Chaminade and Dillard square off, rivalries renewed and Central surges after huge win
South Florida’s dominance was once again on display for all to see nationwide.
But for as many games as there were featuring Miami-Dade and Broward teams beating out-of-state opponents, the most meaningful result came from an in-state clash between two nationally ranked teams in Bradenton.
Miami Central scored a major victory when it knocked off IMG Academy on its home field in Bradenton. It was one of the Rockets’ biggest wins in recent memory, which is saying a lot for a program that’s won eight state titles since 2010 and won high-stakes road games in the past.
Last week’s overall results reminded everyone why this is the premier area for high school football talent as Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, Plantation American Heritage and Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas swept the Geico ESPN Kickoff Showcase the following day.
All four of those teams deserve to be ranked in the top 10 nationally.
Miami Northwestern isn’t far behind after knocking off Venice on its home field. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons showed its grit beating DeMatha Catholic, while Miami Columbus and Davie Western could be on a collision course in Class 4M. And Fort Lauderdale Dillard and Homestead each showed why they both could be a threat to Aquinas in Class 3M.
And yet with all these contending teams, it’s a real travesty that only four state titles are up for grabs thanks to the FHSAA’s new classification system.
It should be a fun march to December seeing how it all plays out. After a thrilling first act, let’s see what’s in store for Week 2 where already it seemed only fitting to me that there be a new No. 1.
THE TOP 20
1. Miami Central; 2. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna; 3. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas; 4. Plantation American Heritage; 5. Miami Northwestern; 6. Miami Columbus; 7. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons; 8. Davie Western; 9. Fort Lauderdale Dillard; 10. Homestead; 11. Miami Palmetto; 12. Miami Booker T. Washington; 13. Coconut Creek; 14. Miami Norland; 15. Miramar; 16. Miami Gulliver; 17. Miami Edison; 18. Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace; 19. Doral Academy; 20. Plantation. Dropped out: No. 20 Fort Lauderdale Stranahan. On the cusp: Miami La Salle, Coconut Creek Monarch.
THIS WEEK’S TOP GAMES
9. Dillard (1-0) at 2. Chaminade-Madonna (1-0), 7, Friday.
While Chaminade’s schedule won’t let up any time soon, the Lions did for a moment in the second half against St. John’s Prep last week and it nearly cost them dearly. Luckily, Chaminade’s battle-tested squad recovered with enough time to put away a 35-28 victory and start the season on a positive note despite surrendering 21 unanswered points late.
The Lions hope it was a lesson learned as they brace for the arrival of one of the most improved teams in the state. Dillard gave a glimpse of how deep it is on both sides of the ball against an overmatched Rock Creek Christian squad from Georgia in its 35-0 rout.
The Panthers’ goal is to upend St. Thomas Aquinas and make a run at the Class 3M state title. Dillard reminds me of the years when Miramar or Deerfield Beach put together enough talent and depth to truly contend with one of the nation’s goliaths. Scoring an upset here will be difficult for the Panthers, however, against a physical defensive front and a Chaminade offense that can beat you on the ground and through the air in so many ways.
Dre’s pick: Chaminade 24, Dillard 14.
12. Booker T. Washington (1-0) vs. 17. Edison (0-0), 7, Thursday, Curtis.
This rivalry was about as lopsided as any in Miami-Dade County for years until Edison finally beat Booker T. Washington last season. The Tornadoes weren’t really themselves the past two seasons, however.
The second coach Tim “Ice” Harris sets foot back on that field, it’s as if a switch flips. And it’s shown in the team’s two results so far — a 49-14 preseason win over Glades Central and a 48-12 regular season opening win over Killian.
Edison is a noticeably tougher opponent than either of those two though if it can execute to its potential. The Red Raiders did not do that in their preseason loss to Miramar, committing multiple turnovers. But while they lost some key transfers this offseason, they are still skilled enough to test Booker T.’s resolve and see just how far the team has come in the months since Harris’ return.
Dre’s pick: Booker T. 20, Edison 16.
10. Homestead (1-0) vs. South Dade (0-1), 7:30, Friday, Tropical.
The Battle for Lucy Street used to be played near the end of the season much like the Soul Bowl. And yet here we are in Week 2 playing two of Miami-Dade’s most historic rivalry games early. While the matchup wouldn’t appear to have the luster of years past, it should still have intensity with neighborhood rivals battling for bragging rights here. The balance of power has shifted in this rivalry, however, as the Broncos secured a statement victory over Palmetto last week. South Dade lost a heartbreaker 28-27 to Carol City, but the Bucs appear to be building their way back to what they once were.
Homestead’s defense might have actually improved despite some key graduations, and quarterback Joshua Townsend showed why he’s one of the best in South Florida overall, capitalizing on opportunities when he could against a stout Palmetto defense.
Dre’s pick: Homestead 22, South Dade 8.
5. Northwestern (1-0) vs. Jackson (0-1), 7:30, Friday, Traz.
The Soul Bowl isn’t what it used to be in terms of the matchup with the Bulls heavily favored, but it’s still an event for both schools’ alums to celebrate. Northwestern has scored back-to-back impressive road wins and should be able to put its talent on display in its first game at The Mecca this season.
Dre’s pick: Northwestern 34, Jackson 12.
THE REST OF THE TOP 20
1. Central (1-0): Bye week.
3. St. Thomas Aquinas (1-0) at Fort Myers (0-1), 7, Friday.
Dre’s pick: Aquinas 38, Fort Myers 13. If the Raiders avoid turnovers, expect a more comfortable win than they recorded last week against St. Joseph’s Prep.
4. American Heritage (1-0) vs. Lakeland Lake Gibson (1-0), 7:30, Friday.
Dre’s pick: American Heritage 35, Lake Gibson 14. If the Patriots can establish the running game once again as they have the first two weeks, expect another comfortable win.
6. Columbus (1-0) vs. Killian (0-1), 7, Thursday, Tropical.
Dre’s pick: Columbus 42, Killian 3. While they may not be as replete with blue-chip recruits as a few other teams in South Florida, the Explorers are solid, balanced, well-coached and might have the pieces needed to make a run in Class 4M.
7. Cardinal Gibbons (1-0) vs. Calvary Christian (1-0), 7, Friday.
Dre’s pick: Cardinal Gibbons 28, Calvary Christian 7. If the Chiefs can get their offense going, look out since clearly their defense is still one of the best.
8. Western (1-0): Bye week.
11. Palmetto (0-1) at Clearwater Academy International (0-0), 7, Friday.
Dre’s pick: Palmetto 10, Clearwater Academy International 7. If the Panthers are going to get back on track, their defense could make it happen this week.
13. Coconut Creek (1-0) vs. Boyd Anderson (0-1), 7, Friday.
Dre’s pick: Coconut Creek 38, Boyd Anderson 6. The Cougars should cruise here, setting up an interesting “measuring stick” game against Western next week.
14. Norland (0-0) vs. Carol City (1-0), 7, Thursday, Traz.
Dre’s pick: Norland 30, Carol City 26. Two proud programs and longtime rivals should make for a good game like old times in this series.
15. Miramar (1-0): Bye week.
16. Gulliver (0-1): Bye week.
18. Monsignor Pace (0-1) vs. Somerset Silver Palms (1-0), 7:30, Friday.
Dre’s pick: Pace 27, Somerset Silver Palms 7. The Spartans came up just short in a tough road outing last week, but should bounce back.
19. Doral Academy (1-0) at Rockledge (1-0), 7, Friday.
Dre’s pick: Rockledge 42, Doral 24. The Firebirds have a lot of firepower on offense, but have surrendered a lot of points so far. And Rockledge is a tough obstacle as Gulliver found out last week.
20. Plantation (0-1) vs. Stranahan (0-1), 7, Friday, PAL.
Dre’s pick: Plantation 21, Stranahan 12. Plantation nearly knocked off Miramar while Stranahan looked sloppy in a loss to Life Christian. Edge to the Colonels in this one.
OTHER GAMES
THURSDAY
Miami-Dade: Southridge vs. Krop (Ives), 4, Southridge 19-16; Miami Springs vs. Hialeah (Milander), 7, Hialeah 13-12; Coral Reef vs. Varela (Southridge), 7, Reef 38-3; Sunset at Ferguson, 3:30, Ferguson 28-6; Hialeah Gardens at Reagan, 3:30, Reagan 20-7; Marathon at Miami Country Day, 7, Marathon 28-12.
Broward: Fort Lauderdale vs. Hallandale (Lockhart), 7, FTL 34-12; Winter Haven Roar Prep Vocational at Avant Garde Academy, 7, Avant Garde 30-17; Northeast at Pompano Beach, 7, Pompano 14-7; Pine Crest at University School, 7, US 35-31; Pines Charter vs. Coral Springs Charter (Glades), 7, CSC 24-14.
FRIDAY
Miami-Dade: South Miami vs. American (Milander), 7:30, S. Miami 22-6; Miami High vs. Miami Beach (Memorial), 7, Beach 13-12; True North at Belen, 7:30, True North 20-7; Goleman at Archbishop Carroll, 3:30, Goleman 28-27; Coral Park at Coral Gables, 4, Gables 20-12; NMB at Lowndes (Ga.), 8, Lowndes 30-8; St. Brendan at Ransom Everglades, 7, St. Brendan 35-6; Palmer Trinity at Coral Shores, 7, Coral Shores 35-14; Palm Glades Prep vs. Mourning (N. Miami), 3:30; ATM 3-2.
Broward: South Plantation at Taravella, 4, S. Plant. 27-6; Cypress Bay at Blanche Ely, 7, Ely 19-14; Monarch at Delray Atlantic, 7, Monarch 24-16; Coral Glades at Deerfield Beach, 7, Deerfield 28-6; Coral Springs at Piper, 7, Piper 27-20; McArthur at Flanagan, 7, Flanagan 17-16; Cooper City at Nova, 7, CC 14-6; North Broward Prep at Archbishop McCarthy, 7, NBP 27-24; Hollywood Hills at Boca Spanish River, 7, Hills 13-7; Everglades at Island Coast, 7, Everglades 21-17; Somerset Prep vs. Somerset Canyons, 7, Canyons 21-13; Bradenton Christian at Westminster Academy, 7, WA 28-24.
Miami-Dade vs. Broward: Somerset Academy at La Salle, 7, La Salle 30-14.
SATURDAY
Miami-Dade: Mater Academy vs. Westland Hialeah (Milander), 7, Westland 35-10.
Andre’s record - Last week: 37-13; Season: 37-13.
This story was originally published August 29, 2022 at 10:20 AM.
