2. BOOKER T. (0-0)

AT WARNER ROBINS (GA.) NORTHSIDE (1-0)

Saturday, 1 p.m.

Losing by three touchdowns in your own backyard wasn't the way Booker T. wanted to begin its title defense this season. But the fact is that much like their rivals from Liberty City, the Tornadoes will miss their graduated stars early this season.

The new cast will develop as shown in the first half against Chandler (Ariz.) Hamilton. Junior Eduardo Clements showed signs of why he could be the best running back in Dade, and things got out of hand only after the Tornadoes lost senior Torrance Moise's play-making ability.

However, Moise should be back from the ankle injury and ready to go against one of Georgia's best defensive teams led by senior defensive tackle Abry Jones (6-3, 250 pounds), a Georgia commitment, and senior linebacker Eric Fields (6-1, 205 pounds), a Clemson commitment.

Northside, coached by Conrad Nix, the father of University of Miami offensive coordinator Patrick Nix, has won 31 consecutive games and two consecutive state championships.

The Tornadoes are still confident they can defend their 14-game winning streak. The road trip won't scare them, especially after witnessing what they did in South Carolina last year, but Booker T.'s defense needs to grow up fast if it's to pull an upset.

Prediction: Northside 34, Booker T. 27.

7. N'WESTERN (0-0)

VS. CAROL CITY (0-0)

Friday, 7:30 p.m., Traz

For the first time in three seasons, one of Dade's best rivalries might not be a blowout.

Northwestern hasn't lost to Carol City since 2004, but the Bulls' youngsters went through some more growing pains Saturday when a powerful Long Beach (Calif.) Poly amassed over 250 yards on their defense. Northwestern had chances to make the game closer, but twice failed to score inside the 20-yard line and twice made mistakes inside their own 20 that led to Poly touchdowns.

Carol City gave its fans a glimpse of its new offense by throwing the football fairly well against Central last week. But the Chiefs' new spread will be tested against a Bulls secondary that includes playmakers Tevin McCaskill and Khalid Marshall.

Northwestern's county-record 30-game winning streak should remain intact for another week, but not without a scare from the improving Chiefs.

Prediction: Northwestern 24, Carol City 12.

9. COLUMBUS (0-0)

VS. PALMETTO (0-0)

Friday, 7:30 p.m., Tropical Park Stadium

While most fans are trying to count the yardage race between Palmetto's Jaamal Berry and Columbus' Jakhari Gore, take a closer look at the players in front of them.

The linemen up front will be doing the real battling and likely will decide the outcome of this entertaining game.

Palmetto's linemen looked really impressive against Miami Springs last week in a 21-6 victory. Berry, who committed to Ohio State this week, only needs a little bit of room to break a big run.

Look for senior nose tackle Antwan Lowery and book ends Anthony Rabasa and Caesar Rodriguez to stack up the line and find a way to edge one of the rising teamsin South Dade.

Prediction: Columbus 23, Palmetto 22.

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