G. Central, Heritage-Delray aiming to bolster resume
With three weeks left in the regular season, the playoff picture is starting to heat up across the state.
In the past, playoff spots were easier to determine with each classification adhering to a district format in which just the champion and runner-up were guaranteed postseason berths. The old system was blown up in the offseason, however, in favor of a points system — calculated by a formula that includes wins, losses and strength of schedule.
While district champions are still guaranteed playoff berths in Class 5A-8A, the lower four classifications will determine its playoff participants solely on the point system, with the top four teams in four regions qualifying for the postseason.
For Glades Central and American Heritage-Delray, who have played annually since 2009 in a non-district match that had no effect on playoff positioning, that means tonight’s showdown is pivotal, and basically a must-win for two programs who are teetering on the edge of the playoffs.
If the season ended today, American Heritage-Delray (4-3) would be in, but its position is extremely tenuous. The Stallions currently sit fourth in Region 3A-4, holding a slight edge over Benjamin, who faces St. Andrew’s — the No. 2 team in the region today. A win for American Heritage-Delray would give the team some breathing room in the standings, but a loss could have the Stallions on the outside looking in.
Glades Central (4-2) has a tougher road to climb as it currently finds itself in fifth place in Region 4-4A, slightly behind Gulliver Prep. A loss might not technically eliminate the Raiders, but it would drop them down into a position they might not be able to recover from.
American Heritage-Delray enters today’s matchup having won five consecutive meetings over Glades Central. Last year, the Stallions pulled off a late comeback to top the Raiders in Belle Glade, 37-32. That proved to be just one of the team’s two wins all season though in a calamitous 2016 campaign.
After dealing with some injury problems in the first half of the season, the Stallions are starting to find their gear. Junior running back Dallis Small, who transferred from Cardinal Gibbons in the offseason, has been a revelation with his tough, shifty running ability.
Senior quarterback Ryan Rizk, who battled a collarbone injury earlier in the season, has turned it on and developed a nice rapport with Florida commit John Dunmore and junior Micangelo Joseph.
On the other side, Glades Central is starting to find its way in Jessie Hester’s second coaching stint with the Raiders. Hester, who led the team from 2008-10, has helped the Raiders reel off two dominant wins over Lake Worth and Boynton Beach by a combined margin of 76-8.
Hester’s son Jymetre — an explosive junior receiver — will be key for a Raider offense that needs to capitalize on big plays. South Florida commit Gerald Jackson and EJ Jackson have been strong contributors in the secondary for the Raiders.
Unbeaten U-School faces Miami power
Off to a 5-0 start and ranked No. 2 in the AP Class 4A state poll, University School will have another shot to pad its impressive resume with a showdown versus Champagnat Catholic. The reigning Class 2A state runner-up, the Lions are 5-1 and ranked second in their classification.
Led by an extremely balanced and talented offense, the Sharks have scored at least 34 points in three of their past four games. Running back Kenny McIntosh, rated the 87th overall junior prospect by 247 Sports, has been a dominant weapon in the backfield, while quarterback George Bubrick and wide receiver Zay Flowers have helped torch opponents through the air.
Pahokee, Ridge square off
After suffering its first loss of the season last week, Seminole Ridge will look to bounce back on Friday as they head out to the Muck to face a loaded Blue Devil team.
With its one-two punch of running backs Jateri Washington and Lavenski Williams, Pahokee (4-1) has shown it can handle the big dogs after topping 8A foe Palm Beach Gardens two weeks ago. For Seminole Ridge, who no longer controls its destiny for a district title after falling to Palm Beach Central, a win over Pahokee would strengthen its resume if the race ends in a threeway tie and is determined by points.
SA looking to stay unbeaten
One of the biggest surprises this season is the fact St. Andrew’s (6-0) is unbeaten halfway through the football [not lacrosse] season. Sure, the schedule hasn’t been particularly challenging, but it’s roughly the same schedule the Scots have always played and the school has never had any football success before, so second-year coach Jimmy Robertson deserves a ton of credit for the job he’s done.
If the season ended today, the Scots would be in the playoffs for the first time in 43 years as they currently sit second in Region 3A-4. St. Andrew’s faces a tough test today as it welcomes in Benjamin (5-1), led by Louisville commit Jordan Travis. The Bucs are currently fifth in the region and angling to push their way in the top four.