By Justin Burgess
Florida Area Scout

The 8A regional finals will be highlighted by some powerhouse schools that have had some impressive seasons so far. The best matchup will likely be Stoneman Douglas taking on Park Vista. Douglas being 23-4 and Park Vista being 28-3, these are probably two of the top 10 teams in the state and they are unfortunately facing off in a regional game. At the beginning of the year, Park Vista was viewed as probably the best team in the state and maybe in the country but, not that 28-3 is disappointing, they lost their district championship and may be playing with a chip on their shoulder. Douglas has had a very consistent year, all of their losses have come against solid teams, and they have won 10 games in a row. Both squads also have multiple Division 1 signees and commits that will likely step up their game on the bigger stage. Douglas will be hosting this game Tuesday at 4:00.

Prediction: Park Vista

Columbus vs Flanagan

Columbus (22-5) and Flanagan (20-5) will be facing off in what will be a rematch from earlier this season in which Columbus won 5-0. Both teams seem pretty evenly matched but Columbus will be hosting this game and they are riding a 12 game win streak.

Prediction: Columbus

University vs Olympia

This game may be the best example of a “David and Goliath” story that we have in the entire 2015 FHSAA playoffs. Olympia is looked at by most as the best team in the state, and possibly the country, at 27-1-1, while University is 16-13 with a losing record in district play and a 10 run loss in their district championship. Olympia is statistically better than University in every category and has a possible top three round draft pick in 2015 LHP Juan Hillman. A lot of things will have to go right for University to win this game, but this is baseball and anything can happen. This matchup will be played at Stetson University at 7:00 on Tuesday.

Prediction: Olympia

Sarasota Riverview vs Timber Creek

Riverview is the only remaining team in the FHSAA playoffs with a losing record at 13-14 and is looking to get to .500 with a win over Timber Creek who is 19-10-1. Their strength of schedules are similar with Riverview’s probably being a little tougher. Riverview has also won six games in a row, including a 2-1 win over Alonso who was probably the favorite to win this region. Riverview will be hosting this game at 7:00.

Prediction: Riverview