#8 East Ridge vs #1 Bartram Trail
- Bartram Trail Bears (7-3)
Bartram’s record doesn’t tell the entire story about their season. This impressive team went to Cartersville Georgia (10-0) to face arguably the top quarterback in the country. Traveled to St. Augustine (9-0) and faced the top passing and receiving duo in the state, then faced the top running back in the state from Cocoa (8-1). Three losses to three great teams yes; but six wins against six really good teams like Clay (7-3), Mainland (7-3), and Fleming Island (8-2) have the Bears battled tested for a long playoff run. The new high school football playoff point system rewarded them by their strength of schedule by being the number one seed. Head coach Darrell Sutherland uses a duel quarterback threat in seniors Joey Gatewood and Riley Smith which power the #1 offense in Northeast Florida. Their defense has given up lots of big plays and yardage this year which may pose a problem in the playoffs.
Key Players:
Quarterback: Joey Gatewood ( 1,004 Pass Yards, 8 TDs, 1 int)
Quarterback: Riley Smith (873 yds, 9 TDs, 4 int)
Wide Receiver: Xavier Hutchinson ( 611 yards rec, 5 TDs)
Running back: Devin Ellison ( 800 yards rushing, 13 TDs)
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- East Ridge (7-3)
The Knights out of Clermont have had to overcome adversity this season. After switching coaches before the start of the season. Coach Ashour Peera was replaced by head coach Jason Robinson after alleged recruiting violations. It’s their first time in the playoffs since 2011, and have navigated a tough schedule as well. With losses to #1 seed Edgewater(8-2) and #5, 6A Niceville (6-3) in their regular season, the strength of schedule also worked in their favor. Just like their opponent, they use a duel quarterback tandem with quarterbacks Caleb Lynum and Mike Lombardo. They are led by athlete Justin Watkins who they use in many different ways. They have been characterized as a one trick pony as Watkins plays offense, defense and special teams. Take him out of the game, and its a very different team.
Key Players:
QB: Caleb Lynum (1,094yds passing, 10 TDs, 3 Ints)
QB: Mike Lombardo (617yds passing, 7 Tds, 2 ints)
ATH: Justin Watkins (1279 all purpose yards)
WR: Tyree Baptiste (438 rec yds, 5 TDs)
2017 Florida High School Football Playoff Brackets: FHSAA Class 7A
