Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Like hurricanes, scores tough to predict
Dorian likely to affect games set for Broward, Palm Beach counties
We’re now entering the second week of high school football, and hopefully the weather forecast allows games to take place this week.
With Hurricane Dorian spinning in the Atlantic and posing a potential threat to Florida, local schools are keeping an eye on the storm.
There are several good games on the schedule, though some of them won’t be in South Florida. Two of the top five teams in our Broward County top 10 are traveling out of state for big games.
Western was scheduled to play Alabama’s UMS-Wright Prep in Milton, Ga., on Saturday, but the game was canceled due to Hurricane Dorian. The status of the Bergen Catholic-St. Thomas Aquinas game will be decided Thursday. Late Wednesday, Atlantic’s Friday home opener against Clearwater Academy International was postponed till Oct. 3.
Adam Lichtenstein predicts the outcome of this week’s most interesting contests involving teams from Broward and Palm Beach. He is 9-2 this season.
All games are Friday at 7 p.m. in Broward County and 6:30 p.m. for Palm Beach County, unless noted.
Bergen Catholic (New Jersey) (0-0) at St. Thomas Aquinas (1-0), Saturday, 7 p.m.
The Raiders looked good in their season-opening win against De La Salle, but things stay tough with Bergen Catholic, the No. 2 team in New Jersey, according to MaxPreps. Quarterback Zion Turner was solid in his first career start, but he’ll have to deal with a talented Bergen Catholic defense that includes four-star senior safety Jordan Morant (a Michigan commit) and four-star junior tackle Tywone Malone. St. Thomas Aquinas 20, Bergen Catholic 17. American Heritage (1-0) at Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) (0-0), 6:30 p.m.
The Patriots started the season as well as possible, blowing out Miami Monsignor Pace. Heritage, the No. 2 team in our Broward rankings, now faces an extremely tough team in Gonzaga, which MaxPreps’ XCellent 25 ranks as the No. 13 team in the nation. The Patriots’ defensive front is good, and it will have its work cut out for it, as Gonzaga features three Division-I senior offensive linemen.
American Heritage 17, Gonzaga 16. Wellington (0-1) at Glades Central (1-0), Thursday, 6 p.m.
The Wolverines suffered a disappointing opener in a big loss to Palm Beach Lakes, while the Raiders dominated Boca Raton. As long as the Raiders get the ball to playmakers such as Ja’Vontae Williams, a Super 11 pick who had two touchdown catches last week, Glades Central will be alright. Wellington will need players like its own Super 11 selection, defensive lineman Stephen Passeggiata, to disrupt the passing game. Glades
Central 28, Wellington 20. Deerfield Beach (0-1) at St. John’s (Washington, D.C.) (1-0), Saturday, 2 p.m.
After struggling against Miami Carol City in Week 1, the Bucks will have their hands full with St. John’s. The No. 5 team in the nation according to MaxPreps’ XCellent 25, St. John’s boasts some of the top players in the nation, including five-star linebacker Mekhail Sherman (a Georgia commit) and five-star wide receiver Rakim Jarrett (an LSU commit). St. John’s is loaded, and if Deerfield plays like it did last week, it will have a tough trip. St. John’s 35,
Deerfield Beach 21. Cardinal Newman (1-0) at Benjamin (1-0), 7 p.m.
This should be a solid matchup between two of the top small schools in Palm Beach County. Both teams looked solid in their openers, with Cardinal Newman holding Park Vista to two points and Benjamin rolling Glades Day. But the Buccaneers’ high-powered offense should give them the advantage. Benjamin 28, Cardinal Newman 21. Palm Beach Central (0-1) at Dwyer (1-0), Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
The biggest storylines for both of these teams surround their new coaches. Dwyer’s McKinley Rolle got his tenure off to a good start with a victory over Boynton Beach, but Palm Beach Central’s Scottie Littles had it tougher with a loss to Atlantic. This game will be a good test to see where these teams are. Palm Beach Central 27,
Dwyer 21. Miami Palmetto (1-0) at Cardinal Gibbons (0-1)
The Chiefs were handed a drubbing in their season opener against Miami Northwestern. Miami Palmetto isn’t quite as good as the Bulls, but the team is loaded with talent, especially on defense. Gibbons struggled mightily on offense, managing only 46 yards in Week 1. Things don’t get easier this week. Miami Palmetto 21, Cardinal Gibbons 14. Miramar (1-0) at Dillard (1-0)
Both of these teams picked up solid victories in Week 1, with Miramar beating Miami Norland and Dillard taking down Piper in a rout. If the Patriots defense, led by standout defensive back Brian Balom, can shut down the Panthers’ offense, they will pull out a victory. Miramar 14, Dillard 13.