Class 4S

2022 FHSAA Football State Championships 4 S

Tonight’s area region quarterfinal matchups

No. 5 Mitchell (7-3) at No. 4 Springstead (9-1), 7:30

This is a rematch from last month’s district contest the Mustangs won 15-10.

That victory forced a three-way tie at the top of the Class 4-6 standings in the Suburban Division with the Eagles and Land O’ Lakes.

Ultimately, it was not enough for Mitchell to keep its streak of seven straight district titles going (the Gators won the title based on the highest ranking among the three teams), but the Mustangs did reach the playoffs for the ninth straight season.

For the host Eagles, the loss to Mitchell was their only one this season.

Both teams have some momentum. The Mustangs are on a four-game win streak while the Eagles rebounded from that lone loss to shutout Lecanto 14-0 in the regular season finale.

Expect another close, low-scoring game. After all, Mitchell is allowing just 12 points per game, and Springstead is giving up an average of six per game.

The key will be how much the Eagles can slow down Mustangs quarterback Chris Ferrini, who accounted for 247 yards (136 rushing, 111 passing) and ran for two scores in the first meeting.

To do that, Springstead will count on the playmaking ability of linebacker Madden Buratczuk, who had three sacks against the Mustangs and has a school record 21 this season.

Stat leaders

Category	Mitchell	Springstead
Passing yards	Chris Ferrini, 1,099 (10 TDs)	Ayden Ferguson, 982 (12 TDs)
Rushing yards	Chris Ferrini, 768 (12 TDs)	Connor McCazzio, 964 (9 TDs)
Receiving yards	Drayk Simmons, 489 (7 TDs)	Caidell Gilbert, 303 (7 TDs)
Tackles	Giovanni Ferraro, 67	Madden Buratczuk, 81
Sacks	Two tied with six.	Madden Buratczuk, 21
Interceptions	Two tied with three.	Dalton Williams, 4

No. 6 Winter Haven at No. 3 Land O’ Lakes, 7:30

After going the independent route, the Gators returned to district play this season and won with Class 4-6 title in the Suburban Division.

It was an unexpected title considering Land O’ Lakes had some starters who transferred to other schools.

But the Gators were able to show off their depth and enter the postseason on a three-game winning streak.

Land O’ Lakes’ success is due in large part to a defense that has allowed an average of nine points per game.

The Blue Devils are on a bit of a roll, too, winning four straight games to close out the regular season. In its last two games, Winter Haven has allowed a combined six points.

Stat leaders

Category	Winter Haven	Land O’ Lakes
Passing yards	Jospeh Tarver, 1,345 (12 TDs)	Mason Clarke, 796 (12 TDs)
Rushing yards	Alfred Smothers, 1,062 (5 TDs)	Cody Gwinn, 672 (7 TDs)
Receiving yards	Guiseann Mirtil, 368 (1 TD)	Keenen Ayala, 467 (7 TDs)
Tackles	Nazir Hayes, 53	Kevin Marks, 90
Sacks	Three tied with one.	Devin Gilbertson, 5
Interceptions	Terrel Redding, 2	Three tied with three.