Andre C. Fernandez: Flanagan ready for next step

10. MIRAMAR (5-2) AT 4. FLANAGAN (7-0)

7 p.m., Friday.

The showdown to likely settle the District 12-8A championship features two teams with state-championship aspirations.

Miramar is the proven program with a state title and a state runner-up finish in its history. But the Patriots have struggled this season in two clashes with Broward County’s best.

Still, some wonder whether undefeated Flanagan is ready to take the next step in its program’s development and come up with a signature win over Miramar.

The performance of the Falcons on the defensive side of the ball this season just might be what proves the difference in a clutch moment late in this game and propel Flanagan to its first district title.

Andre’s pick: Flanagan 21, Miramar 17.

13. CORAL GABLES (4-2) VS. MIAMI HIGH (5-1)

7:30 p,m., Friday, Curtis Park.

The longtime rivalry has intensified this season thanks to the improvement of Miami High.

The Stingarees have scored several blowout wins and have proven themselves to be one of the most improved teams in Miami-Dade County behind a solid running game.

Coral Gables entered the season with state-championship aspirations but has not lived up to it, losing close games to Columbus and Killian.

The winner of this game very likely clinches the runner-up berth in District 14-8A.

Miami High’s program appears to be on the rise with what it has done so far.

A loss for the Cavaliers would leave this season as a major disappointment.

Gables has played a tougher schedule and grasps how much is at stake in this game.

Andre’s pick: Coral Gables 24, Miami High 17.

MIAMI SPRINGS (6-0) VS. 14. AMERICAN (5-1)

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

This represents the first of three key games over the next few weeks that will decide the playoff spots in District 16-7A.

American has shown it is the most talented team in this district with its performances this season. Miami Springs is unbeaten, but some question the strength of schedule.

The Golden Hawks hang in there, and will have a chance to make the playoffs. But the Patriots will show why they are the most talented team in this district.

Andre’s pick: American 20, Miami Springs 14.

JACKSON (2-3) AT 11. C. GIBBONS (6-0)

7 p.m., Friday.

In close game after close game, Jackson has fallen short this season.

Give the Generals credit, though.

In a year of coaching transition, Jackson has shown the future is bright and that its program is headed in the right direction.

But Gibbons has a knack for winning these potential close games and behind Deon McIntosh’s hard running, the Chiefs should use their home-field advantage to their benefit and secure a playoff berth in tiny District 16-5A.

Andre’s pick: Gibbons 21, Jackson 20.

20. NORTHWESTERN (4-2) VS. 2. CENTRAL (6-1)

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

The rivalry is still fierce among the fans and players.

But the disparity between the teams is evident and will show once Central gets its running game in gear and its defense establishes itself, much like it did against Norland last week.

Northwestern is improving and still alive for a playoff berth, but the losing streak will continue for one more game.

Andre’s pick: Central 37, Northwestern 10.

This story was originally published October 13, 2014 at 11:35 PM with the headline "Andre C. Fernandez: Flanagan ready for next step."