At the top, Miami beat Orlando to remain in first place, but can still technically be caught by all three teams behind them should they stumble against Naples and the Tridents in their final two games.

Fort Lauderdale sits in second place, but are the only team in the top four without two games remaining. The Knights close out their regular season on March 22 at Jacksonville, a game which they will likely have to win to have any chance of a home semifinal.

Boca sits a point behind Lauderdale, but has two games to play, at home against the Tridents and at Naples. Those are two tough games to close things out, so the Bucs still have plenty to play for as we wind down.

On to this weekend....

Division 2

Miami RFC (7-1) at Naples (3-5) - Even though they are out of playoff contention, the Hammerheads put 61 points up on Jacksonville last week to show they can still field a very competitive team on occasion. The last time Miami headed west, they fell to Krewe, but I think this time they will take care of business. Miami RFC 38, Naples 21

Miami Tridents (5-3) at Boca Raton (6-2) - By far the most important match of the weekend, with huge implications for both teams. After starting the season 0-2, the Buccaneers won this contest 25-18 back in November and haven't lost since. A win here would ensure they leapfrog idle Fort Lauderdale into second, with one game remaining for each team next week. The Tridents, meanwhile, have lost two of their last three games, with both defeats coming at the hands of Fort Lauderdale. The Dade County crew still have their playoff destiny in their own hands for now, but a loss here would be devastating, as they face Miami RFC in their final game, while Krewe, who currently sit two points behind the Tridents, host winless Daytona in their closing contest. Will a desperate Tridents squad have enough to pull off a much-needed win here? I don't think so. Boca Raton 30, MIami Tridents 12

Orlando (3-6) at Jacksonville (3-5) - Jax won this matchup 37-24 last month, but then dropped two straight to fall out of the playoff race, including an embarrassing 61-23 loss at Naples last weekend. The Griffins, meanwhile, put up 17 points on Miami last week, the second-most any team has managed against the Bumblebees this season. The result of this game will all depend on what sort of squad Orlando takes up, and I think this improving team will have enough to bring this one home. Orlando 22, Jacksonville 17

Division 3

Palm Beach (3-1) at Gainesville (3-1) - The most intriguing matchup of the day features two teams likely to play against each other again on April 5 in the D3 semifinals. Barring a late-season collapse by Sarasota, the winner will be the No. 2 seed and host the loser, giving them a distinct advantage. The fact Palm Beach haven't played a matrix match in exactly a month - when they lost to Sarasota - could mean they are a little less banged up, but it could also mean they are a little rusty when it comes to competitive action. Gainesville, on the other hand, battled with Boca's D3 side for a half before pulling away in the final 40 minutes for a convincing victory. This game is undoubtedly one of the hardest picks I've had to make all season, so forgive me if I get it wrong. I'm going to take a shot with the Panthers on the road. Palm Beach 23, Gainesville 20

Sarasota (4-0) at Boca Raton (2-3) - Sarasota shouldn't have too much trouble taking care of the Bucs' B side in this one, and that will likely put an end to Boca's playoff hopes, as Brevard will handily win the game below this one and jump over them into fourth place with Boca having played their six games. Sarasota 45, Boca Raton 12

Indian RIver (0-4) at Brevard (2-2) - Give Indian River credit, they've played all but one of their games this season, despite getting hammered in each one. Things won't change in this game unless Brevard sleeps in and misses the kickoff, and that will be enough to lift them into a playoff spot, where they will get 'rewarded' with a trip to Sarasota. Brevard 52, Indian River 5

Last Week: 3-1

This Season: 37-12 (75.5%)

All-Time: 86-30 (74.1%)

Picture by Facundo Manuel Fabbri.