The 2024 Florida high school football playoffs have now officially arrived, as numerous star-studded matchups are set to take place later this week in the first round of the postseason. Taking a further look at that slate, here are our six biggest games set to be played in the first round and a prediction for each.
Miami Palmetto vs. Western
One of Florida’s top first-round matchups in Class 7A this week takes place in Miami, which is where the Miami Palmetto Panthers and Western Wildcats will collide.
The Panthers are coming off a 6-4 regular season that featured three one-possession losses, while Western finished at 4-6 overall against a challenging schedule that included some of the state’s top teams.
These two teams met in the playoffs a year ago in a 19-9 victory for the Wildcats. Will it be yet another postseason win for Western over Miami Palmetto this week?
Prediction: Western 20, Miami Palmetto 17
West Orange vs. Apopka
Yet another showdown in Class 7A to keep an eye on might just be this matchup between a pair of district foes in the West Orange Warriors and the Apopka Blue Darters.
West Orange will host this game after an impressive 8-2 regular season, while Apopka was 4-5 with a total of three losses coming by one possession.
These two teams also met during the regular season when West Orange picked up a 25-7 win at home. Will this game play out in a similar fashion?
Prediction: West Orange 24, Apopka 13
Monarch vs. Homestead
Arguably the top Class 6A matchup this week comes in South Florida where the Monarch Knights play host to the Homestead Broncos.
Monarch is coming off a 6-3 regular season with their losses coming to some of the state’s top programs, while Homestead went 4-4.
Will the Knights or the Broncos pick up a big first-round win later this week?
Prediction: Monarch 30, Homestead 23
Melbourne Central Catholic vs. Orlando Christian Prep
A matchup to keep an eye on in Class 1A might just be this showdown between the Melbourne Central Catholic Hustlers and the Orlando Christian Prep Warriors.
Despite some recent struggles, the Hustlers finished the regular season at 8-2 overall, while Orlando Christian Prep ended the regular season with a 4-5 record.
These two teams played just a few weeks ago with the Hustlers winning by a final score of 51-42 on the road. Can Melbourne Central Catholic do it again?
Prediction: Melbourne Central Catholic 38, Orlando Christian Prep 27
Marianna vs. Florida High
The Class 2A game to know entering this week could very well be the Florida High Seminoles taking on the Marianna Bulldogs.
Florida High concluded the regular season at 7-3 overall, but will be traveling to a talented Marianna team that is currently undefeated at 10-0.
Can Florida High end Marianna’s perfect season, or will the Bulldogs keep things rolling?
Prediction: Marianna 30, Florida High 24
Cottondale vs. Lafayette
We conclude with a prominent rural showdown between the Cottondale Hornets and the Lafayette Hornets.
Cottondale finished the regular season undefeated at 9-0 overall. Lafayette went 6-4, but did end the year on a four-game winning streak.
Who will win the battle of the Hornets this week to advance to the next round of the 2024 Florida high school football playoffs?
