HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL WEEK 2 PREDICTIONS
Week 1 of the high school football season is in the books, and we’ve already seen some upsets. American Heritage fell to Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast, and Atlantic lost to Palm Beach Gardens. Are more upsets on the horizon? We’ll see in the next couple of days. I went 8-2 with my first 10 picks last week. All games start at 7 p.m. on Friday unless otherwise noted.
Chaminade-Madonna (1-0) at American Heritage (1-0), 7:30 p.m.
The Patriots are coming off a season-opening loss, but they have no time to feel bad for themselves. They face another state title contender in Chaminade-Madonna this week. Treasure Coast ran the ball all over Heritage last week, with Eden James gouging them for 267yards. We’ll learn this week whether that happened because the Patriots have issues with their run defense or if they just struggled against Treasure Coast’s singlewing offense. Chaminade has a standout running back of its own in sophomore Davion Gause, who is quickly making a name for himself. The Lions’ defense is good enough to shut down just about anyone, as well. If you asked me to pick this game a week ago, I would’ve picked American Heritage. I’m still going with the Patriots, but I have less confidence in that pick. American Heritage 21, Chaminade-Madonna 20.
Dwyer (1-0) at Palm Beach Central (1-0), 6:30p.m.
Dwyer just escaped with a win over nearby Jupiter in Week 1, and Palm Beach Central rolled to a win over Forest Hill. A key matchup to watch will be Broncos quarterback Ahmad Haston against the Panthers’ secondary. Haston, a Super 11pick, tossed five touchdowns in Palm Beach Central’s Week 1win, but he goes up against a secondary that includes fellow Super 11selection Xavier Scott. Palm Beach Central 21, Dwyer 17.
Deerfield Beach (1-0) at Dillard (1-0)
This Friday night showdown may determine which team is the best public-school program in Broward. Dillard cruised to a big win over Boyd Anderson, while Deerfield Beach blocked a last-second field goal to pick up a home victory over Miami Edison. Dillard definitely has standout players who can swing a game, whether it is star defensive
lineman Nyjalik Kelly, Florida State commit and wide receiver Devaughn Mortimer or rising standout cornerback Antoine Jackson. But Deerfield Beach may be too well-rounded to slow down this time. Deerfield Beach 28, Dillard 24.
Cardinal Newman (1-0) at Cardinal Gibbons
Cardinal Newman opened the season with a bang, with new additions like freshman Davi Belfort and sophomore Tovani Mizell among those who had big games in a blowout win over King’s Academy. COVID-19restrictions kept Cardinal Gibbons from starting its season last week, but the reigning Class 4A champions will be a lot tougher to beat than King’s Academy. Cardinal Gibbons 35, Cardinal Newman 21.
Stoneman Douglas (1-0) at Coconut Creek, Thursday, 7p.m. Both of these North Broward teams picked up solid wins in Week 1, with Stoneman Douglas beating Cooper City and Coconut Creek downing Piper. The Eagles showed off a well-balanced offense, with running back Matthew Wilson and quarterback Ryan Spallina leading the way. The Cougars, like Douglas, didn’t allow a single point to Piper in their season debut. Someone will have to allow their first points of the season on Thursday night. Stoneman Douglas 24, Coconut Creek 17.
Palm Beach Gardens (1-0) at Glades Central (1-0), 6:30p.m. Both sides of this game picked up narrow wins in Week 1. Palm Beach Gardens handed Atlantic its first loss to a Palm Beach County team since the first week of the 2017season, while Glades Central narrowly escaped Palm Beach Lakes. Glades Central may be without coach Rashad Jackson for the second week in a row, as he has a Thursday hearing with the Florida High School Athletic Association. The Gators may be able to take advantage of that and take down the No. 1team in the county. Palm Beach Gardens 20, Glades Central 14.
St. Thomas Aquinas (1-0) at Plantation (1-0)
Both sides in this game won in Week 1, with the Raiders taking down visiting St. Frances Academy and Plantation beating South Miami on the road. These former district rivals are familiar with each other, but the Colonels have gotten the worse end of these matchups: Plantation is 0-13against St. Thomas Aquinas since 2005. St. Thomas Aquinas 35, Plantation 14.
Jupiter (0-1) at Park Vista (1-0), 6:30p.m.
Jupiter may have fallen short against Dwyer, but the Warriors did a good job holding the Panthers in check. Park Vista, on the other hand, played excellent in its win over Suncoast. The Cobras were solid on offense but dominant on defense, notching 12tackles for loss, three sacks and two interceptions. If they do that again on Friday, first-year Park Vista coach Leonard Weaver will start his tenure in Lake Worth with a 2-0record. Park Vista 17, Jupiter 13.
Pine Crest (0-1) at Benjamin (1-0)
Benjamin rolled to a 48-12win over St. Andrew’s in its season opener, getting major contributions from running back Shomari Pettigrew and wide receivers Micah Mays Jr. and Darrell Sweeting. Pine Crest did not enjoy its season opener as much, falling to Calvary Christian. Benjamin will also be a tough test for the Panthers. Benjamin 38, Pine Crest 14.
Calvary Christian (1-0) at Taravella (0-1), Thursday, 4p.m. Calvary Christian opened the season firing on all cylinders in its win over Pine Crest. Taravella, on the other hand, struggled mightily against Stranahan. Expect the Eagles to win this game and improve to 18-4dating back to the start of the 2019season. Calvary Christian 42, Taravella 14.