TRU story: Look out for new prep team

Week 2 is in the books, and a new contender enters the high school football ring this week.

TRU Prep Academy, a small, private school in Miami Gardens, will play its first game Thursday. The team is primarily composed of University School players who decided to play there after the Sharks’ season was canceled.

I went 4-1 with my picks last week. I’m 8-2 so far this season.

All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Chaminade-Madonna (1-1) at Fort Myers Bishop

Verot (2-1): The Lions couldn’t get into the end zone against American Heritage’s powerful defense last week. Late in the loss, running back Thad Franklin left the game with what appeared to be an ankle injury. Franklin has accounted for all four Lions touchdowns this year. When Heritage shut him down before his injury, Chaminade’s offense couldn’t do much.

Bishop Verot is a solid team in its own right, picking up two wins in its first three games. If Franklin is healthy, the Lions should win; if he’s out Friday, Chaminade will have to find a new answer. ChaminadeMadonna 24, Bishop Verot 17

American Heritage (1-0)

at Clearwater (1-1): The Patriots picked up a seasonopening victory at Chaminade, and the defense lived up to the hype. Five-star defensive back James Williams dominated, standouts such as Marvin Jones Jr. and David Vadala had strong games and sophomore Daemon Fagan had an impressive season debut.

The Patriots are also likely to have a better offensive game this week. Their only touchdown last week came on a quarterback scramble by sophomore Blake Murphy.

Murphy struggled in his first game as Heritage’s starter, but facing the Chaminade defense is a tall task for any quarterback. American Heritage 35, Clearwater 7

Benjamin at American Heritage-Delray (0-1): Both of these teams pick up this week after not playing scheduled games last week.

American Heritage-Delray didn’t play its scheduled game against Calvary Christian after coach Brian Sheridan died last Tuesday. Benjamin’s game against Cardinal Newman was canceled for undisclosed reasons.

This game features an interesting matchup between two young quarterbacks. The Stallions’ signal-caller, Dylan Rizk, struggled in his first game of the year. Benjamin quarterback Tyler Aronson has received some hype as a freshman quarterback, and he makes his debut this week. American Heritage 21, Benjamin 17

Winter Haven Akelynn’s Angel’s Christian Academy at Tru Prep Academy at Dade Christian, 6 p.m.: TRU Prep Academy has put together a football program and a schedule in about three weeks, and its season kicks offThursday. The roster features all the big-name players who were poised to play at University School this season.

Nick Vattiato lines up at quarterback and Max Balthazar starts at running back, both protected by Clemson commit Marcus Tate on the offensive line. Star sophomore Brandon Inniss is a difference-maker at wide receiver, and standout defenders such as Emile Aime and Wisconsin commit Ricardo Hallman also made the move to TRU Prep. TRU Prep Academy 45, Akelynn’s Angels Christian Academy 10

Cardinal Newman (0-1) at King’s Academy (2-0): King’s Academy is off to a solid start to the year, and the Lions are coming off a three-score victory against Glades Day. Running back Dominick Rattay has been a key to the offense, racking up 235 rushing yards and 141 receiving yards through two games. Will Prichard has tossed six touchdown passes already.

Cardinal Newman struggled against Calvary Christian. King’s Academy 35, Cardinal Newman 17