Must-see matchups
Delray Beach Atlantic (2-1) at Lakewood (3-0), 7
The Spartans put their 22-game regular season win streak on the line against another worthy out-of-area opponent.
Putnam’s prediction: Lakewood 21-13
Jesuit (3-0) at Hillsborough (2-1), 7:30
This is the game everyone had circled on the calendar. Both teams are ranked among the top 50 overall in the state and the top eight in Class 6A by MaxPreps. The winner has the inside track at becoming the 6A-10 district champion.
Putnam’s prediction: Jesuit 28-14
Zephyrhills (3-0) at Wesley Chapel (1-0), 7:30
The Bulldogs, ranked ninth in 5A by MaxPreps, have allowed just 14 points this season. That could be tough for the Wildcats, who are playing for the first time since the opening week of the season.
Putnam’s prediction: Zephyrhills 17-6
Durant (3-0) at Newsome (2-1), 7:30
The Cougars’ perfect start under first-year coach Claybo Varnum will be put to the test against the Wolves, whose only loss came in overtime against Bloomingdale.
Putnam’s prediction: Newsome 14-13
Nature Coast (3-0) at Cypress Creek (2-0), 7:30
The Sharks, who have allowed just 10 points in three games, will try to slow down a Coyotes offense that is averaging 40 points per game.
Putnam’s prediction: Nature Coast 20-14
Largo (1-1) at Gaither (2-1), 7:30
The Packers are coming off a two-week layoff to face the Cowboys, who are looking to bounce back after last week’s loss to Armwood.
Putnam’s prediction: Gaither 27-19
Wharton (2-0) at Wiregrass Ranch (1-0), 7:30
Both teams are back after dealing with COVID issues earlier this season. It’s a classic matchup of a stellar defense (the Wildcats) going up against a high-powered offense (the Bulls).
Putnam’s prediction: Wharton 21-20
The remaining schedule
Faith Baptist Christian at Excel Christian Academy, 4:30
Putnam’s prediction: Faith Baptist 40-0
Palm Beach Christian at Zephyrhills Christian, 7
Putnam’s prediction: Zephyrhills Christian 27-10
Academy at the Lakes at Canterbury, 7
Putnam’s prediction: Academy at the Lakes 21-20
River Ridge at Countryside, 7
Putnam’s prediction: River Ridge 34-30
Clearwater Central Catholic at St. Petersburg Catholic, 7
Putnam’s prediction: CCC 35-14
Southwest Florida Christian at Keswick Christian, 7
Putnam’s prediction: Keswick Christian 21-19
Northside Christian at Cambridge Christian, 7
Putnam’s prediction: Northside Christian 28-16
Carrollwood Day at Ocala Trinity Catholic, 7
Putnam’s prediction: Carrollwood Day 23-21
Calvary Christian at The First Academy, 7
Putnam’s prediction: Calvary Christian 31-17
East Lake at The Villages, 7
Putnam’s prediction: The Villages 20-14
Hollins at Boca Ciega, 7
Putnam’s prediction: Boca Ciega 26-14
Brandon at Berkeley Prep, 7
Putnam’s prediction: Berkeley Prep 49-0
Indian Rocks Christian at Bradenton Christian, 7
Putnam’s prediction: IRC 27-21
Hernando at Citrus, 7
Putnam’s prediction: Hernando 28-13
Gibbs at Dunedin, 7
Putnam’s prediction: Gibbs 34-28
Gulf at Clearwater, 7
Putnam’s prediction: Clearwater 42-0
Parrish Community at Osceola, 7
Putnam’s prediction: Osceola 30-21
St. Petersburg at Northeast, 7
Putnam’s prediction: Northeast 35-0
Spoto at Sumner, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Sumner 56-0
Tampa Catholic at St. John Paul II Academy, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Tampa Catholic 34-21
Lennard at Bloomingdale, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Bloomingdale 24-14
Plant City at Riverview, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Plant City 28-27
Robinson at Freedom, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Freedom 7-0
Blake at Middleton, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Blake 21-6
Mitchell at Leto, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Mitchell 34-7
Sickles at Steinbrenner, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Steinbrenner 35-34
Clearwater Academy at Trinity Christian, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Clearwater Academy 20-16
Strawberry Crest at Armwood, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Armwood 45-0
Fivay at Sunlake, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Sunlake 28-26
Springstead at Pasco, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Springstead 28-0
Land O’ Lakes at Central, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Land O’ Lakes 34-14
Jefferson at King, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Jefferson 22-7
Alonso at East Bay, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: East Bay 28-13
Hudson at Weeki Wachee, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Hudson 38-7
