A cross-county matchup between Palm Beach Dwyer and Miami Carol City at the 2016 Dolphins 7v7 Tournament

PLAYER: Nayquan Wright
POSITION: RB
SCHOOL: Miami Carol City
CLASS: 2019
HEIGHT: 5-10
WEIGHT: 180

SCOUTING: When it comes to producing talented football players, South Florida pretty much has the market covered on the athletes that emerge each and every year. But when it comes to elite prospects; football players who could easily be regarded as among the best nationally, there are those who emerge from Miami-Dade and Broward as well. Because of the competitive youth programs that we have in this region of the country are so talented, you can easily use what a prospect does at that level as a barometer of how things will transpire at the next level – in high school. Seldom do ninth graders come in and make such a dominating impact that they are an instant success at the varsity level. That happened last year, and really, to nobody’s surprise. This is truly a dominating player who is already considered one of the best in the country in his class. Just a pleasure to watch.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5514216/nayquan-wright

PLAYER: Naytron Culpepper
POSITION: DB
SCHOOL: Miami Carol City
CLASS: 2017
HEIGHT: 6-0
WEIGHT: 170

SCOUTING: For the past two years, here is a prospect that everyone watched perform at Hialeah American – during the season as well as in the offseason at 7-on-7 events. As the 2016 season unfolds, this versatile secondary performer has all the colleges watching as he is looking to help Carol City win yet another district tittle and potentially advance to a state championship. Culpepper is an aggressive football player – whether you put him at the corner position or at safety. He has quickness and just about everything else you are looking for in a football prospect. College coaches who watched him over the past year, see a talented young man who has gotten better and better – and the opportunity to work against some of the best receivers and skill position players in South Florida, look for this to be a banner year for this senior.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4611367/naytron-culpepper

PLAYER: Camron Davis
POSITION: RB/LB
SCHOOL: Miami Carol City
CLASS: 2018
HEIGHT: 5-10
WEIGHT: 190

SCOUTING: One of the most versatile football prospects in South Florida – here is a quick, athletic, strong and very confident football player who is indeed a difference maker at so many different positions. Davis has the chance to be extremely productive for the Chiefs over the next few years. His ability to play so many positions on both sides of the ball, and on special teams, has everyone watching his progress. He’s already committed to Oregon State, but that is still a few years off and there’s a lot of football still left to be played in this young man’s career. Yet another student-athlete who is not only a tremendous football player, but is also one of those teammates who will always be there to lift you up. Has a solid football career ahead of him – at this level – and beyond. This should be a huge year.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5301408/camron-davis

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Every year at this time, coaches, players and fans have plenty of expectations for the season ahead. While everyone is 0-0 here in August, there are prospects on each team that could change the course of a game.

As South Florida continues to produce more talent that any area in the country, there are superior athletes who can turn the tide of a game with one run, pass, tackle, interception or block.

If you were given a choice to pick one prospect that you would start your team with, who would it be? We asked a number of coaches, players and ardent fans which football player they would start their program with? You may be surprised at what players were mentioned.

Here are the 10 top athletes mentioned. You may agree or not, but there is no mistaking that all these football players will be heard from, plenty in 2016 – and beyond.

Trajan Bandy, CB, 5-9.5, 180, Miami Christopher Columbus: While many have their own opinions who may be the best in the defensive secondary, when you choose one on this region of the country, there is no way you can be wrong. This physical University of Miami commitment drew raves from those players and coaches who have watched him dominate and shut the door on some of the elite pass catchers in South Florida. Bandy has the opportunity to really step up this year and show why so many feel strongly about his talents.

James Cook, RB, 5-11, 190, Miami Central: Even though he re-classified from 2019 to 2018, things still do not change for this impressive runner who ate up undefeated Seffner Armwood in the Class 6A state title game, and will continue to do the same this coming season. Like his brother Dalvin, you can guarantee that he is only going to get better and better, and by the time he graduates in two years, this is really going to be someone who has the chance to be among the best ever. He committed to FSU this season – which is not a surprise. Like his close friend, Nayquan Wright (Carol City), he is a national standout already.

Navaughn Donaldson, OL, 6-5, 335, Miami Central: Donaldson has emerged, in the minds of many coaches and fellow players, as one of the best nationally. He’s strong, athletic and a has passion for playing this game at a high level. College coaches we spoke with believe that he is perhaps the most college-ready line prospect to compete at the next level – which he will do next season at the University of Miami. Donaldson is one of those linemen who can run block and pass block equally as well, there is no getting around that this may be the nation’s elite line prospects when all is said and done.

Jonathan Ford, DL, 6-5, 275, Fort Lauderdale Dillard: While some coaches and fans never had the chance to watch this difference maker perform, others who have been on him since his sophomore season feel that when the dust settles, this University of Miami prospect could be among the best nationally. His size, strength, athletic ability and knowledge of the position has given him a huge advantage. His ability to play end and interior will make him a prospect that could blow up immediately. Ford has big-time potential who has been doing this for three solid seasons now.

Trevon Grimes, WR, 6-4, 202, St. Thomas Aquinas: Considered by many as one of the nation’s elite receivers. His speed, size and overall athletic ability has helped him turn the corner in a region that has so many playmakers who are always out to slow you down. Grimes showed how he is big-game ready by taking over the regular season matchup against Hallandale this past season. Without him, the Raiders would have lost. He came up with the catches needed to secure the win.

Jerry Jeudy, WR, 6-1, 180, Deerfield Beach: Here is a football talent who has done more than live on the hype that was created by his play locally. Every time he leaves South Florida, he singled out as being the best in the country. His speed, athletic ability and the talent to dominate any defensive back has truly put him in a space that very few occupy. He does not brag or boast, but this Alabama commit could make the claim as the No. 1 pass catcher in the nation, and nobody could really argue. Jeudy started dominating as an eighth grader in 7-on-7 competition.

Stanford Samuels, III, CB, 6-2, 175, Flanagan: Ever since he was in youth football, this is the prospect that everyone wanted to watch mature and come into his own. This FSU commit follows in the footsteps of his father, who is now Flanagan’s head coach. He is quick, instinctive and very athletic and is will always change the course of a game with his instincts and athleticism. This is a great athlete who could play anywhere for the Falcons and make a difference.

Tedarrell Slaton, OL, 6-5, 340, Plantation American Heritage: For the past two-plus seasons, this is a name that everyone has talked about. Slaton is big, strong and very agile, using his success on the basketball court to propel him to the next level. He has tremendous pass blocking skills and he has learned a lot about by playing the position and making a major difference along the way. Coaches who watched him perform believe that his overall athletic ability will make him a start at the next level – and perhaps, beyond.

Pat Surtian, Jr., CB, 6-1, 185, Plantation American Heritage: In the world of quality secondary performers, this 2018 standout could be among the best. Surtain is a physical cover corner who will shut just about anyone down – while making plays all game. The son of former Southern Mississippi, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chief and current American Heritage head coach Pat Surtain, this is a junior who will continue to make a major name for himself. He’s easily one of the nation’s best.

Nayquan Wright, RB, 5-9.5, 185, Miami Carol City: Very seldom does a freshman walk into a Miami-Dade elite program and dominate. This Class of 2019 standout helped the Chiefs win a rare district title, upsetting nationally rated Miami Central. But this is a new year and this gifted back will have a chance to show that what he did in 2015 was certainly no fluke. His running style lends itself to competing against the best. Every coach, player and fan that talked about his path to success mentioned what a tremendous and grounded young man he is. Is on every list nationally – and that makes him a must to fill out any roster.

In a region such as South Florida, there are dozens of prospects who could easily fit in this category, but of those polled for this Countdown To Kickoff segment, here are the prospects that received the most interest.

South Florida High School Sports unveils its Preseason South Florida Top 20 Rankings – ranking the top high school football teams in Miami-Dade and Broward County.

On this installment, the top five teams are unveiled.

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Considered the SEC of districts; this group has intense, ingrained rivalries and a whole lot of talent. Coming out of this district is no easy task and it is a shame that a couple of these very good teams won’t make the postseason. The number of top-level football players in this one district is scary.

Carol City Chiefs

2015 Record: 9-3 (District Champion)
Coach: Aubrey Hill
2016 Outlook: The Chiefs shook up the world in 2015, taking down mighty Central during the regular season.

That was the highlight in what was another program building season for Carol City. Since he came back to his alma mater three seasons ago, Aubrey Hill has done everything he can to increase “Chief Pride” and build a bridge between the community and the school.

Hill’s efforts continue to pay dividends as Carol City has put together another talent-laden roster that could very well shake things up again in 2016.

The first big move was bringing in former West Virginia University assistant coach and Miramar head coach Damon Cogdell to be the Chiefs’ defensive coordinator and associate head coach. Cogdell, the architect of the Patriots’ “Dark Side Defense”, has a great mind for defense and can be another steadying hand for the program as a whole.

Cogdell has some great pieces to work with on Carol City’s defense too. Senior linebacker Deandre “Eye Candy” Wilder (6-foot-3, 210 pounds) is the star. And while Wilder already has the attention of just about every college in the country, working under Cogdell will only increase Wilder’s production.

Carol City’s secondary is also very solid with seniors Naytron Culpepper and Donelle Thomas along with rising juniors Randy Russell and Irshaad Davis, who transferred in from Norland and is the younger brother of Auburn cornerback Carlton Davis.

The Chiefs’ offense is also loaded with big-time prospects. Senior receiver and University of Miami commit Kevaugh Dingle (6-foot-1, 185 pounds) is a playmaker – especially in the red zone.

Sophomore running back Nayquan “Monster” Wright (5-foot-10, 185 pounds) – who holds offers from LSU, Miami, Florida State, Notre Dame and Alabama – had a stellar freshman season and represents the present and the future of Carol City football.

The pressure is on sophomore quarterback Lorenzo Floyd to step up and live up to the hype that surrounded him coming from the youth level and prove that he can be the signal caller that the Chiefs need if they’re to go far in 2016.

Central Rockets

2015 Record: 12-2 (District Runner-up; Class 6A Champion)
Coach: Roland Smith
2016 Outlook: The drive for five is alive.

The Rockets enter the 2016 season as four-time defending Class 6A champions and they have their sights set on No. 5. If Central does capture a state title this season, it’ll actually be their sixth ring in seven years and seventh straight appearance in a state championship game.

Wow.

Sustained excellence like that is a direct reflection of the work of the Rockets’ coaching staff. Head coach Roland Smith, who took over for Telly Lockette in 2013, has quickly ingrained himself in the Rockets’ culture and has a staff thate gets every drop of potential out of their players.

Most people will start the conversation about Central by talking about running back James Cook. The younger brother of Florida State running back Dalvin Cook, “Jimmy” Cook reclassified to the 2018 class during the offseason and has done nothing but impress people since his breakout performance in the 2015 Class 6A state title game.

Leading the way for Jimmy Cook – and the rest of the stable of running backs that Central has – is a massive offensive line that’s anchored by seniors Mershawn Miller (6-foot-3, 320 pounds) and Navaughn Donaldson (6-foot-5, 320 pounds). Donaldson is a Miami commit and possesses a brute strength that overwhelms opposing linemen.

Central may have been a victim of its own success at the quarterback position. The Rockets have three players, all capable of being solid starters, that’ll be vying for snaps. Junior Tijuane Morten, who took a number of snaps at quarterback for the Rockets in 2015, has experience on his side. But junior Seth McGill has impressed coaches with his ability during the offseason and sophomore Maurice Underwood, who transferred in from Champagnat Catholic, is one of the better young quarterbacks in South Florida.

Whoever ends up being the quarterback will have a great trio of wide receivers to throw to in Jernard Phillips (the younger brother of Florida State receiver Da’Vante Phillips), Carmoni Green and Anthony White Jr.

Defensively, the Rockets have to replace a lot of great players from last year’s stingy squad, but they already plugged those holes with young players ready to breakout.

Senior linebacker and Miami commit Waynmon Steed returns the field after he missed the entire 2015 season with a shoulder injury. Also, look for Hialeah American transfer Enos Lewis to prove himself as a tackling machine this season.

6-foot-3, 220-pound defensive end Owen Carney came in from Miramar and will be counted upon to provide a pass rush while Allen Jones, Joshua Dinson, Christopher Williams and Chris Metayer patrol the defensive backfield.

Norland Vikings

2015 Record: 5-4
Coach: Daryle Heidelburg
2016 Outlook: Norland is another program – like Dillard in Broward County – that always seem to have talented kids walk through its doors.

What has hurt the Vikings in recent years is the number of players that elect to leave the school or never even come to it at all – despite still being in the Miami Gardens area.

Still, Norland has remained competitive and it will be again in 2016.

Head coach Daryle Heidelburg was gifted a very good quarterback prospect when junior Alec Carr transferred in from Dade Christian. Carr is a good decision-maker under center and has good enough arm talent to make throws around the field.

Carr will surely make a connection with 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior receiver Dave Richards – especially since speedsters Lio’Undre Gallimore and Travon Roberts both transferred to Mater Academy.

The Vikings defense is anchored by Rashad Colson. The 6-foot-5, 295-pound senior is a space eater that has freakish athleticism – clocking a 4.8 in the 40 – and should see a spike in his production this season.

Norland has the potential to be a bit of a “swing team” – a squad that could muddy up the district picture because it could bubble up and catch an opponent sleeping on a given night.

But things would have to go exactly right for the Vikings.

Northwestern Bulls

2015 Record: 5-4
Coach: Max Edwards
2016 Outlook: Northwestern fans be encouraged; the Bulls are climbing their way back.

Granted, it’s not like the program suffered a winless season or anything like it and the Bulls did make the playoffs just two seasons ago – but Northwestern fans have become accustomed to a certain standard.

The program enters year two under head coach Max “Why The Defense Ain’t Working” Edwards and his fingerprints are all over the team now. Being an intensely defensive-minded coach, Edwards knows how to build schemes that fit his personnel and demands a level of play from his players that makes it very hard for opposing offenses to produce points.

Leading the charge is 6-foot-2, 215-pound junior linebacker Billy Joseph. The four-star prospect is a disruptive force coming off the line and is emerging as a leader that rallies players around him.

Sophomore defensive end Samuel Brooks (6-foot-3, 195 pounds) is a player to watch in 2016 while senior 6-foot-2, 230-pound senior Demetrius Taylor will give the Bulls both senior savvy and playmaking.

The Bulls’ offense belongs to junior quarterback Chatarius “Tutu” Atwell. Entering his third year of being the starter, Atwell is dual-threat signal caller that can make all the throws as well as being able to take off and scramble for a 50-yard touchdown.

Running back Kai Henry is an underrated ball carrier that could end up being one of the top touchdown producers in Miami-Dade County. Also, receiver Al-Malik Moore appears to have developed into a legitimate No. 1 receiver – having multiple dominant showings at offseason events.

Northwestern has a great collection of young talent and is built for success both now and later.

And coach Edwards put together a tough schedule – with a preseason classic against Palm Beach Dwyer and regular season games against both Plantation American Heritage and Delray American Heritage as well as South Dade – that will put his team through the ringer and only make it better for wear when it comes time to decide the district race.

Bald Prediction

Surprise, surprise – Central wins the district title, again.

The Rockets took a more scenic route to the district crown in 2015, but they are still the hands-down kings of this district.

Carol City should – and I need you to squint one eye, tilt your head side to side and rotate your hand in a half circle as you read the word “should” – take the runner-up spot.

For me, the second playoff berth will be given to the winner of the Carol City – Northwestern game. Ultimately, the Chiefs should – do the head and eye thing again – narrowly edge the Bulls in a very close game.

Remember, Carol City only won that matchup by a mere four points this past season. I totally expect a similar outcome again this season.

Norland finishes fourth– and they won’t be happy about it. But remember this a district with four teams that have all at least won one state title since 2000.

Predicted Champion: Central
Predicted Runner-Up: Carol City

District MVP

There’s a plethora of players to choose from for this honor. But if you think about the true definition of “MVP” – most valuable player – I think the choice becomes clear.

Northwestern quarterback Chatarius “Tutu” Atwell may not be the absolute best player this district has to offer – he’s not out of the conversation, though – but I believe he holds the most value; on and off the field.

He came into high school a youth league legend, and in just two years “Tutu” Atwell is highly regarded amongst Northwestern diehards. One could say he’s the face of the program right now.

On the field, the Bulls’ offense is built around “Tutu”. Starting since his freshman year, Atwell has gained plenty of experience – still being only a junior – and he’s shown major strides during this past offseason that he’s ready to be a consistent chain-mover that makes smart decisions from inside the pocket.

You could take other players from the other teams in this district and they will probably still be alright. Take “Tutu” out of the Blue and Gold and Northwestern just won’t be the same team.

Bold Prediction

The bold prediction is also a bit of a challenge to the Carol City coaching staff.

Nayquan Wright is exactly what his nickname – “Monster” – says he is. He’s already one of the best running backs in South Florida and is built to touch the ball 15-plus times per game.

Wright has the talent to be a 1,500-yard back, the Chiefs coaches just have to give him the ball.

He ran for just a shade under 1,000 yards as a freshman while only getting 122 carries.

Imagine if they added another 30 or 40 touches to that.

Top Players

Aaron Duncan – Norland
Alec Carr – Norland
Allen Jones – Central
Al-Malik Moore – Northwestern
Andre Adams – Northwestern
Anthony White Jr. – Central
Ben Garland – Northwestern
Billy Joseph – Northwestern
Caleb Thomas – Carol City
Camron Davis – Carol City
Carmoni Green – Central
Chatarius “Tutu” Atwell – Northwestern
Chris Metayer – Central
Christopher Williams – Central
Dave Richards – Norland
Deandre Wilder – Carol City
Demetrius Taylor – Northwestern
Donelle Thomas – Carol City
Enos Lewis – Central
Eric Smith – Norland
Harry Hanna – Northwestern
Irshaad Davis – Carol City
James Cook – Central
Jernard Phillips – Central
Joshua Dinson – Central
Kai Henry – Northwestern
Kevaughn Dingle – Carol City
Kh’lajuwon Murat – Central
Khamal Ellison – Central
Kywan Smith – Central
Lorenzo Floyd – Carol City
Lytii Borders – Norland
Mark Fox – Northwestern
Maurice Underwood – Central
Mershawn Miller – Central
Mitch Louis – Norland
Moris Lugo – Carol City
Navaughn Donaldson – Central
Nayquan Wright – Carol City
Naytron Culpepper – Carol City
Owen Carney – Central
Randy Russell – Carol City
Rashad Colson – Norland
Sammy Laster – Central
Samuel Brooks – Northwestern
Seth McGill – Central
Taurus Dotson – Northwestern
Taurrian Stafford – Central
Terrell Perriman – Central
Terry Straughter – Carol City
Tevin Jones – Norland
Tijuane Morten – Central
Travon Brooks – Northwestern
Trevon Gordon – Northwestern
Victor Tucker – Carol City
Waynmon Steed – Central

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And so begins another high school football regular season.

This school year marks my 11th year covering high school sports in South Florida and I’ve found myself being very reflective lately.

Thinking about all of the great players that I’ve covered over the years; the big games that I watched up close; the relationships that I’ve built with coaches; and some of the stories I’ve written.

It truly has been a blessing to cover sports in South Florida – especially high school. I cut my teeth as a journalist covering preps. And while I’ve gone on to cover college and professional sports too, doing what I do for the high school level will always have a special place in my heart.

But I hope everyone had a great first week of school; getting back into the swing of things, getting those academic juices flowing again, and finding out which teachers “don’t play that”.

I’m excited about the 2016 season because once again there are goo-gobs of storylines to follow throughout the year. And, I have a feeling that this is going to be a season that truly tests my predicting knowledge because there are so many solid teams that are capable of knocking off anyone on any given night.

As week one barrels in, now is the time where we really see who’s really been putting in the work, who’s really been grinding and who’s been working on their craft. Everyone says “they’ve been working hard”, but now it’s time to swipe that card and see who has money in the bank.

Because I think this will be a grueling season for just about everyone – wins have an even higher premium on them. And getting your season off to a great start – with a victory – might be more important than it’s ever been.

Remember, whatever happened last season – good or bad – doesn’t matter anymore. As always, you must “win today”.

Record last season: 470-109 (.811 Correct Pick Percentage)
All-time record: 1826-382 (.826 Correct Pick Percentage)

52 games picked this week with four in the Bald Predictions Spotlight.

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(1) St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders vs. (3) Booker T. Washington Tornadoes
Friday at Traz Powell Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

How awesome is it that we’re getting the sequel to this match up?

And I’m willing to guarantee you that the sequel will be better than the original.

St. Thomas Aquinas enters as the consensus preseason national No. 1 team. The Raiders are oozing with talent at every position and they have one of the best coaching staffs in the country, too.

Watching Aquinas during the preseason, one couldn’t help but come away impressed with how pretty much everything clicked into place for them. Sometimes, when a team has a lot of new players, they go through an adjustment period and can look a little disjointed in certain aspects.

Not St. Thomas.

Booker T. was also very impressive in its preseason game. While the Tornadoes are four-time defending Class 4A state champions, I think people slightly underestimated just how good they’d be this season. No one said Booker T. would be a five-loss team again this season, but a lot of people were surprised at how the Tornadoes dismantled American Heritage.

I’m calling it the “Ice Effect”.

Looking at this matchup and taking into account the team’s respective preseason performances, I think you have to still give the edge to Aquinas.

St. Thomas doesn’t have any inherent weaknesses. They can beat you running the ball, they can beat you throwing the ball and they can beat you with their defense.

I have a feeling that Booker T. will try to load up against the run – trying to stymie Mike Epstein and Kyshaun Bryan – and be very aggressive in rushing the passer. The Tornadoes will essentially allow their defensive backs to play man coverage and force St. Thomas quarterback Jake Allen to make throws under pressure.

Simply put, Booker T. will “make Allen beat them”.

It makes sense considering Booker T. has a disruptive and dominant trio of rushers in Jaquan Beaver, Guy Thomas and Robert Hicks and they have a very athletic secondary spearheaded by Dedrick Mackey.

While I think Hicks, Thomas and Beaver will create some pressure; Aquinas is a better offensive team than American Heritage and they have many more weapons – bonafide game breakers – that Allen can get the ball to quickly and they make big things happen.

Also, don’t forget that St. Thomas’ defense will be looking to put the pressure on Booker T. sophomore Daniel Richardson. Yes, Richardson looked good against Heritage’s vaunted secondary, but St. Thomas’ defensive backfield is just as talented and is even more experienced.

Booker T. will be jacked for the game, especially with it being at Traz Powell Stadium, and the last thing I expect to see from a Tim Harris-coached team is for it to lay down; so for that reason, I think the game will be much closer than last year’s showdown.

Ultimately, though, I think it’ll be Aquinas’ overall depth that lifts them to a victory.

Bald Prediction = St. Thomas Aquinas wins 31-14

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(2) Central Rockets vs. Clermont East Ridge Knights (1-0)
Friday at East Ridge, 7:30 p.m.

The Central Rockets begin their drive for five straight with a trip to Clermont, Florida.

As usual, Central is a team that whenever I think about it all I can hear playing in my mind is the old school PMD track “Ruff, Rugged & Raw”.

The Rockets are gritty and tough – and come into every game looking to just wear down their opponent.

East Ridge is a Class 7A team that went 7-4 and missed the playoffs this past season. The Knights return a nice core of seniors, led by running back Simmian Mitchell. Naturally, East Ridge is a run-heavy team with a fairly big offensive line – but no bigger than what Central’s defense sees every day going up against its own offensive line.

While I’ve heard rumblings that East Ridge is coming into this game with extreme confidence – thinking it can not only compete with the Rockets, but deal them a loss to open the season.

A word of caution to the Knights, let the sleeping giant lie.

I fully expect Central to get its ground game going with “Jimmy” Cook and Kywan Smith running behind Navaughn Donaldson. And when East Ridge tries to load up against the run, Maurice Underwood – the assumed starting quarterback for the Rockets – should be able to make plays in the passing game.

East Ridge may not see a faster or more physical team than Central for the rest of the season.

Bald Prediction = Central wins 35-13

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(5) Carol City Chiefs vs. (11) Coral Gables Cavaliers
Thursday at Curtis Park, 7 p.m.

This is an intriguing week-one game.

It’s the second game of a two-year, home-and-home agreement between the programs and it is easily the best game on the opening night of the regular season.

Coral Gables won last year’s matchup, but both teams enter the 2016 season as much different versions of themselves.

Carol City comes in as preseason top-five squad with an increasingly stingy defense and plenty of skill players on the offensive side of the ball.

The Cavaliers too will be a very good defensive team in 2016, but they have some questions to answer with its offense.

I think this one will be a fairly low-scoring contest – last years was too. Coral Gables showed it still has a lot of work to do in its one-point preseason win over Class 4A Keys Gate Charter, while Carol City went toe-to-toe with Bradenton IMG Academy and held a 7-0 halftime lead before falling 17-7.

There’s an underrated running back matchup here, with Gables’ Johnny Ford and Carol City’s Nayquan Wright. What Ford lacks in size (only measuring 5-foot-7, 170 pounds), he makes up for in versatility and playmaking. Wright is already one of South Florida’s top ball carriers and he has a full skill-set to go along with a solid 5-foot-10, 190-pound frame.

While Carol City has some very good options at receiver, I still think the Chiefs’ sophomore quarterback Lorenzo Floyd is still trying to find his groove. If Carol City hands the ball off to Wright at least 15 times in this game, they should be more than fine.

Bald Prediction = Carol City wins 17-8

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(9) Deerfield Beach Bucks vs. Hallandale Chargers
Friday at Hallandale, 7 p.m.

Hallandale got the attention of a lot of people with its preseason win over South Broward.

The Chargers showed that even in year one under first-year head coach Benedict Hyppolite, they’re not only still a solid team, but a squad to be reckoned with.

With that being said, Deerfield Beach is a very impressive football team. While most people will be paying close attention to Bucks receiver and Alabama commit Jerry Jeudy – and by extension quarterback Nick Holm and receivers Daewood Davis and Leroy Henley – I think it’s Deerfield Beach’s defense that’ll end up being the reason the team lives up to expectations this season.

The Bucks are deep and they have plenty of beef up front to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.

Hallandale will fight, but Deerfield has too many weapons and will challenge every secondary it faces trying to cover three Division-I receivers.

Bald Prediction = Deerfield Beach wins 34-14

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Other Games

(4) Plantation American Heritage vs. Colquitt County (Ga.) = American Heritage wins by 9

(6) Southridge vs. Edison = Southridge wins by 14

(7) Columbus vs. Miami Jackson = Columbus wins by 3

(12) Northwestern vs. American = Northwestern wins by 21

(14) Killian vs. Sandalwood = Sandalwood wins by 9

(16) Dillard vs. Stranahan = Dillard wins by 14

(17) South Broward vs. Cypress Bay = South Broward wins by 10

(18) South Dade vs. Coral Reef = South Dade wins by 21

(19) Piper vs. Northeast = Piper wins by 20

(20) McArthur vs. Ralston Valley (Co.) = McArthur wins by 8

Varela vs. South Miami = Varela wins by 3

Monarch vs. Hollywood Hills = Hollywood Hills wins by 7

Braddock vs. North Miami Beach = North Miami Beach wins by 16

International School of Broward vs. Coral Springs Charter = Coral Springs Charter wins by 21

Miami Country Day vs. LaSalle = LaSalle wins by 17

Sunset vs. Miami Palmetto = Palmetto wins by 19

Homestead vs. Ferguson = Homestead wins by 12

Silver Creek (Co.) vs. Somerset Academy Silver Palms = Silver Creek wins by 7

Miami Beach vs. Ronald Reagan = Miami Beach wins by 9

Aukela Christian Military Academy vs. Somerset Academy Pines = Somerset Academy wins by 12

Champagnat vs. Westminster Christian = Westminster Christian wins by 7

Boynton Beach Somerset Academy Canyons vs. Palmer Trinity = Palmer Trinity wins by 1

A&T Mourning vs. Dr. Krop = Dr. Krop wins by 13

Western vs. Barbara Goleman = Western wins by 4

Gulliver Prep vs. Celebration (Fl.) = Celebration wins by 14

Plantation vs. Cardinal Gibbons = Cardinal Gibbons wins by 18

Keys Gate Charter vs. Coconut Creek = Coconut Creek wins by 1

Monsignor Pace vs. Hialeah-Miami Lakes = Monsignor Pace wins by 6

Archbishop McCarthy at Naples Barron Collier = Archbishop McCarthy wins by 7

South Plantation at Cooper City = South Plantation wins by 13

Inlet Grove (Fl.) at Coral Glades = Coral Glades wins by 21

Coral Springs at Everglades = Everglades wins by 26

Westminster Academy vs. Key West = Key West wins by 21

Fort Lauderdale vs. Punta Gorda Charlotte = Charlotte wins by 16

Mater Academy at Miramar = Mater Academy wins by 2

University School at Nova = University School wins by 14

Pines Charter at North Broward Prep = North Broward Prep wins by 10

Pompano Beach at Calvary Christian = Calvary Christian wins by 3

Taravella at Orlando Evans = Evans wins by 14

West Broward vs. Stoneman Douglas = Douglas wins by 5

Miami High vs. North Miami = North Miami wins by 2

Ransom Everglades vs. Florida Christian = Ransom wins by 7

Coral Park vs. Southwest = Southwest wins by 28

Hialeah Gardens vs. Westland Hialeah = Hialeah Gardens wins by 40

Pinecrest Prep at Doral Academy = Doral Academy wins by 35

Miami Springs vs. Hialeah = Hialeah wins by 8

Jacksonville Ribault vs. Norland = Norland wins by 6

Blanche Ely vs. North Marion (Fl.) = North Marion wins by 27

1  2  3  4  5  6

No. 11 Coral Gables stunned No. 5 Carol City with a 16-13 overtime win Thursday night in the opening game of the regular season for both teams at Curtis Park.

PLAYER: Moris Lugo
POSITION: LB
SCHOOL: Miami Carol City
CLASS: 2017
HEIGHT: 6-0
WEIGHT: 210

SCOUTING: From the moment we first watched him as a sophomore at Chaminade-Madonna, there was no doubt that Lugo was going to be a very special player. He’s a very instinctive, athletic and quick prospect who is always around the ball. His ability to read plays and react is impressive, and as coaches came through this past spring, they saw a talented young man who made plays and was very physical. With the quality linebacking corps the Chiefs have this season, Lugo is certainly a talent that everyone continues to watch. Many of the opponents who lined up against him the past two years also believe that this is going to be a talent that not only makes things happen at this level, but certainly beyond.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4068635/moris-lugo

SFHSSports: Twitter | Facebook

As the first week of the 2016 high school football season began this past week, we found that while some things change – others do indeed stay the same.

The one thing that has really taken center stage is the amount of high-level talent South Florida continues to produce. The spring, summer and everything in-between months that offer these exceptional football players and opportunity to get better and enhance their standing.

South Florida kids will go anywhere and will compete against anyone. It has been drummed into them since starting youth football as early as 6. As many continue to search for the reasons that players and teams have no fear of any opponent or individual – the answer may be right there in front of them every Saturday.

Youth football, for as long as anyone can remember, has produced elite prospects who have climbed that ladder to the high school level, collegiate ranks and ultimately, the NFL – or some form of professional football.

Since as far back as the 60s and 70s, youth football has set the tempo for runs at state and national exposure for programs such as the Miami Highs of the 1940s and 50s, Coral Gables in the 60s and programs such as Northwestern, Carol City, Killian, South Dade, Central, Booker T. Washington, and dozens of private programs such as St. Thomas Aquinas that has long produced talent and won the huge games.

Youth football has indeed been that lifeline for many of these powers in South Florida; and while much of the publicity in the past was hard to get on these players, unless you watched them live, today, things have changed.

Last year, when Nayquan Wright of Carol City and James Cook of Central came in as ninth graders, they were immediate impact performers – with Cook actually giving the Rockets the offensive power against Seffner Armwood to win a fourth straight Class 6A state title.

Wright and Cook are not alone, by the time these young men are in the 8th grade, everyone wants to know where they are headed to high school.

No other area tracks its youth prospects like we do down here – with Jerry Williamson, a recent guest of The Baldcast J.T. Wilcox podcast, Darrien Green and Generation Nexxt co-founder Jonah Woullard, putting these young prospects in the spotlight from the beginning their career.

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON CONTINUES TO WIN BIG GAMES
A little more than an hour before last Friday night’s titanic national matchup between top-rated St. Thomas Aquinas and 4-time defending state 4A champion Booker T. Washington at the newly improved Traz Powell Stadium, the tone was set for the night.

As veteran head coach Ice Harris led his team into the locker area, he told them that if they “are not ready for the next few hours, to stay on the bus – because this team was about to play the kind of ball that has earned this program respect over the past decade.

What Harris had to tell his team was the same thing he said to them the week before – when the Tornadoes went to nationally-rated Plantation American Heritage and soundly beat the Patriots.

The thrilling 27-23 win over the Raiders may have been a surprise to many around the country or the thousands who watched at the “Mecca”, but not to Harris, his coaches or the players who had been a huge part of the four state champions this team has won the past four seasons.

With the likes of Hall of Famers Michael Irvin, Larry Little and so many others on hand, BTW traded punches with a deep St. Thomas team – and after a 45-minute lightning delay – won the game and once again earned the respect of a nation, once again.

For the Raiders who had turnovers and plenty of mistakes, the game was still there for the taking, but big plays and the cool hand of sophomore quarterback Daniel Richardson proved to be the difference.

As many watched and observed, the one thing that St. Thomas usually has the advantage is overall talent, depth and better offensive and defensive lines. That was not the case in this contest. The Tornadoes had as much firepower – and in the end won a game that many in the 305 never considered to be an upset. Not when you have run the state and nation the way this program has for five consecutive seasons.

Both teams will certainly continue to raise the flag for an area that simply has no rival when it came to talent.

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON PROSPECT WATCH
2018 – Jaquan Beaver, LB
2018 – Quinton Brooks, DL
2017 – Richard Dames, DB
2017 – Rishard Dames, DB
2017 – Teaki Fuller, OL
2018 – Robert Hicks, DE
2018 – Detron Holloway, DB
2019 – Dontae Lucas, OL
2017 – Dedrick Mackey, DB
2017 – Craig Nelson, RB
2017 – Willa Pierre, OL
2019 – Daniel Richardson, QB
2017 – Kadeem Telfort, OL
2017 – Guy Thomas, DE
2018 – Tyquan Thornton, WR
2017 – Sharod Johnson, WR
2017 – Deandre Williams, WR

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS PROSPECT WATCH
2017 – Jake Allen, QB
2017 – Nicholas Antonacci, OL
2017 – Kivon Bennett, DL
2018 – Alphonso Blades, DB
2018 – Nikolas Bonitto, DE
2018 – Coleman Crozier, DL
2017 – Tyler Dunning, DL
2017 – Mike Epstein, RB
2017 – Trevon Grimes, WR
2017 – Kedonis Haslem, OL
2018 – Tavares Kelly, Athlete
2017 – Grant Miller, WR
2018 – Elijah Moore, RB
2017 – Lashawn Paulino, DL
2017 – Marco Salani, PK
2018 – Asante Samuel, DB
2018 – Rocky Shelton, LB
2018 – Jason Swann, OL
2017 – Andrew White, LB
2017 – Myles Wright, DB

CORAL GABLES MAKES A STATEMENT
Since the 2015 season came to an end, we have heard about St. Thomas Aquinas, Central, Booker T. Washington, Flanagan, Northwestern, Carol City, Boyd Anderson, American Heritage and Christopher Columbus and programs to watch this year in that race for Orlando.

But after last Thursday night – and for the fourth straight year under head coach Coral Gables alumnus Roger Pollard – the Cavaliers may be needed to that coveted “watch list” as well.

In knocking off state and nationally-rated Carol City for the second straight year, this is indeed a football program to keep an eye on and start mentioning a bit more. Not because they won the 19-16 overtime game, but this is a team that seems to be left out of that conversation when it comes to championship football.

Pollard and a staff that includes Terry Doctor, Larry Fitts, Dorian Munroe, Aaron Miller, Alex Pou, Alton Strachan, David Benoit and Malcolm Munroe, have worked extremely hard with these football players and quietly bringing in some pieces that fit this program.

With another suffocating defense and a solid offense that has its share of playmakers, watch out once again.

CAROL CITY PROSPECT WATCH
2018 – Johaun Beresford, WR
2018 – Travis Bivins, DB
2018 – Mark Carter, Jr., Athlete
2017 – Handy Cheranfant, OL
2017 – Jerrod Clersaint, OL
2017 – Naytron Culpepper, DB
2018 – Camron Davis, RB
2018 – Irshaad Davis, DB
2017 – Kevaughn Dingle, WR
2017 – Jamare Edwards, DE
2017 – Zion Hartsfield, DB
2017 – Morris Lugo, LB
2018 – Montreal Newton, Jr., OL
2018 – Randy Russell, DB
2017 – Terry Straughter, LB
2017 – Donelle Thomas, DB
2017 – Victor Tucker, WR
2017 – Deandre Wilder, LB
2020 – Marcel Williams, QB
2019 – Nayquan Wright, RB

CORAL GABLES PROSPECT WATCH
2017 – Jordan Arribas, OL
2019 – Rayquan Berry, Athlete
2018 – Edgerrin Doctor, WR
2017 – Adryan Ellis, LB
2017 – Elyjah Felton, DB
2018 – Johnny Ford, RB
2018 – Gilbert Frierson, DB
2017 – Nick Galuppo, QB
2019 – Everton Henry, OL
2017 – Kahvon Lovett, DB
2017 – Robert McWilliams III, DE
2018 – Shemar Munroe, Athlete
2017 – Kristopher Moll, LB
2017 – Kevin Nuno, OL
2018 – Derrius Perryman, LB
2018 – Anthony Puntonet, DB
2018 – Sebastian Riella, PK
2017 – Kevin Romer, WR
2017 – Jamar Thompkins, RB
2018 – Rashad Wildgoose, DB

WESTERN MAKES A STATEMENT IN OPENER
No matter what the so-called “experts”, who watch three months of football, have to say, all may end up eating their uninformed words by the end of this season.

When all the predictions came in for the pre-season, head coach Adam Ratkevich and his Western Wildcats were an afterthought by many who simply do not cover high school football year round. There was no way many would have picked this program to finish toward the bottom of a district where there was really no clear-cut favorite.

After “district favorite” Flanagan lost its opener, and Miramar beat Class 7A Mater Academy, this Western team has to feel mighty confident as they now move on after the opening game of the season.

The convincing 45-7 win over Hialeah’s Barbara Goleman at Milander Stadium to start the 2016 campaign, you have to believe that this is a team – stacked with talent on both sides of the ball – has a true chance to making the playoffs.

This was a win that really showed how far the Wildcats have come. Having an outstanding offseason, including a successful 7-on-7 season, they are now a team that you cannot turn your back on. They have talent and speed and the positions that you need – and while Miramar and Flanagan still loom as huge games, you have to believe that this team has the potential of being one of the most talented the school has produced.

GOLEMAN PROSPECT WATCH
2018 – Joshua Bacallao, OL/DL
2019 – Jorge Baez, LB
2020 – Kamal Barnes, OL/DL
2018 – John Correa, RB/DB
2017 – Gianni De La Vega, OL/DL
2017 – Keoni De La Vega, OL/DL
2018 – Derrick Hall, RB
2017 – Bradley Hill, OL/DL
2017 – Kawori Myers, DL
2017 – C.J. Noralus, DL
2019 – Zamareeh Odoms, DL
2017 – Claudius Pubien, DB
2018 – Bryan Reinstrom, DL
2017 – Anthony Romero, RB/DB
2019 – Myles Smith, WR/DB
2019 – Nelson Valladares, DB
2017 – Jose “Pepe” Valdiva, LB
2018 – Brayan Vergara, LB
2019 – Christopher Vidal, QB
2017 – John Wright, LB

WESTERN PROSPECT WATCH
2017 – Keshaun Clarke, RB
2017 – Matt Hansen, DE
2017 – Julian Hernandez, OL
2018 – Frankie Herran, DB
2018 – Jacob Kaplan, OL
2017 – Josh Lazarus, LB
2017 – Darius Maxwell, WR
2017 – Dylan Merino, WR/RB
2017 – Henry Moran, OLB
2017 – Chris Nunez, OL
2017 – Kevin Oliver, DE
2017 – Evan Rojas, OL
2018 – Robbie Ruebel, DB
2017 – Ethan Rodriguez, OL
2018 – Dannie Sanders, WR
2017 – Hunter Stephens, DB
2018 – Harrison Story, QB
2017 – Ki-Jana White, WR

VIKINGS WILL RELY ON TOUGH DEFENSE – AGAIN
You don’t have to remind Norland head coach Darryl Heidelburg about his 2016 schedule – or the most prospect-rich group of programs in the country in his district. He already knows.

With a challenging non-district schedule – and district meetings with national power Miami Central, Carol City and Northwestern – the opening game of the 2016 season was important for this team to get off on the right foot.

Even with key losses in the offseason, the Vikings still will be one of those quality defensive football programs – as they showed last Saturday night, coming up huge and holding on for a 9-6 win over a very competitive Jacksonville Ribault squad.

While this program does have some playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, the defense will once again dictate the outcome of many games this season, but that schedule will certainly toughen them up.

NORLAND PROSPECT WATCH
2017 – Tyrese Allen, DB
2018 – Maxilla Amical, DB
2017 – Lytii Borders, RB
2018 – Alec Carr, QB
2017 – Rashad Colson, OL/DL
2017 – Jaylen Daphnis, OL
2017 – Aaron Duncan, DB
2018 – T.J. Evans, RB
2018 – Artic Harris, OL
2018 – Mervin Jean, DB
2017 – Noel Jennings, OL
2017 – Tevin Jones, OLB
2018 – Khalil Jordan, LB
2018 – Reginald Lee, Jr., DT
2018 – Kevon O’Connor, WR
2017 – Dave Richards, WR
2017 – Keion Ross, S
2018 – Marden Sanon, DB
2017 – Keith Thornton, OLB
2019 – Darius Williams, OLB
2017 – Thomas Williams, DE

RIBAULT PROSPECT WATCH
2017 – Shandon Brown, WR
2018 – Kenneth Chenelle, WR/S
2017 – Louis Dorsey, WR
2017 – Dewayne Eason, RB/LB
2017 – Jalen Ford, TE/DE
2017 – Jakeem Gelsey, S
2017 – Jamal Harrison, DE
2018 – Jabari Jaudon, DB
2018 – Jaylen Joyner, TE/DE
2018 – Jamal Marsh, QB
2018 – Devon Matthews, S
2018 – Mike McCray, WR/DB
2018 – Rio Nelson, WR
2018 – Jon Singleton, RB/DB
2017 – Virgil Stuart, DE
2017 – Brandon Terry, OL
2017 – Marcus Tolbert, OL/DL
2017 – Kenton Tucker, OL/DL
2018 – Javon Williams, RB/DB
2017 – Ryan Williams, QB

On this episode, J.T. Wilcox talks about the first weekend of the high school football season – including Booker T. Washington’s win over St. Thomas Aquinas and more.

SFHSSports: Twitter | Facebook

When Daniel Richardson threw four touchdowns against nationally rated St. Thomas Aquinas last Friday night, it sent a message to the nation that Miami’s Booker T. Washington was ready to once again compete on a national level.

After four consecutive Class 4A state titles, head coach Tim “Ice” Harris is back in Overtown – and for those who are fans of the Tornadoes and high school football in general – that is great news.

But the most impressive news in that win is that Richardson, who started for the state champs last year, is just a sophomore. But that’s not the entire story.

What happens in South Florida, as we have found out with the NFL annually putting out its list of most players from each area, is that we dominate. Over 60 players were from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. It happens every year.

South Florida is indeed home to the most coveted football prospects in the country – and that has been the case for decades. That’s why when new class lists are posted each year, there is a real need to listen and take notes. The proof is in the NFL, and that means every class that rolls out has future game-breakers at the professional level.

Last week, when we gave you a look at the top 75 football players in 2017 and 2018, the attention that it received was amazing, and certainly met with a lot of comments, both good and bad, which is something that we have dealt with for 46 years.

Today, we bring you a starting list of that quality Class of 2019 – where sophomores across this region are impacting teams. We have also provided a link so fans and college coaches can have this information at their fingertips.

If there are prospects NOT listed and you want us to promote and expose, send video links and information to: Floridakids1@aol.com.

WATCH LIST

QUARTERBACKS

Demetrius Burns, 6-0, 190, Homestead Everglades Prep

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5491062/demetrius-burns

Curt Casteel, 6-1, 165, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6014834/curt-casteel

Lorenzo Floyd, 5-10, 152, Miami Carol City

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5514135/lorenzo-floyd

Daryn Jones, 6-0, 180, Hialeah Goleman

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6032450/daryn-jones

Kamran Kadivar, 6-1, 180, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4111677/highlights/292703390

Skylar Pearcy, 5-9, 165, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1889870/skylar-pearcy

Cairiq Rackley, 6-1, 160, Miami Killian

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6267112/cairiq-rackley

Daniel Richardson, 5-10, 170, Miami Booker T. Washington

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5310244/daniel-richardson

T.J. Smith, 6-1, 167, Hollywood South Broward

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6267645/tj-smith

Maurice Underwood, 6-2, 160, Miami Central

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6603027/maurice-underwood-jr

Christopher Vidal, 6-1, 170, Hialeah Goleman

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5228878/christopher-vidal

RUNNING BACKS

Rayquan Berry, 5-4, 140, Coral Gables

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5602207/rayquan-berry

Montavious Brini, 6-1, 192, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5512537/montavious-brini

Daniel Carter, 5-11, 185, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5546219/daniel-carter

Allen Crawford, 5-7, 174, Hollywood South Broward

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6429455/highlights/306784383

Janito Cyriac, 5-6, 160, Oakland Park Northeast

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/7591590/janito-cyriac

Darren Davis, 5-8, 160, Miami Christopher Columbus

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5001311/darren-davis-jr

Vincent Davis, 5-8, 150, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6394361/vincent-davis

Willie Davis, 5-8, 175, Miami Central

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6488482/willie-davis

Justice Johnson, 5-6, 145, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/7141488/justice-johnson

Daniel Jones, 5-5, 145, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1879197/daniel-jones

Tyler Jones, 5-9, 165, Plantation American Heritage

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5558871/tyler-jones

Kenyatis Lewis, 5-6, 144, Miami Jackson

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5335547/kenyatis-lewis

Philip Lewis, 5-9, 170, Oakland Park Northeast

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6595082/philip-lewis

Kenny McIntosh, 6-1, 185, Fort Lauderdale University School

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1747656/kenny-mcintosh

Isiah Pierre, 5-10, 150, Hialeah Champagnat Catholic

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6644051/isiah-jean-pierre

James Wallace Jr., 5-9, 165, Pompano Beach Ely

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6306355/highlights

William Wilson, 5-10, 145, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/7143039/william-wilson

Nay’Quan Wright, , 5-9, 185, Miami Carol City

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5514216/

WIDE RECEIVERS

Antwan Anderson, 5-10, 170, Miami Killian

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3128412/antwan-anderson

Tyler Carmona, 5-8, 150, Miami Christopher Columbus

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5348952/tyler-carmona

Aidan Chacon, 5-9, 150, Miami Christopher Columbus

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4419129/aidan-chacon

Jamal Cooney, 5-8, 140, Miami Northwestern

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6171930/jamal-cooney

Antoine Daniel, 5-8, 140, Miami Monsignor Pace

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5646477/antoine-daniel

John Dunmore, 6-3, 170, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5538710/john-dunmore

Tyler Force, 5-11, 161, Miami Beach

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/7177493/tyler-force

Brieon Fuller, 6-0, 175, Doral Academy

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6608497/brieon-fuller

Kavon Holmes, 5-7, 155, Homestead Everglades Prep

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5275111/kavon-holmes

Estmane Lucdor, 5-9, 160, Hollywood McArthur

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6173647/estmane-lucdor

Quayvon Mackey, 6-2, 200, Coral Springs Charter

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5507906/quayvon-mackey

TE/LS – Frank Melgarejo, 6-1, 210, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5468263/frank-melgarejo

Darius Melton, 6-3, 175, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/7152304/highlights/332223380

Sean Moore, 5-10, 133, Miami Palmer Trinity

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4773066/sean-moore

Kalani Norris, 5-9, 145, Miami Westminster Christian

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6011785/kalani-norris

Daniel Parker, 5-6, 170, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6397169/daniel-parker

Makenlove Petit-Fard, 5-8, 155, North Miami

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/7495764/makenlove-petit-fard

Norman Pickens, 5-8, 145, Hialeah-Miami Lakes

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/7427872/norman-pickens

Matthew Ramos, 5-11, 150, Miami Christopher Columbus

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5355191/matthew-ramos

Myles Smith, 6-0, 165, Hialeah Goleman

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5608691/myles-smith

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

Lucas Alonso, 6-1, 248, Miami Florida Christian

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6259050/lucas-alonso

Mark Fox, 6-4, 255, Miami Northwestern

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6134700/mark-fox

Dontae Lucas, 6-4, 320, Miami Booker T. Washington

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6378293/dontae-lucas

Pedro Marte Jr., 6-1, 268, Miami Northwestern

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6886754/pedro-marte-jr

Elvin McCray, 6-3, 244, Coconut Creek

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/7627024/elvin-mccray-ej

Tyler Milord, 6-3, 260, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5480184/tyler-milord

Vincent Murphy, 6-3, 260, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5201280/vincent-murphy

Jimmy Nixon, 6-1, 277, Coral Springs Charter

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5486903/highlights/315736387

Dylan Perez, 6-1, 230, Miami Christopher Columbus

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5473591/dylan-perez-19448

Antonio Serrano, 6-2, 280, Miami Belen Jesuit

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4938708/antonio-serrano

Jonathan Weaver, 6-0, 318, South Plantation

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6532243/jonathan-weaver

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Cameron Daniel, 6-1, 170, Miami Christopher Columbus

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5452925/cameron-daniel

Fabio Desir, 6-0, 235, Miami Monsignor Pace

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6416279/fabio-desir

DE – Diamonte Howard, 6-2, 195, Miami Southridge

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4641154/diamante-howard

Braylen Ingraham, 6-3, 225, Fort Lauderdale Dillard

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6434190/braylen-ingraham

Michael Lopez, 5-8, 200, Doral Academy

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/7559992/michael-lopez

DE – Matthew Moreno, 5-10, 180, Miami Belen Jesuit

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5248734/matthew-moreno

DE – Jason Munoz, 6-4, 210, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6655729/jason-munoz

Nathaniel Parker, 6-0, 240, Hollywood Hills

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6133480/nathaniel-parker

DE – D’Sean Perry, 6-3, 182, Miami Gulliver Prep

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6254483/dsean-perry

Charlie Rothkopf, 5-10, 210, Parkland Douglas

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6538685/charlie-rothkopf

Emanuel Villatoro, 5-10, 210, Fort Lauderdale

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/7558060/emanuel-villatoro

Kyon Whiteroyal, 5-10, 180, Miami Palmer Trinity

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5481290/kyon-white-royal

Jamari Williams, 6-3, 245, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6397378/jamari-williams

Micha’el Wilmot, 5-9, 204, Miami Carol City

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6782371/michael-wilmot

LINEBACKERS

Samuel Brooks, Jr., OLB, 6-2, 180, Miami Northwestern

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5417056/samuel-brooks-jr

Jahmar Brown, 6-1, 190, Miami Monsignor Pace

http://www.hudl.com/video/3/5645825/572d36075fadcb58d02baaf0

Chris Concepcion, 5-6, 140, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5244872/chris-concepcion

Hugh Dinnall, 5-10, 190, Miramar

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6625595/hugh-dinnall

Ge’mon Eaford, OLB, 6-1, 220, Deerfield Beach

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6041716/gemon-eaford

Danny Esteban, 5-8, 170, Miami Belen Jesuit

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4946945/danny-esteban

Lucas Ferrer, 6-1, 210, Miami Ransom Everglades

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5442461/lucas-ferrer

Jordan Griffin, 5-8, 170, Miami Christopher Columbus

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5345322/jordan-griffin

Devin Hardy, 5-8, 165, Homestead Keys Gate Charter

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5280590/devin-hardy

Juwan James, OLB, 5-11, 215, Miami Carol City

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5287154/juwan-james

Mikel Jones, OLB, 6-2, 215, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6608491/mikel-anthony-jones

Vincent Jones, 5-10, 190, Coconut Creek Monarch

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6059351/vincent-jones

Julian McGriff, 5-8, 160, Hollywood International School of Broward

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6515088/julian-mcgriff

Jeramy Passmore, OLB, 6-0, 200, Miami Westminster Christian

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5403465/jeramy-passmore

Jason Reese, OLB, 5-10, 160, Miami Braddock

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4546313/jason-reese

Bryan Reinstrom, 5-11, 210, Hialeah Goleman

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5228877/bryan-reinstrom

Kevin Reynaldo, 5-10, 165, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5257957/kevin-reynaldo

Gino Sandora, 5-11, 200, SW Ranches Archbishop McCarthy

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6084767/gino-sandora

Joe Smith, 6-1, 180, Miami Southridge

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6689310/joe-smith

Anthony Solomon, 6-0, 180, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5418429/anthony-solomon

Emmanuel St. Germain, 5-9, 185, Miami Dr. Krop

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6494945/emmanuel-st-germain

Jonathan St. Jacque, OLB, 5-11, 182, Homestead

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6773435/jonathan-st-jacque

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Christopher Alexandre, 5-9, 165, Hollywood McArthur

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/7547799

Dianjelo Amaya, 5-8, 140, Coral Springs

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/7189544/highlights/5748e2bd39a50601b493d7ca

Alexander Battle, 5-4, 145, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6400566/alexander-battle

Myles Bell, 5-11, 140, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6287274/myles-bell

Andrew Bloodsaw Jr., 5-9, 140, Miami Beach

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6234439/andrew-bloodsaw-jr

Allen Bryant, 5-9, 145, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6507861/allen-bryant

Marc Dagobert, 5-11, 186, Coral Springs Taravella

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/7515225/marc-dagobert

Jaden Davis, 5-10, 155, Fort Lauderdale Dillard

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6704770/jaden-davis

Rayne Tanega-Doster, 5-11, 175, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5396728/rayne-tanega-doster

Ernest Felder, 5-7, 165, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5481805/ernest-felder

Demetries Ford, 5-7, 160, Miami Westminster Christian

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5403468/demetries-ford

Donovan James, 5-10, 168, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6320074/donovan-james

Theodore “L.T.” Lucas, 6-0, 175, Plantation American Heritage

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5447623/theodore–lt–lucas

Tavon McBride, 5-8, 145, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6397527/tavon-mcbride

Michael McCarthy, 5-5, 145, North Miami Mourning

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5657167/michael-mccarty

Semar “Ace” Melvin, 6-1, 155, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6603336/semar-ace-melvin

Presley Pomeranc, 5-8, 140, Miami Christopher Columbus

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5384290/highlights/288330375

Alexander Prieto, 5-9, 162, Miami Christopher Columbus

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5343655/alexander-prieto

Cuevas Russ, 5-10, 160, Miami Palmetto

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/7539340/cuevas-russ

Keontra Smith, 6-0, 195, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5482421/keontra-smith

Prince Young, 5-8, 145, Miami Florida Christian

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6258875/prince-young

Eddie Williams, 5-11, 165, Miami Palmetto

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5416297/eddie-williams

James Williams, 5-10, 160, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5488699/james-williams

SFHSSports: Twitter | Facebook

We’ve come to the one-third mark of the season.

By this point of the year, we pretty much know who can do what and now is the time where week-to-week game-planning and in-game coaching adjustments become the deciding factor in most games.

Also, since this is week five, that means seniors – on teams that won’t make the playoffs – only have five more weeks to suit up with their brothers. Those lucky teams that do make the postseason could have another five weeks, although a five-week playoff run is reserved for those especially lucky teams – also known as state champions.

Still, everyone needs to cherish every moment.

I hope everyone has made themselves familiar with the initial SFHSSports Top 25 Poll. The new rankings will be reflected in the Bald Predictions moving forward.

Taking a look back at week four, I feel good about the way I responded from what I thought was a horrible week three prediction performance.

Tackling week five will be no easy test as there are a handful of marquee matchups between rivals and there’s a handful of big district battles too. District games can be the trickiest to pick because even though both teams know what’s at stake, there’s still an intangible factor that tends to favor underdogs.

What I am looking forward to this week is going to a bunch of games that should have some absolutely lit atmospheres. Yes, I said lit.

Come on folks, let’s get out there and pack these stadiums this week – support high school football.

Record last week: 42-7
Season record: 171-29 (.855 Correct Pick Percentage)

45 games picked this week with three in the Bald Predictions Spotlight

1  2  3  4  5

(1) Central (4-0) vs. (2) Booker T. Washington (3-1)
Saturday at Traz Powell Stadium, 7 p.m.

I am genuinely looking forward to watching this game.

There’s so much to get excited about in this one.

Honestly, this game represents all that is awesome about high school football in South Florida.

How often have people debated about who the “best team in Dade County” is? But, this season we already had Booker T. play St. Thomas Aquinas and American Heritage; the Rockets and Tornadoes are strapping it up this week; both Central and Booker T. will play Northwestern; Carol City and Central will play a very important district game in a few weeks; all that means we’ll actually have a pretty good idea of who Dade’s best squad is.

Looking at this game, two things stick out.

The first is the coaching matchup. Having Tim “Ice” Harris back on the sideline has done a lot for Booker T. Washington. He’s an excellent motivator and he’s learned some more tricks of the trade as his coaching journey took a turn through the college ranks for a while.

Roland Smith is a model of consistent winning. He’s a “practice coach”, meaning he’s going to do a majority of his work, his grinding and his yelling on the practice field and will be more stoic on game day.

Because there’s so much familiarity in these two coaching staffs, film study this week will be a big factor. Finding tendencies and discovering potential mismatches will be key for the team that ends up winning.

The other factor is Booker T.’s ability – or inability – to successfully and consistently run the football.

It goes without saying that Tornadoes sophomore quarterback Daniel Richardson is one of the best passers in South Florida, but Booker T. needs to find some balance in its offensive attack. If Richardson is catching the ball in the shotgun for 80-90 percent of the night, Central’s defensive line will be able to pin its ears back and rush the passer with no regard of a potential run.

Ultimately, I see this game being a high-scoring affair. Especially if we get good weather conditions, there’s no reason to think that both of these teams will be able to put up points – despite how talented the respective defenses are.

I think the Rockets will be able to come up with one more stop and eke out a victory in what could be an instant classic of a game.

Bald Prediction = Central wins 34-33

1  2  3  4  5

(T-3) Plantation American Heritage (4-0) vs. (11) Norland (3-0)
Friday at Plantation American Heritage, 7:30 p.m.

Before the season started, some would’ve looked at this matchup and thought it was a forgone conclusion as for how it would go.

But after watching Norland operate against district foe Central this past week, it is evident that the Vikings have a more than solid football team that is capable of standing toe-to-toe with just about anyone.

I came away very impressed with Norland, even in the loss. Junior quarterback Alec Carr showed a dual-threat ability that serves him well in coach Daryle Heidelburg’s offense and I think receiver Dave Richards is an under-the-radar stud.

I continue to applaud American Heritage and head coach Pat Surtain for the way they’ve been able to quickly circle the wagons and right the ship after their preseason classic. That’s the sign of a program that sits at the “big boy table”, with the other elite programs in this area.

On paper, this game largely favors the Patriots.

Heritage’s offense is running a lot more smoothly now and the Patriots’ power run game with quarterback Jason Brown and running back Abraham Alce will truly challenge Norland’s front seven.

Norland’s offense should also find it tough to pass against this American Heritage secondary, which is one of the most talented in the country.

However, Norland was supposed to be overmatched against Central, but it more than held its own. I think the same thing happens in this one, the Vikings will fight and put on another admirable performance before getting out-shined by a talented team with an equally impressive coaching staff.

Bald Prediction = Plantation American Heritage wins 26-21

1  2  3  4  5

(8) Southridge (2-1) vs. (24) Carol City (1-2)
Friday at Southridge, 7:30 p.m.

Talk about a statement game.

This may be the most intriguing matchup of week five – even though it’s not a traditional rivalry game nor is it a district game.

In this game you have a pair of teams that have relatively underachieved up to this point of the season. And a loss in this game will only further propel those thoughts and make the losing team question whether or not it can reach the pinnacle of its goals this season.

Southridge continues to be an enigma. The Spartans have one of the most impressive collections of talent in the country, yet they’ve left a bit to be desired in terms of their overall performance.

Losing to Class 4A Booker T. Washington this past week made sense to those familiar with the way South Florida high school football works – but on the surface, there’s no reason why an 8A team would only put up six points in that game.

Carol City comes into this game in a much better place than it was a couple of weeks ago. After losing its first two games, the Chiefs surprised everyone not doing the “Tomahawk Chop” when they went to Lakeland and took down the Dreadnaughts for the second straight year.

I still think the matchup between these teams still favors Southridge. Carol City’s offense has a tendency to stall, especially when they get away from featuring their talented duo of running backs – Camron Davis and Nayquan Wright.

Defensively, the Chiefs are golden – as they’ve become the “Dark Side Defense South” under the direction of former Miramar head coach Damon Cogdell.

But I think it’ll be Southridge’s defense that makes the game-changing or even game-clinching play and gives the Spartans a close victory in a very big game.

Bald Prediction = Southridge wins 16-14

1  2  3  4  5

Other Games

(T-3) St. Thomas Aquinas vs. (19) Hallandale = St. Thomas wins by 23

(5) Northwestern vs. South Dade = Northwestern wins by 20

(7) Boyd Anderson vs. Bradenton IMG Academy = IMG Academy wins by 9

(9) Flanagan vs. Western = Flanagan wins by 7

(14) Edison vs. Braddock = Edison wins by 35

(16) Chaminade-Madonna vs. (22) Monsignor Pace = Chaminade wins by 3

(17) Piper vs. Nova = Piper wins by 22

(20) Miramar vs. South Plantation = Miramar wins by 18

(23) Columbus vs. Belen Jesuit = Columbus wins by 14

(25) Champagnat vs. Somerset Academy Pines = Champagnat wins by 21

Palmer Trinity vs. Scheck Hillel = Palmer Trinity wins by 12

Miami High vs. Ferguson = Miami High wins by 4

North Miami vs. American = North Miami wins by 6

Stoneman Douglas vs. Cooper City = Douglas wins by 13

Fort Lauderdale vs. West Broward = Fort Lauderdale wins by 10

Northeast vs. Stranahan = Stranahan wins by 7

A&T Mourning vs. South Miami = South Miami wins by 12

Hialeah-Miami Lakes vs. Hialeah Gardens = Hialeah-Miami Lakes wins by 19

Sunset vs. Ronald Reagan = Reagan wins by 8

Everglades Prep vs. Gulliver Prep = Gulliver Prep wins by 3

Somerset Academy Silver Palms vs. Westminster Christian = Westminster Christian wins by 2

International School of Broward vs. Buford (Ga.) = Buford wins by 14

Taravella vs. Coral Glades = Taravella wins by 7

Deerfield Beach vs. Coral Springs = Deerfield Beach wins by 16

Cypress Bay vs. Plantation = Cypress Bay wins by 12

Everglades vs. Hollywood Hills = Hollywood Hills wins by 7

Miami Jackson vs. Jacksonville Bolles = Bolles wins by 14

University School vs. Delray Beach Village Academy = University School wins by 7

Coral Springs Charter vs. Key West = Key West wins by 21

Pompano Beach vs. North Broward Prep = North Broward Prep wins by 28

Westminster Academy vs. Riviera Beach Inlet Grove = Westminster Academy wins by 33

Calvary Christian vs. Archbishop McCarthy = Archbishop McCarthy wins by 2

Miami Beach vs. Naples Golden Gate = Miami Beach wins by 9

Coral Reef vs. Venice (Fl.) = Venice wins by 20

Homestead vs. Coral Park = Homestead wins by 2

Barbara Goleman vs. Westland Hialeah = Goleman wins by 42

Killian vs. Varela = Killian wins by 8

Mater Academy vs. Doral Academy = Doral Academy wins by 5

Palm Beach Benjamin School vs. Ransom Everglades = Benjamin wins by 14

Palm Beach Kings Academy vs. Miami Country Day = Kings Academy wins by 30

Pine Crest vs. Florida Christian = Pine Crest wins by 17

1  2  3  4  5

Sophomore running back Nayquan “Monster” Wright found the endzone twice as Carol City gets back to .5oo with a big 18-0 win over host Southridge Friday night – the Spartans’ second straight loss.

PLAYER: Randy Russell, Jr.
POSITION: S
SCHOOL: Miami Carol City
CLASS: 2018
HEIGHT: 5-11
WEIGHT: 175

SCOUTING: From the moment he arrived on campus, there was no doubting what the future would hold for this very talented prospect. He had done it at the youth football league and at the high school level – with the same talent and intensity that has attracted college attention from as far back as the ninth grade. From the beginning of his career, every coach, teammate and opponent knew that Russell was someone who would make a major impact in the secondary. He’s a physical talent who could hit you and cover as well as any corner around. His athletic ability was simply off the charts – and that is what has made him one of the elite players in the area. His offseason work has also been a huge reason why he has been able to attract big schools who love his style. There are prospects that you can watch when they are very young and project what they will be like when they reach that next level and beyond. This is one that everyone saw greatness from a very early age. Russell is another one of the big-time South Florida prospects.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5242369/randy-russell

SFHSSports: Twitter | Facebook

As we enter the second half of the regular season, this is the time of the year where every game from here on out will have a direct effect on each team’s playoff fortunes.

Even if teams still have some non-district games remaining, you have to think coaches will have the nightmare of losing players to injuries playing in the back of their heads.

While it isn’t quite the time to have reached your peak, you do want to at least be halfway to the mountaintop.

For me, week five was a more than solid week. But I look at week six and once again see a slate of games that will require my predictive juices to be flowing at full mass in order to be successful.

Also, I hope everyone has done their part in supporting Prostate Cancer Awareness throughout the month of September. Just because September is coming to an end, the fight against prostate cancer is not. Men, especially those over 40 years old, please speak to your doctor about your prostate health if you have not already. Regular testing and screening can lead to early detection. And early detection could be the life-saving factor needed to be prostate cancer.

Record last week: 40-5
Season record: 211-34 (.861 Correct Pick Percentage)

47 games picked this week with three games in the Bald Predictions Spotlight

1  2  3  4  5

(1) Miami Central (5-0) vs. (17) Carol City (2-2)
Friday at Traz Powell Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

Here’s a game that I circled on my calendar as soon as the Miami-Dade schedule was released.

This matchup became exponentially more intriguing after last week’s happenings.

Carol City won its second straight game – after opening the season 0-2 – with a shutout against Southridge. The Chiefs appeared to have righted the ship and found an offensive formula that works. After scoring just 20 total points in the first two games of the season, Carol City has outscored its last two opponents by a score of 58-7.

Defense has never been the problem the Chiefs. Associate head coach and defensive coordinator Damon Cogdell’s fingerprints all over Carol City’s defense and he’s bringing the best out of his playmakers.

With that being said, Central put everyone on notice that it is the top team in Miami-Dade County. It’s hard to argue otherwise – given the Rockets are four-time defending Class 6A state champs and just manufactured a 42-14 victory over rival and fellow four-time defending champion Booker T. Washington.

Central is a complete team that can make life difficult for opposing teams – on either side of the ball.

Looking at the matchup this time around, I will be interested in seeing how Carol City plans to attack the Rockets’ defense.

The Chiefs have a good – not great – offensive line and a pair of very talented running backs in Camron Davis and Nayquan Wright. Carol City will have to get creative in how they get Davis and Wright the ball, though. Perhaps the Chiefs will watch the film from the Norland game and try to replicate what the Vikings did to create running lanes.

If Carol City is unable to run the ball and sustain drives, it’ll put the Chiefs defense in tough situations having to be on the field for extended series’ colliding with Central’s big offensive line. Eventually, Carol City’s defensive unit will wear down and give up a handful of those “back-breaking” runs by one of the Rockets’ many running backs.

Ultimately, I think that’s the theme of this game. Carol City will show early that it is – despite its record – still one of the better teams in South Florida, however, Central will start to wear down the Chiefs on both sides of the ball.

And don’t think that winning a district championship doesn’t mean anything to the Rockets. They were reminded – a lot – about how Carol City won the district crown in 2015 and it’s something that’ll be in the back of their minds Friday.

Bald Prediction = Central wins 28-14

1  2  3  4  5

(3) St. Thomas Aquinas (3-1) vs. Las Vegas Bishop Gorman (5-0)
Friday at Bishop Gorman Fertitta Field, 10 p.m. (ESPN)

As soon as this game was confirmed, the talk began of how this would be a “clash of the titans”.

Fast forward to the actual week of the game and I’d venture to say that it has lost just a hint of its luster. St. Thomas Aquinas’ week one loss to Booker T. Washington and subsequent fall in the national polls are the culprits, no doubt about it.

But I think people are being a bit too quick to dismiss and discount the Raiders.

How quickly some are forgetting that St. Thomas Aquinas still has one of the most talent-laden rosters in the country and still have exceptional high school football players at just about every position on the field – on top of having one of the better coaching staffs, too.

So as Aquinas rolls into Las Vegas, they will be taking on an undefeated Bishop Gorman team that has climbed to the top of almost all the national polls and is playing a very good brand of football at this point in the season.

The Gaels’ offense runs through dual-threat quarterback Tate Martell – an Ohio State commit. Martell has thrown 13 touchdowns this season – against zero interceptions – and is second on the team in rushing yards (406) while leading in rushing touchdowns (6).

Amod Cianelli is now Gorman’s top rusher since an injury took down Biaggio Walsh – the grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Still, Bishop Gorman’s offense is quite potent – scoring at least 35 points in all five victories this season.

What St. Thomas Aquinas must do to be successful in this game is, you guessed it, run the ball.

Run.

The.

Ball.

I think It would greatly benefit the Raiders to give Bishop Gorman a heavy dose of Mike Epstein and Kyshaun Bryan. Getting the run game going would allow for some play-action passes downfield to Trevon Grimes or up the seams with Mike Harley and Jorden Merrell.

Defensively, I think St. Thomas should make Martell beat them as a passer. Use his smaller, 5-foot-10 frame against him and make him throw from the pocket while trying to bat down as many passes as possible. Perhaps the Raiders use linebacker Drew White as a spy and let the defensive back rely on their skills.

I believe Aquinas has the personnel to knock off Bishop Gorman, they just have to go in with the right mindset – dare I say, they have to go in there and play with some South Florida swag.

I think Aquinas gets it done.

Bald Prediction = St. Thomas wins 33-31

1  2  3  4  5

(11) Boyd Anderson (3-1) vs. (17) Dillard (3-1)
Friday at Boyd Anderson, 7 p.m.

Here’s a big-time district showdown that always produces a great atmosphere and very competitive game.

I don’t anticipate this year’s game being any different.

On paper, this is a quintessential matchup of potent offense going up against a stingy defense.

Boyd Anderson’s offense has been very good so far this season – save for last week’s zero-point output against “The Monstars” also known as Bradenton IMG Academy – scoring 39 points or more in all three of its wins.

Quarterback Shabazz Telfort continues to show that he’s one of the top passers in South Florida. He has a lot of tools in his bag – standing 6-foot-3, with a strong arm and deceptively quick when breaking – and Telfort’s leadership qualities have made a positive jump this season.

Dillard’s defense is built around its defensive line. Defensive tackle Jon Ford and defensive end Jordan Wright get much of the attention, but the Panthers have a couple other athletic players – Jordan Zayas and Braylen Ingraham – they can throw in the mix and still generate a major pass rush.

The matchup of BA’s offense against Dillard defense will be a chess match. The coaches will spend much of the night trying to find a way to get something done against the other.

Where this game will be decided, I think, will be on the flip side of that matchup – meaning how Dillard’s offense will fare against Boyd Anderson defense.

Dillard’s offense is good, but it’s no insult to say that the Panthers are a more defensive-centric team.

The Cobras’ defense has a lot of talented players. Talent-wise, BA’s secondary is one of the best in South Florida, with Daniel Wright, Raheme Fuller, Michael Nesbitt and Rennard Bozeman. But the Cobras defensive unit got a Man-Sized gift when defensive tackle Daniel Walker (6-foot-5, 270 pounds) came over from Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy.

That’s where I think this game will turn in Boyd Anderson’s favor. The Cobras defense will come up with enough stops and give their offense the extra possession – or possessions – needed to manufacture a win.

Bald Prediction = Boyd Anderson wins 28-21

1  2  3  4  5

Other Games

(2) Plantation American Heritage vs. Stranahan = American Heritage wins by 28

(5) Coral Gables vs. Miami High = Coral Gables wins by 18

(6) Booker T. Washington vs. Keys Gate Charter = Booker T. wins by 30

(7) Flanagan vs. (20) Miramar = Flanagan wins by 8

(8) Cardinal Gibbons vs. Coconut Creek = Cardinal Gibbons wins by 24

(9) McArthur vs. Cooper City = McArthur wins by 17

(10) Edison vs. Hialeah-Miami Lakes = Edison wins by 27

(12) Southwest vs. Belen Jesuit = Southwest wins by 2

(13) Miami Palmetto vs. Homestead = Palmetto wins by 21

(14) Chaminade-Madonna vs. Somerset Academy Silver Palms = Chaminade wins by 14

(16) Piper vs. Monarch = Piper wins by 21

(18) Southridge vs. South Dade = Southridge wins by 4

(21) Columbus vs. Coral Park = Columbus wins by 38

(22) South Broward vs. Nova = South Broward wins by 16

(24) Hallandale vs. Miami Jackson = Hallandale wins by 7

(25) Champagnat vs. Village Academy = Champagnat wins by 14

American vs. Dr. Krop = American wins by 12

North Miami Beach vs. Hialeah = North Miami Beach wins by 16

Ransom Everglades vs. Miami Country Day = Ransom wins by 21

Deerfield Beach vs. Taravella = Deerfield Beach wins by 34

Palm Glades Prep vs. Scheck Hillel = Palm Glades Prep wins by 13

Miami Springs vs. A&T Mourning = Miami Springs wins by 28

North Miami vs. Hialeah Gardens = North Miami wins by 40

Doral Academy vs. Sunset = Doral Academy wins by 37

Westland Hialeah vs. South Miami = South Miami wins by 42

Highlands Christian vs. Palmer Trinity = Palmer Trinity wins by 3

Somerset Academy Pines vs. Belle Glade Glades Central = Glades Central wins by 27

Fort Lauderdale vs. Blanche Ely = Fort Lauderdale wins by 25

Archbishop McCarthy vs. Coral Springs Charter = Archbishop McCarthy wins by 18

Coral Glades vs. Pines Charter = Coral Glades wins by 12

Stoneman Douglas vs. Coral Springs = Douglas wins by 14

Cypress Bay vs. Western = Western wins by 10

Plantation vs. Everglades = Plantation wins by 4

Boynton Beach vs. Northeast = Boynton Beach wins by 14

University School vs. Clewiston (Fl.) = U-School wins by 8

International School of Broward vs. Colquitt County (Ga.) = Colquitt County wins by 21

Coral Reef vs. Ferguson = Ferguson wins by 6

Pine Crest vs. St. Andrews = Pine Crest wins by 20

Coral Shores vs. LaSalle = LaSalle wins by 7

Marathon vs. Florida Christian = Marathon wins by 13

Pinecrest Prep vs. Miami Community Charter = Miami Community Charter wins by 14

Ronald Reagan vs. Barbara Goleman = Reagan wins by 1

Varela vs. Braddock = Varela wins by 13

Everglades Prep vs. Westminster Christian = Westminster Christian wins by 8

1  2  3  4  5

Carol City jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as the Chiefs stunned nationally ranked Miami Central – defeating the Rockets 34-7 Friday night at Traz Powell Stadium.

SFHSSports: Twitter | Facebook

Each week, there are so many surprised football fans who shake their collective heads at how big-time teams are losing.

Welcome to South Florida.

Where any team can be defeated on any given day. Where impressive football prospects are on every roster – throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

Once again, the elite teams – such as Booker T. Washington, Miami Central, St. Thomas Aquinas and even Plantation American Heritage have shown that there are enough athletes roaming sidelines from Florida City to Deerfield Beach to make any game interesting.

The talent level that we see in the offseason, at camps, combines and competing on the 7-on-7 circuit, are the football players who are pulling off big wins against teams that many have looked up to for nearly a decade.

South Florida football is such a fertile region for athletes – you are often surprised by juniors and seniors who have flown under the radar for too long, only to be discovered when many least expect it.

Each and every week, throughout the year, we give you six new prospects to keep an eye on – some 400 each year. Today, we have six more players who have really made some major strides.

2018 – Craig Cooper, RB, 5-9, 170, Hollywood McArthur: Make no mistake that this is going to be someone who everyone will know by the end of the season. Cooper is easily one of the top backs in the area. He gave everyone a glimpse of that talent a year ago – while he was a sophomore on a very talented American High team. This is a running back who will do what it takes. He quick, powerful and very strong. He loves to block as well as catch the ball out of the backfield. Cooper is a total package prospect who will always be a difference maker – no matter where he ends up. Impressive football player.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/6103488/craig-cooper

2018 – Ivan Ramirez, Slot/FS, 6-0, 155, Miami Ferguson: Another of the southwest Miami-Dade prospects who get lost in the numerous talent shuffle this county has. Here is a football player who really has impressed with his aggressive style of play, and his ability to make plays. Whether it’s at the slot position on offense, where he creates for the Falcons – or defensively, a place where some college coaches believe he can flourish, Ramirez is a true talent that will be discovered over the next year. He is fun to watch.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/5310740/ivan-ramirez/about

2018 – Wayne Ruby, Jr., WR, 5-10, 155, Pembroke Pines Flanagan: When you think of the defending Class 8A state champions, the defense comes to mind – with so many quality athletes, making big plays. But the offense also has its share of quality athletes; and here is one of those young men who helps to make that offense go. Ruby is a sound route runner with a very positive work ethic. Another of the juniors who has a chance to really turn heads – the rest of the year, and into the offseason.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/5300814/wayne-ruby-jr

2018 – Ryan Saddler, LB/RB, 6-2, 225, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons: If you are looking for one of the reasons the Chiefs have shot their way to the top this season, here is a good place to start. Saddler is a quality football talent who was talked about plenty in the offseason. He’s a hard-hitting linebacker who will continue to get plenty of looks – with his size and athletic ability drawing the attention to the way he makes plays.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/6698556/ryan-saddler

2018 – Marlon Smith, QB, 6-4, 175, Miami Carol City: One of those players who was literally dropped into the hands of the Chiefs – and has just watched his career start to take off on the football field. While many never paid attention to what he was doing earlier in the season, wins over Lakeland, Southridge and a 34-7 trouncing of four-time Class 6A state champion Central, have opened everyone’s eyes. Carol City has a quarterback. Yes, one that could lead them to the school’s first state championship in over a decade. Smith has big-time potential. Watch his stock continue to rise as he picks up more of this game.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/8417088/marlon-smith

2017 – Daniel Walker, S/OLB, 6-0, 175, Miami Palmetto: Talk to anyone about the Panthers’ success and all will tell you how unsung players have stepped up and have made a huge impact. This is one of those defensive talents who has been vital this year for that undefeated start. Walker is a physical hitter who has cover skills and the athletic ability to make plays all over the field. College coaches will have a chance to watch his progress this season – and will be impressed. Another of those talented young men who has a future after high school.
TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/3424326/daniel-walker

It’s Monday, so J.T. Wilcox goes Facebook Live for the “Monday Afternoon QB” version of The Baldcast – talking about the weekend that was; including Central’s win over Jackson, Northwestern’s win over Booker T. Washington and the upcoming game between the Rockets and the Bulls.