Iglesias has memorable night as Somers gets to Class A football final

The Class 3A playoff bracket has been released, exposing the path to a state title after two elite programs were removed from contention. Bay showcases a competitive Region 1 as the top seed, and undefeated Merritt Island holds the No. 1 seed in Region 2. Region 3 features defending Class 2A champion Cardinal Mooney as the No. 1 seed, and Cardinal Gibbons takes the top seed in Region 4 following Central's elimination.

Region 1's quarterfinal matchups include Palatka against Godby, Pine Forest facing Bishop Kenny, South Walton competing against Baker County, and Bay taking on Wakulla. A burning question in Region 1 centers around whether the competition is sneakily the most competitive. Godby, the region's top-ranked team, has three losses totaling five points, one of which came to Wakulla, their 8-2 No. 3 seed.

Pine Forest may be 5-4, but three of their losses were by two points or less. Bay, with an 8-2 record, lost by three points to Pine Forest and won against South Walton by three points. With Raines in the Open Division, the path out of the region has become more challenging.

Recruits worth watching in Region 1 include Pine Forest 2028 EDGE Tristian Henderson, a 4-star player who has 41 tackles, 5 takeaways, and 3.0 sacks in seven games. In Region 2, the quarterfinals feature Teneroc against Merritt Island, Santa Fe facing Dunnellon, Titusville taking on Eau Gaille, and South Sumter versus The Villages.

Merritt Island's journey to the playoffs was marked by a thrilling 36-35 overtime victory over Eau Gaillie, their biggest test yet. The Commodores' four losses all came against top-seeded teams in their respective regions, but they boast a talent-rich roster that can compete against any team in the region. The Villages have maintained a perfect 10-0 record, and running back Tranard Roberts, ranked No. 65 in USA TODAY Florida Top 100, is set to make waves with his 1,023 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns on 96 carries this season.

Region 3's quarterfinal matchups include Dunedin facing Cardinal Mooney, Tarpon Springs competing against Robinson, Gibbs taking on Nature Coast, and Jefferson confronting Braden River. A burning question in Region 3 centers around whether Cardinal Mooney will win their third title in four years. The Cougars have a 3-1 record against top-25 teams and are favored to advance, led by quarterback Davin Davidson (Florida commit) and ball carrier Connail Jackson (No. 84 in USA TODAY Florida Top 100).

Cardinal Mooney's offensive arsenal includes Boston College commit Kaleb Exume (No. 77) and powerful rusher Connail Jackson, who has accumulated over 2,000 rushing yards in two seasons.

In Region 4, the quarterfinal matchups involve Miami Jackson against Cardinal Gibbons, North Miami Beach facing Glades Central, Key West competing against Bishop Verot, and Dillard taking on Miami Springs. While Cardinal Gibbons has put together a strong 7-3 record and entered as the top seed, Bishop Verot stands out as a strong contender, having overcome tough opponents throughout the regular season.

Dillard, with its offensive firepower, can advance if they catch a defense off guard. Key West hasn't allowed more than 21 points since the end of September, and North Miami Beach features an elite secondary led by Miami commit Andre Hyppolite. Recruit to watch in Region 4 is Cardinal Gibbons' 2027 ATH Demarcus Deroche, a 6-foot-5, 215-pound player who has been a foundational force as a pass catcher and an added wrinkle on the defensive line.

Deroche has caught 23 passes for 411 yards and five touchdowns, while making four takeaways and two pass breakups on key downs.