Projection includes 11 area teams

The Florida High School Athletic Association released its updated playoff point aver- ages for football Tuesday.

Averages are compiled using total points for games played to date plus any bonus points, divided by total games played.

Teams earn points based on a variety of factors, including number of wins and strength of schedule.

District champions earn automatic playoff berths through the FHSAA’s new points system, while all other qualifiers are determined based on points.

Through Week 7, 11 Palm Beach County teams are projected to qualify for the playoffs.

They are Seminole Ridge, Palm Beach Central and Atlan- tic in Class 8A; Forest Hill and Dwyer in 7A; Suncoast in 5A; St. Andrew’s, American Heritage, Oxbridge Academy and King’s Academy in 3A; and Pahokee in 1A.

Points will be released on a weekly basis until the end of the season.

Oxbridge Academy tops state poll: The Thunder- Wolves maintained their hold on the top spot in the Associated Press Class 3A state foot- ball poll released Tuesday.

The ThunderWolves, coming off a 38-0 win over St. Lucie West-Centennial last week, totaled 89 points. Hollywood-Chaminade Madonna and Clearwater Central Catholic are tied for No. 2 with 73 points.

The only other area team to earn a state ranking this week is Pahokee. The Blue Devils are No. 2 in Class 2A.

Also receiving votes in this week’s poll are Seminole Ridge (8A), Dwyer (7A), Forest Hill (7A) and King’s Academy (3A).

Park Vista’s Smith earns honor: Cobra standout John Smith picked up a big honor Tuesday afternoon. The Holy Cross commit was named the Miami Dolphins’ High School Player of the Week.

Former Dolphins tight end Troy Drayton, who now serves as the franchise’s Manager of Youth Programs, stopped by the school Tuesday to present Smith with his award.

Smith, a senior, will be honored at the Dolphins’ home football game Oct. 22 vs. the New York Jets. He has helped lead the No. 6 Cobras to a 4-2 record this season, throwing for 200 yards and two touchdowns, and rushing for 195 yards and two touchdowns.

Smith also has caught nine passes for 212 yards and three scores, and has returned a kickoff for 65 yards and a TD.