Chaminade and Central face off in showdown of nationally ranked teams. Who has the edge?
Dameon Jones says he never talks to his team about any opponents beyond their next one.
During a brutal fivegame stretch to open this season, it wasn’t hard for Chaminade-Madonna’s football coach to keep the Lions focused on the task at hand.
Still, some might not have blamed them if they kept peeking at the calendar to see how much longer until the day came for them to take that bus ride down to Traz Powell Stadium to take on Miami Central.
“We haven’t been thinking about Miami Central the whole time,” Jones said. “Now we can. But it’s just like the state championships. We don’t talk about them until we’re playing for them.”
Chaminade (4-0), ranked No. 5 in the country by MaxPreps and winners of seven state championships, takes on No. 4ranked Central (1-1), winners of nine state titles, on Thursday night at 7 p.m. in a game that will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2.
The Lions have outscored their opponents 158-41 over their past 14 quarters, racking up victories against St. Frances (Md.), Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, Bergen Catholic (N.J.) and Plantation American Heritage — all of whom are or have been ranked among the top 50 teams in the nation this season.
Miami Central’s path hasn’t been as smooth so far. The Rockets were tripped up immediately in their first game of the season in Las Vegas after losing a 39-35 thriller against Bishop Gorman. The defeat was Central’s first in over two years and snapped a 26-game winning streak.
Central rebounded less than a week later against rival Booker T. Washington with a 38-28 win.
For the Rockets, a team that was voted a national champion a year ago, this game is an opportunity to return to the form that’s made them one of the country’s best.
“I promise you the next time we step out on this field, you’ll see the brand of Miami Central football you’re used to seeing,” Central coach Jube Joseph said shortly after the win over Booker T. Washington.
Here’s a look at who may have the edge up and down these two talented rosters:
QUARTERBACKS
Senior and NC State commit Cedrick Bailey has proven that he’s more than just surrounded by talented skill players. Bailey is proving he can be an impactful player at a Power Five conference school with some stellar performances through the Lions’ first four games. He’s already thrown for 893 yards, 11 touchdowns and only three interceptions and the timing of his passes has kept Chaminade’s no-huddle offense in rhythm. Central has rotated quarterbacks throughout the first three games with JC Evans and Antonio Smith splitting time almost evenly. While they have each shown signs of developing chemistry in the Rockets’ offense, Bailey’s experience with his own group offers the Lions a leg up in this category. Edge: Chaminade
RUNNING BACKS
Central has a long and rich history at this position with Dalvin Cook and Devonta Freeman among its many greats. A new stable of backs led by Jayden Ford and King Davis is making this year’s group formidable. This one is close to judge although again, it should go to the Lions based on experience. Davion “Bullet” Gause, a North Carolina commit, is in his fourth season as starter and he’s not alone as freshman Arwin Jackson is already showing why he’s on top colleges’ radar.
Edge: Chaminade.
WIDE RECEIVERS
If there’s a major potential mismatch in this one it’s at this position where the Lions have one of the most talented and deepest groups in the nation. Ohio State commit Jeremiah Smith has already caught 516 yards and seven touchdowns and speedster Jaquari Lewis is another threat in the slot. If that’s not enough, former Central standout and University of Miami commit Jojo Trader returned last week from a shoulder injury. The Rockets have some burgeoning talent like Khaleal Sterling, who should flourish as the season progresses. Edge: Chaminade.
This was an area where there were questions about Chaminade and if it could hold up after losing three Power Five recruits last season. But the Lions have held up strong up front thanks to senior Jackson Campbell and others like Kerby Vital and Mekhi Bradley. The veteran edge here though goes to the Rockets, who have multiple multi-year starters up front like Teko Shoats and Albert Jones leading the way for a squad already averaging nearly 200 yards rushing per game. Edge: Central.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Rueben Bain may be gone, but Central beefed up its defensive front with playmakers like Armondo Blount, the top recruit in the state for the class of 2025. Chaminade’s front four doesn’t get as much notice, but has been solid led by Donta Jackson, Kendarius Frazier and Pitt commit Zachary Crothers. Edge: Even
LINEBACKERS
This group will be one of the key groups tested on both sides in this matchup. Chaminade’s younger players here will have to stay disciplined against the Rockets’ ground game and avoid big plays. Here’s where the elite talent of E.J. Marcelin and Vincent Shavers have to lead the way for Central to slow down Chaminade’s offense. Edge: Central
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Chaminade has been extremely impressive in the secondary so far with at least one interception returned for a touchdown in each of its four games this season. UM commit Zaquan Patterson had one of the most ridiculous takeaways of the season against Gibbons. Michigan commit Chris Ewald and Kelly Sojour lead the team with seven pass deflections each. Central’s group, led by Amari Wallace, Sekou Smith and J’Vari Flowers has plenty of talent as well, but has yielded some big plays so far. Edge: Chaminade
SPECIAL TEAMS
While Chaminade hasn’t needed to kick many field goals with such a prolific offense, Andrew Abu-Akel has proven himself capable of handling both those and the punting duties on the team. Kristian Hobbs has a powerful leg for Central and can hit them from distance if called upon. The edge tips in the Rockets favor thanks to an explosive set of returners led by Ford, who returned one for a TD against Bishop Gorman. Edge: Central.