JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – News4JAX sports editor Justin Barney reveals his predictions for the first round of the high school football playoffs. All game times are Friday at 7 p.m. unless indicated.
Last week: 18-5. Season: 341-83 (.804).
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Week 2 playoff predictions
All games Friday, Nov. 22
Region 1-6A
(5) Oakleaf (8-3) at (1) Nease (10-0), 8 p.m.: An excellent clash but I think the Panthers are just too good on both sides of the ball. N4J pick: Nease 30, Oakleaf 20.
Region 1-5A
(4) Ponte Vedra (9-2) at (1) Niceville (10-1), 8 p.m.: Panhandle trips are difficult ones. N4J pick: Niceville 34, Ponte Vedra 21.
(6) Fleming Island (8-3) at (2) Lincoln (9-2), 7 p.m.: Picked the Golden Eagles last week and I’m doing it again. N4J pick: Fleming Island 24, Lincoln 21.
Region 1-4A
(5) White (8-3) at (1) St. Augustine (9-1), 7 p.m.: Great season for the Commanders but I don’t know if they can slow the Yellow Jackets enough. N4J pick: St. Augustine 31, White 20.
Region 1-3A
(4) Wakulla (8-3) at (1) Raines (10-0), 6:30 p.m.: Wakulla has beaten the Vikings twice in the playoffs before. Not this year. N4J pick: Raines 34, Wakulla 14.
(3) Bishop Kenny (8-3) at (2) Tallahassee Godby (7-3): Get ready for a Crusaders-Vikings regional final. N4J pick: Bishop Kenny 28, Godby 24.
Region 1-2A
(7) Walton (7-3) at (3) Bolles (9-1), 7:30 p.m.: Bulldogs got fortunate with a Walton upset to get a second-round game at home. Otherwise, Bolles would be driving to the Panhandle to win by three TDs. N4J pick: Bolles 38, Walton 17.
Region 2-2A
(3) Newberry (9-2) at (2) Bradford (9-1), 7:30 p.m.: Pains me to pick against the Tornadoes at home because I think Jamie Rodgers and staff will make adjustments from the first meeting. But Panthers are too tough. N4J pick: Newberry 17, Bradford 14.
Region 1-1A
(4) University Christian (6-5) at (1) Providence (8-3), 7 p.m.: UC was too much for the Stallions in the regular season and will be too much again. N4J pick: UC 42, Providence 38.
(3) Maclay (7-3) at (2) Trinity Christian (8-3), 7 p.m.: Conquerors are going to get UC again in the playoffs in what seemingly feels like an annual thing at this point. N4J pick: Trinity 35, Maclay 20.
Rural
(13) Williston (7-4) at (12) Fort White (7-4), 7:30 p.m.: Red Devils in a close one. N4J pick: Williston 34, Fort White 30.
(6) Pahokee (7-3) at (3) Union County (9-1), 7:30 p.m.: Tigers win a back and forth affair. N4J pick: Union County 30, Pahokee 24.