Yet another week of Florida high school football action has passed, which means that the 2024 FHSAA playoffs now enter the state semifinals this upcoming Friday night.
Ahead of this week’s action that will decide which teams will play for a state title, let’s take a look at our latest predictions for what we consider the state’s biggest games this week.
Venice vs. Miami Columbus
We begin with a massive clash in Class 7A when the Region 2 champion Venice Indians get set to host the Miami Columbus Explorers, the Region 4 winners.
Venice, who sits at 12-1 on the year, has one of the state’s most explosive offenses. Miami Columbus is 9-3 coming off a close 27-25 win over Western in the regional finals.
The Indians and Explorers last met in the 2021 Class 8A playoffs, a game in which Venice came away with the win 35-7.
Prediction: Venice 33, Miami Columbus 24
Eau Gallie vs. Miami Northwestern
The Region 2 versus Region 4 showdown in Class 3A is one to watch when the Eau Gallie Commodores host the Miami Northwestern Bulls.
Sitting at 12-1 overall, Eau Gallie has been one of the classification’s top teams so far this season, but will be facing arguably their toughest test yet in a Miami Northwestern program that is 10-2 and on an eight-game winning streak.
The Commodores and Bulls are largely unfamiliar with each other, as the two have not met in over a decade.
Prediction: Miami Northwestern 30, Eau Gallie 24
Cardinal Mooney vs. Cocoa
Our next game comes in Class 2A with the Region 3 champion Cardinal Mooney Cougars hosting the top team from Region 2, the Cocoa Tigers.
Cardinal Mooney comes into this matchup sitting undefeated at 12-0 overall, while Cocoa sits at 9-3 but has won each of their last six games.
The Cougars and Tigers have not met on the football field in recent years, making this a new matchup.
Prediction: Cocoa 33, Cardinal Mooney 27
Hawthorne vs. Madison County
While the state semifinals are taking place elsewhere, the Rural state title will be decided this week when the Hawthorne Hornets take on the Madison County Cowboys.
Hawthorne was the No. 1 seed in the Rural classification at 10-1 overall for the season, while Madison County was the No. 2 seed at 9-3 overall.
The Hornets and Cowboys last met a year ago in the Class 1R state title game, which Hawthorne won 22-13.
Prediction: Hawthorne 23, Madison County 17
Cardinal Newman vs. Clearwater Central Catholic
This showdown in Class 1A could be one to watch as Region 3 champ Cardinal Newman hosts Region 2’s best in Clearwater Central Catholic.
Cardinal Newman comes into this game sitting at 10-1 on the year, while Clearwater Central Catholic is currently 11-2.
The two teams have not met in recent years, making this matchup that much more intriguing.
Prediction: Clearwater Central Catholic 27, Cardinal Newman 24
Manatee vs. St. Thomas Aquinas
Lastly, we conclude in Class 5A with Region 3 winner Manatee playing host to Region 4 champion St. Thomas Aquinas.
Manatee comes into this game sitting at 10-1 overall for the season and has yet to lose to an in-state team. St. Thomas Aquinas sits at 10-3.
The two teams last met during the 2020 season in a game St. Thomas Aquinas won 45-0.
