Football season is not quite over in the Keys. With a win over Coral Shores on Nov. 1, Key West knew their chances of a playoff game were good, but there were no guarantees for the 7-3 Conchs. Miami Northwestern, a top team in 3A, is in their district, and only district champs move on automatically.
Last week, the Conchs waited for the rest of 3A to finish their schedules to see where they fell in the rankings. Key West’s strength of schedule and solid record combined in the FHSAA’s nebulous algorithm to give them a shot at a state title.
The Conchs’ latest ranking placed them second in the region, behind only Northwestern and ensuring not just a playoff game, but a home playoff game. The advantages of the home field, home referees and home fans give Key West the upper hand, and their competitor, Estero, will face a nearly five-hour drive to the Southernmost City.
Key West lost to a senior-laden Estero last season, but in Friday night’s matchup, the 6-4 Eagles are ranked seventh, and the Conchs are playing exceptionally well this season. The winner of the Nov. 15 regional quarterfinal will play either the Panthers of Somerset Academy or Panthers of Cypress Lake Nov. 22 in the semis. Should that winner be the Conchs, it would mean another home playoff game, as the top-seeded team is awarded the home field location.
Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium.
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