Miami Columbus vs. Apopka
The final Florida high school football Pick-6 of the 2022 season begins here with the Class 4M state finals showdown between Miami Columbus (13-1) and Apopka (11-3) on Saturday night. The Explorers come into this contest with an offensive average of 37.1 PPG while allowing only 12.9 PPG. The Apopka defense averages 16 PPG allowed and the Blue Darters are scoring 20.5 PPG.
This game between two solid defensive teams will likely come down to the play of both offenses, an area in which you could certainly make an argument that Miami Columbus has the advantage. As for who wins, I’ll say the Explorers win a lower-scoring game to be crowned Class 4M state champions.
Prediction: Miami Columbus 28, Apopka 17
Lakeland vs. Venice
Out of the five Florida high school football state finals this week, two can make a case as the absolute best, the first of which is this Class 4S title showdown between Lakeland (13-0) and Venice (9-3). The undefeated Dreadnaughts have simply been dominant this season, outscoring opponents a combined 518-97, Venice, led by an offense averaging 35 PPG, is looking to win its second state title in as many years.
Featuring the two consistently top teams in Class 4S this season, this game has the potential to be close from start to finish. The pick, however, goes to Lakeland to finish the year unbeaten, with the Dreadnaughts ultimately pulling away in the second half.
Prediction: Lakeland 33, Venice 21
St. Thomas Aquinas vs. Homestead
The Class 3M state title will be decided Thursday night as undefeated St. Thomas Aquinas (13-0) will take on Homestead (12-2). The Raiders, who are averaging 42.1 PPG while allowing only 9.3 PPG, will be looking to add yet another state title to their impressive resume in recent years, while Homestead seeks to put the finishing touches on what has been a special year for the Broncos program.
The pick to win goes to St. Thomas Aquinas. Expect the Raiders defense to be a difference maker, and for St. Thomas Aquinas to pull away in the second half on their way to yet another state title.
Prediction: St. Thomas Aquinas 35, Homestead 17
Lake Wales vs. Mainland
Class 3S will be decided Friday afternoon as Lake Wales (14-0) puts its undefeated record on the line against Mainland (11-3). The Highlanders have been as dominant as any team state-wide this season, outscoring opponents a combined 566-67, while Mainland has won four straight and is led by an offense that is averaging 31.2 PPG.
As for who wins, I’ll say Lake Wales is crowned the Class 3S state champion, capping what has been a truly special year for the Highlanders program. A big reason will be the Lake Wales defense, which is allowing only 4.8 PPG this season.
Prediction: Lake Wales 35, Mainland 14
Miami Central vs. American Heritage
The second of those two aforementioned marquee matchups in the Florida high school football state finals, Miami Central (13-0) and American Heritage (13-1) will collide Friday night to decide Class 2M. The Rockets, who won last season’s matchup 41-28, come into this game averaging 40.6 PPG while allowing 13.4 PPG. American Heritage is led by an offense that averages 39.6 PPG, with the defense also stout and allowing only 12.9 PPG.
This is a star-studded matchup and you could make the argument that the outcome could go either way, with the showdown likely to be the true definition of a four-quarter game. As for who wins, I’ll say Miami Central finds the end zone late and wins a close one.
Prediction: Miami Central 35, American Heritage 30
