We are down to eight teams in each class in the 2019 version of the FHSAA playoffs. The state of Florida can be put up against any state in the country as far as talent is concerned and the competition in each round thus far has been fierce. The current regional final round could and should be the most exciting of the entire playoffs. The matchups are scintillating and it is a shame that the majority of the games will be played simultaneously on Friday night. Buckle your safety belt, get your popcorn ready, call whoever you need to call because this weekend will be a memorable one.
Each week during these playoffs, we eliminate teams from the Football Hotbed Rankings as they are eliminated from playoff contention. At the end of the weekend, the 64 teams remaining will be cut down to 32 and of the 32 predictions made in our playoff preview, 25 teams are left standing.
See our championship game predictions and full updated playoff bracket in our playoff preview.
Change At Number One
For the first time all year, we have a new number one. The new top team in St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) took care of business once again dismantling district opponent Plantation for the second time this year. This go-round in the playoffs was more dominating than the first as the Raiders pillaged the Colonels 52-19 to advance to the regional final. Sophomore quarterback Zion Turner had another great day for the Raiders accounting for three touchdowns including 58 and 37-yard touchdown passes to Georgia commit Marcus Rosemy.
Another viral catch by @rosemy_marcus Holding him for 20 yards 🤣😂@STA_Football @CoachHarriott #And1 pic.twitter.com/pt6cOeyT7Q
— Pressure Athletics (@pressure_athl) November 18, 2019
Marcus Rosemy Plantation Game Film
Lakeland Look Vulnerable For the First Time
St. Thomas did not vault to the top spot solely because of their performance on the field, it was more about how unimpressive the former number one Lakeland looked against Tampa Bay Tech. The Dreadnaughts escaped with a 37-30 win over TBT giving up the most points to an opponent this season. Lakeland would need every yard from DeMarkcus Bowman’s 20 carry 174 yard four touchdown performance to remain undefeated. The game was close throughout as the Titans made it a touchdown game as junior David Wright tossed a 27-yard touchdown with a minute to go. A failed onside kick would end the rally for TBT as Lakeland marches on to play Armwood in a monster game in the next round.
David Wright Lakeland Game Film
No Shutout No Problem
The Hawks of Armwood (Seffner) have been as impressive as any other team this season. Bloomingdale (Valrico) was the latest team to suffer defeat to the 2018 6A state runner-ups last weekend in a 20-6 loss. Armwood took down Bloomingdale for the second time this season with the first game ending in a 28-0 shutout. This was a 14-9 game in the third quarter until senior quarterback Hunter Helton connected with junior receiver Agiye Hall for a 65-yard touchdown.
The win ended a six-game shutout streak that included a 32-0 shutout of Tampa Bay Tech back in October. The Hawks get the Dreadnaughts at home this week.
Agiye Hall Game Bloomingdale Game Film
Giant Killers
The ‘Giant Killers’ of Western are at it again. Western Head Coach Adam Ratkevich proclaims his team as such and for the third consecutive year, the Wildcats defeated a higher-seeded opponent in the playoffs. This year’s victim was the top seed in 8A region 4, Miami Palmetto. The Wildcat defense came up big stopping the Panthers short of the goal line on a two-point conversion to get a two-point 21-19 triumph over the number one seed. Freshman quarterback Colin Hurst found junior two-way player Omar Simpson for a 9-yard touchdown pass that would ultimately hold as the game-winning score. Western will make another trip down south to play Columbus in the regional final on Thursday night. If Western can pull off another victory, it will be their first-ever trip to the state semifinal. The winner of Western/Columbus (Miami) will get the winner of Vero Beach versus Deerfield Beach in the following round.
Omar Simpson Palmetto Game Film
Darters Make Bears Blue
Another team shifting the 2019 state championship narrative is Apopka. The Blue Darters pulled off the upset and knocked off previously undefeated Bartram Trail (St. Johns) in impressive fashion 34-13. Junior quarterback Jaquan Lowman had a stellar game rushing for 146 yards scoring three touchdowns including a 74-yarder.
Apopka scored 22 straight points to end Bartram Trail’s only undefeated season in school history. The three-time state champs rushed for 345 yards on the ground. Blue Darters get the top seed in 8A region 1, Seminole (Sanford) next week.
Jaquan Lowman Bartram Trail Game Film
Tornadoes and Raiders Play In Instant Classic
In perhaps the most exciting game of Friday night, Miami Booker T. Washington got by Gulliver Prep (Miami) with a close 34-31 win. The game had plenty of juice going into it as one of the top recruits in the country, defensive end Donnell Harris transferred from Miami Booker T. Washington to Gulliver in the offseason.
Juniors Torey Morrison and Jacorey Brooks connected on a fade route with 1:18 to go to take the lead for the final time in this back and forth battle. Gulliver took a 14-0 lead into halftime after a couple of Carson Haggard and Amin Hassan connections, but the Tornadoes stormed back scoring three straight touchdowns starting with a 77-yard touchdown to Brooks to take a 19-14 lead. With 5:58 left BTW would extend their lead to 26-17 with a touchdown pass to Edward Arza Jr. The Raiders would charge back hard with a 64-yard score to Jalen Brown and after a fumble recovery, Gulliver would take the lead when Anone Hall Jr. busted through for a 40-yard score to make it 31-26 game with 4:22 left. Booker T. moves on to play Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) next week while Gulliver’s undefeated season came to an end last Friday night.
Chiefs Flex On U-School
The 2018 5A state champs pulled away in the second half from University School (Davie) to win 35-17 to keep their chances of back-back state titles alive. The Chiefs have been focused on #defending19 all season and are few wins away from doing so. Junior quarterback Brody Palhegyi is confident with the offense and Head Coach Matt Dubuc likes what he’s seen from his quarterback most of the time.
Head Coach @Redskins32 had some kind words to say about his quarterback @Brody_Palhegyi. @GibbonsFootball advances with a 35-17 win over U School and get Booker T. Washington in the @FHSAA 4A regional final next week. @FootballHotbed pic.twitter.com/NssZS5oEwC
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminReport) November 16, 2019
Gibbons hosts Booker T. Washington this week in what should be a highly entertaining game.
Fight Till’ The End
A number of teams that are still playing football are still playing because they did not quit. Edgewater (Orlando) was nearly another top-seeded regional team to fall, but the Eagles were able to pull out a 23-17 victory in double overtime over Lincoln (Tallahassee) to keep their state championship hopes alive. After an Isaiah Connelly 6-yard touchdown run, Eric Doctor’s interception in the end zone would book Edgewater’s ticket to the regional final. The undefeated Niceville Eagles are next up in what should be a tight one.
Vanguard (Ocala) avenged a regular-season loss to North Marion (Citra) with a 14-6 postseason victory. On a night where the Knights were ineffective all game, it was the defense that made the plays to punch their way into the next round. DJ Dailey’s pick-six with under two minutes to play would ultimately end the Colts season. Vanguard travels to Jones in the regional final this week.
Atlantic (Delray) earned the right to play the top-seeded St. Thomas Raiders with a narrow 13-7 win over McArthur (Hollywood). The Mustangs had a chance with less than four minutes left to take the lead but were stopped at the Atlantic 15-yard line on fourth down.
Bry’yon Jones scored two touchdowns and Montahj Joseph had just over 100 yards rushing in the win.
Lee (Jacksonville) seem to have Columbia’s number in the second round as they advance with 31-27 win over the Tigers. It is the second time in three years that the Generals eliminated Columbia (Lake City) from the playoffs. Kade Jackson replaced injured starter Jordan Smith for the Tigers and led a furious comeback that would fall just short. Lee jumped out to a 31-7 lead led by Cameron Sapp’s two touchdown passes and 89 rushing yards.
Top Performers
Mykel Randall, CB, Vanguard – The junior had two interceptions including one returned for a touchdown.
Mykel Randall North Marion Game Film
Ralph Mency, DE, Lee – The senior defender had three sacks and an interception in a 31-27 win over Columbia. Lee travels to Pensacola to take on Escambia this week.
Steffon Johnson, QB, Venice – The junior had 380 yards rushing, five rushing touchdowns and a touchdown pass in a 62-35 win over Palm Beach Lakes. Venice plays at Manatee (Bradenton) this week.
Steffon Johnson Palm Beach Lakes Game Film
Troy Bowles, LB, Tampa Jesuit – The freshman had three sacks and an interception in a 30-9 victory over Chamberlain (Tampa). Jesuit go to Lake Wales Friday in the regional final.
Troy Bowles Chamberlain Game Film
Coleman Bennett, RB, Cardinal Gibbons – The senior rushed for 125 yards on 18 carries and scored the Chiefs opening touchdown in a 35-17 win over University School (Davie).
Coleman Bennett University School Game Film
Zamir Jones, QB, Dillard – The senior had 235 yards passing and 82 rushing yards scoring three touchdowns in a close 35-30 win over Fort Myers.
Zamir Jones Fort Myers Game Film
Thad Franklin, RB, Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) – The Miami commit had over 200 yards rushing and scored five touchdowns in a dominating win over Somerset Silver Palms. Chaminade will be at Calvary Christian (Fort Lauderdale) this week.
Thad Franklin Somerset Game Film
Games To Watch This Week In Florida
(All Game Times Eastern)
#2 Miami Northwestern At #3 American Heritage (Plantation) Friday 7:30
#4 Armwood (Seffner) Vs. #5 Lakeland Friday 7:30
#6 Miami Booker T. Washington At #7 Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) Friday 7:30
#13 Miami Central At #16 Dillard (Fort Lauderdale) Friday 7:30
#12 Seminole (Sanford) Vs. #19 Apopka Friday 7:30
#17 Columbus (Miami) Vs. #20 Western (Davie) Thursday 6:00
#10 Vero Beach Vs. #21 Deerfield Beach Friday 7:30
#9 Jones (Orlando) Vs. #22 Vanguard (Ocala) Friday 7:30
#1 St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) Vs. #24 Atlantic (Delray) Friday 7:30
#6 Edgewater (Orlando) Vs. Niceville Friday 7:30
Escambia (Pensacola) Vs. Lee (Jacksonville) Friday 7:30
Tampa Jesuit At Lake Wales Friday 7:30
Pensacola Catholic Vs. Florida State High (Tallahassee) Friday 7:30
Playoff Brackets
8A
2019 FHSAA Football State Championship Class 8A Football
7A
2019 FHSAA Football State Championship Class 7A Football
6A
2019 FHSAA Football State Championship Class 6A Football
5A
2019 FHSAA Football State Championship Class 5A Football
4A
2019 FHSAA Football State Championship Class 4A Football
3A
2019 FHSAA Football State Championship Class 3A Football
2A
2019 FHSAA Football State Championship Class 2A Football
1A
2019 FHSAA Football State Championship Class 1A Football
Top 25
1. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) (7A) (11-0)
Last Week: Defeated Plantation 59-19
This Week: Vs. Atlantic (Delray) Friday 7:30
2. Miami Northwestern (5A) (10-2)
Last Week: Defeated Miami Killian 47-3
This Week: At American Heritage (Plantation) Friday 7:30
3. American Heritage (Plantation) (5A) (10-1)
Last Week: Defeated North Miami Beach 44-0
This Week: Vs. Miami Northwestern Friday 7:30
4. Armwood (Seffner) (7A) (11-1)
Last Week: Defeated Bloomingdale (Valrico) 20-9
This Week: Vs. Lakeland Friday 7:30
5. Lakeland (7A) (12-0)
Last Week: Defeated Tampa Bay Tech 37-30
This Week: At Armwood (Seffner) Friday 7:30
6. Miami Booker T. Washington (4A) (10-2)
Last Week: Defeated Gulliver (Miami) 34-31
This Week: At Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) Friday 7:30
7. Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) (4A) (10-2)
Last Week: Defeated University School (Davie) 35-17
This Week: Vs. Miami Booker T. Washington Friday 7:30
8. Edgewater (Orlando) (7A) (11-1)
Last Week: Defeated Lincoln (Tallahassee) 23-17
This Week: Vs. Niceville Friday 7:30
9. Jones (Orlando) (5A) (11-1)
Last Week: Defeated Nature Coast Tech (Brooksville) 35-14
This Week: Vs. Vanguard (Ocala) Friday 7:30
10. Vero Beach (8A) (10-0)
Last Week: Defeated Treasure Coast 22-14
This Week: Vs. Deerfield Beach Friday 7:30
11. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) (3A) (9-2)
Last Week: Defeated Somerset Academy (Miami) 56-0
This Week: At Calvary Christian (Fort Lauderdale) Friday 7:30
12. Seminole (Sanford) (8A) (11-0)
Last Week: Defeated Timber Creek (Orlando) 17-10
Next Week: Vs. Apopka Friday 7:30
13. Miami Central (6A) (9-3)
Last Week: Defeated Naples 56-23
This Week: At Dillard (Fort Lauderdale) Friday 7:30
14. Lakewood (St. Petersburg) (4A) (11-0)
Last Week: Defeated Clewiston 35-0
This Week: Vs. Tampa Catholic Friday 7:30
15. Madison County (1A) (9-2)
Last Week: Defeated Hilliard 56-0
This Week: Vs. Union County Friday 7:30
16. Dillard (Fort Lauderdale) (6A) (12-0)
Last Week: Defeated Fort Myers 35-30
This Week: Vs. Miami Central Friday 7:30
17. Columbus (Miami) (8A) (8-4)
Last Week: Defeated Miami High 35-2
This Week: Vs. Western (Davie) Thursday 6:00
18. Gaither (Tampa) (6A) (11-1)
Last Week: Defeated Clearwater 27-20
Next Week: Vs. Lake Minneola Friday 7:30
19. Apopka (8A) (11-1)
Last Week: Defeated Bartram Trail (St. Johns) 34-13
This Week: At Seminole (Sanford) Friday 7:30
20. Western (Davie) (8A) (9-2)
Last Week: Defeated Miami Palmetto 21-19
This Week: Vs. Columbus (Miami) Thursday 6:00 PM
21. Deerfield Beach (8A) (9-3)
Last Week: Defeated Palm Beach Central 44-6
This Week: At Vero Beach Friday 7:30
22. Vanguard (Ocala) (5A) (9-2)
Last Week: Defeated North Marion (Citra) 14-6
This Week: At Jones (Orlando) Friday 7:30
23. Venice (7A) (7-4)
Last Week: Defeated Palm Beach Lakes 62-35
This Week: At Manatee (Bradenton) Friday 7:30
24. Atlantic (Delray) (7A) (7-3)
Last Week: Defeated McArthur (Hollywood) 13-7
This Week: At St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) Friday 7:30
25. Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah) (2A) (7-3)
Last Week: Defeated Miami Christian 35-7
This Week: Vs. Moore Haven Friday 7:30
Others Receiving Votes:
Cocoa (4A) (7-3)
Last Week: Defeated Astronaut (Titusville) 48-6
This Week: Vs. South Sumter (Bushnell) Friday 7:30
Escambia (Pensacola) (6A) (12-0)
Last Week: Defeated Mainland (Daytona) 27-7
This Week: Vs. Lee (Jacksonville) Friday 7:30
Florida State High (Tallahassee) (3A) (9-1)
Last Week: Defeated Episcopal School (Jacksonville) 48-19
This Week: At Pensacola Catholic Friday 7:30
Lake Wales (5A) (12-0)
Last Week: Defeated Atlantic (Port Orange) 36-21
This Week: Vs. Tampa Jesuit Friday 7:30
Lee (Jacksonville) (6A) (9-3)
Last Week: Defeated Columbia Lake City 31-27
This Week: At Escambia (Pensacola) Friday 7:30
Niceville (7A) (12-0)
Last Week: Defeated Fleming Island 47-28
This Week: At Edgewater (Orlando) Friday 7:30
Osceola (Kissimmee) (8A) (10-1)
Last Week: Defeated Dr. Phillips (Orlando) 20-7
This Week: Vs. Steinbrenner (Tampa) Friday 7:30
Pensacola Catholic (3A) (11-0)
Last Week: Defeated Trinity Catholic (Ocala) 28-14
This Week: Vs. Florida State High (Tallahassee) Friday 7:30
Tampa Jesuit (5A) (10-2)
Last Week: Defeated Chamberlain (Tampa) 30-7
This Week: At Lake Wales Friday 7:30
Rankings By Class (Top Three)
8A
Vero Beach
Seminole (Sanford)
Columbus (Miami)
7A
St. Thomas Aquinas
Armwood (Seffner)
Lakeland
6A
Miami Central
Dillard (Fort Lauderdale)
Gaither (Tampa)
5A
Miami Northwestern
American Heritage (Plantation)
Jones (Orlando)
4A
Miami Booker T. Washington
Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale)
Lakewood (St. Petersburg)
3A
Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood)
Florida State High (Tallahassee)
Pensacola Catholic
2A
Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah)
University Christian (Jacksonville)
Victory Christian (Lakeland)
1A
Madison County
Blountstown
Baker
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