Public schools finally joining fray in Broward, Palm Beach
After a long wait, it’s time for public schools to join the party.
Although three highschool football games in Broward County this week were canceled due to COVID-19, public schools will open their seasons in both Broward and Palm Beach thisweek.
Broward games will be played across the county, while Palm Beach’s games will be played at Boca Raton High, Jupiter Highand Wellington High.
With the addition of dozens of public school games, I’m expanding the picks column from five games to 10.
I went 3-2 withmy predictions lastweek and I am26-7 this season. All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Cardinal Gibbons (3-0) at American Heritage (4-1)
This week’s top game features a showdown between two of the top teams both in Broward and the state. Cardinal Gibbons pulled off the big win against St. Thomas Aquinas last week, and there’s no rest now. Both of these teams feature stellar defenses and have had occasional offensive struggles, so don’t be surprised if neither side cracks20 points or a team wins on turnover.
American Heritage’s offense looked much better last week, scoring 41 points against Venice aweek after getting shut out by Jackson ville Trinity Christian. Because of that, I give the Patriots a slight edge. American Heritage 21, Cardinal Gibbons 20.
Palm Beach Gardens vs. Palm Beach Lakes, Jupiter High, Saturday, 10 a.m.
The Saturday slate in Jupiter starts with a greatg ame. Lakes and Gardens faced each other last year, with the Rams picking up a win. The Rams have one of the best rosters in Palm Beach County, featuring Super 11 picks Antonio Out lerand Win some Frazier.
The Gators are looking to improve after going 7-3 in coach Tyrone Higgins’ first year. Lakes is a tough first test, though. Palm Beach Lakes 28, Palm Beach Gardens 20.
St. Thomas Aquinas (1-1) at DeLand (2-1), 6p.m.
DeLand has a chance to do something historic: give St. Thomas a second straight loss. The Raiders have not lost two games in a row since 1995. But the odds of that are unlikely. Despite lastweek’s loss, St. Thomas is still a great team. DeLand is solid, with Mississippi State commits Myzel Williams and Timar Rogers, but the Raiders should get a win. St. Thomas Aquinas 35, DeLand14.
Atlantic vs. West Boca Raton, Boca Raton High, Saturday, 10 a.m.
The Eagles, who are consistently one of the top teams in Palm Beach County, begin their season Saturday with what should be a fairly easy victory. West Bocawent 1-9 last year, so there is a lot of room for improvement. Atlantic, which has three Super 11 picks, should grab the win to start the season. Atlantic 48, West Boca Raton 7.
Orlando Jones (5-0) at Chaminade-Madonna (4-1)
The Lions welcome the No. 1 team in Orlando, as ranked by the Orlando Sentinel. Jones is coming off a win against reigning Class 7A runner-up Orlando Edgewater, while Chaminade beat Benjamin handily.
The Lions have diversified their offense this year, with quarterback Jaylon Tolbert having a solid season thus far. Chaminade’s defense has also been dominant, allowing about 13 points per game, with a 44-34win against Clearwater Academy International as the only time it allowed more than two scores. Chaminade-Madonna 27, Jones 24.
Glades Centralvs. Palm Beach Central, Wellington High, Saturday, 2p.m.
Glades Central comes east to open its season in Wellington. The Raiders had a disappointing 2019 season and forfeited three games because of an ineligible player. Jessie Hester’s second stint as Glades Central’s head coach came to an end, and the school hired alumnus Rashad Jackson as head coach.
Scottie Littles returns for his second season as the Broncos head coach, and he hasto replace some key players such as quarter back Anarjahe Douriet and wide receiver Bryan Robinson. The talent is still there for Palm Beach Central, and I expect it to open the season with a win. Palm Beach Central 35, Glades Central 20.
Western at Plantation
Arguably the top Broward public school game this week, this one pits two former playoff teams against each other. This game will provide a good clue as to where both of these teams stand after losing several key players from last year. If Western lets star Plantation wide receiver Jacol by George get into space, that could be the decisive factor. Expect a close game eitherway. Western 21, Plantation 20.
Park Vista vs. Santaluces, Wellington High, Saturday, 10a.m.
This matchup be tween large publicschool rivals opens the Wellington slate of games on Saturday. Santaluces beat Park Vista for the first time in 10 years last season, so the Cobras could get some revenge this time around. The Cobras lost a couple of key players to transfer, but quarterback Gio Thomas returns, and he is one of the top signal-callers in the county. Park Vista 24, Santaluces 20.
TRU Prep Academy (3-1) at Miami Monsignor Pace (1-2)
The Saints are back after a bye week last week. TRU Prep, made up mainly of players from University School after that school canceled all fall sports, goon the road to play Monsignor Pace. The Saints should be able to outmuscle the Spartans. The offense, led by quarter back Nick Vattia to and wide receivers Brandon Inniss and Vincent Pagano, should let TPA cruise. TRU Prep Academy 42, Monsignor Pace 17.
Pahokee vs. Seminole Ridge, Wellington High, Saturday, 7p.m.
Pahokee ended last season about as well as anyone could’ve expected. After going4-5 in the regular season, the Blue Devils won two play off games and were two points away from advancing to the state championship.
In Year 2 under coach D.J. Boldin, Pahokee will need to replace key players, including last year’ s small schools defensive player of the year Frankie Burgess. But the Blue Devils will look to get on the right foot with a win over Seminole Ridge. Pahokee24, Seminole Ridge 21.