Norland, Heritage set for crucial rematch in hopes of ending respective title droughts | Opinion
The time has come.
It may not be state championship week, but in many cases, the top teams in South Florida face arguably their toughest challenges in their respective pursuits to win a state title in this regional final round.
The long-awaited rematch between Miami Norland and Plantation American Heritage should decide the favorite to win Class 4A.
Davie Western is playing inspired football and once again trying to end Miami Columbus’ run at the top in Class 7A.
Those two highlight another exciting post-Thanksgiving feast of potentially epic matchups.
Here’s my rundown of how things may turn out.
GAMES OF THE WEEK
NOTE: All games to be played Friday.
▪ 4-4A final: 3. Norland (9-2) at 2. American Heritage (8-2), 7:30.
Norland won it on the field. American Heritage inherited the win on the records after the Vikings were found to have used an ineligible player in said triumph during the regular season.
As such, the Patriots now have the home field advantage, having been declared district champions. They will need it as they take on a Vikings’ squad that has been surging since midseason and knows it could be their last, best chance at winning their first state championship since 2011.
American Heritage might also be without star quarterback Dia Bell, a Texas commit who injured his ankle in last week’s comeback win over Fort Lauderdale Dillard. Bell tweeted out Sunday that X-rays on his ankle were negative and that he’d “be back soon.” The Patriots should hope that is Friday if they’re to handle an aggressive Norland defensive front that’s sure to be ready for receiver-turned-quarterback Malachi Toney and the rushing of FSU commit Byron Louis.
Bell can bring the needed balance to their offense to secure a win in this one. Even if Bell can’t suit up, expect Heritage to make this close. But if he’s out or even limited, that could tip the scales to Norland. Dre’s pick: Norland 24, American Heritage 20.
▪ 4-7A final: 10. Western (6-6) vs. 6. Columbus (8-3), 2, Tropical Park.
Western has been knocking on the door for two years in a row only to be denied by Miami-Dade County teams. This season, the Wildcats’ starting quarterback - Sebastian Circo - is healthy. Their defense is also playing some of its best football.
Columbus is not the offensive juggernaut it’s been the past two state championship seasons, but is starting to play better. Their defense is still among the most stout in the state.
Until proven otherwise, the Explorers and their coaches, who always seem to have them ready in the biggest of games, earns confidence. Dre’s pick: Columbus 17, Western 14.
▪ 4-6A final: 18. Pembroke Pines West Broward (9-3) at 8. Miami Southridge (11-2), 7:30.
The breakthrough season continues for those Bobcats of West Broward, who will make their first ever appearance in a regional final. With a prolific running attack, the Bobcats jumped all over Piper last week and seem to be putting together more complete performances in recent weeks. They will need it against Southridge, which is sporting one of the toughest defenses in the state.
The Spartans stifled a potent Monarch offense on the ground and through the air for most of last week’s 20-14 victory. They combine that strength with a strong passing game led by quarterback James Perrone. While its defense’s play will always be a key, this week, I believe it’s paramount for either team’s offense to get off to a hot start. In this case, Perrone and the Spartans might have an edge if they can give their defense a nice cushion to protect. Dre’s pick: Southridge 27, West Broward 14.
▪ 4-5A final: 5. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (9-3) at Delray Beach Atlantic (11-1), 7.
It’s strange to see Aquinas on the road this early in the postseason, but here we are thanks to a rare 3-loss campaign. But don’t let that fool you. The Raiders are still more than capable of making a run to their sixth consecutive state championship. One of their biggest obstacles will be this week against an Atlantic squad with a prolific offense, which can and has scored on the best in the state.
Here’s where quarterback Andrew Indorf and Co. have to step up and make the big plays on the road to push the Raiders through to another state final four. Dre’s pick: Aquinas 34, Atlantic 21.
▪ 4-2A final: Miami La Salle (11-1) vs. 7. Miami Booker T. Washington (9-2), 3:30, Traz.
What a dream season for La Salle. The Royal Lions had not won a playoff game since 1975. And now they have won two and made it to their first ever regional championship. A resilient effort led by quarterback Dorian Mallary helped La Salle survive against Monsignor Pace last week. The Royal Lions will need a more complete effort if they’re to somehow get past Booker T. Washington.
The Tornadoes beat La Salle 35-20 earlier this season, handing it its lone defeat. And Booker T. wasn’t even playing as well as it right now. They completely handled Cardinal Gibbons last week and have been picking up momentum on both sides of the ball in recent weeks. This is not good news for La Salle. Dre’s pick: Booker T. 34, La Salle 13.
▪ 4-1A final: Miami Edison (8-4) at 1. Hollywood Chaminade (10-2), 6.
After 10 consecutive wins, the Lions are again looking deserving of their lofty status as one of the nation’s best teams. Chaminade hasn’t even come close to being challenged so far in the playoffs. This game might be a bit different as the Red Raiders have much more talent than Chaminade’s first two opponents. But the Lions’ depth will be the difference and allow them to pull away after a close start. Dre’s pick: Chaminade 44, Edison 16.
▪ 4-3A final: Fort Myers Cypress Lake (7-5) vs. 4. Miami Northwestern (9-2), 7:30, Traz.
The Bulls have not been challenged yet in the postseason and don’t expect it to change this week. This was the week it was supposed to get its rematch against rival Miami Central. But after the Rockets’ forfeits and dismissal from the postseason, the Bulls remain on this cakewalk at least to the state semifinal round.
Northwestern remains under the microscope of the FHSAA for the alleged use of an illegal player itself. The key here for coach Teddy Bridgewater’s crew is stay healthy and stay mentally on course as the challenges will ramp up soon on the road to state. Dre’s pick: Northwestern 48, Cypress Lake 6.
ANDRE’S RECORD
Last week — Top 20 games: 10-2; Overall: 11-2; Season — Top 20 games: 143-30 (.827); Overall: 452-109 (.806).
