Week 4 picks in Broward and Palm

Week 4 in high school football marks the first big week of district action across South Florida.

David Furones predicts the outcomes of 10 top matchups in Broward and Palm Beach counties. After a 7-3 Week 3, Furones is 22-8 on the season.

Listed games in Broward County are at 7 p.m. and in Palm Beach County at 6 p.m. on Friday unless noted.

Miramar (0-2) at Plantation (2-0) (at PAL Field)

Expect the defenses to come to play in this one, especially after we just saw the Patriots’ “Dark Side” defense hold American Heritage to 11 points. Miramar is winless, but that’s deceiving after playing Miami Northwestern and American Heritage, two defending state champions in Class 6A and 5A, respectively. I like the overall well-roundedness the Colonels present — they’re not just running it out of the Wing-T all the time. Miramar coach A.J. Scott will be prepared for Steve Davis’ wrinkles to his offense, but Plantation comes away with a close one to take early command of District 12-8A. — Plantation 14, Miramar 13

Wellington (2-1) at Palm Beach Central (2-1)

You get the neighborhood rivals going at it. On one side you have Mark-Antony Richards, and on the other, Akeem Dent in a battle of top recruits out of Palm Beach County. What a matchup to see in Wellington. The Broncos will end up imposing their will as they’re hungry to face stiff competition again after welcoming two of Miami’s softer football teams, Ferguson and Braddock, up for good butt-whoopings in consecutive weeks. — PB

Central 27, Wellington 10

Miami Jackson (3-0) at Cardinal Gibbons (1-2)

The records don’t tell the whole story here as the Chiefs have lost to two top teams nationally. In their first district test, they’ll take care of business. Jackson is no pushover and much improved from the last couple of seasons, but the Generals are yet to face any strong Dade County opponents. Stopping sophomore sensation Amari Daniels, who transferred to Jackson from Miami Central, will be key for the Chiefs. — Gibbons 34,

Jackson 13

Palm Beach Gardens (3-0) at Seminole Ridge (2-0)

Both teams get thrown into the District 9-8A fire with this one after not really being challenged in any of their wins. Both teams possess stout defenses, but the Gators seem to have a bit more offensive firepower early on and it’ll be just enough to edge the Hawks. — Gardens 20, Ridge 17

American Heritage (2-1) at Coconut Creek (3-0)

Bright start for the Cougars thus far, but it’ll be a little bit of a wake-up call against the winners of four of the last five Class 5A titles and their big offensive line. — Heritage 27-6.

Blanche Ely (1-2) at Deerfield Beach (3-0), Saturday, 7 p.m.

It’s the McDougle Bowl and Denard Robinson is getting his Bucks’ jersey retired. Deerfield dominates this rivalry once again. —

DB 38-0.

Cardinal Newman (3-0) at Pahokee (1-1)

The Crusaders punished me for picking against them vs. Olympic Heights. A win against Pahokee still seems to be too much to ask of them. — Pahokee 28-17.

Miami Pace (3-0) at American Heritage-Delray (2-0)

Heritage puts on a strong performance against a playoff contender in Class 4A and benefits from being at home and coming off a bye. — Heritage-Delray 28-20.

Piper (2-1) at Stoneman Douglas (2-0), Saturday, 7 p.m.

Douglas winning its home opener — by 17 — was a great story, but I like what Piper has shown early on, winning against Miami Norland at Traz Powell Stadium, not getting completely embarrassed by St. Thomas Aquinas and handling Boyd Anderson. —

Piper 24-20.

Palm Beach Lakes (1-1) at Dwyer (2-1)

The Panthers get district play underway with a twoscore win but Rams keep it close for a bit. — Dwyer

28-14.