Football: Region semifinal preview (Class 4A-2A)

All games start at 7:30 unless noted

Class 4A

Tampa Catholic (6-2) at Lakewood (8-0)

Outlook: This is a rematch from last year’s region semifinals. The Spartans won that meeting en route to advancing to the state semifinals. The key will be whether Tampa Catholic’s offense, which has scored 34 or more points in every win this season, can keep up that production against a Lakewood defense that has allowed just 38 points all season.  

Pinkos’ pick: Lakewood by 6

Putnam’s prediction: Lakewood 20-13

Hudson (5-2) at Cocoa (8-0)

Outlook: The Cobras, who last week won a playoff game for the first time since 2005, have a challenging task ahead if they want to extend their four-game winning streak. The Tigers have won five state titles since 2008 and have made it to the region final every year during that span.  

Pinkos’ pick: Cocoa by 69

Putnam’s prediction: Cocoa 49-14

Class 3A

Frostproof (4-0) at Berkeley Prep (5-1)

Outlook: The Buccaneers, the lone area team still alive in 3A, are trying to reach the region final for the second time in the past three seasons. To get there, Berkeley Prep will continue to rely on the running of Travis Bates and Xavier Townsend and a defense that has allowed a combined 13 points in the last two games. The Bulldogs are sure to be rusty. They have played just three games on the field (last week’s playoff win over Cape Coral Oasis came via forfeit). This is the first time Frostproof has actually played a game since Oct. 9. 

Pinkos’ pick: Berkeley Prep by 45

Putnam’s prediction: Berkeley Prep 42-6

Class 2A

Carrollwood Day (5-4) at Northside Christian (5-5)

Outlook: A rematch from the season opener that the Patriots won with ease. The Mustangs did catch a huge break. Carrollwood Day tight end Michael Trigg is among eight starters still having to quarantine because of contact tracing. Trigg, a Southern California commit, is considered one of the top tight ends in the country. In the past two seasons, the Mustangs have had trouble stopping him. Last season, Trigg had 12 catches for 234 yards and five touchdowns against Northside Christian in the region semifinals when he was with Seffner Christian. In this year’s season opener, Trigg had nine catches for 146 yards and a touchdown to lead Carrollwood Day to a win over the Mustangs. . 

Pinkos’ pick: Carrollwood Day by 17

Putnam’s prediction: Carrollwood Day 35-21

Cambridge Christian (9-1) at Seffner Christian (6-4)

Outlook: A rematch from a regular season game the Lancers won 21-13. Since that loss, the Crusaders have turned things around, winning four straight. Expect another close, low-scoring game with both teams relying on strong running games and stifling defenses. 

Pinkos’ pick: Seffner Christian by 3

Putnam’s prediction: Cambridge Christian 16-14