Andre C. Fernandez: American Heritage should be up to challenge

DEMATHA (1-0) AT 2. HERITAGE (1-0)6 p.m., Saturday.

DeMatha Catholic and its stingy defense embarrassed Miami Central this past Saturday as it dealt the Rockets a 38-14 defeat broadcast nationally from Maryland.

A week after crushing Central’s national title aspirations, the Stags will try to beat another South Florida powerhouse — this time in its own backyard.

American Heritage already caused its own shakeup a couple of weeks ago when it beat IMG Academy on the road. The Patriots followed that up with a convincing win against Georgia’s Stephenson High at the Battle of the Borders Classic.

DeMatha’s defense, led by Penn State recruit Shane Simmons, presents a formidable obstacle, which it showed against Central. If Heritage is to win, it will need another stellar effort from its own defense like it gave the past two weeks.

Playing at home in the national spotlight, the Patriots should be up to the challenge.

If they win, could Heritage, a team barely mentioned in the national championship discussion three weeks ago, suddenly find itself in the top 10 or even top 5?

Andre’s pick: American Heritage 17, DeMatha Catholic 16.

9. SOUTH DADE (1-0) AT 16. GABLES (1-0)4 p.m., Friday.

A gutsy effort by its undermanned defense and two big plays by senior Kevin Romer helped Gables edge Carol City last week.

The Cavaliers need that same effort this week despite being at home.

Overshadowed by the victory, but not ignored by Gables coaches, is the fact Carol City amassed 421 yards including 302 rushing. South Dade will bring in another potent offense led by a solid running game. Jawon Hamilton and Ivan Smith are both dangerous threats out of the backfield.

The health of Coral Gables defensive front might be the key to this game as it faces a good South Dade offensive line that could influence the outcome if it establishes itself early.

Andre’s pick: South Dade 16, Coral Gables 13.

7. DILLARD (1-0) AT 6. HALLANDALE (1-0)7 p.m., Friday.

The Chargers showed off their high-powered offense this past weekend in Georgia. Quarterback Tyler Huntley appeared to be in midseason rhythm with his receivers, and Zack Moss showed why he is legitimately one of the best running backs in the country.

Dillard and its stout defense present a bigger challenge to that explosive offense this week, however. The Panthers struggled early before establishing themselves against Stranahan.

They can’t afford the same sluggish start this week or Hallandale will bury them quickly. The Chargers have way too many weapons on offense.

Andre’s pick: Hallandale 28, Dillard 16.

12. CREEK (1-0) AT 3. FLANAGAN (1-0)7 p.m., Friday.

This game is a college recruiter’s dream with prospects all over the place on both sides.

Creek is hoping to make a big splash and prove it is a legit state championship contender. Flanagan just physically took apart Douglas, a potential playoff team, and made it look easy.

The Falcons are still on a higher level.

Andre’s pick: Flanagan 32, Coconut Creek 14.

11. MIRAMAR (0-1) AT 1. ST. THOMAS (1-0)7 p.m., Friday.

One of the best rivalry games in the state the past few years. After beating Aquinas three consecutive times, Miramar dropped a heartbreaker last season that sparked the Raiders’ current 14-game winning streak.

Miramar is still putting it together under new coach Pierre Senatus. This game should stay competitive for a while, but Aquinas wears you down and puts games away in the second half with its defense.

Andre’s pick: St. Thomas Aquinas 24, Miramar 7.

This story was originally published August 31, 2015 at 10:40 PM with the headline "Andre C. Fernandez: American Heritage should be up to challenge."