2021 Florida High School Football Playoffs: Predicting the Final 4
With the 2021 Florida high school football playoffs creeping closer and closer week-by-week, let’s look at the current teams in each classification, and predict which four teams may make the Final Four during the 2021 playoffs.
8A – Seminole, Lake Mary, Miami Palmetto, Osceola
The 2021 Class 8A Final Four could look very similar to a year ago, with at-least three teams potentially returning to the state semifinal round. This would include 2020 8A state champion Seminole, as well as a potential playoff rematch between Miami Palmetto and Osceola.
7A – Niceville, Edgewater, Lakeland, St. Thomas Aquinas
The Class 7A Final Four could also feature some familiarity from the 2020 season with defending state champion St. Thomas Aquinas likely returning, as well as a potential rematch between Niceville and Edgewater. Don’t necessarily rule-out a few others teams making the Final Four as well, including Dillard, Tampa Bay Tech, and Buchholz.
6A – Jesuit, Jones, Miami Northwestern, Dunbar
With defending Class 6A state champion Miami Central now in 5A, a new champion will be crowned in 6A this season. You can certainly make an excellent case for numerous teams to reach the Final Four with the 2021 version of the semifinals likely being completely different than 2020.
5A – Miami Central, West Florida, Killian, American Heritage
The 5A Final Four will likely feature defending Class 6A state champion Miami Central, as well as defending 5A state champion American Heritage. The semifinals could also see others including Killian, West Florida, Rockledge, and Satellite.
4A – South Walton, Bolles, Cocoa, Cardinal Gibbons
The Class 4A Final Four should return three teams from last season in defending state champion Cardinal Gibbons, as well as Bolles and Cocoa. The fourth spot will likely be contested between multiple teams, with South Walton as a potential sleeper team to make a deep run in the 4A playoffs.
3A – Florida State, Trinity Catholic, Berkeley Prep, Chaminade-Madonna
The 3A playoffs will likely look very-similar to a year ago, minus defending 3A state champion Trinity Christian who is now in Class 2A. This will likely feature many high-profile matchups, as well as a potential rematch between Berkeley Prep and Chaminade-Madonna.
2A – University Christian, Foundation Academy, Trinity Christian, Champagnat Catholic
The 2A Final Four could potentially three prominent teams from a year ago, as well as defending Class 3A state champion Trinity Christian. A potential semifinal run could also potentially be in the works for a few others including First Baptist Academy, Dade Christian, and more.
1A – Baker, Port St. Joe, Madison County, Hawthorne
The Class 1A Final Four will likely return three prominent teams from a year ago that include defending 1A state champion Baker, as well as a potential rematch between Madison County and Hawthorne. Port St. Joe could also play a role too, as well as currently undefeated Union County.
Written by: Matt Melton
