My guess is a little of both.

Central has been fueled by the hope of atoning for its nationally-televised loss to Northwestern if the two were to meet again in the second round of the playoffs.

Central has beaten its past three opponents by a combined 148-6.

And the Rockets would love to deal Booker T., ranked No. 16 by The National Prep poll, its first loss of the season.

Booker T. has looked vulnerable the past few weeks as its offense continues to struggle without running back Eduardo Clements and quarterback Jeremiah Hay.

Clements returned last week and played briefly in the second half of a 37-0 rout of Edison.

He scored on a 31-yard run on his lone carry, and might not be ready to take the risk of playing an entire game in a contest that would only earn the Tornadoes bragging rights.

Hay is not expected to return until the first round of the playoffs at the earliest.

Booker T.'s defense has carried it through this difficult time, allowing eight points or less in six of its nine games this season.

But against an explosive offense like Central's, Booker T. needs to score and that will be tough against a tough Rockets defense.

Prediction: Central 16, Booker T. 7.

3. NORTHWESTERN (8-1) VS. 10. JACKSON (7-2)

7:30 p.m., Friday, Traz.

The Soul Bowl appears to be a competitive rivalry again.

Or at least, the fans are hoping so following Jackson's resurgence this season.

The series, which dates back to 1981, has been dominated by Northwestern.

The past three meetings in this classic have been ugly, unless you're a fan of the team wearing blue and gold.

Jackson hasn't scored in the past three Soul Bowls, losing by a combined 126-0.

The Generals haven't won a Soul Bowl since a 16-14 thriller in 2002 in the Orange Bowl.

But this Jackson team is playing much better than its recent predecessors.

The Generals secured a playoff berth for the first time in three seasons by routing Key West 35-0 last week.

Quarterback Demetrius Whitehead was one of the Generals' stars, throwing for 168 yards and four touchdowns.

Sophomore Deandre Jasper caught two of those touchdown tosses to continue his breakout season.

The Bulls, however, should still emerge as the winner.

Since Northwestern coach Billy Rolle took over play-calling duties, the Bulls have scored 169 points in three games, and allowed only 21.

Prediction: Northwestern 34, Jackson 14.

19. CAROL CITY (6-3) AT 7. SOUTHRIDGE (8-0)

4 p.m., Friday.

In what could be the most intriguing game in Miami-Dade County this week, Southridge will put its undefeated season on the line against its first opponent from the north end of the county.

The Chiefs wrapped up the District 12-6A championship a couple of weeks ago, and are still relying on their defense to win games.

The Spartans' defense has been stingy for most of the season as well, and the team has one of the most versatile athletes in Dade at quarterback.

Jermaine Kelson has amassed 1,119 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns this season.

Look for him to make some big plays that will break the defensive stalemate.

Prediction: Southridge 13, Carol City 6.

THURSDAY'S GAMES

MATCHUP TIME ANDRE'S PICK

Hialeah vs. North Miami (N. Miami) 7 Hialeah 35-20

Palmetto vs. Miami High (Curtis) 7 Palmetto 27-10

Coral Reef vs. Sunset (Tropical) 7 C. Reef 17-14

Goleman vs. Hialeah Gardens (Traz) 7 Goleman 42-7

Reagan vs. Westland Hialeah (Traz) 4 Reagan 28-14

FRIDAY'S GAMES

MATCHUP TIME ANDRE'S PICK

Krop vs. Norland (N. Miami) 7:30 Krop 12-8

Hialeah-Miami Lakes vs. American (Traz) 4 American 27-20

Coral Park vs. Varela (Tropical) 4 Varela 34-6

Coral Gables vs. Southwest (Tropical) 7:30 Gables 42-7

Miami Springs vs. Edison (Curtis) 7:30 Springs 35-12

South Miami vs. Miami Beach (Memorial) 7:30 Beach 17-14

Ferguson at Key West 7:30 Ferguson 17-10

Mater at Belle Glade Glades Day 7 Glades Day 41-7

Miramar Parkway at Archbishop Carroll 3:30 Parkway 38-6

La Salle at Marathon 7 La Salle 24-17

Archbishop Curley at Ransom 7 Ransom 34-31

Florida Christian at Fort Laud. Westminster Aca. 7 Florida Chr. 24-14

Barrington Christian at Sheridan Hills Christian 4 Barrington 35-14

Princeton Chr. vs. Upperroom Chr. (Oswald) 7:30 Upperroom 32-8

Andre's record -- Last week: 25-5; Season: 218-52.