Ten games that could be critical

Each matchup figures to carry major district-title implications.

Palm Beach County has a plethora of high-caliber high school football teams with state title aspirations. But before these schools start sizing up fingers for championship rings, they need to take care of business in their districts and earn playoff berths.

Here’s a look at 10 key local matchups that figure to have major district-title implications.

Wellington at Palm Beach Central (Week 4)

Anytime a team trots out an offensive player the caliber of Mark-Antony Richards, as Wellington will, opposing teams should take notice. Palm Beach Central, led by Division I prospects Akeem

Dent and Renato Brown, will host Wellington in a district matchup that will set the tone for both teams’ seasons. A loss here likely means an uphill climb for the year.

Atlantic at Park Vista (Week 5)

In a matchup between two teams that seem poised to sit atop Class 8A-District 10, Atlantic travels to Park Vista to play a Cobras team coming off a 10-win season. The Eagles’ first road test could decide whether their young squad will walk away with a district championship. Dwyer at Olympic Heights (Week 6) Olympic Heights came close to winning Class 7A-District 13 last season and could well make a run again. Dwyer is the cream of the crop, with state-title aspirations and a loaded roster, but a mid-season trip to play the Lions could be a stiff test.

Park Vista at Boca Raton (Week 7)

If Park Vista can beat Atlantic at home, Boca Raton will be waiting to try and upset the Cobras two weeks later. The Bobcats will be led by strongarmed junior quarterback Michael Pratt, and though they may be a year away, a win here could lay the foundation for a push toward a title in 2019.

Forest Hill at Dwyer (Week 8)

Forest Hill has several players who make them scary, like Sincere McCall on the offensive and defensive lines and human highlight reel Bry’yon Jones in the backfield. If the talented pieces all click on the road against Dwyer, an upset may be in store.

Palm Beach Central at Palm Beach Gardens (Week 9)

Gardens’ 2017 record was skewed by several close losses and late-game heartbreakers. If a Kick-

off Classic win over a quality opponent in Glades Central is any indication, the Gators offseason mantra of “finishing” could pay dividends and have Billy Clark’s squad competing for a district title. The road to the Class 8A-District 9 title runs through Palm Beach Central, but if both teams play up to their talent level, this game could well decide the district.

Wellington at Palm Beach Gardens (Week 10)

If either Wellington or Gardens can pick up a win over Palm Beach Central, they represent each other’s next toughest district opponent. Even if both teams lose to Central, a win in this matchup can ensure that the victor stays in the hunt for the district title, while the loser will be forced to rely on other results to get back in the mix.

Palm Beach Lakes at Forest Hill (Week 10)

Palm Beach Lakes is a dark horse in Class 7A-District 13, even as it comes off a somewhat deceptive losing season. The Rams lost several close games last fall, suggesting their record might not be indicative of the talent on their roster. Forest Hill has the pieces in place to surprise some opponents, especially at the top of the district, but in this game it’ll be the Falcons who are looking to stave off an upset that could derail their district hopes.

King’s Academy at Benjamin (Week 10)

These rivals don’t play in the same district, or even the same class, but valuable playoff points will be on the line when they face off to end the regular season. Both teams figure to come in with winning records, but a “W” could secure not just a playoff berth, but also a high seed.

Pahokee at Glades Central (Week 11)

The same rules apply here. Both Pahokee and Glades Central are serious playoff contenders in their respective classes, and playoff points will be at stake in the Muck Bowl. The game has psychological implications as well. With the hype and meaning behind the Muck Bowl — to some, a victory here means more than a state championship — the winner can carry the momentum of a season-ending win into the playoffs, while the loser will be forced to navigate a letdown.