Andre Fernandez: Booker T. can’t rest against Carol City | Miami Herald

1. BOOKER T. (2-0)

vs. 15. CAROL CITY (1-1)

7 p.m., Wed., Traz.

No time for rest for Booker T. Washington following its triumph against Central last week that lived up to the hype.

The Tornadoes must avoid a letdown against an improved Carol City team that will be hungry for a victory following a tough loss to South Dade.

The Chiefs, led by quarterback Trayone Gray, have one of the most explosive offenses in Miami-Dade County and a much-improved defense.

But Booker T. Washington’s front seven likes to systematically break down opposing offenses much like it did in the second half against Central.

Few defenses can even hope to contain Booker T. quarterback Treon Harris. Carol City’s defense will have its hands full this week keeping up with him and his array of speedy receivers.

This might be a good week for the Tornadoes to mix in the running game as well and get even more dangerous on what now appears to be a countdown to a potential national championship.

Prediction: Booker T. 31, Carol City 12.

14. COLUMBUS (1-1)

at 8. A. HERITAGE (1-1)

7:30 p.m., Thursday.

Interesting Dade vs. Broward crossover game at a time when both teams seem to be picking up their stride.

Columbus recovered form a tough Week 1 setback against South Dade by throttling rival Belen Jesuit 37-0 at FIU on Saturday.

The possibility of quarterback Tucker Beirne playing as efficiently as he did last week the entire season is exactly what Columbus needs to contend with the best of the best in Class 8A.

One of the state’s best, Sony Michel, helped the Patriots bounce back from a tough opening-week loss to Central with a big game last week to beat perennial powerhouse Delray American Heritage.

If American Heritage’s defense can put pressure on Beirne and slow down the Explorers’ backs, it will make it difficult to keep up with American Heritage should its offensive speedsters such as Michel, Juwan Dowels and Isaiah McKenzie start putting up points.

Prediction: American Heritage 20, Columbus 17.

5. JACKSON (1-0)

vs. NORLAND (0-2)

7 p.m., Wednesday, Curtis.

“Must-win mode” this early for Norland?

It’s not that kind of game in terms of the District 16-6A championship race, but it could be in terms of morale for the Vikings.

The Vikings, a team that hasn’t lost more than two regular-season games in a year since 2009, is off to a 0-2 start after two lopsided defeats.

Changing the trend will be difficult against Jackson, which will have had two weeks to get ready for the Vikings by kickoff time Wednesday.

The Generals looked like a more physical and talented team in their Week 1 victory against North Miami Beach and didn’t rely solely on quarterback Quinton Flowers to put up points.

This promises to be a highly emotional game again between longtime rivals. If Jackson plays up to its level of talent and minimizes mistakes, it will come out on top.

Prediction: Jackson 27, Norland 12.