In a week that is headlined by a national out-of-state showdown, here are our weekly “Pick 6” predictions for Week 6 of the 2024 Florida high school football season.
Central-Phenix City (Alabama) vs. IMG Academy
The state’s biggest matchup during Week 6 will, in fact, not take place in Florida, but in Alabama, where the IMG Academy Ascenders travel Friday night for a high-profile, national showdown with the Central-Phenix City Red Devils.
IMG (4-1) enters this contest on a roll, having won four straight games.
Central-Phenix City is undefeated at 5-0 and sits at No. 1 in our Alabama high school football Class 4A-7A Top 25 rankings.
The Red Devils have also lost only once since the Ascenders came to Phenix City in 2021 to leave with a 41-26 victory.
Will the IMG Academy make it a second victory head to head, or will Central-Phenix City finally get their revenge?
Prediction: IMG Academy 37, Central-Phenix City 24
First Baptist Academy vs. Bishop Verot
Off to an impressive start to the season, the First Baptist Academy Lions put their undefeated 4-0 record on the line Friday night at home against the Bishop Verot Vikings.
The Vikings (3-2) have one of the state’s top offenses, averaging 45.8 points per game, but will be matched up against a Lions defense that has allowed only 20 points to opponents through four games.
Having met every season since 2021, Bishop Verot owns a 2-1 head-to-head advantage in that span. Will they make it 3-1, or can First Baptist Academy tie it at 2-2?
Prediction: Bishop Verot 42, First Baptist Academy 28
Jesuit vs. Cardinal Newman
After a 2-2 start to the year that includes victories over Benjamin and Blake, the Jesuit Tigers remain home coming off a bye week to host the Cardinal Newman Crusaders.
Cardinal Newman has been one of the top teams in Class 1A so far this season, sitting undefeated at 5-0 overall.
Likely one of the best in-state matchups this Friday night, who will come away victorious between the Tigers and Crusaders?
Prediction: Jesuit 27, Cardinal Newman 20
Bishop Moore vs. St. Thomas Aquinas
Coming off a bye week, the Bishop Moore Hornets are set for their toughest test yet this Friday night as they host the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders.
Bishop Moore currently sits undefeated at 4-0 overall with victories over Oviedo, Tottenville, Bartow, and Mount Dora. This week they face one of the state’s top teams in St. Thomas Aquinas, who is 4-1 on a four-game winning streak.
Can Bishop Moore remain unbeaten, or will St. Thomas Aquinas pick up their fourth straight win?
Prediction: St. Thomas Aquinas 45, Bishop Moore 20
Nease vs. Buchholz
After a thrilling overtime victory at St. Augustine, Nease puts their undefeated 4-0 record on the line Friday night at home against Buchholz.
Buchholz comes into this district matchup with a 3-2 record and has dropped the last two games against Manatee and Richmond Hill (Georgia).
Will Nease remain unbeaten, or will Buchholz snap their three-game skid?
Prediction: Nease 28, Buchholz 27
West Orange vs. Apopka
We conclude with another district contest as West Orange and Apopka meet in a Class 7A showdown. West Orange is currently undefeated at 4-0 overall. Apopka sits at 3-2 and has dropped two of their last three contests.
These two teams have played some close, low-scoring contests in recent years. Who will win this showdown between the Warriors and Blue Darters?
