Strong matchups abound
Broward, Palm Beach county teams to face off
The competition for district championships and playoff spots heats up this week, but many of the top games in Week 7 are non-district matchups.
American Heritage, fresh off a win against Cardinal Gibbons, hits the road to face Jacksonville Trinity Christian, while Coconut Creek looks to continue its strong season against Western. In Palm Beach County, surging Boca Raton faces Dwyer, and Park Vista will look to keep Palm Beach Central’s prolific offense in check.
I went 7-3 with last week’s picks. I am 41-15 so far this season.
All games are at 7 p.m. on Friday unless otherwise noted.
American Heritage (2-2) at Jacksonville Trinity Christian (5-1), 7:30 p.m.:
American Heritage is coming off a huge win over Cardinal Gibbons last week, but things don’t get easier for the Patriots. They hit the road and face the reigning Class 3A champion (though they currently are in Class 2A) Jacksonville Trinity Christian.
The Conquerors are 5-1 but none of the teams they have faced are as talented as the Patriots. The question will be how American Heritage’s offense continues to work without quarterback Blake Murphy. Star wide receiver Brandon Inniss filled in admirably against Cardinal Gibbons, and it was enough to win last week. But when the Patriots faced the Conquerors in a similar situation last year, they lost, 3-0. American Heritage 21, Trinity Christian 20.
Boca Raton (4-1) at Dwyer (4-1), 6:30 p.m.:
This game should help provide some clarity among some of Palm Beach County’s top teams. The Bobcats pulled off a huge win over Stoneman Douglas last week, so they should be riding some momentum coming into this road contest. Dwyer is also coming off a big, 40-0 victory over Sebastian River. The common link between these two teams: Palm Beach Central handed both of them their only losses of the year. Boca Raton kept that game closer than Dwyer did, so maybe they have the advantage over Dwyer here. Boca Raton 24, Dwyer 21.
Coconut Creek (4-1) at Western (3-2):
Coconut Creek is rolling, already claiming pole position in its district. But its biggest remaining test is this week when they head to Davie to face Western. The Wildcats’ passing offense has been prolific. Quarterback Collin Hurst’s connection with wide receivers like Julian Lewis, Tyreik Thorpe and A.J. Johnson makes Western’s passing game arguably the best in Broward County. Coconut Creek’s defense has been strong this year, allowing 39 points in five games, but Western may be too tough to stop. Western 32, Coconut Creek 17.
Park Vista (5-0) at Palm Beach Central (5-0), 6:30 p.m.: This matchup in Wellington pits one of Palm Beach County’s best defenses against one of its best offenses. Park Vista has allowed only 15 points through five games. Palm Beach Central has scored 242 points through its five games. Something has to give. The difference between the two teams is the level of competition of their opponents. Park Vista’s five wins have come against teams with a combined record of 3-20. Palm Beach Central’s opponents are a combined 14-12. Palm Beach Central 35, Park Vista 21.
Daytona Beach Mainland (2-3) at Benjamin (4-1),
Thursday, 6 p.m.: Benjamin escaped with a six-point victory over American Heritage-Delray last week. Through their first five games, the Buccaneers’ offense has been solid. Quarterback Tyler Aronson has improved on his accuracy, completing 59% of passes and throwing 11 touchdowns and no interceptions. Although Benjamin plays in Class 3A and Mainland plays in Class 6A, this should be a solid matchup. Benjamin 21, Mainland 17.
Chaminade-Madonna (4-1) at Fort Lauderdale (3-1), Saturday, 11 a.m.: This Saturday morning matinee has one of this season’s common features: a Chaminade-Madonna road game. The Lions have yet to play a home game this year. Fort Lauderdale is off to a good start this year, but Chaminade is one of the best teams in the state. A Flying L’s win would be a big upset. Still, this game will provide valuable reps for Fort Lauderdale as they gear up for the final stretch of the regular season and fight for a playoff spot. Chaminade-Madonna 35, Fort Lauderdale 10.
Treasure Coast (4-1) at Pahokee (4-1), 6:30 p.m.:
Since upsetting American Heritage to open the season, Treasure Coast has gone 3-1 with the lone loss coming in a one-point road loss to Cocoa. Treasure Coast running back Eden James, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Edgerrin James, has proven incredibly difficult to stop. Pahokee has looked strong through its first five games, but this may be the toughest game on its schedule. Treasure Coast 28, Pahokee 20.
St. Thomas Aquinas (5-1) at South Plantation (1-5):
The Raiders are working through a short stretch in their schedule where they just overpower everyone. After picking up a 69-0 win over Cooper City last week, this week’s contest against South Plantation should yield much of the same results. After the Raiders face the Paladins this week, they have a much tougher test in Cardinal Gibbons. St. Thomas Aquinas 45, South Plantation 7.
Coral Springs (1-3) at Calvary Christian (2-3):
Coral Springs picked up its first win of the season last week, a 19-14 victory over North Broward Prep. Calvary Christian is looking to get its season back on track after three consecutive losses. The Eagles need to improve their defense after allowing 73 points in their last two games. Calvary Christian 24, Coral Springs 13.