By Justin Burgess
Florida Area Scout

The 4A division in the FHSAA tournament is getting closer to the state tournament, where four teams will get to travel down to Ft. Myers and play for a state championship. This division has some strong teams but there doesn’t seem to be an obvious favorite. All eight teams will play on Tuesday, May 12^th to see who advances. To highlight these four games, Tampa Catholic will be taking an early trip down to Ft. Myers, not for the state tournament, but to take on Bishop Verot. The Crusaders have been inconsistent this season going 17-11 so far, but have shown lately that they might be a top contender in the state. As for Bishop Verot, they have a very strong record at 22-6, including a 2-0 win over Tampa Catholic earlier this year. Offensively, these teams are similar but Bishop Verot has the edge in pitching with a team ERA roughly a whole point lower than Tampa Catholic’s. However, the Crusaders are coming off a big win and are looking for revenge from earlier this season.

Prediction: Tampa Catholic

Trinity Christian vs Pensacola Catholic

Pensacola Catholic is traveling to Trinity Catholic for this regional final game, losing an hour to the time change on the trip. As for their records, they are very similar as Trinity Christian sits at 20-9 and Pensacola Catholic is at 19-8. Trinity Catholic has the edge on pitching (1.58 ERA) and Pensacola Catholic has the upper hand on offense (.286 avg. and 12 HR’s). This should be a very close game with the two seemingly even matched teams.

Prediction: Trinity Christian

Bishop Moore vs South Sumter

Bishop Moore will come into this contest 20-9-1 and South Sumter at 19-6. Bishop Moore will be hosting and they appear to have had a tougher schedule this year than South Sumter.

Prediction: Bishop Moore

Gulliver Prep vs Calvary Christian

Calvary (23-6) will be traveling to Gulliver (24-6) to see who clinches their bid for the 4A state tournament. Statistically, these two squads are pretty evenly matched, Calvary may have a slight advantage offensively but nothing that should too noticeable. Both teams have had very tough schedules and have obviously faired about the same, but home field advantage might be key for Gulliver.

Prediction: Gulliver Prep