Public school teams soon will enter weekly mix

Another week of football is in the books, and we’re moving closer and closer to a full slate of games.

If there are no hiccups, this will be the last week of football in Broward and Palm Beach counties without public school teams.

In the meantime, there is a solid slate of games between private schools in South Florida, including one between teams that have won state titles in the last two years.

I went 4-1 with my predictions last week and am 23-5 this season. All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Cardinal Gibbons (2-0) at St. Thomas Aquinas (1-0)

Both of these teams had some sloppiness issues in their first games but came out with a win. The Chiefs took a big step forward with a 35-3 win over Doral Academy in their second game of the year. St. Thomas shook off some rust in its 25-13 win over TRU Prep, committing more penalties than coach Roger Harriott would’ve liked but still picking up a win over a good team. The Raiders are the favorites again this week, but they’ll have to keep an eye on Chiefs wide receiver Troy Stellato, who made three catches and scored a touchdown after not playing in Cardinal Gibbons’ season opener. Stellato, a Clemson commit and Super 11 pick, has game-changing speed and can get loose any time he has the ball. St. Thomas Aquinas 35, Cardinal Gibbons 21.

American Heritage (3-1) at Venice (6-1)

The Patriots ran into some trouble against Jacksonville Trinity Christian last week. Despite being shut out, American Heritage actually outgained Trinity Christian 223-53., but the Patriots hurt their own cause with 144 penalty yards. The Conquerors kept them out of the end zone and managed a narrow 3-0 victory. The Patriots defense is more than capable of carrying the team, but the offense needs to put some points on the board. Venice, ranked seventh in the state by Max Preps, has won six straight games since losing to Bradenton IMG Academy in its first game, averaging 54 points per game in those wins. None of those teams has a defense as good as American Heritage’ s defense. If they can keep Venice’s offense in check and maybe force a few turnovers, the Patriots have a good chance. If the game becomes a shootout, Venice has the advantage. American Heritage 21, Venice 20.

Chaminade-Madonna (3-1) at Benjamin (1-2)

The Lions picked up a win after two straight bye weeks, going on the road and beating Clearwater Academy International. A big takeaway from this game was Chaminade’s multifaceted offense. Running back and Miami commit Thad Franklin is typically the go-to standout in the Lions offense, but he was held to 78 rushing yards and one touchdown last week. Quarterback Jaylon Tolbert provided the bulk of the scoring, throwing four touchdown passes — including three to Michael Edwards. Benjamin has some promising young players, but Chaminade should come out ahead. Chaminade-Madonna 42, Benjamin 17.

American Heritage-Delray (2-2) at Clewiston (4-1), 7:30 p.m.

It’s been a mixed bag of results for Clewiston when facing teams from the east coast of Florida this season. The Tigers narrowly lost to Calvary Christian but beat Archbishop McCarthy and Cardinal

Newman. The Stallions showed last week they can stick with tough teams, losing by a score to reigning Class 2A champion Hialeah Champagnat. This should be a close game, but I think Heritage pulls out a squeaker. American Heritage-Delray 24, Clewiston 20.

Jupiter Christian (3-2) at King’s Academy (3-1)

King ’s Academy had an unplanned bye week last week after its game against Calvary Christian was canceled, so the Lions should be fresh and rested. Dominick Ratty has been a key player for King’s this year, making an impact in the rushing and passing game. He has 331 rushing yards, 199 receiving yards and four touchdowns on offense. The Eagles are coming off a 44-point loss to Saint John Paul II Academy and have lost two of their last three. King’s Academy 48, Jupiter Christian 14.