#2 Palm Bay (5-0) vs #3 Viera Hawks (4-2):  These teams met last season and provided the fans with an amazing 40-35 shootout where the Pirates were victorious. This year Palm Bay is undefeated and looking like the Pirates of old. Playing great Defense, having a strong run game, and being able to stretch the field with Athletes in the passing game is the main reason they are undefeated. Viera comes in battle tested, playing a strong schedule and looking to give Palm Bay their first loss of the season.

Viera has never defeated Palm Bay and have given up an average of 41.6 points per game against the Pirates. The Hawk Defense will have to step up and play to its potential to pull the upset. The Hawk Offense has averaged 14 points per game in this match up but exploded for 35 points the last time these teams met. With the loss of Sr RB Brennen Deplancke, Viera must find someone else to carry the workload. Running backs Keith Freeman, Jaren Lewis, and William Champion might have to get the job done by committee to give the Hawks a balanced attack.

Palm Bay has a loaded roster with Playmakers at every position. We all know of DI recruits Sr RB BJ Daniels and Sr ATH Dez Arthur, but the Breakout Playmaker this season is Jr ATH Tyrese Lyons.  The 5’8″ 175 lbs Jr Athlete is a threat to take it to the house anytime he touches the ball on Offense, Defense,or Special Teams. Look for a very exciting game 7pm at Florida Tech Stadium.

Inside the Numbers: VIERA(4-2) Points for:168 Points Against: 84 PALM BAY(5-0) Points for: 152 Points Against: 26

Last 3 Meetings: Palm Bay won 40-35 in 2015, Palm Bay won 47-7 in 2010, Palm Bay won 38-0 in 2009.

Viera Key Players: Jr WR Travis Jones, Sr CB William Champion, Sr LB Connor Kaminski, Sr WR Donavan Jackson, Jr WR Quinton Richard, Jr DE Miguel Rodriguez, Jr LB Brandon Mays, Sr DT Justin Harrison, Sr DE Marco Foreman, and Jr QB Tim DeMorat.

Palm Bay Players to Watch: Sr QB Stuart Brown, Sr RB BJ Daniels, Sr WR Dez Arthur, Sr ATH Jalen Shelton, Sr LB Lashaun Lighthill-Barber, Jr CB Javonn Robinson, Fr LB Ladarius Tennison, Sr LB/DE Mitchell Cook, Jr ATH Tyrese Lyons, and Sr K/P Anthony Dibenedetto

Prediction: Only thing that can stop the Pirate Ship is Hurricane Matthew. Running game  and Defense too much for the Hawks. (Palm Bay by 10)

Other Predictions:

Cocoa vs Mainland (Cocoa by 3)

Melbourne Central Catholic vs Lakeland Christian (MCC by 3)

Heritage vs Melbourne (Heritage by 14)

Upset Watch: Holy Trinity vs Eau Gallie (Eau by 3)

Rockledge vs Astronaut (Rock by 7)

Cocoa Beach vs Cornerstone Charter ( CB by 3)

Bayside vs Sebastian River  (SR by 17)

Merritt Island Christian vs Halifax Academy (Halifax by 6)

IDLE: Merritt Island, Titusville, Space Coast, and Satellite.