Must-see matchups
Newsome (5-1) at Tampa Bay Tech (5-0), 7:30
Both teams have rushing attacks that rank among the best in the area, so expect a close-low-scoring game.
Putnam’s prediction: Tampa Bay Tech 21-13
Jesuit (5-0) at Clearwater Central Catholic (4-1), 7:30
Forget the Tigers’ 45-10 rout last season en route to a perfect regular season record. This year’s matchup should be much more competitive.
Putnam’s prediction: Jesuit 28-21
Hudson (5-0) at Mitchell (5-1), 7:30
The outcome likely will hinge on how much pressure the Mustangs’ defensive line can apply to slow down the Cobras’ high-powered passing attack.
Putnam’s prediction: Mitchell 28-26
Wharton (4-0) at Plant (4-1), 7:30
Defenses should dominate. The Wildcats have allowed just 31 points this season. The Panthers have given up 51 points.
Putnam’s prediction: Wharton 14-13
Hernando (3-2) at Springstead (4-2), 7:30
These rivals are looking to rebound. The Leopards had their three-game win streak snapped with a loss to The Villages last week while the Eagles are trying to bounce back from a loss to Belleview
Putnam’s prediction: Hernando 20-18
Wiregrass Ranch (3-1) at Zephyrhills (5-0), 7:30
The undefeated Bulldogs, who have allowed just 23 points all season, face one of their biggest challenges in trying to stop the Bulls’ offense, which is averaging 37 points per game.
Putnam’s prediction: Zephyrhills 27-21
The remaining games
Shorecrest at Old Plank Christian, 6
Putnam’s prediction: Shorecrest 28-7
Indian Rocks Christian at Keswick Christian, 7
Putnam’s prediction: Indian Rocks Christian 28-14
Dade Christian at Cambridge Christian, 7
Putnam’s prediction: Cambridge Christian 35-34
Clearwater Academy at Jacksonville Bolles, 7
Putnam’s prediction: Clearwater Academy 30-28
East Lake at Lakewood, 7
Putnam’s prediction: Lakewood 42-21
IMG White at Calvary Christian, 7
Putnam’s prediction: Calvary Christian 28-6
Bradenton St. Stephen’s at St. Petersburg Catholic, 7
Putnam’s prediction: St. Petersburg Catholic 34-28
Riverside Christian at Canterbury, 7
Putnam’s prediction: Riverside Christian 20-14
Lakeland Santa Fe Catholic at Bishop McLaughlin, 7
Putnam’s prediction: Lakeland Santa Fe Catholic 24-10
Seffner Christian at Carrollwood Day, 7
Putnam’s prediction: Carrollwood Day 28-19
Zarepath Academy at Zephyrhills Christian, 7
Putnam’s prediction: Zephyrhills Christian 42-17
Hollis Christian at Northside Christian, 7
Putnam’s prediction: Northside Christian 27-21
Wesley Chapel at River Ridge, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Wesley Chapel 28-20
Middleton at Sumner, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Sumner 35-14
Bell Creek at Seven Rivers Christian, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Seven Rivers Christian 23-14
Ocala Vanguard at Jefferson, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Vanguard 33-20
Hollins at Sunlake, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Hollins 21-16
Pasco at Lake Gibson, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Lake Gibson 38-0
Lennard at Riverview, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Lennard 38-21
Gulf at Central, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Gulf 21-7
Berkeley Prep at Freedom, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Berkeley Prep 42-0
Cypress Creek at Land O’ Lakes, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Land O’ Lakes 42-37
Leto at Alonso, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Alonso 21-6
Durant at King, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Durant 35-7
Bloomingdale at Plant City, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Bloomingdale 28-21
Strawberry Crest at Brandon, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Strawberry Crest 20-7
Spoto at Robinson, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Robinson 20-19
Chamberlain at Hillsborough, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Hillsborough 27-13
Gaither at Steinbrenner, 7:30
Putnam’s prediction: Gaither 14-10
