Every two years, the FHSAA takes a look at school populations and determines if changes need to be made to how the schools are distributed across all classifications.  That time has come for the school years and 26-27 and 26-28.  Here is our take on the proposed changes.

BIG PICTURE

Dropping a classification; Now seven total

Creates larger districts; vast majority are five teams or more

At initial glance, each classification has some “juice” or possibly intriguing story lines

Some new “districts of death” have been inadvertently created

CLASS 6A

Region One is now far more interesting and competitive with some schools moving up.  Programs like Tocoi Creek, Mainland, Oviedo, and Crestview give the region some juice.

Region Two loses Oak Ridge to 5A but District 6 is still a monster with Dr. Phillips, Olympia, and Windermere in there. Also, a consistently good Wellington program moves out of the region and down south to Region Four.

Region Three gains some vitality with the additions of Tampa Sickles, Wiregrass Ranch, and Parrish.

Region Four stayed relatively unchanged.  Wellington moved in and will have to battle the established Browand and Dade powers.

CLASS 5A

Region One looks wide open.  It stretches from Pensacola to Ponte Vedra

Region Two, on the other hand, looks extremely competitive.  District Six houses established Central Florida powers, Edgewater, Evans, and Lake Howell.  Oak Ridge and Osceola drop down a class while Bartow is also in the mix.

Region Three is home to schools from Florida’s West Coast.  Wharton, Charlotte, and Palmetto Ridge are the programs to watch there.

Region Four in South Florida will once again be super-competitive.  With the likes of Dwyer, Boyd Anderson, Coral Springs, Pines Charter, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Southridge vying for one spot in the Final Four, the regional playoffs should be very intriguing.

CLASS 4A

Region One has two of last year’s final four teams from different classifications in Bishop Kenny in Jacksonville and Fleming Island.  Both are in District Four.  District Two with Rickards, Godby, and Panama City’s Arnold and Bay looks intriguing.

Region Two is large with 31 total schools.  Traditional powers like Leesburg, Ocala Vanguard, Orlando Jones, and Tampa Jesuit must contend with the likes of Deltona Pine Ridge, Rockledge, and North Marion.

Region Three has only one established program in St. Petersburg but new school Morgan in Wimauma has some young talent that will contend.  Booker out of Sarasota and Braden River are also ones to watch.

In Region Four, expect historically strong programs like Suncoast, Mater Lakes, Norland, Belen Jesuit and Northwestern to battle for supremacy.  Look out for Atlantic, Jensen Beach, Plantation, and Miramar as they attempt to crash the party.

CLASS 3A

This should still be the best classification in the state but some of the powers may be different.

Region One with Florida High, Andrew Jackson, Raines, and Bradford will make things interesting.

Region Two will feature The Villages along with Discovery, Lake Highland Prep, and Tampa Catholic

Region Three is one of those that stretches across the state from St. Petersburg in the west to Boynton Beach in the east.  District nine should be very competitive with Boca Ciega, Clearwater Calvary Christian and Gibbs.

In Region Four, the powers-that-be have no idea what kind of monster they created for District 13: Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, Cardinal Gibbons, North Broward Prep, NSU University, Pine Crest, and Stranahan are all in the same district.  Absolutely insane.  It wouldn’t surprise if that group got split up before the re-districting process is completed.

CLASS 2A

Region One doesn’t seem much different.  It has more schools but Providence out of Jacksonville and The First Academy from Orlando should be the prime contenders.  Programs like Jacksonville University Christian, P.K. Yonge, and Mount Dora Christian should make things interesting.

Region Two looks to be competitive with the likes of Melbourne Holy Trinity, Windermere Prep, Santa Fe Catholic, Bell Creek, Tampa Prep, and many others.

Region Three looks just the opposite, with Boca Raton St. Andrew’s and Westminster Academy looking to be heavy favorites with First Baptist of Naples looking to play spoiler.

Region Four still retains some pop after the redistricting.  Miami Country Day will get plenty of challenge from Chaminade, Divine Saviour, and Riviera Prep.

CLASS 1A

Region One has a lot more schools, but it most likely will still come down to Impact Christian and NFEI.  San Jose Prep and LEAD Academy will be in the mix.

Region Two, most notably District 7, will be worth watching.  Not only are Central Florida Christian Academy and Orlando Christian Prep still there but now Southeastern Prep is fielding a team.  It won’t be their “national team” but no doubt it will be talented. Add in the likes of City of Life Christian and Legacy that have been on the rise, and you have intrigue everywhere you look.

Region Three features Lakeland Victory Christian but be on the lookout for the likes of North Tampa Christian, St. Stephens and Everglades City.

Region Four will have Sagemont as the favorite but notable hurdles include Grandview Prep, Highlands Christian, and Schoolhouse Prep

RURAL

No real changes other than an expansion of teams down south in District 8.

Marianna slides down from 3A into the Rural class and into District 3.

District Four with Blountstown, Munroe, and Port St. Joe will be competitive.

District Seven is still top heavy with powers Hawthorne, Wildwood, and Williston all vying for a spot.