Carnahan’s big-game predictions
Varsity reporter J.C. Carnahan tells you what to watch for in key games today and takes a shot at predicting winners in every game involving an area school.
Teams are listed with current records and rankings from the Sentinel Super 16. Check for score updates at @OSVarsity on Twitter and our live scoreboard at SentinelVarsity.com.
No. 4 Apopka (3-1) at No. 16 Boone (3-1)
Cornelius Williams and Akeem Brown are averaging more than eight yards per carry for an Apopka offense scoring 35 points and rushing for nearly 300 yards per game. Christian Roberts has rushed for 328 yards and three TDs while QB Owen Connell has rushed for 250 yards and four scores for Boone. Pick: Apopka.
No. 12 Dr. Phillips (1-3) at Mainland (2-2)#
The tough slate continues for the defending state champion Panthers, who faced teams in the first four weeks with a combined 12-5 record. DP ended a two-game skid vs. Mainland last year with a 20-0 win. D’Andre McMillian has rushed for 594 yards and 11 TDs for Bucs. Pick: Mainland.
No. 13 Bishop Moore (1-2) at South Sumter (2-2), 7:30
Dylan Brazil has 16 catches for 285 yards and 4 TDs for the Hornets, who suffered a lopsided loss last week at Archbishop Spalding, Md. South Sumter has leaned on a pair of sophomores — QB Garhett Miller (519 yards) and RB Trenton Taylor (275 yards) — while bouncing back from an 0-10 season. Pick: Bishop Moore.
No. 15 Harmony (3-1, 1-0) at East River (3-1, 1-0)
The winner will keep pace with defending district champion Lake Nona before meeting up with the Lions in October. Harmony has won three straight since losing its opener by four points to Space Coast (3-1). East River, which lost to Timber Creek, is led by Aadonis Harris with 372 yards rushing and 6 TDs. Pick: Harmony.
Foundation Academy (4-0) at Deltona Trinity Christian (4-0)
A matchup of unbeatens in Class 2A, Region 2 will go down as a quality win or loss under the second-year FHSAA playoff points system. Henry Austad has thrown for 1,018 yards and 15 TDs for Foundation. Seniors Jacob Mullee and John Davila have combined for 591 yards rushing and 6 TDs for Trinity. Pick: Foundation
Oak Ridge (2-2) at Timber Creek (1-3)
It’s truly a homecoming for Timber Creek, which is playing at home for first time this season due to delays in its stadium grandstand construction. Connor Recio leads the Wolves with 13 tackles per game. Greg Fields Jr. has combined for nearly 450 yards rushing and receiving with 5 TDs for Pioneers.
Pick: Oak Ridge.