2. NORTHWESTERN (1-0) VS. 11. HIALEAH (2-0) 7 p.m., Thursday, Traz

The past three meetings between these teams have been a nightmare for Hialeah, as Northwestern juggernaut has won by a combined 156-29.

The Thoroughbreds know they need a win in a game like this to have a chance to make the playoffs. But they weren't caught looking ahead last week when they trounced Goleman 57-0 behind a 336-yard team rushing effort. Led by Jerron Seymour, Hialeah once again boasts one of the most potent ground games in Miami-Dade County. The Bulls' defense, however, is rested after a solid performance against Carol City in Week 1.

Hialeah defensive star Corey Lemonier missed the game with an injury, but is expected to return this week. It will take a huge effort from Lemonier and his teammates as they try to slow down a more skilled and experienced version of Northwestern quarterback Teddy Bridgewater than they faced last year.

When Hialeah fans got excited over their team leading the Bulls 22-21 early in the second half of last year's game, Bridgewater cemented his status as the Bulls' quarterback by throwing for 404 yards in a 58-22 comeback win.

Even if Northwestern doesn't score as many points, expect another lopsided outcome in its favor.

Prediction: Northwestern 28, Hialeah 8.

4. COLUMBUS (2-0) VS. 16. SOUTH DADE (2-0) 7 p.m., Wednesday, Harris

South Dade could be this year's sleeper in Miami-Dade County.

Under new coach Greg Dentino, the Buccaneers appear ready to make a run in always-competitive District 16-6A after back-to-back victories.

Last week, quarterback Jovani McCray threw a pair of touchdown passes to help South Dade score a victory against Coral Gables, a nine-win team each of the past two years. The Bucs' defense contained a potent Cavaliers offense, shutting them out for the first three quarters.

A victory this week would be monumental for a young program trying to rebound from a 3-7 season in 2008.

Gables running back Jarvis Bridge was able to run for 160 yards despite the loss, which is not a good sign since the Bucs will face another talented back this week. Columbus' Jakhari Gore is coming off a 229-yard, four touchdown performance against Belen Jesuit last week.

And on the topic of defenses, Columbus is a couple of personal foul penalties from having a pair of shutouts to open the season.

Prediction: Columbus 20, South Dade 6.

JACKSON (2-0) VS. NORLAND (1-1) 7 p.m., Thursday, N. Miami

Coach Nigel Dunn brings his improving Jackson squad to face the school he led to a state championship in 2002.

Dunn has already begun to improve the Generals' outlook with a pair of solid victories to open the season. Jackson routed North Miami and outlasted Krop to put themselves within one victory of matching last season's win total.

Jackson's passing game put up big numbers last week against the Lightning in spite of losing starting quarterback Demetrius Whitehead to a leg injury midway through the game.

Rashad Stewart filled in and threw the game-winning touchdown pass to Deandre Jasper, who finished with 132 yards on six catches.

Norland, however, has its own potent offensive weapon in sophomore running back Duke Johnson, who ran for five touchdowns in a convincing win against Edison.

The Vikings defense forced the Red Raiders into three turnovers that helped break the game open.

Neither team has played disciplined football so far, each committing 11 penalties last week. But Johnson is a home run threat that could decide the outcome of a game on one play.

Prediction: Norland 23, Jackson 20.

THURSDAY'S GAMES

Matchup Time Andre's pick

Jackson vs. Norland (N. Miami) 7 Norland 23-20

Miami High vs. Sunset (Tropical) 4 Miami High 24-12

Killian vs. South Miami (Tropical) 7:30 Killian 27-6

Hialeah-Miami Lakes vs. Westland (Hendricks) 7 HML 28-7

Gulliver at Belen 4 Belen 23-21

Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest at La Salle 7 Pine Crest 26-14

Hillel at Miami Country Day 7 MCD 34-6

NPB Benjamin at Ransom 7 Benjamin 27-12

MacArthur North at Palmer Trinity 4 MacNorth 16-7

FRIDAY'S GAMES

Matchup Time Andre's pick

Jacksonville Trinity Chr. at Dade Chr. 7:30 Trinity 34-21

Mater Academy at Westminster Christian 4 Westminster 34-8

Pompano Highlands Chr. at Westwood Chr. 4 Highlands 17-6

Barrington Chr. at Delray Village Academy 7 Barrington 34-12

SATURDAY'S GAME

Matchup Time Andre's pick

Naples St. John Neumann at Archbishop Curley 2 Curley 15-14

Andre's record -- Last week: 18-9; Overall: 38-17