There's no more doubting if Northwestern can ``three-peat.''

Anyone who watched the game Saturday night at FIU watched the officially ''grown-up'' new cast of Bulls take center stage and win a playoff game that ranked high among the most dramatic and entertaining in recent memory.

The same Central team that beat the Bulls earlier in the season refused to go away, tying the score three times behind its high-powered offense.

But Northwestern had an answer each time.

And after beating Central and Columbus back-to-back, it looks like they may have an answer to every challenge remaining.

Bulls' sophomore quarterback Teddy Bridgewater found Tyrell Lewis open for a 43-yard score that made everyone around the state believers again heading into the final three weeks of the playoffs. In the Beef 'O' Brady's High School poll, which ranks the top 25 teams in Florida regardless of class, Northwestern is ranked No. 10, but it is the top-ranked Class 6A squad.

Northwestern must overcome three more obstacles starting with Killian this weekend if it's to become the first Miami-Dade County football team to win three straight state championships.

• Region 4-6A final -- Northwestern (11-1) vs. Killian (10-2), Friday, 7:30 p.m., FIU: Although they gave up 160 yards to Central junior Brandon Gainer, Northwestern's defense forced three fumbles that slowed down the Rockets just enough for the win. The squad that already shut down Jakhari Gore in the first round will face its third consecutive marquee running back in Killian's Lamar Miller, a University of Miami commitment.

Miller had one of his best games of the season last Friday, amassing 202 yards in a dominant performance against Palmetto. And the Cougars mixed in an effective passing game that was keyed by quarterback Ricky Rowe's mobility.

Killian has put together its best season since 2004 when the coach it will face Friday, Billy Rolle, led the Cougars to a state championship. Killian coach Steve Smith and his staff have made the Cougars one of the most improved teams in the entire state after a 4-6 record last year.

But you can't say enough about Northwestern's own turnaround from a team that couldn't have looked worse Memorial Day weekend against North Miami Beach to a confident bunch that has regained its swagger in these playoffs.

Youngsters like Bridgewater and Michaelee Harris have become leaders. Role players like Wayne Times have become playmakers. And veterans like Daquan Hargrett are healthy again. Prediction: Northwestern 27, Killian 20.

• Region 4-4A final -- Booker T. Washington (10-2) at Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer (11-1), Friday, 7:30 p.m.: Until last season, Booker T. struggled for years to get payback on rival Seffner Armwood. The Tornadoes are on the opposite end of that circumstance against Dwyer, whom they have beaten three consecutive seasons in the regional finals.

Whether junior Jose Jose is playing center, guard or tackle, it's up to Booker T.'s offensive line to hold up against a tough Dwyer squad that hasn't given up more than 21 points all season.

Eduardo Clements' performance last week when he ran for three touchdowns and 154 yards against Hallandale, made Booker T. look like it did last season when it won the Class 4A championship. And Dwyer nearly won last year in the Orange Bowl. Dwyer is the talent-loaded team this time around. Prediction: Dwyer 38, Booker T. 35.

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