With the state playoffs around the corner, there is no better game on this week’s tilt than Friday’s matchup of three-time defending state champion Chaminade-Madonna at six-time defending state champion St. Thomas Aquinas.
Also on tap is the 44th annual Muck Bowl in Pahokee between Glades Central and the Blue Devils, along with defending state champion West Boca Raton at Atlantic. There are also playoff implications with several teams trying to make the postseason.
I was perfect (15-0) last week to run my record to 131-24 (84.5%). The predictions column will return in two weeks to preview the regional quarterfinals.
No. 17 Chaminade-Madonna (7-1) at No. 14 St. Thomas Aquinas (8-1) (Friday, 7 p.m.): The host Raiders can’t get a better opponent than the Lions who are fresh off a seventh straight win – a 47-0 victory over Cardinal Gibbons where freshman QB Malik Leonard continued to shine throwing for 382 yards and four scores in the rout. St. Thomas has won eight straight games, including last week’s 19-12 win over American Heritage. St. Thomas lost last year’s game to Chaminade-Madonna, 29-22. Chaminade-Madonna 28, St. Thomas Aquinas 27.
Glades Central (8-1) at Pahokee (7-2) (Friday, 5 p.m.): Glades Central snapped a three-game Muck Bowl losing skid with a 23-17 OT win last year to run its record to 26-17 in the all-time series. Pahokee has won six of the past seven meetings. Pahokee 27, Glades Central 24.
Dillard (9-0) at Deerfield Beach (1-8) (Friday, 7 p.m.): Dillard, hoping for its third undefeated regular season since the 2019 season when they finished 12-1 and the 2020 season (6-0), faces the host Bucks, losers of six straight. Dillard 33, Deerfield Beach 10.
Flanagan (7-2) at Cooper City (5-3) (Thursday 7 p.m.): The Falcons have won five of the past six over the Cowboys, who are fighting for their postseason lives. Flanagan has won three consecutive games, while host Cooper City (5-4), currently ninth in Region 4 in Class 6A, has dropped two of its past three. A victory, coupled with a South Broward loss, could leapfrog the Cowboys into the playoffs. Flanagan 27, Cooper City 23.
King’s Academy (5-4) at Archbishop McCarthy (7-2) (Friday, 7 p.m.): The visiting Lions have had six one-score games this season, winning half. Archbishop McCarthy senior QB Robert Kerns accounted for three TDs in a rout of host Calvary Christian Academy. Archbishop McCarthy 31, King’s Academy 14.
Miramar (4-5) at Cardinal Gibbons (6-3) (Friday, 7 p.m.): The host Chiefs could knock the Patriots out of the postseason with a win. They are locked in a battle with Palm Bay Heritage for the final Class 5A playoff spot in Region 4. The Chiefs have sewn up the top Class 2A seed in Region 4. Cardinal Gibbons 20, Miramar 14.
Plantation (5-4) at South Plantation (6-3) (Friday, 7 p.m.): The host Paladins have allowed at least 55 points in each of their last two games, while the Colonels have won four of their past six, but one of those losses a 35-34 decision against Miami Norland. Plantation leads in the all-time series in the Mayor’s Cup 33-19, winning the last 11 straight. Plantation 28, South Plantation 17.
South Broward (3-6) at Piper (5-4) (Friday, 7 p.m.): The playoff-bound Bengals lost the district title to Monarch 41-32 last week, but can make up for it by beating the Bulldogs, who are locked in a battle for the final Class 6A Region 4 spot. Piper 24, South Broward 20.
West Broward (7-2) at Western (4-5) (Thursday, 7 p.m.): Western has won three straight, since back-to-back shutout losses to West Boca (35-0) and Chaminade (56-0). West Broward hasn’t lost since a 0-2 start. West Broward 20, Western 17.
Royal Palm Beach (6-3) at Dr. Joaquin Garcia (6-3) (Thursday, 6:30 p.m.): The visiting Wildcats and host Bulldogs are each looking for wins and need help to reach the postseason. Royal Palm Beach 24, Dr. Joaquin Garcia 21.
Gainesville Buchholz (8-1) at Cardinal Newman (6-2) (Friday, 7 p.m.): The visiting Bobcats have won 7 straight since a 28-24 loss to Vero Beach and average 184 yards on the ground. James Madison commit Phoenix Donghia (1,002 yards, 17 TDs) leads Cardinal Newman. Gainesville Buchholz 27, Cardinal Newman 23.
Dwyer (0-9) at Palm Beach Central (5-4) (Thursday, 6:30 p.m.): The visiting Panthers have scored just 28 points all season, but are hoping to earn their first win. Palm Beach Central has won four straight. Palm Beach Central 30, Dwyer 7.
South Fork (3-6) at Jupiter (9-0) (Thursday, 6:30 p.m.): The Warriors are bidding for the first unbeaten regular season in school history, but could be without top running back senior Jayden Roberts, who left the Palm Beach Lakes win last week with a shoulder injury. The visiting Bulldogs have lost five straight. Jupiter 27, South Fork 6.
West Boca Raton (7-2) at Atlantic (9-0) (Thursday, 6:30 p.m.): Atlantic enters having gone 9-3 in the past 12 games against defending Class 6A state champ West Boca dating back to 2007; however, the Bulls have taken the past two. The host Eagles average 41.7 points, while the Bulls allow just 6.7 points per game. West Boca Raton 23, Atlantic 20.
Tampa Carrollwood Day (8-0) at Spanish River (6-3) (Friday, 5 p.m.): The Patriots average 41.2 points per game and feature sophomore RB Kameron Battle (1,347 all-purpose yards, 17 TDs). The Sharks have won five of six. Tampa Carrollwood Day 30, Spanish River 20.
