Playoff fates at stake
This week is the last set of games in the regular season, and there are plenty of great contests going on around South Florida.
In Broward County, Chaminade-Madonna takes on University School and will try to end the Sharks’ undefeated season.
In Palm Beach County, the annual Muck Bowl has playoff implications as both Glades Central and Pahokee look to improve their playoff positions.
Adam Lichtenstein predicts the outcome of those two games and eight more of this week’s most interesting contests involving teams from Broward and Palm Beach. He is 42-8 so far this season.
All games are Friday at 7 p.m. in Broward County and 6 p.m. for Palm Beach County, unless noted.
Chaminade-Madonna (7-2) at University School (9-0): This game will have one of the highest concentration of talented players of any game in South Florida this week. On the Lions’ side, you’ve got wide receiver John Dunmore, defensive backs Te’Cory Couch and Kenontra Smith, running back Thaddius Franklin and more. For the Sharks, there’s running back Kenny McIntosh, defensive back Josh Sanguinetti, athlete Zay Flowers and more. I’ll go with the side that’s been a bit more battle-tested this year.
Chaminade-Madonna 30, University School 28.
Glades Central (6-3) at Pahokee (5-4), Saturday, 5 p.m.: These teams have been on opposite trajectories. The Blue Devils dropped a close one to Seminole Ridge, then suffered a three-score home loss to Cocoa. This could be the year the tide turns for the Raiders, who have lost the past two Muck Bowls (though the 2016 game was technically a forfeit win for Glades Central). Glades Central 24, Pahokee 21.
Cardinal Gibbons (7-2) at McArthur (9-0): McArthur has not dropped a game, but the Mustangs have their hardest test this Friday. The Chiefs have been dominant. Both teams have already clinched playoff berths, but neither will let their guard down as they tune up for their firstround playoff games.
Cardinal Gibbons 35, McArthur 24.
Atlantic (9-0) at Wellington (6-3), 6:30 p.m.: The Eagles started the season hot and haven’t cooled off yet. However, Atlantic had its closest call of the season against Boca Raton last week. The Wolverines, who have clinched an at-large spot in the postseason, looked good against Palm Beach Gardens last week. Atlantic 24, Wellington 14.
St. Thomas Aquinas (8-1) at Miramar (6-3): The Patriots are riding high after a huge comeback victory against Western last week. Aquinas is playing like it usually does and would like to avenge last year’s loss to Miramar. But expect the Patriots to play hard as they try to earn 53 points and win District 12-8A. St. Thomas Aquinas 28, Miramar 20.
Palm Beach Gardens (4-5) at Park Vista (6-3), 6:30 p.m.: The Cobras are sitting behind Piper for the last available playoff spot in Region 3-8A and even a victory against the Gators won’t be enough. Park Vista would need a victory, a Western upset loss to Cooper City and other help. Still, the Cobras can end the season on a high note. Park Vista 24, Palm Beach Gardens 20.
Stoneman Douglas (5-4) at Plantation (8-1): Plantation leads Miramar and Western in points, and if they win against Douglas and Miramar loses, the Colonels will win District 12-8A. But even if Plantation loses and doesn’t win the district, the Colonels will make the playoffs as an at-large team. The Eagles are still potentially in the playoff hunt, but they would need to upset Plantation and get additional help. Plantation 38, Stoneman Douglas 24.
Seminole Ridge (5-4) at Royal Palm Beach (0-9): The Hawks have not yet been mathematically eliminated, but they need a lot of assistance. They won’t get any help by beating the Wildcats this week. In fact, the 35 points Seminole Ridge will likely earn by beating Royal Palm Beach will actually reduce their points average. Seminole Ridge 35, Royal Palm Beach 7.
Piper (6-3) at Naples (8-1): The Bengals have secured their playoff spot and are poised to move up in the standings if other teams they have played win as well. Naples has been dominant for much of this season, winning their last seven. Luckily for Piper, even a loss won’t drop their points average.
Naples 24, Piper 20.
Forest Hill (7-2) at Spanish River (0-9): The Falcons are currently on the outside, looking in at the Region 4-7A standings. But they can still fight their way into the postseason. The first step is beating Spanish River. Forest Hill also needs wins from Jupiter and Olympic Heights. Forest Hill 42, Spanish River 7.