Justin Burgess
Florida Area Scout

The 5A regional final games are being played this Friday, May 8^th, and similar to the 6A division, there is a heavy favorite to advance to the state tournament and even win the state championship. Mosley High School is located up in the panhandle near Panama City, so they do not get as much attention as some of the teams located in the larger metropolitan areas such as Miami, Tampa, and Orlando. That being said, the Mosley Dolphins have compiled a 26-3 record, are considered a top five team in the state, and even top 25 in the country in some polls—very similar to Venice. As a team, they are hitting a remarkable .367 and have a team ERA of 1.65. Even though these numbers suggest they are rolling over every team they play, their first regional game was a 1-0 final in extra innings and a 4-0 win that was close for most of the game. The Dolphins will be facing Baker County, a team that has had a solid year, going 18-11 so far, and will be hosting this regional final. This game will likely be very close as Baker County has cruised to victories in their last three games over quality opponents. The game is on Friday at 7:00 at Baker County.

Prediction: Mosley

Dunedin vs Citrus

Citrus has had a solid season going 16-9 so far and dominating in their district with a 7-1 record.  Their last win came by a score of 4-2 over a very good North Marion team. Dunedin has had an outstanding year, having played 30 games, and has a 24-6 record and is coming off an impressive 6-0 over a strong Wesley Chapel team. They too have impressive stats, hitting .335 as a team and holding opponents to 1.60 earned runs per game on the mound.

Prediction: Dunedin

Archbishop McCarthy vs Merritt Island

Both schools have had great years—Archbishop McCarthy going 26-6 and Merritt Island going 20-7—and have had similar regional wins with one fairly close win and one blowout. The key difference may be that Archbishop has yet to allow a run in regionals.

Prediction: Archbishop McCarthy

Sebring vs Robinson

Sebring has the better record at 21-9 and went undefeated in districts, while Robinson still has a respectable 16-10 record. Robinson, however, played in Jesuit’s district and had to face multiple 8A and 7A schools in the Tampa area. Robinson is also coming off two convincing wins while Sebring won their last game by one run. Sebring will be hosting this game which will likely give them the edge.

Prediction: Sebring