Marion County football teams prepare for playoffs

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Posted November 10, 2021 | By Joel Bronson
Joel@ocalagazette.com

Marion County will have a strong presence in the FHSAA state playoffs this season. Dunnellon, Vanguard, Belleview, North Marion, and Trinity Catholic are preparing for playoff appearances in various classifications.

*home team in italics, playoff seed in ( )

Dunnellon (2) vs. Bishop Moore

The Tigers overcame two early losses to Buchholz and Vanguard to finish the regular season 8-2, 3-0 in 5A district 5 play.

Head coach Price Harris is proud of the way the Tigers fought back from the rough start.

“I am very proud of our guys for staying the course and never wavering,” Harris said. “Everyone at this time is just trying to go 1-0 each week, and we are focused on Bishop Moore.”

“Our program is excited that we have five playoff teams from Marion County,” he added. “We wish them nothing but success!”

Dunnellon and Bishop Moore will kickoff this Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Vanguard (1) vs. Heritage Palm Bay (8)

The Knights are the one seed in class 6A, district 5 after finishing with a perfect 10-0 regular season record.

Vanguard will host Heritage Palm Bay (7-3) at Booster Stadium this Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Belleview @ Auburndale (2)

Belleview will travel to 2-seed Auburndale as a 6A, district 5 wild card seed this Friday.

The Rattlers finished the regular season 8-2, recording an undefeated 5-0 record at home.

Rattlers coach Brady Ackerman credits his seniors for the team’s push to the playoffs.

“I’m so proud of our seniors for their leadership,” Ackerman said. “Auburndale is a great team, and we will need to execute at a high level to get a road victory.”

Kickoff between host Auburndale (8-0) and Belleview is set for Friday at 7:30 p.m.

North Marion (4) vs. West Florida (5)

The Colts finished the regular season with a 6-3 record and were undefeated in 5A district 4 play.

Head coach Greg Carr wants his players to have fun and play the game the right way.

“We tell our kids to not put any added pressure on themselves, just go out there and play the game the right way,” Carr said. “Play North Marion football and enjoy every minute of it!”

Carr and his 4^th seeded Colts will host 5 seed West Florida (8-1) this Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Trinity Catholic (1), first round bye

The Celtics overcame two early season losses to finish 6-2 and earn the one seed in class 3A, region 1.

Celtics head coach John Brantley III is excited for his team to be competing for a championship.

“Each year at Trinity Catholic, our goal is to make the playoffs,” said Head coach John Brantley III. “(In the playoffs), it’s up to our entire football program on how far we can go. I like our team this year and the attitude. Nothing like playing and competing for a ring!”

The Celtics will host the winner of P.K.Yonge and Crescent City at Al Dunlap Field on Friday, November 19^th, at 7:30 p.m.