Dr. Phillips (Orlando, Fla.) vs. Central (Miami, Fla.), SaturdayMore than a dozen seniors already committed to Division I colleges and nearly a dozen more likely to earn a scholarship offer will take the field in Saturday's 6A championship game. Leading the way for Dr. Phillips – 14-0 and ranked No. 2 in the state sportswriters 6A poll – is senior running back
Demetrius Hart. The former Michigan commit set Florida's single-season scoring mark – with 50 touchdowns and 300 points – during the Panthers' 37-13 semifinals win over Seminole last week. Alabama-bound safety
Ha'sean Clinton-dix is a top playmaker on a defense that has allowed opponents just over a touchdown per game. This is the first trip to a state championship game for Dr. Phillips, which hadn't made it past the second round of the playoffs before this year. The game will be played at the Citrus Bowl, located about nine miles from Dr. Phillips' campus.
Video of Dr. Phillips vs. Gateway{VIDEO_9e2cdacd-c95f-4d2f-b126-3b53aff5e435,floatCenter}
This is also the first state championship game for Central, which finished the year No. 1 in the state sportswriters poll despite losing to Camden County (Kingsland, Ga.) in its season opener. Like Dr. Phillips, the Rockets (13-1) are explosive on offense and loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. Senior
Devonta Freeman was amazing in Central's 30-27 semifinals win over Cypress Bay. The Florida State commit had 354 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries. The sore spot for Central was its rushing defense, which allowed Cypress Bay more than 200 yards. Expect a high-scoring shootout in this one.
MaxPreps' Florida football playoff bracketsMitch Stephens: Central 28, Dr. Phillips 27
Steve Montoya: Dr. Phillips 24, Central 17
Stephen Spiewak: Dr. Phillips 35, Central 28
Kevin Askeland: Dr. Phillips 28, Central 21
Jamie DeMoney: Dr. Phillips 41, Central 34
MaxPreps Projection: Dr. Phillips 35, Central 28
