Pensacola-area football playoff projections show 4 teams in field

After two unsuccessful weeks, high school football returned in full force last week, prompting the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) to extend the regular season for a few days in order to accommodate make-up games in Escambia and Santa Rosa County. While this provided additional opportunities, other parts of the state have only one game left, with district champions already determined elsewhere.

Central, Jay, and Pensacola Catholic are the only local teams yet to play, with the latter having just two games remaining within the next week and a half. The state playoff draw is set for November 6 at 4 p.m. CT. As of the latest MaxPreps rankings, four area teams are anticipated to make the playoffs: Pensacola Catholic (2A), Pace (5A), Pine Forest (3A), and Northview (1A).

Notably, Pace and Pine Forest have moved up to the top four teams in their respective regions, potentially securing top 3 seeds and hosting regional quarterfinal matches if they emerge victorious in their districts. Northview is in a precarious position at the No. 8 seed in Region 1-1A, with two games left against Clarke County, Alabama, and Blountstown.

The only other local team with a realistic shot at the playoffs is Booker T. Washington, who face a formidable opponent at Choctawhatchee on October 29. A win would allow them to control their playoff destiny, though they have struggled against their three district opponents, who combined for a score of 133-22. The playoff brackets for area teams, based on the October 25 rankings, have been compiled.

Local teams are highlighted in bold, while district champions are marked with an asterisk and will host in the regional quarterfinals unless matched with a higher-seeded district champion.