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High school football: FHSAA Class 1M state tournament playoff preview

SportsHigh school football: FHSAA Class 1M state tournament playoff preview

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

Trinity Christian Academy's Treyaun Webb (3)  punches through Providence defenders for the opening touchdown of the game during first quarter action. Trinity Christian Academy hosted the Providence School of Jacksonville in Friday night football, October 28, 2022. Trinity went into the half with a 42 to 3 lead over Providence.

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

Cardinal Newman wide receiver Nae’Shaun Montgomery (3) catches a fourth quarter touchdown pass over John Carroll defensive back Robert Jones during the fourth quarter of a 40-7 victory Monday night in West Palm Beach.

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)

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