Broward Top 10 football teams

American Heritage has not played since the release of the last Broward County top 10, but since they were already neck and neck with St. Thomas Aquinas, the Patriots benefited from the Raiders’ loss in Arizona against Centennial. The teams’ current rank is followed by their previous position. All games are at 7 p.m. on Friday, unless noted.

1. (2) AMERICAN HERITAGE (3-0)

I was already saying the Patriots were more of a 1a-1b with St. Thomas last week. Idle Heritage jumps up to No. 1 as Aquinas suffered its first loss.

Next: at Stranahan (at South Plantation)

2. (1) ST. THOMAS AQUINAS (3-1)

Offense is obviously a concern, as it is any time a team gets shut out, like in the 12-0 loss to Centennial in Arizona. It’s not panic time at STA, as the Raiders have the infrastructure to rebound. Although the defense is outstanding, this team needs to score some points against the stout Deerfield defense.

Next: vs. No. 4 Deerfield Beach

3. (3) CARDINAL GIBBONS (4-0)

Not a thrilling outcome, beating Coconut Creek 24-0, but Creek is improved from last season. The Chiefs are usually more disciplined than 19 penalties for 193 yards.

Next: BYE (then Tuesday night at Miami Jackson)

4. (4) DEERFIELD BEACH (3-1)

The Bucks dominated Taravella 50-6. Get used to those kind of final scores for all of the Bucks’ District 11-8A games, as they march to a district title. But first, the week’s big showdown.

Next: at No. 2 St. Thomas Aquinas

5. (5) CHAMINADE-MADONNA (3-2)

The Lions crushed Piper and Blanche Ely by a combined score of 96-0 since the previous rankings. Predictable outcomes, but impressive nonetheless after a 41-13 loss at No. 1 American Heritage.

Next: BYE

6. (7) MIRAMAR (3-1)

They are worthy of bumping back up over University School after taking down Cypress Bay and Plantation, each by multiple possessions. A failed extra point lost the game vs. Chaminade. If they’re that close, the Patriots should be right behind the Lions. Next: vs. Flanagan

7. (6) UNIVERSITY SCHOOL (3-0)

The Sharks dropped one spot for being idle and Miramar’s impressive week. Nothing to be concerned about.

Next: at American Heritage-Delray

8. (8) WESTERN (5-0)

The Wildcats picked up another victory 29-8 in a non-district affair against Hallandale. It will be interesting to see the outcomes against Plantation and Miramar later this month.

Next: at Cypress Bay

9. (9) PLANTATION (4-1)

The Colonels won’t drop for falling 34-12 to Miramar. Plantation has been impressive in coach Steve Davis’ return.

Next: vs. Everglades

10. (10) NOVA (4-0)

Finally, some continuity in the 10 spot. The Titans defeated district foe South Broward 27-12. Games at Cooper City and at West Broward this month will be key in determining their fate. Next: vs. Fort Lauderdale

On the bubble: Dillard, Stranahan, West Broward, Coconut Creek.