlando) 23-22

This week: At Florida State University High (Tallahassee) Friday 7:30 PM

4. Florida State University High (Tallahassee) (8-3)

Last week: Defeated Taylor County (Perry) 30-22

This week: Vs. King’s Academy (West Palm Beach) Friday 7:30 PM

2A

1. Victory Christian (Lakeland) (11-1)

Last week: Defeated Foundation Academy (Winter Garden) 36-7

This week: At North Florida Christian (Tallahassee) Friday 7:30 PM

2. Admiral Farragut (St. Petersburg) (10-1)

Last week: Defeated Seffner Christian 20-7

This week: Vs. Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah) Friday 7:30 PM

3. Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah) (2A) (8-5)

Last week: Defeated Neumann (Naples) 21-10

This week: At Admiral Farragut (St. Petersburg) Friday 7:30 PM

4. North Florida Christian (Tallahassee) (7-4)

Last week: Defeated University Christian 45-21

This week: Vs. Victory Christian (Lakeland) Friday 7:30 PM

1A

1. Madison County (11-1)

Last week: Defeated Chiefland 49-14

This week: Vs. Hawthorne Friday 7:30 PM

2. Hawthorne (12-0)

Last week: Defeated Pahokee 25-6

This week: At Madison County Friday 7:30 PM

3. Baker (12-0)

Last week: Defeated Vernon 51-19

This week: Vs. Port St. Joe Friday 7:30 PM

4. Port St. Joe (11-0)

Last week: Defeated Jefferson County 37-20

This week: At Baker Friday 7:30 PM

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