The playoffs have arrived about eight weeks early at Everglades.

That’s how Gators coach Rodney Rumph views Friday’s District 12-8A game at Western, which is set for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

Everglades (3-0) and Western (2-0) are the only two schools still unbeaten in the six-team district. But now that league play is beginning, there is a heightened sense of urgency.

“We had to cut a couple of our practices short this week because of the intensity,” Rumph said. “This is a huge game for both of us because we play in such a tough district. Neither team can afford to lose this game.”

Rumph’s point about the district is well taken. Miramar, which finished 13-1 last year, is the established power. Cypress Bay, which went 8-4 and finished second, is the other team to beat.

Western (5-4, 2-3 last year) and Everglades (4-6, 2-3) were in the middle of the pack. But with a win Friday, the Gators would equal their 2011 win total.

A win would also avenge last year’s 19-7 loss to Western. Everglades led 7-3 in the second quarter before fumbling deep in its territory on two straight possessions, leading to Western touchdowns and a Wildcats victory.

Enter Rumph, who took over as coach over the summer. He has preached ball security, and so far it’s working because the Gators are a plus-11 on turnovers in three games.

Officials

When it comes to hospitality to Broward County basketball officials, Sagemont School reigns alone.

On Tuesday, Sagemont was given the Bill McFadden award, as voted on by Broward County Basketball officials, for the second consecutive year. BCBOA president Lee Lazerson awarded the plaque to Sagemont Athletic Director Eric Simmonds.

VOLLEYBALL

•  Cardinal Gibbons d. Pine Crest 25-20, 28-26, 25-16: for CG: Shirley Bazua 7 kills, 3 digs. Hannah Hillis 3 kills, 2 blocks, 12 points, 6 aces. Gabby Nicoletta 2 digs, 15 points, 4 aces. PC: Genna Luciano 7 kills, 3 blocks, 4 digs. Nicole Rosenberg 15 assists, 2 blocks. CG 5-5, PC 6-6.

West Broward d. Miramar 25-6, 25-7, 25-5: Melissa Miller 5 kills, 7 points, 10 aces, 2 digs. Marisa Underberg 7 aces, 3 digs. Brianna Gonzalez 5 aces. WB 5-2.

•  Pines Charter d. Fort Lauderdale 25-11, 25-7, 25-14: Nikki Brito 4 kills, 12 assists, 3 blocks. PCH 6-2.

GIRLS’ GOLF

•  St. Thomas 158, Cardinal Gibbons 226 (at FT. Lauderdale CC par 36): Taylor Moody (STA) 35, Ariana Garcia (STA) 40, Heather Netti (STA) 41. STA 3-1, CG 0-3.

GIRLS’ SWIMMING

•  Gulliver 181, University 55.00; Carrolton 141, University 67: 200 Medley Relay: Gul 2:00.98. 200 IM: Robinson (US) 2:18.96. 50 Free: Schafer (Gul) 26.46. 100 fly: Haubold (Car) 1:05.54. 100 Free: Urquidi (Car) 56.19. 500 Free: Scheuren (Gul) 6:07.35. 200 Free Relay: Gul 1:48.58. 100 Back: Robinson (US) 1:04.81. 100 Breast: Serrano (GUL) 1:15.72. 400 Free Relay: GUL 4:00.99. 200 Free: Serrano (Gul) 2:12.82.

BOYS’ SWIMMING

•  Gulliver 162, University 100: 200 Medley Relay: US 1:46.56. 200 Free: Hosfeld (US) 1:47.76. 200 IM: Pereira (US) 2:06.38. 50 Free: Hermida (Gul) 23.07. 100 fly: Arrington (Gul) 1:00.00. 100 Free: Campana (Gul) 51.04. 500 Free: Hosfeld (US) 4:55.51. 200 Free Relay: GUL 1:35.81. 100 Back: Campana(Gul) 1:00.32. 100 Breast: Pereira(US) 1:05.01. 400 Free Relay: US 3:26.54.

THURSDAY’S SCHEDULE