Justin Burgess
Florida Area Scout

The 1A division of the FHSAA baseball playoffs will be wrapping up regional play tonight along with the 6A, 5A, and 2A divisions. Unlike these other divisions, 1A has multiple teams that have had incredible seasons and pretty much dominated their schedule, and Williston is one of those teams with a 25-2 record. They also did not lose a district game all season and have won 17 games in a row. Williston has a minute 1.08 team ERA and can run very well as a team, evidenced by their 89 stolen bases. As for the visiting team, Chiefland has had a very good year themselves going 17-6 up to this point and is coming off an exciting 2-1 win in extra innings over Taylor. Chiefland is also looking to avenge their 1-0 district title loss against Williston. So even though most statistics seem to be pointing in Williston’s favor, Chiefland should put up a very good fight and has a decent chance to pull off the upset.

Prediction: Williston

Blountstown vs Central

Both schools lost their district final and have scratched their way back to have a chance at the state tournament. Both schools’ ERA’s are very low (Central a 1.60 and Blountstown a 1.75) but Central’s team batting average is .366, while Blountstown’s is .297. Blountstown is 20-8 on the year and Central is 17-5. Central will likely out-hit Blountstown in this game.

Prediction: Central

Northview vs Bozeman

Both of these teams have had incredible seasons with Northview going 18-2 up to this point and Bozeman going 24-3. Both teams also have very low ERA’s with Bozeman having a 1.40 and Northview almost being under one with a 1.06. Bozeman, however, is outhitting Northview .321 to .258.

Prediction: Bozeman

Lafayette vs Hamilton County

This will be the fourth matchup of the year between these two teams and Lafayette has won all three games so far, with only one game being close. Lafayette has a record of 22-4 wile Hamilton County has a record of 16-11. Statistically, Lafayette has the edge in every category, especially in team ERA where it is 1.81 to 5.34. 

Prediction: Lafayette