The first round of the state playoffs begin Thursday and Friday for 192 football teams, the dream to win a state title is their for every team.
The playoff format is simple just ‘survive and advance’ and move on to the next round of the playoffs. It takes 4 wins to win the small school state title (1A-4A) and 5 wins to win the big school state title (5A-8A).
While a lot of people frown upon on the states smallest classification, its one of the most exciting and evenly balanced classification as well, I believe as many as 7 teams have a chance to bring home the state title trophy.
So without further ado, here is my prediction for all of the eight classes.
Projected spreads are from notorious expert Joe Pinkos, who has a mathematical formula for picking high school football games across the state of Florida
First round (16 teams)
Cottondale at Baker
Pinkos: Baker by 38
Corey: Baker
Northview at Graceville
Pinkos: Northview by 13
Corey: Northview
Chipley at Blountstown
Pinkos: Blountstown by 31
Corey: Blountstown
Port St Joe at West Gadsden
Pinkos: Port St Joe by 9
Corey: Port St Joe
Baldwin at Madison County
Pinkos: Madison by 32
Corey: Madison County
Outlook: Steve Shields has done an amazing job turning around the Indians program from worst to almost first in the district in one season. Baldwin put up a good fight last week with Lee and has talent with Isaiah Miller (Oregon State commit), Gavin Screws, Shane Sanderson, Torri Singletary, Kolby Burns and Tyler Murray but playing in Boot Hill will be the toughest environment these kids will have ever played in.
Hamilton County at Fort White
Pinkos: Fort White by 20
Corey: Fort White
Outlook: Having seen the Indians in person, I can attest the abundant of talent head coach Demetric Jackson has to work with. Try to stop DJ Jackson and you still have to stop Shannon Showers, Jacquez Pelham, Dedrick Vanoever and Kalin Timmons.
Frostproof at Trenton
Pinkos: Trenton by 24
Corey: Trenton
Outlook: Trenton has been on the biggest stage a few times over the last couple years winning the state title and its virtually impossible to see the Tigers losing in the first round at home.
Newberry at Pahokee
Pinkos: Pahokee by 3
Corey: Pahokee
Outlook: If this were anybody but Pahokee, I might have been tempted to pick Newberry. The Panthers are a solid team led by two defensive studs but going to the Muck and playing a resurging and undefeated Pahokee team is going to be extremely difficult challenge.
State title game
Pinkos: Madison County over Baker
Corey: Pakokee over Port St Joe
