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High school football: FHSAA Class 3M state tournament playoff preview

jon santucci, palm beach post
·4 min read

The USA TODAY Florida Network breaks down the Florida high school football playoffs region by region. Here's a look at what to expect in Class 3M.

Roundup: USA Today Network reporters break down the FHSAA football playoffs

Region 1

Edward Gwinn of Tampa Bay Tech leads his team on the field to take on St. Thomas Aquinas in the Class 7A state championship game at DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, FL Dec. 17, 2021.
Edward Gwinn of Tampa Bay Tech leads his team on the field to take on St. Thomas Aquinas in the Class 7A state championship game at DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, FL Dec. 17, 2021.

Quarterfinals

(1) Edgewater 57, (8) First Coast 6

(5) Tampa Bay Tech 34, (4) Fletcher 3

(3) Oviedo vs. (6) Wharton

(2) Jones 29, (7) Wekiva

Semifinals

(1) Edgewater vs. (5) Tampa Bay Tech

(2) Jones

Edgewater is the No. 1 overall seed in the state and would host a state semifinal game if it wins the region

Burning question

Is this the best region in the state?

That's a tough one, but there are some exceptional teams in this region. Edgewater was the Class 7A state runner-up in 2019 and 2020. Tampa Bay Tech was the Class 7A state runner-up last year. Jones was a Final Four team a year ago. Wharton was a regional finalist in 2021. Not sure if this is the best region in the state but it is definitely loaded with teams that know how to win in the postseason.

Recruit to watch

Cedric Baxter Jr. (Edgewater RB)

The Texas commit is No. 6 on the USA Today Florida Network top 100 and the top-ranked running back in the state. The 6-foot-1, 215-pounder, has been dealing with a nagging injury, but when healthy he's arguably the most complete running back in the nation.

Potential matchup we’d pay to see

Edgewater vs. Tampa Bay Tech (regional semifinal)

Region 2

Jesuit takes the field to play Pine Forest in the Class 6A state championship game at DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, FL Dec. 17, 2021.
Jesuit takes the field to play Pine Forest in the Class 6A state championship game at DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, FL Dec. 17, 2021.

First round

(1) Jesuit 52, (8) St. Petersburg 0

(4) Gaither 27, (5) Pinellas Park 6

(3) East Bay 14, (6) Osceola (Seminole) 12

(2) Largo 22, (7) Northeast 0

Semifinals

(1) Jesuit vs. (4) Gaither

(2) Largo vs. (3) East Bay

Burning question

Will Jesuit's rough regular-season schedule pay off?

The Class 6A state champions last season, Jesuit loaded its schedule with elite opponents to prepare a younger squad for the postseason. The Tigers' strength of schedule (Wharton, Treasure Coast, Columbus, Armwood, Clearwater Central Catholic, Gaither, Tampa Bay Tech and Tampa Catholic) was hands-down the toughest in the region.

Recruit to watch

Eugene Wilson III (Gaither WR)

Jesuit senior linebacker Troy Bowles is the highest-ranked player in the region, but Wilson is the most electric. The Florida commit, ranked No. 41 on the USA Today Florida Network top 100, missed some time this season but reminded everyone what he can do with a nine-catch, 243-yard, three-touchdown performance against Durant on Oct. 21.

Potential matchup we’d pay to see

Jesuit vs. Largo (regional final)

Region 3

Fort Myers hosts St. Thomas Aquinas in high school football on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, in Fort Myers. The two teams also played each other 30 years ago in 1992.
Fort Myers hosts St. Thomas Aquinas in high school football on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, in Fort Myers. The two teams also played each other 30 years ago in 1992.

First round

(1) St. Thomas Aquinas 59, (8) Coconut Creek 14

(4) Atlantic vs. (5) Plantation

(3) Blanche Ely vs. (6) Dwyer

(2) Dillard 45, (7) Fort Lauderdale 20

Semifinals

(1) St. Thomas Aquinas

(2) Dillard

St. Thomas Aquinas is the No. 2 overall seed in the state and would host a state semifinal game if it wins the region

Burning question

Is there a legitimate challenger to Aquinas?

Death, taxes and Aquinas in the state championship game. It's just one of those things you expect to happen. So, can any of these teams stop it from happening? Dillard is loaded with talent and is one of the few teams that can match up with the Raiders from a talent perspective. Ely has had a season to remember, and belief is something that can't be underestimated. It would be an upset, but Aquinas will have ready challengers.

Recruit to watch

King Mack (St. Thomas Aquinas S)

Mack and fellow Penn State commit Conrad Hussey might be the best safety duo in the country. (Yes, country, not county.)  The 5-foot-11, 175-pounder has a knack for being around the ball. He had 37 tackles, five passes defended and blocked two kicks in eight games this season.

Potential matchup we’d pay to see

St. Thomas Aquinas vs. Dillard (regional final)

Region 4

First round

(1) Homestead 40, (8) North Miami 0

(5) Dr. Krop 23, (4) Belen Jesuit 17

(3) Miami Southridge 20, (6) South Broward 14

(2) Miramar 48, (7) Pembroke Pines Charter 0

Semifinals

(1) Homestead vs. (5) Dr. Krop

(2) Miramar vs. (3) Miami Southridge

Burning question

Is this Homestead's year?

Well, if the Broncos are healthy, it could be. Homestead's first loss came against Columbus in a Week 6 battle of two teams that were undefeated at the time. Homestead has notable wins against Miami Palmetto, Lakewood and Miami Northwestern this season and will be the team to beat in Region 4.

Recruit to watch

Richard Dandridge (Homestead WR)

The 5-foot-10,160-pound Temple commit is an outstanding receiver and a player who defenses have to account for on every play. Dandridge plays bigger than his size, has strong hands and has the ability to make defenders miss. He's going to play in the slot in college, but Homestead will line him up across the formation.

Potential matchup we’d pay to see

Homestead vs. Miramar (regional final)

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida high school football: 3M state tournament playoff preview