The USA TODAY Florida Network breaks down the Floridspan high school footbspanll plspanyoffs region by region. Here’s a look at what to expect in Class 1M.
Roundup:USA Todspany Network reporters brespank down the FHSAA footbspanll plspanyoffs
Region 1
First round
(1) Trinity Christian vs. (4) Orlando Christian
(2) University Christian vs. (3) First Academy
Burning question
Would a Trinity Christian-University Christian matchup be different the second time around?
Trinity has dominated this series in recent years, including a 20-13 win on Oct. 14 — and that was without sophomore quarterback Colin Hurley. But there’s a reason coaches say it’s harder to beat the same team twice in a season. And University is no pushover. The Christians won every other game they played by at least 19 points.
Recruit to watch
Treyaun Webb (Trinity Christian RB)
Webb, a Florida commit, is ranked No. 38 on the USA Today Florida Network top 100. The only real question about Webb is whether the 6-foot-1, 205-pounder could stay healthy and (knock on wood) so far this year he has.
Potential matchup we’d pay to see
Trinity Christian vs. University Christian (regional final)
Region 2
First round
(1) Clearwater Central Catholic vs. (4) Indian Rocks Christian
(2) Northside Christian vs. (3) Carrollwood Day
Burning question
Can anyone slow down Clearwater Central Catholic?
CCC has been outstanding this season with a resume that includes wins over Berkeley Prep (Class 3A state runner-up in 2021), Tampa Catholic, Sebring (Class 5A state semifinalist in 2021), Jesuit (Clas 6A state champion in 2021) and Carrollwood Day. More than just the wins, they seem to be getting better as the season goes on. Can any of the other three teams come up with a game plan to stop the Marauders momentum?
Recruit to watch
Anthony Carrie (Carrollwood Day RB)
The 6-foot, 191-pound Carrie is one of the nation’s premier recruits in the class of 2024. He has more than 40 offers, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Notre Dame and Ohio State. He’s averaging more than 100 yards and nearly two touchdowns per game this season.
Potential matchup we’d pay to see
Clearwater Central Catholic vs. Carrollwood Day (regional final)
Region 3
First round
(1) Chaminade-Madonna vs. (4) Avant Garde
(2) Cardinal Newman vs. (3) Benjamin
Burning question
Is Benjamin peaking at the right time?
This isn’t the way Benjamin thought the season would go. Early season injuries and being unsettled at quarterback played a key role in the Buccaneers starting the season 0-3. It’s been a different story since then and they would love a second chance to play Cardinal Newman with a healthy Chauncey Bowens in the backfield.
Recruit to watch
Jeremiah Smith (Chaminade-Madonna WR)
It seems like you could throw a dart at Chaminade’s roster and come away with a Power 5 recruit. Smith, a 6-foot-3, 195-pound juniors, is the cream of the crop and arguably the top receiver in the Class of 2024. His offers include Alabama, Miami, Ohio State and USC.
Potential matchup we’d pay to see
Chaminade-Madonna vs. Cardinal Newman (regional final)
Region 4
First round
(1) Archbishop Carroll vs. (4) Palmer Trinity
(2) Westminster Christian vs. (3) True North Classical Academy
Burning question
Who’s the favorite?
Archbishop Carroll beat Westminster and lost to True North. Westminster beat True North but lost to Archbishop Carroll. True North beat Archbishop Carroll but lost to Westminster. Get the picture? There isn’t a clear favorite in this region, which makes it that much more exciting.
Recruit to watch
Jason Barkett (Westminster Christian QB)
The 6-foot-1, 170-pound sophomore threw for 1,881 yards and 24 touchdowns and rushed for 202 yards and five touchdowns during the first nine weeks of the season. He’s been a consistent performer for the Warriors this fall.
Matchup we’d pay to see
Westminster Christian vs. True North (regional semifinal)