Jason Lieser's picks: District 8-6A race still tight

Thursday, October 29, 2009
by Jason Lieser

The strongest and most complicated district in the area has two pivotal games this week, but the four teams vying for playoff spots in 8-6A could grow even more entangled as they veer in the direction of a possible three-way playoff.

Boca Raton and Seminole Ridge have the most to gain and wins by both would give the Bobcats the district title and the Hawks the runner-up slot.

Seminole Ridge is looking for its second playoff appearance in the program's history and is coming off an energizing 34-27 overtime win over pre-season favorite Atlantic.

That scenario is the simplest, cleanest way to resolve 8-6A. And it probably won't happen.

Atlantic, which returned 13 starters this season, has been the most underachieving team of the season. The Eagles have one impressive win — a late comeback to beat Park Vista — and have been devoid of a run game or run defense. Last week, they yielded 5.7 yards per carry and 34 points to a Seminole Ridge team that was seven days removed from being shut out by Palm Beach Gardens.

But the Eagles always beat Boca Raton. They have owned the rivalry for years and their season depends on it this time. Atlantic has won four consecutive times against the Bobcats, though the last two of those victories have come by a total of just three points.

So what would an Atlantic win mean for District 8-6A? If it is coupled with a Park Vista win over Seminole Ridge, it would give the Eagles a chance to win the district outright by beating lowly Palm Beach Central next week. The runner-up slot would then go to the winner of Week 10's matchup between Park Vista and Boca Raton.

If the Eagles and Seminole Ridge win, which is the probable combination, the Hawks earn at least a spot in a possible tie-breaker. Atlantic would get the same if it follows with a win over Palm Beach Central. Boca Raton can get in on that by beating Park Vista next week. If that sequence occurs, Atlantic, Seminole Ridge and Boca Raton would each finish 3-1 in the district and 1-1 against each other. That mess would be untangled on Dec. 9 in a three-way playoff.

No matter who makes it out of District 8-6A, two quality teams will be watching the post-season from the bleachers. Meanwhile, the winner of the game between Spanish River and Wellington will keep playing.

The Sharks have lost 36 of 38 games, including a brutal loss last week at Forest Hill, which had dropped 37 straight.

"You don't set out to end somebody's 37-game losing streak, but we just happened to be the team," Spanish River coach Ray Berger said. "That was a tough loss, but the kids know they still have an opportunity to do something special."

Wellington and Spanish River combined to go 6-53 from 2006-08. The Wolverines have benefitted from a fairly light schedule this year, but clearly are better than they were last season and should beat Spanish River by at least two touchdowns.

A year ago, King's Academy pounded Glades Day 41-7 in an ugly game. The Gators get payback this week.

Another matchup that should look completely different is Royal Palm Beach against Dwyer. In the 2008 season opener, Royal Palm Beach stayed tight with Dwyer throughout the Panthers' 13-7 win. This year, the Wildcats might succumb to a running clock in the second half, which has happened in five of Dwyer's six victories.

Palm Beach Gardens appears to have turned a corner with two consecutive victories. The key stat the past two weeks: six takeaways and no turnovers.

"There's confidence now," coach Chris Davis said of his young team.

The Gators are technically still in playoff contention, but basically are playing for pride the rest of the season. Right now, they're good enough to beat Palm Beach Central and their future looks brighter than the Broncos' as well.

~jason_lieser@pbpost.com

PREDICTIONS

Miami-MacArthur North 21, Boca Raton Christian 14

Berean Christian 28, Florida City-Barrington Christian 19

Jupiter 21, Centennial 10

Palm Beach Gardens 21, Palm Beach Central 13

Seminole Ridge 24, Park Vista 21

Lake Worth 33, Suncoast 7

Dwyer 35, Royal Palm Beach 7

Wellington 21, Spanish River 7

Atlantic 27, Boca Raton 20

West Boca Raton 24, Boynton Beach 13

Pahokee 32, Palm Beach Lakes 7

Olympic Heights 28, Pembroke Pines Charter 20

Coconut Creek-North Broward Prep 31, Cardinal Newman 14

Vero Beach 14, Treasure Coast 7

American Heritage 37, Benjamin 7

Inlet Grove 19, Coral Springs Charter 14

Jupiter Christian 52, Deerfield Beach-Zion Lutheran 13

Pope John Paul II 28, Fort Lauderdale-Westminster Academy 14

Summit Christian 26, Village Academy 24

Wauchula-Hardee 23, Okeechobee 14

Glades Day 35, King's Academy 23

St. Andrew's 37, Pompano Beach 27

Clewiston 20, LaBelle 6

Fort Pierce Westwood 34, Jensen Beach 28

Sebastian River 23, Port St. Lucie 13

South Fork 23, Cape Coral 21

John Carroll 21, Miami-Palmer Trinity 16