American Heritage has put together one of the more difficult schedules in South Florida, as the Patriots, ranked No. 28 by MaxPreps, now face their fourth consecutive nationally ranked opponent, Miami Central. The two teams have combined for 15 state championships, with Miami Central winning nine, including a 38-31 win over the Patriots in 2022.
Other top games this week include Miramar at Dillard, St. Thomas Aquinas at McArthur in Broward County, while West Boca at Treasure Coast and Cardinal Newman at Tampa Jesuit headline the slate in Palm Beach.
I went 16-2 last week to run my record to 51-13 (79.7%) for the season.
No. 33 Miami Central (2-0) at No. 28 American Heritage (1-2) (Friday, 7 p.m.): Miami Central has easily handled its first two opponents, topping 50 points in both games and outscoring the opposition 108-26. The Patriots are coming off back-to-back losses to Chaminade-Madonna and Edna Karr (La.) by a total of 11 points. Miami Central 17, American Heritage 16.
Miramar (1-3) at Dillard (4-0) (Saturday, 7 p.m.): The host Panthers have been virtually unstoppable on offense, scoring 212 points and allowing just 6 in four games. Miramar has struggled offensively, mustering just 39 points in its four games. Dillard 45, Miramar 7.
No. 14. St. Thomas Aquinas (3-1) at McArthur (2-2) (Friday, 7 p.m.): The Raiders have won three in a row after a season-opening 26-23 loss to the nation’s former top-ranked Mater Dei (Calif.). St. Thomas Aquinas, which slipped four spots in the national rankings this week, has scored 72, 42 and 45 points in their victories. The much-improved Mustangs have won two in a row and are hoping to take the lead in the District 15-5A standings. St. Thomas Aquinas 35, McArthur 6.
King’s Academy (0-2) at American Heritage-Delray (4-0) (Friday, 6:30 p.m.): After back-to-back losing seasons, the host Stallions improved to 8-3 last year and have galloped out of the gate scoring 201 points, led by sophomore quarterback Marcus Stracke, along with senior running back Jamar Dean and junior Zachary Schwartz. King’s Academy has lost both of its games by 4 points. American Heritage-Delray 27, King’s Academy 20.
No. 46 West Boca (2-1) at Treasure Coast (0-4) (Friday, 7 p.m.): Defending Class 6A champion West Boca rebounded from its first loss in 17 games with a 42-0 romp over Seminole Ridge. The host Titans have lost six straight, dating back to last season. West Boca 45, Treasure Coast 6.
Cardinal Newman (3-1) at Tampa Jesuit (3-1) (Friday, 7:30 p.m.): Tampa Jesuit has scored 33 or more points in its three wins. Cardinal Newman is coming off an impressive win over Pahokee last week. Cardinal Newman 28, Tampa Jesuit 21.
Fort Lauderdale (1-3) at Monarch (2-2) (Thursday, at Coconut Creek High, 7 p.m.): The District 13-6A season opener for both teams features a high-flying Monarch team that has scored 118 points, against the Flying L’s, who have given up 72 points in four games. Monarch 33, Fort Lauderdale 12.
West Broward (1-2) at Flanagan (3-0) (Friday, 7 p.m.): Surprising Flanagan takes on the Bobcats in the District 15-6A opener after outscoring its opponents 120-30. West Broward has had back-to-back games canceled due to weather after picking up a 31-6 win over Plantation. Flanagan 20, West Broward 17.
Cardinal Gibbons (1-1) at Coconut Creek (4-0) (Saturday, 7 p.m.): The Cougars are led on the ground by sophomore Cayden Delions and defensively by senior Khameron Baker. The Chiefs have also been affected by the weather; their past two games were washed out. Cardinal Gibbons 17, Coconut Creek 14.
Miami Norland (2-2) at Atlantic (4-0) (Thursday, 7 p.m.): The Vikings have shown the ability to score, but have had trouble stopping their opponents, giving up 24 points per game. The host Eagles have been solid on both sides of the ball. Omari St.Fort ran for 127 yards and three scores in Atlantic’s rout of Blanche Ely. Atlantic 33, Miami Norland 21.
Taravella (1-3) at Western (0-3) (Friday, 7 p.m.): Western has averaged a little more than 7 points a game, but the Wildcats have a chance to get healthy as they take on the Trojans in the District 15-7A opener for both teams. Western 24, Taravella 7.
Benjamin (1-3) at Jensen Beach (4-0) (Friday, 7 p.m.): The host Falcons have pitched three shutouts and allowed just 8 points all season. The Buccaneers have relied on senior Terrion Ivy-Akins. Jensen Beach 28, Benjamin 13.
Dwyer (0-4) at Glades Central (4-0) (Friday, 6:30 p.m.): Senior running back Armaud Stinfort has rushed for 355 yards and nine TDs for the host Raiders. Dwyer has struggled this season, getting outscored 119-20. Glades Central 37, Dwyer 6.
Pahokee (3-1) at Palm Beach Gardens (1-2) (Friday, 6:30 p.m.): Pahokee is coming off a 26-10 setback against Cardinal Newman and is paced by senior running back Samuel Arnold. The host Gators are led by junior quarterback Jordan Johnson and his top target, senior WR Brandon Garland. Pahokee 24, Palm Beach Gardens 10.
Wellington (2-1) at Spanish River (1-2) (Friday, 6:30 p.m.): Visiting Wellington has won back-to-back games by 3 points each. Spanish River dropped its past two games to Palm Beach Central and Jupiter after an opening-season win. Spanish River is led by junior QB Jaeden Phillips. Spanish River 20, Wellington 10.
