High school football ‘26: Picking all the winners for opening round playoff games
Marcus manages the day-to-day editorial workflow across all brands, coordinating coverage assignments and ensuring editorial standards are met. He previously served as city editor at the Pioneer Press and holds a degree in Political Science from Carleton College.
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High school football season is back and so are our weekly predictions for local games. Each Thursday during the season, News4JAX sports editor Justin Barney will offer his picks on the games. (Indicates playoff seeds). Last week: 3-2. Season: 342-65-1 (.840). Open division playoffsFirst round, Nov. 13 (pool play)Pool B(7) Raines (10-0) at (3) West Boca Raton (9-1), 6:30 p.m.: Until the Vikings actually lose a game, I can’t pick against them. N4J pick: (7) Raines 27, (3) West Boca Raton 24.State series playoffsFirst round, Nov. 13Region 1-1A(6) Baker (7-3) at (3) Fort White (6-4), 7:30 p.m.: Indians get things done here. N4J pick: (3) Fort White 28, (6) Baker 21.Region 2-1A(8) Father Lopez (4-6) at (1) Trinity Christian (6-4): Conquerors have eyes on the state semifinals. N4J pick: (1) Trinity 38, (8) Father Lopez 14.(6) Wildwood (8-2) at (3) University Christian (7-3), 7:30 p.m.: Go ahead and book UC-Hawthorne in Round 2. N4J pick: (3) UC 35, (6) Wildwood 7.Region 1-2A(8) Freeport (5-5