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The season continues to march on.

It seems like just a week ago that we were at the Miami Dolphins Youth Academy Media Day, now we’ve barreled into week eight.

Though week seven got shortened by the threat of Hurricane Matthew, I did predict games. You all did not see them because we didn’t know which games would be made up, but I made the picks early in the week before the storm wiped out everything.

At this juncture, we’ll start to see teams clinch playoff berths; others teams will be eliminated and be left to play out the proverbial strings while other teams will be watching our scoreboard closely because they need some help to get into the playoffs.

Still, it is the nature of South Florida kids to continue to compete until the bitter end – playoff bound or not.

This week is chocked full of important district matchups. District showdowns are a bit tougher to pick. There’s typically so much familiarity between the programs and the players and the rivalries are deeply ingrained and usually very intense. Then mix in playoff implications and you’re talking about some of the best high school football games you’ll see anywhere in the country.

The time for excuses is over, the teams that win games from this point on are the teams that pay attention to detail and execute in crucial situations – and that includes the coaches.

Record last week: 17-4 (Shortened week)
Season record: 268-45 (.856 Correct Pick Percentage)

49 games picked this week with three games in the Bald Predictions spotlight.

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(1) Plantation American Heritage (6-0) vs. (9) Cardinal Gibbons (5-0)
Friday at Plantation American Heritage, 7:30 p.m.

Here’s a game that probably won’t get the amount of hype that it deserves.

Cardinal Gibbons has been one of – if not – the biggest surprises this season. Head coach Matt DuBuc has committed to instilling a different mindset within the program and it looks like it’s already paying dividends.

While Gibbons has been a winning program over the past five years, the knock on the Chiefs has always been whether or not they were battled-tested and tough enough to stand toe-to-toe with the powerhouse opponents. And that’s what DuBuc wanted to change.

Sophomore quarterback Nik Scalzo has emerged as the leader of Gibbons’ offense – throwing for 14 touchdowns and just two interceptions so far this season – and he operates behind a stout offensive line that allows him to distribute the ball all over the field, evident by the six different players with double-digit reception totals.

On the flip side, American Heritage – the No. 1 team in the latest SFHSSports Top 25 Poll – is finding a way to fly under the radar despite their spotless record. While attention has been paid elsewhere, all the Patriots have done is seemingly improve each week.

American Heritage is still a run-heavy team – something that will suit them well in this matchup and throughout the rest of the season. The Patriots want to establish the run game with bruiser Abraham Alce and keep teams off balance with quarterback Jason Brown running the read-option.

I think the Patriots’ run game will be the very thing that gives them the edge over Gibbons in this game. Gibbons has a pair of very good defenders in junior linebacker Donnell Bennett III and senior Hunter Astle, but they’ll be hard-pressed to shed the blocks of Heritage’s massive offensive line all night.

The other factor that tips in Heritage’s favor is that Gibbons’ passing game will be challenged by the Patriots’ secondary. There’s no doubt that Heritage has one of the more talented defensive backfields in the country and they will the Chiefs’ toughest matchup so far this season. And I am sure American Heritage will dial up multiple blitzes to put pressure on Scalzo throughout the night.

I think Heritage will be determined to show that it still has the upper hand in this rivalry – and they do it by pulling away late.

Bald Prediction = American Heritage wins 35-21

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(2) Northwestern (6-1) vs. (4) Miami Central (6-1)
Friday at Traz Powell Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

It’s been a while since this game had so much heat surrounding it.

Once again, Central versus Northwestern can be billed as the “game of the year”.

The reason why everyone’s eyeing this game is because of the potential playoff implications that it carries.

The Rockets didn’t do themselves any favors with their week six blowout loss to Carol City. That loss – a district loss – essentially put Central behind the proverbial eight ball. Because District 16-6A now only carries four teams (Northwestern, Carol City, Norland and Central), losing two games is the kiss of death.

Remember, Central is the program that has won four consecutive state titles (2012-15) and has made six straight trips to the Class 6A championship game. But now the Rockets are 48 minutes away from being knocked out of playoff contention.

Northwestern is one of the most dangerous teams to play at this point in the season, in my opinion. The Bulls seem to be clicking on all cylinders right now and they have two key ingredients to being a team that can win a lot of games: a strong running game and a stingy defense.

While quarterback Chatarius “Tutu” Atwell serves as the face of this Northwestern offense, it’s senior running back Kai Henry that is the heart of it. Despite being one of Miami-Dade County’s leading rushers and the Bulls main offensive weapon, Henry is largely unheralded – his production has been a direct reflection on the outcomes of the Bulls’ games.

Both Central and Northwestern want to run the ball and the big thing to watch is to see which team will be able to establish its running game and stop the other from doing so.

Honestly, I think both teams’ running games and their ability to stop the run will wash each other out. The x-factor here is which team will be able to make plays downfield in the passing game.

“Tutu” Atwell is as elusive of a quarterback that you’ll find and he can extend plays while still looking downfield for the big shot. Central has been using three different quarterbacks – Tijuane Morton, Seth McGill and Maurice Underwood – but Morton (the senior) has been the one that seems to be the Rockets’ best option in terms of taking shots downfield in the passing game.

I’d have to give the edge of Central’s pass game – with receivers Jernard Phillips, Carmoni Green and Anthony White Jr. – because Morton should enough time to look downfield and find holes in Northwestern’s secondary.

I have a strong feeling that this game will be close. I am almost certain that it will be a near capacity crowd at Traz as well – there to see the “fall of an empire” or see things stay “status quo”.

It’s hard to count out a champion – let alone a four-time champ. Rockets win, but it will not be easy.

Bald Prediction = Central wins 22-20

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(8) Carol City (3-2) vs. (16) Norland (3-2)
Thursday at Traz Powell Stadium, 7 p.m.

Everyone calls this game “The Miami Gardens Bowl” but I see this is a lynchpin game – meaning there’s a lot riding on the outcome, more than affecting these two teams.

Similar to the way I feel about Northwestern, I think Carol City is a dangerous team to play right now.

The Chiefs are brimming with confidence and they seem to be peaking at the right time. Carol City comes into this game riding a three-game winning streak and it’s hard not to correlate the recent run of success to the emergence of quarterback Marlon Smith.

Super sophomore running back Nayquan “Monster” Wright and the Chiefs defense – better known as the “Darkside Defense 2.0” – definitely deserve a lot of credit, but Smith has been the x-factor.

While the Chiefs are in a great position right now, they’d be doing themselves a great disservice if they strolled into this game underestimating Norland.

The Vikings are a solid football team with a number of athletic players and a very good coach in Daryle Heidelburg. Giving coach Heidelburg an extended amount of time to prepare and cook up a game plan makes Norland an even more dangerous team.

Still, I think Carol City has the edge in this game. The Chiefs have more dynamic players – like Wright, and receiver Kevaughn Dingle and defensive end Deandre Wilder – that can singlehandedly sway a game.

Carol City must get their running game established early with Wright and Camron Davis, making it easier for Smith to take shots downfield.

I know Norland will have some tricks up their sleeve in the form of multiple misdirection plays to use the Chiefs’ defensive aggressiveness against them, but I’m confident Carol City’s ability to still be disruptive enough to force the Vikings into mistakes.

Chiefs win The Miami Gardens Bowl and put pressure on the rest of district 16-6A.

Bald Prediction = Carol City wins 27-20

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Other Games

(3) Coral Gables vs. Coral Park = Coral Gables wins by 25

(5) St. Thomas Aquinas vs. Fort Lauderdale = St. Thomas wins by 30

(6) Flanagan vs. Everglades = Flanagan wins by 21

(7) McArthur vs. Hollywood Hills = McArthur wins by 27

(10) Booker T. Washington vs. Hialeah-Miami Lakes = Booker T. wins by 33

(11) Edison vs. Monsignor Pace = Edison wins by 6

(12) Boyd Anderson vs. Boynton Beach = Boyd Anderson wins by 12

(13) Miami Palmetto vs. Miami High = Palmetto wins by 18

(14) Chaminade-Madonna vs. Citra North Marion HS (Fl.) = Chaminade wins by 8

(15) Piper vs. Taravella = Piper wins 17

(17) Southridge vs. Homestead = Southridge wins by 21

(18) Columbus vs. Miami Beach = Columbus wins by 23

(19) South Broward vs. West Broward = South Broward wins by 28

(20) Hallandale vs. Miramar = Miramar wins by 5

(21) Deerfield Beach vs. Stoneman Douglas = Deerfield Beach wins by 17

(22) Southwest vs. Coral Reef = Southwest wins by 21

(23) Mater Academy vs. Miami Springs = Mater Academy wins by 32

(24) Dillard vs. Northeast = Dillard wins by 19

(25) Champagnat vs. International School of Broward = Champagnat wins by 21

Sunset vs. A&T Mourning = Sunset wins by 6

Barbara Goleman vs. Doral Academy = Doral Academy wins by 16

Belen Jesuit vs. Varela = Belen wins by 20

Florida Christian vs. Miami Country Day = Florida Christian wins by 13

Everglades Prep vs. Somerset Academy Silver Palms = Everglades Prep wins by 14

Coral Springs vs. Monarch = Coral Springs wins by 7

Westland Hialeah vs. Ronald Reagan = Reagan wins by 42

Dr. Krop vs. Hialeah Gardens = Dr. Krop wins by 28

Clewiston vs. Somerset Academy Pines = Clewiston wins by 35

Pinecrest Prep vs. Palmer Trinity = Palmer Trinity wins by 17

Blanche Ely vs. Coconut Creek = Coconut Creek wins by 5

Cooper City vs. Nova = Cooper City wins by 7

Coral Springs Charter vs. Coral Glades = Coral Glades wins by 14

South Plantation vs. Cypress Bay = Cypress Bay wins by 12

Pines Charter vs. Calvary Christian = Calvary Christian wins by 14

Plantation vs. Western = Western wins by 17

Pompano Beach vs. Westminster Academy = Westminster Academy wins by 9

Jackson vs. Stranahan = Jackson wins by 10

Westminster Christian vs. Port St. Lucie (Fl.) = Westminster Christian wins by 7

University School vs. Belle Glade Glades Central = Glades Central wins by 11

Archbishop McCarthy vs. North Broward Prep = North Broward Prep wins by 3

Ferguson vs. Braddock = Ferguson wins by 7

Hialeah vs. American = American wins by 9

North Miami Beach vs. North Miami = North Miami Beach wins by 6

Coral Shores vs. Ransom Everglades = Coral Shores wins by 1

Killian vs. South Dade = Killian wins by 4

Marathon vs. LaSalle = LaSalle wins by 13

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PLAYER: Moris Lugo
POSITION: LB
SCHOOL: Miami Carol City
CLASS: 2017
HEIGHT: 6-0
WEIGHT: 205

SCOUTING: Here is yet another South Florida prospect that we had the pleasure of watching since his sophomore season at Chaminade-Madonna and followed him during a very productive two season with the Chiefs. From the time arrived at the school, there was no doubting how impressive he was. Lugo is easily one of the top five playmakers at the position in South Florida. Ask any player or coach and all will tell you how good this quality talent is. Even though he committed early on to Akron, colleges continue to watch his progress, as he still is among the top tacklers in the region – and brings so much to the football field. As the Chiefs roll along with one of the best defenses around, check this young man out – because he is truly at the center of success that head coach Aubrey Hill and his team have had so far.

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

Carol City’s defense gets two safeties and sophomore running back Nayquan Wright scored on an 85-yard shovel pass, as the Chiefs earned the “Miami Gardens Bowl” Trophy with a 16-6 victory over rival Norland Thursday night at Traz Powell Stadium.

On this episode, it’s Friday so J.T. is joined by Miami Palmetto head football coach Mike Manasco in the “Coach’s Corner” as his Panthers earned a Thursday win and remained undefeated; also J.T. breaks down the district 16-6A (Northwestern, Carol City, Central & Norland) playoff scenarios.

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When it comes to high school football, South Florida is truly the epicenter in the country.

While all these areas of the nation continue to boast huge stadiums, decorated coaches and other distractions away from the fact that the end result is putting prospects into high-level college and ultimately in the NFL, South Florida goes out every week and makes a statement with more talent than any other region of the country.

When many refer to great football, they talk about the SEC. Alabama, LSU, Florida, Auburn and collection of elite players who end up being among the best in the nation. That is how most football fans view the competitive District 16-6A – where Miami’s Carol City, Northwestern, Norland and four-time defending state champion, Central, reside.

Look at any district in the country – top to bottom – and the talent level is not even close to what fans have the chance to see every week during the football season in Miami-Dade County; and while the programs are watched and followed by every college coach in America, there are those who simply cannot grasp that a community like Miami Gardens is easily the most gifted in the country – and stats and facts back it up every year.

Miami Gardens is “home” to Carol City and Norland, but with youth football leading the way, many of these Miami Gardens athletes often end up at programs such as Monsignor Pace, Dr. Krop, Central, Jackson, Booker T. Washington and Edison. It has been that way for years – and with the outstanding talent that continues to pop up each year – it doesn’t figure to end anytime soon.

As colleges and universities spend perhaps more time in South Florida during the spring and into the summer, all will tell you that if you get a Miami Gardens athlete on your roster, it’s a sure bet that you will have a prospect who is ready to compete against anyone.

Central’s recent dominating run was certainly not a mistake. Either has been the great football that Northwestern, Norland and Carol City have played throughout the years, winning state titles and sending marquee athletes on to the next level.

Miami Gardens athletes have survived through the years because of the tremendous youth programs that pave the way and prepare these young men to compete at the next level and beyond. What has happened on Saturdays at Bunche Park, Carol City, Golden Glades, North Glades, Scott Lake, Lake Stevens and other parks throughout the region is football players mature and have the chance to perform against elite football talent.

As California, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania and even Georgia boast about the teams they produce – it is wise to check NFL rosters – which backs up the dominance of this district and the players who have competed in it.

It can be said that there is no other district that has more football prospects – top to bottom – than the true “SEC” of high school football – District 16-6A.

CAROL CITY CONTINUES TO ROLL ON
As many want pick Carol City’s offense apart for not putting up the big numbers every week, let us keep in mind that the defense that head coach Aubrey Hill and his team roll out every week, has no rival.

The Chiefs all but wrapped up a playoff spot on Thursday night with another smothering performance, beating a talented Norland squad 16-6. But as everyone wanted to focus on an offense that has not been consistent, maybe checking out a defense that is one of the best nationally, should be talked about a lot more.

If you have watched the Chiefs play, you already know that they do not give up many yards, touchdowns or big plays – and that is the difference between this team and most. Even in the two losses they have this year – opening night at Coral Gables in overtime, and once-beaten Oxbridge – Carol City’s defense held the teams to just over 100 total yards on offense.

With one game left in the district against always competitive Northwestern, look for this program to be one of the favorites to get to Orlando – and perhaps unseat a Central program that has been the standard in the state of Florida.

CAROL CITY PROSPECT SPOTLIGHT
2018 – Yesiir Abdullah, LB/TE
2018 – Johaun Beresford, WR
2017 – Travis Bivins, DB
2018 – Mark Carter, Jr., DB
2017 – Handy Cheranfant, OL
2017 – Jerrod Clersaint, OL
2017 – Naytron Culpepper
2018 – Camron Davis, RB
2018 – Irshaad Davis, DB
2017 – Kevaughn Dingle, WR
2017 – Jason Dunios, OL
2017 – Jamare Edwards, DL
2019 – Lorenzo Floyd, QB
2018 – Terrence Horne, Jr., WR
2019 – Juwan James, DL
2018 – Leonard Lucas, OL/DL
2017 – Moris Lugo, LB
2017 – Harvey Martin, OL
2018 – Daequan Nelson, LB/RB
2018 – Montrell Newton, Jr., OL
2018 – Kewon Parker, LB
2018 – Randy Russell, DB
2018 – Marlon Smith, QB
2017 – Terry Straughter, LB
2017 – Donelle Thomas, DB
2017 – Victor Tucker, WR
2017 – Christner Valembrum, OL
2017 – Deandre Wilder, LB
2017 – Jonelle Williams, WR
2018 – Phenol Williams, WR
2019 – Nayquan Wright, RB

NORLAND PROSPECT SPOTLIGHT
2017 – Tyrese Allen, DB
2018 – Wayne Barr, DE
2017 – Lytii Borders, RB
2018 – Alec Carr, QB
2017 – Rashad Colson, OL
2017 – Yhostin Diaz, WR
2017 – Quincy Dorneval, DE
2017 – Aaron Duncan, DB
2018 – T.J. Evans, RB
2018 – Chris Hall, DB
2018 – Artic Harris, OL
2017 – Marcus Hepburn, DT
2017 – Cedrick Jackson, OL
2017 – Noel Jennings, OL
2017 – Tevin Jones, LB
2018 – Reginald Lee, Jr., DT
2018 – Kevon O’Connor, Athlete
2017 – Dave Richards, WR
2019 – Larry Robbins, RB
2018 – Eric “Dank” Smith, DB
2019 – Larry Smith, LB
2017 – Jacquez Stephens, FB
2017 – Keith Thornton, LB
2017 – Romello Walton, DB
2019 – Darius Williams, OLB
2017 – Thomas Williams, DB

HERITAGE STILL NO. 1 IN DISTRICT PLAY
Going into last Friday night’s key District 16-5A matchup with unbeaten Cardinal Gibbons, head coach Pat Surtain and his unbeaten American Heritage Patriots were out to show that they still own a district they have dominated for the past five years.

Despite a tremendous defensive effort for over three quarters by head coach Matt DuBuc and his Chiefs, the Patriots prevailed with timely offense and smothering defense in a 29-9 win, moving closer to yet another title.

As Cardinal Gibbons continues to push for a playoff spot, they will do it with a team that is young, but very talented – and by winning out – they could get another shot at American Heritage in the second round of the state playoffs.

For No. 1 rated American Heritage, which has struggled on offense this season, it’s all about defense – and with playmakers all over the field – they have a shot at riding this all the way toward Orlando. But there is always a rematch with the Chiefs on the horizon – and that is something that everyone will be looking forward to.

AMERICAN HERITAGE PROSPECT SPOTLIGHT
2018 – Abraham Alce, RB
2018 – Josh Alexander, WR
2017 – Will Allen, DB
2017 – Jason Brown, QB
2017 – Dontavius Butler, WR
2018 – Tyson Campbell, DB
2018 – Andrew Chatfield, DE
2017 – George Ellis III, DL
2017 – Darnell Fleury, WR
2017 – Javier Garcia, OL
2017 – Willie Hampton, LB
2018 – Calvin Hart, LB
2017 – Robert Hawkins, OL
2017 – Kai-Leon Herbert, OL
2017 – Mike Hicks, DB
2018 – Jordan Johnson, RB
2018 – Miles Jones, Athlete
2017 – Brandon Mincey, LB
2017 – Laress Nelson, WR
2018 – Anthony Schwartz, WR
2018 – Jade Silvera, DL
2017 – T.J. Slaton, Jr., OL
2017 – Matt Solomon, WR
2018 – Patrick Surtain, DB
2017 – Marco Wilson, DB
2017 – Blake Wooden, DB
2018 – Zachary Zambrano, OL

CARDINAL GIBBONS PROSPECT SPOTLIGHT
2017 – Erik Andreassen, DL
2017 – Kamal Armstead, DB
2018 – Donnell Bennett, LB
2018 – Trey Bennett, OL
2019 – Chris Bogle, DL
2017 – James Bostic III, WR
2017 – Adrian Cedeno, DB
2018 – Griffin Cerra, PK
2019 – Rashon Crooks, DL
2018 – Eric Davis III, LB
2018 – Tavontae Decius, WR
2017 – Adam Fox, OL
2018 – Tommy Hankey, OL
2018 – Ronald Hardge, DB
2017 – Randall Haynie, DB
2019 – Willie Hepburn, OL
2017 – Daniel Larose, WR
2017 – Paul Lawless, LS
2017 – Milan Lemon, RB
2019 – Daton Montiel, P/DB
2017 – Diashun Moss, DB
2018 – Jordan Riggins, RB
2018 – Ryan Saddler, LB
2018 – Carlos Sandy, WR
2019 – Nikolas Scalzo, QB
2019 – Nico Scheesley, LB
2017 – Dave Small, LB/RB
2017 – Kevin Sullivan, DL
2019 – Jamari Williams, OL
2018 – Maxwell Worship, DB

SOUTH BROWARD KNOWS WHAT’S AHEAD
When South Broward dropped a game earlier this season to rival McArthur – in a game they dominated for three quarters – players and coaches vowed that they would be right back at McArthur Stadium in November ready to show everyone the real Bulldogs.

With respect to Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy and Doral Academy, the two teams that the Bulldogs and Mustangs have to play in the first two rounds of the state playoffs, if South Broward shows up to play, and they have the past five weeks, they have a great chance to do exactly what they said they would do after losing that key district game to unbeaten McArthur.

With a ton of major college prospects and emerging young players in the starting – the Bulldogs know that if they keep mistakes and turnovers to a minimum – watch out!

“We know that we have a tremendous amount of talent on both sides of the ball, but we are also aware that in the McArthur game, we beat ourselves,” head coach Devon Georgia said. “If you doubt that game against McArthur, I will be more than happy to send you the game film – and you can make that judgement for yourself.”

Last Saturday, South Broward wrapped up a playoff spot with a 38-10 win over head coach Monte Dilworth and West Broward.

If the Bulldogs (6-1) are to advance in the 7A playoffs against Mater Academy, they will have to play a perfect game.

SOUTH BROWARD PROSPECT SPOTLIGHT
2018 – Zaequon Baker, RB
2017 – Destra Benoit, WR/DB
2017 – Jordan Carty, OL
2018 – Jeremiah Coleman, RB
2019 – Allen Crawford, RB
2018 – C’Journ Edwards, DL/LB
2019 – Mauro Gaetano, OL
2017 – Anthony Graham, DT
2017 – Dorian Hall, WR/DB
2017 – Josh Hernandez, OL
2017 – Jeffrey Lubin, DB
2018 – Chadarius Mackeroy, DB
2017 – Michael Martin, OL
2017 – Tylique McGowan, OL
2017 – Timothy Nelson, WR
2019 – Charles Norris, OL
2020 – Jerrold Pough, DB
2018 – Felix Ramos, DB
2019 – T.J. Smith, QB
2018 – Davon Strickland, OL
2017 – Antavious Tarver, DB
2017 – Tramain Williams, DB

WEST BROWARD PROSPECT SPOTLIGHT
2017 – Kenly Aris, LB
2019 – David Boatwright, DE
2017 – Zachary Chisholm, PK
2017 – Dylan Daley, DB
2019 – James Darr, OL/DL
2019 – Braden Davis, DE/OL
2017 – Julian Hernandez, OL/DL
2018 – Eric Hoff, DB/WR
2018 – Tremaine Major, DE
2017 – Kevin Matthews, Athlete
2019 – Khwan Mikens, DB
2019 – Jason O’Keefe, WR/S
2018 – Joseph Ortiz, OL
2018 – Austin Plugge, OL
2017 – Ryan Plugge, OL/DE
2017 – Daniel Richardson, Athlete
2019 – Dominic Tianga, LB/RB
2018 – Ja’Corey Washington, DL
2017 – Jaquari Weatherspoon, DB/RB
2018 – Jevani Witter, DB
2017 – Derrick Wright, Athlete

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We’re coming to the really fun part of the year.

All the major sports are going on at the same time – football, basketball, baseball and hockey – and we’re sliding right into holiday time.

And, in its own South Florida way, the weather is changing. Instead of being 98 degrees during the day, it’s 90 – and instead of being 87 and muggy at night, we get to enjoy 82 degrees and a light breeze.

What a time to be alive.

After enjoying a highly successful week nine – correctly picking 44 of 48 games – I’m going to go on the record as to say that week 10 is the most difficult week I’ll pick all season.

There are so many extenuating circumstances and so many intangible factors that will come into play in the games this week – it rivals a playoff week.

The great thing about this week, though, is the fact that every district will be settled this week. Whether it’s officially crowning a champion or setting the table for a tiebreaker, we’ll know who’s going to the big dance and who’s fans will shift their focus to the basketball team.

Also, I’d like to send one last shout out to Larry Blustein on his induction into the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame.

Record last week: 44-4
Season record: 356-55 (.866 Correct Pick Percentage)

45 games picked this week with three games in the Bald Predictions spotlight.

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(2) Northwestern (7-1) vs. (6) Carol City (4-2)
Saturday at Traz Powell Stadium, 7 p.m.

Even though it seems like I say this every week – this could be the game of the year.

This is a monumental matchup between a pair of teams that have gotten themselves out of the “big brother headlock” that Central had on them and now they will square off in a showdown for the District 16-6A title.

Northwestern enters this game as one of the hottest teams in Florida. The Bulls have put everyone on notice – much to the delight of their fan base – that they are back and are very relevant to the football conversation.

Having put the final proverbial nail in the Rockets’ coffin with its win over Norland this past week, Northwestern has clinched a playoff spot and they are undoubtedly one of the top teams in South Florida.

Junior quarterback Chatarius “Tutu” Atwell and senior running back Kai Henry are a dynamic offensive duo – capable of grinding teams down (Henry) or striking with a big play downfield (Atwell).

While Northwestern has played a very tough schedule up to this point, standing on the opposite side of the field this week is a Carol City team that has also turned up the heat and is playing its best football of the season right now.

The Chiefs, who won the district title last season, seemed to turn their fortunes around when junior quarterback Marlon Smith emerged. Smith, a lanky 6-foot-3 former basketball player, has proved himself to be a very good signal caller – balancing out Carol City’s offense, making teams think three times before trying to stack the box to stop running backs Nayquan Wright and Camron Davis.

Also, Carol City’s defense has been showing itself to be one of the top units in the state. The “Dark Side Defense 2.0” has given up a total of 50 points this season – 30 of those points came in the first two games of the season, an overtime loss to Coral Gables (16-13) and a hard-fought fall to Palm Beach Oxbridge Academy (14-7).

Looking at the matchup between these two teams, two factors jump out.

The first is a question of whether or not one believes that Northwestern’s offense is or will prove to be the toughest unit that Carol City’s defense has faced this season.

The Chiefs held Lakeland to just seven points back in September. Not only has that been the Dreadnaughts only loss of the season, it was the only time this season that they didn’t score at least 35 points on an opposing defense.

Carol City also held Central to seven points – and the Rockets scored at least 29 points in all their other contests on the year, including scoring 44 points in the double-overtime game against Northwestern.

The other factor is how Carol City’s offense will be able to fair against Northwestern aggressive and attacking defense. Though it gave up a lot of points recently, the Bulls defensive unit is a tough group and head coach Max Edwards has a great defensive mind.

Carol City’s offense, while it has been running much better since Smith took over as the main quarterback, still can sputter. Especially when the Chiefs coaches elect to still use sophomore quarterback Lorenzo Floyd in almost alternating series with Smith.

Ultimately, I don’t see a lot of points being scored in this game. Something has to go terribly wrong for one of the teams and incredibly right for the other for this game to be a runaway.

A big thing to consider here is that the Chiefs have had an extra week to prepare for this game. I think that will only help them against this red-hot Bulls team.

I correctly picked the score of this game last season, and I feel fairly confident that I can do it again.

Bald Prediction = Carol City wins 16-14

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(3) Coral Gables (8-0) vs. (20) Columbus (5-3)
Thursday at Tropical Park, 7 p.m.

Here’s one of the true and great rivalry games in South Florida.

The thing that I enjoy most about this game is that there is legitimate contempt between these two programs. It all stays within the confines of the game of course, but there’s always something extra in the air, in every hit and every block when the Explorers and Cavaliers line up opposite one another.

Coral Gables has kind of been the forgotten team. Though the Cavaliers have climbed to the No. 3 spot in the SFHSSports Top 25 Poll, they seem to fly under the radar.

Gables has recorded four shutouts this season and has allowed a total of 25 points in its seven victories. Defensively, the Cavaliers have plenty of playmakers. Junior safety Gilbert Frierson is a stud that makes plays deep in coverage as well as coming up near the line of scrimmage to help bring down ball carriers.

Senior linebacker Kris Moll largely goes unheralded, but he’s a stalwart in the middle of head coach Roger Pollard’s defense and Moll is a leader with plenty of game experience.

The Cavaliers offense is where I lose some of the air in my confidence balloon with Gables. Sure, Coral Gables have outscored their past three opponents 156-0; but those past three opponents (Miami High, Coral Park and Miami Beach) had a combined record of 7-16.

That’s how you’d expect a team of Coral Gables’ caliber to beat lesser teams, but the stat could be a bit misleading when they enter a game of this magnitude against a team like Columbus.

Columbus enters this game licking its wounds from a 23-7 loss to Booker T. Washington. But the Explorers are still one of the better teams in Miami-Dade County despite what their record might read.

My respect for Columbus’ coaching staff is well-documented, but I’ll say once again: the Explorers are one of those teams that get better as the season rolls on because their coaches make adjustments and tweaks that hide deficiencies and accentuate strengths.

Also, what I will give Columbus a lot of credit for is playing a tough non-district schedule – losing to three very good teams in Northwestern, Southridge and Booker T. Playing in games like that only makes me give the edge to Columbus in a game like this one.

One of the big factors in this matchup is the health of Coral Gables electric running back Johnny Ford. Ford sustained an ankle injury weeks ago and it would appear that he’s going to be available to the Cavs for this game.

Ford is capable of sparking his team with a big play as a receiver, a running back or as a kick returner – so having him, healthy, will be a big plus for Gables.

Still, Ford or no Ford, I think Columbus has the edge in this game. I think the Explorers will keep the ball on the ground with Yael Gomez and Darren Davis Jr. and defensively do enough to keep the Cavs out of the endzone.

Columbus wins close, perhaps on a late field goal.

Bald Prediction = Columbus wins 17-14

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(9) Booker T. Washington (6-3) vs. (10) Edison (6-0)
Thursday at Traz Powell Stadium, 7 p.m.

Here’s a matchup that has picked up a lot of steam in recent weeks as Edison continues its renaissance season.

The Red Raiders have earned the respect of a lot of folks around South Florida with what they’ve been able to accomplish this season – an undefeated record up to this point and clinching its first playoff berth in over a decade.

Aside from the work that Edison head coach Napolean Joseph and his coaching staff has done, the biggest reason for the Red Raiders’ success is the fact that they’ve managed to keep their best players wearing red and black instead of leaving for greener pastures.

Booker T. Washington is still “the old standby”. They are consistent, they’ve been there and done that and the Tornadoes have settled into a groove and remain one of the premier programs in South Florida.

I’m not one for “moral” or even “morale” victories, but I will say that Edison and the Red Raiders supporters should relish in the fact that they will enter a game like this and be in a position to go toe-to-toe with a team that won a mythical national championship just three years ago.

Looking at the matchup, I think Booker T. has the edge in just about every department. The biggest advantage would have to be the Tornadoes’ offensive line against Edison’s defensive line.

Booker T. has one of the biggest and most talented lines in South Florida – and it typically overwhelms other Class 4A teams when they line up and get moving.

Also, I think Booker T.’s sophomore quarterback Daniel Richardson is seasoned enough to handle throwing into Edison’s talented secondary – which is spearheaded by Jamauri “Bam” Laguerre and LSU commit Nadab Joseph.

Edison will stand in there and throw punches with the four-time defending Class 4A champs, but I think Booker T. will prove to be too much for the Red Raiders.

Bald Prediction = Booker T. wins 26-16

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Other Games

(1) Plantation American Heritage vs. Hallandale = American Heritage wins by 14

(4) St. Thomas Aquinas vs. Blanche Ely = St. Thomas Aquinas wins by 40

(5) Flanagan vs. (11) Chaminade-Madonna = Flanagan wins by 5

(7) McArthur vs. Nova = McArthur wins by 21

(12) Piper vs. (15) Deerfield Beach = Deerfield Beach wins by 10

(13) Cardinal Gibbons vs. Stranahan = Cardinal Gibbons wins by 16

(16) Miramar vs. Western = Miramar wins by 9

(17) Mater Academy vs. Sunset = Mater Academy wins by 44

(18) Dillard vs. Boynton Beach = Dillard wins by 2

(19) Miami Palmetto vs. Killian = Palmetto wins by 10

(21) Boyd Anderson vs. Northeast = Boyd Anderson wins by 28

(22) Southwest vs. Braddock = Southwest wins by 32

(23) Champagnat Catholic vs. Melbourne Central Catholic (Fl.) = Melbourne Central Catholic wins by 17

(24) North Miami Beach vs. American = North Miami Beach wins by 18

(25) Doral Academy vs. South Miami = Doral Academy wins by 42

Hialeah vs. Hialeah Gardens = Hialeah wins by 37

Scheck Hillel at Palmer Trinity = Palmer Trinity wins by 14

Somerset Academy Silver Palms vs. Somerset Academy Pines = Somerset Silver Palms wins by 21

Cooper City vs. West Broward = Cooper City wins by 6

Hollywood Hills vs. South Broward = South Broward wins by 14

Plantation vs. South Plantation = Plantation wins by 2

Keys Gate Charter vs. Monsignor Pace = Pace wins by 5

A&T Mourning vs. Ronald Reagan = Reagan wins by 28

Westland Hialeah vs. Miami Springs = Miami Springs wins by 20

Hialeah-Miami Lakes vs. Gulliver Prep = Gulliver Prep wins 14

Coral Reef vs. Belen Jesuit = Belen Jesuit wins by 21

Miami High vs. Miami Beach = Miami High wins by 4

Coral Glades vs. Westminster Academy = Westminster Academy wins by 17

Taravella vs. Coral Springs = Coral Springs wins by 16

Everglades vs. Cypress Bay = Cypress Bay wins by 12

Calvary Christian vs. North Broward Prep = North Broward Prep wins by 2

International School of Broward vs. Delray Beach Village Academy (Fl.) = Village Academy wins by 8

Key West vs. Archbishop McCarthy = Archbishop McCarthy wins by 13

University School vs. Riviera Beach Suncoast = University School wins by 11

Stoneman Douglas vs. Monarch = Douglas wins by 21

Pembroke Pines Charter vs. Riviera Beach Inlet Grove = Pines Charter wins by 14

Pompano Beach vs. Coral Springs Charter = Coral Springs Charter wins by 7

Coconut Creek vs. Miami Jackson = Jackson wins by 17

North Miami vs. Dr. Krop = North Miami wins by 2

Varela vs. Ferguson = Ferguson wins by 16

Homestead vs. South Dade = South Dade wins by 13

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After trailing 14, Northwestern went on to score 19 unanswered points – including nine points in a one-minute span thanks to a Demetrius Taylor fumble recovery for a touchdown – to rally back and defeat Carol City 19-14 on a rainy Saturday night at Traz Powell Stadium.

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While the rest of the state of Florida continues to take in some of the national exposure that fan websites and mythical rankings bring their way, South Florida athletes have always lived in a world of reality.

As many Florida high school football purists continue to turn their attention away from nationally-rated, but independent power Bradenton IMG Academy – which is truly nothing more than an academy of athletes from all over the country – the reality is that when it comes to South Florida football programs, the weekly rigors of knocking heads with more college-ready talent than any other region of the nation has to be addressed.

As talented programs such as Daytona Beach Mainland, Venice, Palm Beach Oxbridge Academy, Cocoa, Tampa Plant, Apopka, Seffner Armwood and Jacksonville Bolles receive plenty of recognition – you have to look at the teams they compete against every week. While nobody will say that these outstanding football programs are not talented, many challenge the schedule that they play, in much weaker regions of the state.

Common sense tells you that if you put them in down south and have them play a schedule that many of the teams do here each year, without going out of state, their success would never be anywhere what it has been.

This is not bias or looking at the situation in any other manner than the facts. Those programs above – with the exception of Oxbridge, which has had success against Miami-Dade and Broward teams – annually lose to those South Florida programs who have had to run a talented gauntlet before playing in the playoffs or state title game.

As a football fan, sometimes facing the truth is never easy. But as you watched on opening day in the NFL, it was hard to get around the fact that Miami-Dade and Broward Counties had three times the amount of players on rosters than any other region of the country. That means when you see teams such as St. Thomas Aquinas, American Heritage, Coral Gables, Christopher Columbus, Carol City, Flanagan, Northwestern, and Booker T. Washington and Miami Central, who both won four straight state titles, the proof is right there in black and white for all to read.

Even with the addition of rising programs such as Cardinal Gibbons, McArthur, Mater Academy, Doral Academy, Southridge, Champagnat Catholic and Deerfield Beach, the road to state is never automatic. Not when you have to go through so many gifted programs with elite athletes who are being recruited by many of the national powerhouses.

ROUND 1: NORTHWESTERN SLIPS BY CAROL CITY
For much of the past decade, fans of Northwestern’s football team have been waiting to proclaim that the “Bulls are back!”

After last Saturday night’s 17-14 win over Carol City in a game that was dictated by heavy rains and winds, Bull fans everywhere can, for at least a few weeks, say that this team is indeed back in the mix for a state title.

While the Chiefs dominated the contest for nearly 45 playing minutes, it was the last three that gave this program its first district title in nearly 10 years. Mistakes and turnovers certainly played a huge role in this turnaround.

“We told this team that if we played hard and took advantage of what was given to us, we would come out of this with a win,” said second-year head coach Max Edwards, who has completely turned Northwestern around. “This goes back to the way things ended last year – and the commitment that every one of the young men on this roster made.”

With the state playoffs getting under way next week, many believe that there will be another meeting between these two programs in the second round. Same place and same outstanding game.

Round one goes to Northwestern.

Stand by for Round two.

CAROL CITY PROSPECT WATCH
2018 – Yasir Abdullah, LB
2018 – Johaun Beresford, WR
2018 – Mark Carter, Jr., DB
2017 – Jerrod Clersaint, DL
2017 – Naytron Culpepper, DB
2018 – Camron Davis, RB
2018 – Irshaad Davis, DB
2017 – Kevaughn Dingle, WR
2017 – Jason Dunois, OL
2017 – Jamare Edwards, DL
2018 – Terrece Horne, Jr., WR
2019 – Juwan James, DL
2018 – Leonard Lucas, OL/DL
2017 – Harvey Martin, OL
2018 – Daequan Nelson, LB
2018 – Kewon Parker, LB
2018 – Randy Russell, S
2018 – Marlon Smith, QB
2017 – Terry Straughter, LB
2017 – Donelle Thomas, DB
2017 – Victor Tucker, WR
2017 – Deandre Wilder, LB
2019 – Nay’Quan Wright, RB

NORTHWESTERN PROSPECT WATCH
2017 – Andre Adams, WR
2018 – Chatarius Atwell, QB
2017 – Jude Barthlemy, WR
2019 – Samuel Brooks, DE
2017 – Travon Brooks, LB
2018 – Terron Carey, OL
2018 – George Coleman, DB
2018 – Tyquan Cooper, OL
2018 – Kiaryn Davis, RB
2017 – Taurus Dotson, DB
2018 – Zechariah Esdaille, S
2019 – Mark Fox, OL
2017 – Ben Garland, DB
2017 – Travon Gordon, DL
2018 – Avery Hall, OL
2017 – Harry Hanna, OL
2017 – Kai Henry, RB
2018 – Justin Hill, Jr., WR
2017 – Schneider Jonassaint, DE
2018 – Billy Joseph, LB
2018 – Roy Livingstone, WR
2018 – Aaron Louis, RB
2017 – Al-Malik Moore, WR
2018 – Sharrod Oliver, DB
2017 – Demetrius Taylor, LB
2017 – Kevin Washington, DL

COLUMBUS SPLASHES ITS WAY TO DISTRICT TITLE
Moments after Christopher Columbus wrapped up the district title, knocking off previously unbeaten rival Coral Gables, 14-7, the attention quickly shifted to the second week of the playoffs.

With respect to North Miami Beach and American – the first two opponents in the state playoff, both Columbus and Coral Gables fully expect to be back at Tropical Park for another round in what has become an impressive showdown between two of South Florida’s top Class 8A programs.

While the Explorers got the best of the Cavaliers in winning the district title in a game held up a number of times by poor weather, rain and lightning, many who follow this game know that the potential second round matchup between these two powers will be the one that bragging rights will stick. Not some rain-asked contest that truly handicapped both teams.

As they both finish up the season this coming week, head coach Chris Merritt of Columbus and Coral Gables’ Roger Pollard realize that even though NMB and American will come to play, the attention certainly shifts to the second round when it will be same time, same place and a game that will define 2016 for both programs.

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS PROSPECT WATCH
2017 – Trajan Bandy, DB
2017 – Max Gonzalez-Brito, TE
2017 – Austin Chacon, DB
2019 – Luis Cristobal, OL
2019 – Carmine Dascoli III, TE
2019 – Darren Davis, Jr., RB
2018 – Willie Davis, WR
2017 – Danyel De Villiers, OL
2017 – Michael Estevez, FB
2017 – Michael Flaherty, OL
2017 – Yael Gomez, RB
2018 – Tyler Harrell, WR
2017 – Sean Heffernan, DE
2017 – C.J. Henderson, DB
2018 – Joshua Jobe, DB
2018 – Shaun McReynolds, OLB
2018 – Tony Mills, DE
2017 – Hunter Moreno, TE
2019 – Dylan Perez, NG
2017 – Robert Perez, OL
2017 – Rony Powell, DE
2017 – Cole Quigley, S
2017 – Marcelo Rodriguez, QB
2017 – Michael Rodriguez, OL
2017 – Anthony Roig, S

CORAL GABLES PROSPECT WATCH
2017 – A.J. Bettencourt, OL
2017 – Marlon Brooks, Athlete
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, Athlete
2017 – Robert McWilliams, DE
2017 – Kris Moll, LB
2018 – Shamar Munroe, Athlete
2017 – Kevin Nuno, OL
2019 – D’Angelo Paul, DL
2018 – Derrius Perryman, LB
2017 – Kevin Romer, WR
2018 – Jaafari Stephens, OL
2018 – Rashad Wildgoose, DB

WESTERN NEVER QUIT – AND NOW MOVES ON
There was no way to convince anyone before last Friday night’s crucial district game at Miramar that head coach Adam Ratkevich and his Western Wildcats had a chance of knocking off the Patriots.

In a game that showcased the defensive units for both teams, appeared to be over after Miramar went ahead 6-0 in the third quarter and turned back every attempt for Western to claw back into the game. But as every coach and player will tell you, there are four quarters in this game for a reason.

With less than a minute left in the contest, the Patriots started to relax, and although the yards were hard to come by, the Wildcats took what was given to them, and when they tied the game and made the extra point, things were looking very much like this was going to be a night to remember.

Coming away with a stunning 7-6 win, the Wildcats advance to the playoffs for the first time in 15 years – and in the process – knocked Miramar out of the playoffs, setting up a first round matchup at Class 8A power Deerfield Beach.

For Ratkevich, a Miramar graduate, it was the culmination of three years of hard work and sacrifices.

“I just cannot say enough about this football program,” he said. “Our trademark all year long was to never give up and we didn’t tonight. Proud of this entire team, because we beat one of the most talented football teams in South Florida.”

MIRAMAR PROSPECT WATCH
2017 – Devin Adams, LB/PK
2018 – Adrian Brabham, Jr., DL
2017 – Karon Brown, WR
2017 – Deondre Chambers, OL
2017 – Josh Cross, WR
2017 – Habujahma Derival, OL
2017 – Elijah Desir, OLB
2017 – Sebastian Dolcine, OL
2017 – Brian Edwards, DB
2017 – Jaylen Floyd, DB
2017 – Dalshad Guilford, OL
2017 – Jawaun Hardy, WR
2017 – Armstrong Johnson, WR
2017 – Tavares Ladler, LB
2017 – Xavier Laing, OLB/DE
2017 – Trevaughn Lucas, S
2018 – Quinto Mauricette, RB
2017 – Sidney McCloud, Jr., S
2017 – Antoine Murray, WR
2017 – Anthony Needham, WR
2017 – DeAndre Powell, DE
2017 – Kaheem Roach, DB
2017 – Collin Salmon, Jr., OL/DL
2017 – Brandon Shaw, OL
2018 – Chris Smith, LB
2018 – Steve Williams, QB
2017 – Brian Witter, LB
2017 – Kevin Woods, WR

WESTERN PROSPECT WATCH
2018 – Jordan Chambers, LB
2018 – Keshaun Clarke, RB
2018 – Daniel Colon, RB
2018 – Steffen Fernand, WR
2017 – Matthew Hanson, DE
2018 – Jacob Kaplan, OL
2018 – Dylan Litsenberger, LB
2017 – Darius Maxwell, WR
2017 – Fabian McNichols, DB
2017 – Dylan Merino, Slot
2017 – Henry Morar, DT
2017 – Chris Nunez, OG
2017 – Kevin Oliver, DE
2018 – Andy Rodriguez, WR
2017 – Evan Rojas, OL
2018 – Robbie Ruebel, DB
2018 – Danny Sanders, WR
2017 – Hunter Stephens, FS
2018 – Harrison Story, QB
2017 – Ki-jana White, WR

DORAL ACADEMY CONTINUES TO MATURE AND WIN
Through the success of the first year, making the state playoffs for the first time in school history, head coach Jase Stewart knows that his talented Doral Academy Firebirds are capable of doing some amazing things this season.

Despite coming in second in the district to Mater Academy, Stewart and his team finished off district play last Thursday afternoon with ease, 56-14, against South Miami. The win now sends this young but talented team up to Hollywood for a first-round state playoff game against the unbeaten McArthur Mustangs in a game that this program certainly has a chance of winning.

“The great thing about what has happened this year is our young kids, and we have a ton of them, are getting valuable experience,” Stewart explained. “We cut back on our mistakes and I believe that this team is capable of playing with anyone. But those mistakes loom large against better competition.”

DORAL ACADEMY PROSPECT WATCH
2017 – Angel Alvarez, QB
2019 – Kevin Arcia, DB
2019 – Andres Chavero, OL
2018 – Terrell Cofield, LB
2017 – Jovan Cruz, LB
2017 – Sebastian Delgado, OL
2018 – Braden Dominguez, DB
2019 – Breion Fuller, WR
2020 – Harry Henderson, DB
2019 – Juan Henry, LB
2017 – Dextan Hodge, Jr., WR
2017 – Daniel Ibanez, DL
2018 – Carlos Jacoby, OL
2020 – John Joachin, DE
2020 – Jethro Joseph, LB
2017 – Christian Malagon, OL
2017 – Guillermo Miraz, OL
2018 – Natavious Payne, WR
2017 – Vladimir Rivas, PK
2018 – Tyler Steen, DL
2017 – Andres Taquechel, RB/LB
2017 – Murphy Theodore, WR
2017 – Steven Tobie, LB
2017 – Javier Zuniga, RB

SOUTH MIAMI PROSPECT WATCH
2017 – Romelo Alvarado, DE
2019 – Storm Banks, WR
2018 – Diori Barnard, Jr., OLB
2019 – Ian Boschi, QB
2019 – Jayson Contreras, LB
2020 – Carlos Coronado, DB
2017 – Mike Ferguson, WR
2019 – Basilio Fernandez, OLB
2018 – Kyle Fernandez, OC
2020 – Jose Hechavarria, DT
2018 – Julio Iglesias, WR
2017 – Alex Lam, FB
2017 – Chris Pardo, OLB
2017 – Mike Rangel, OL
2017 – Guarionex Rivera, S
2019 – Nick Rodriguez, OL
2017 – Daniel Triana, OL
2018 – Arrington Veargis, S

On this episode, J.T. Wilcox talks about the reports of a team forfeiting it’s week 11 game, Chaminade-Madonna’s showdown with independent power Bradenton IMG Academy and he’s joined by CanesInSight.com’s Peter Ariz to talk recruiting and Miami Hurricanes.

Camron Davis rushed for three touchdowns as Carol City easily dispatched American Thursday night in a 45-0 rout at Traz Powell Stadium.

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Now that all of that hoopla is done, we can back to our regularly scheduled programming.

Sports.

The great thing about sports is the fact that it is immense and intense enough to get lost in. You can pretty much block out whatever you want and be all in on your favorite sport, team, league, etc.

High school football is about to get really fun. Really, really fun – actually.

The playoffs are here and that means you can throw out everything that has happened up to this point. The records don’t mean anything and the only thing that matters at this point is: who can be the best team on the field for five more weeks?

Unlike basketball, where teams typically play a series, football is win or go home.

Or, to quote one of my favorite movies – “Friday Night Lights” – “win, you move on; lose, you play basketball”.

The opening round of the playoffs tends to go “true to form” – meaning the teams that have had success up to this point, typically continue to find it. That’s mostly because there’s still a good deal of familiarity between the opponents.

It’s usually not until we get to the third round when South Florida teams line up against out-of-town opponents that some extra variables get thrown into the equation.

I’ll point out again, the next two weeks will be about which teams will be able to execute the best and which teams pay attention to the small details.

Record last week: 37-8
Season record: 435-68 (.864 Correct Pick Percentage)

21 games picked this week with three games in the Bald Predictions spotlight.

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(9) Coral Gables (8-1) vs. North Miami Beach (6-3)
Friday at FIU North Stadium, 7:30 p.m. – Region 4-8A Regional Quarterfinals

Here’s the opening round game that I am most looking forward to.

I think it’s a very intriguing matchup between two teams that could potentially go on a nice playoff run if everything falls in line for them.

Coral Gables enters the playoffs as a team with quite the impressive regular season record, but there’s a question of whether or not the Cavaliers were tested enough to deal with the rigors of the postseason.

Granted, Gables earned a week one win over Carol City (16-13 in overtime) and ended the season with a 21-7 win over fellow Class 8A playoff team Southwest, their other six victories came against teams with a combined 19-39 record.

Sure a win is a win, but consider the fact that the Cavs took an L against rival Columbus – a team that played squads like Northwestern (9-1), Southridge (7-2) and Booker T. Washington (7-3 and four-time defending Class 4A state champs).

North Miami Beach is a quintessential “wildcard team”. The Chargers come in with an unassuming record (6-3) and they’ll be playing on the heels of losing their season finale to South Dade – a team that Coral Gables defeated. As a matter of fact, two of NMB’s losses this season came against teams that the Cavaliers defeated.

But that’s the very thing that I believe makes the Chargers a dangerous team. Head coach Jeff Bertani has been plugging away at this coaching thing for a good while and he’s taken a team to the state semifinals before.

North Miami Beach is a physical and tough team that has good size up front and a more than solid running back tandem with Jordan Atkins and Vinshaun Cobham.

Coral Gables is a team that’s built around its defense. Junior defensive back Gilbert Frierson is a star with superstar potential and senior linebacker Kris Moll is the emotional leader of the group and he’s one of the more productive defensive players in South Florida.

The Cavs have found something in senior running back Jamar Thompkins. He’s really come on as of late and has given Gables head coach Roger Pollard another offensive weapon to use alongside speedster Johnny Ford – who’s working his way back from an ankle injury – and senior athlete Kevin Romer.

Looking at the matchup, Coral Gables has an offense – even with Thompkins, Romer and Ford – that will sputter and it makes me weary going up against a team like North Miami Beach, which has enough size up front to potentially clog up running lanes.

Another thing that I believe works in the Chargers’ favor is the dual-threat ability of quarterback Wendell Morrison. Morrison shares the team lead in total rushing this season and he’s thrown for 11 touchdowns compared to just three interceptions.

Ultimately, I see this being one of those close games that hinge on a couple of key moments. Things like field position and “staying in front of the chains” will be big for both teams.

Some would call North Miami Beach winning this game an upset. I’m not sure it is. I say Chargers win this one close.

Bald Prediction = North Miami Beach wins 20-16

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(10) Carol City (5-3) vs. (25) Dillard (6-3)
Friday at Dillard, 7:30 p.m. – Region 4-6A Regional Quarterfinals

Here’s a game that, quite frankly, lost whatever potential luster it would’ve had when Dillard lost its season finale to a Blanche Ely team that lost six games by a combined score of 192-27.

Yes, it was the “Broward Soul Bowl” and it represents a true rivalry game between the Panthers and the Tigers, but plainly put – it’s a hard sell to make as to why Dillard lost that game.

Carol City, on the other hand, walks into the playoffs as “not your typical” district runner-up. By the middle point of the season and for 46 minutes into their game against Northwestern, the Chiefs were one of the hottest teams in South Florida.

Having found offensive balance in the form of junior quarterback Marlon Smith to go along with the dynamic running back duo of Camron Davis and Nayquan Wright, Carol City became a team that didn’t have to completely rely on its very stingy defense.

Speaking of Carol City’s defense, or “Dark Side 2.0.”, it will be going through the playoffs without the services of senior defensive end/linebacker Deandre “Eye Candy” Wilder. Unfortunately, Wilder has “aged out” – meaning he’s older than 19 years and nine months and is no longer able to compete in sanctioned high school games.

His athletic presence will definitely be missed by this Chiefs defense, just not this week.

If Dillard gave up 12 sacks to Ely, there’s no telling how many Carol City will be able to rack up once defensive coordinator Damon Cogdell starts dialing up the blitzes.

Bald Prediction = Carol City wins 26-7

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(12) Deerfield Beach (7-2) vs. (20) Western (7-2)
Friday at Deerfield Beach, 7:30 p.m. – Region 3-8A Regional Quarterfinals

Here’s a game that I can’t shake the feeling will be a lot closer than a lot of people think.

Deerfield Beach losing to Cardinal Gibbons in the season finale was worthy of the eyes emoji. Not taking anything away from Gibbons – I think the Chiefs are a very good team – but you’d think a team like the Bucks, who some are still picking to make it to Orlando in Class 8A, would be able to fair a lot better than what they did.

Still, Deerfield is one of the most talented teams in the state and they’ll have at least half of the 10 best players on the field in every game; so I expected much better.

Western is a team that I’ve kept an eye on all season. The Wildcats earned their spot on the bracket with a big win over Miramar and showed that they have a tough squad – both mentally and physically.

Looking at this matchup, Western has the ingredients to make this a close game. Specifically speaking, the Wildcats have a pair pass rushers – Matthew Hanson and Kevin Oliver – that will be able to put pressure on Bucks quarterback Nick Holm.

Putting pressure on Holm gets Deerfield’s offense out of sync. Once the Bucks see that Hanson and Oliver are too good to keep out of the backfield, they’ll start using the short lateral passing game – almost serving as long handoff runs – to receivers Jerry Jeudy, Leroy Henley and Daewood Davis.

The two things that will lift Deerfield Beach to a victory will be the fact that its receivers should be able to turn short passes into long gains and the Bucks defense should be able to use its athleticism to keep Western’s deceptively spry quarterback Harrison Story in check and stymie the Wildcats’ offense.

Bucks move on, but Western won’t go down without a fight.

Bald Prediction = Deerfield Beach wins 22-17

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Other Games

(1) Plantation American Heritage vs. Fort Pierce Westwood = American Heritage wins by 35

(2) Northwestern vs. Boynton Beach = Northwestern wins by 20

(3) St. Thomas Aquinas vs. Palm Beach Lakes = St. Thomas Aquinas wins by 28

(4) McArthur vs. Doral Academy = McArthur wins by 9

(6) Booker T. Washington vs. Belle Glade Glades Central = Booker T. wins by 10

(7) Flanagan vs. (17) Piper = Flanagan wins by 16

(8) Cardinal Gibbons vs. Riviera Beach Suncoast = Cardinal Gibbons wins by 21

(11) Southridge vs. (23) Southwest Miami = Southridge wins by 14

(13) Columbus vs. Hialeah American = Columbus wins by 28

(14) Miami Edison vs. Clewiston = Edison wins by 1

(15) Mater Academy vs. Cooper City = Mater Academy wins by 21

(16) Miami Palmetto vs. (22) Belen Jesuit = Palmetto wins by 2

(18) Chaminade-Madonna vs. Palm Beach Cardinal Newman = Chaminade wins by 6

(24) Champagnat vs. Community School of Naples = Champagnat wins by 4

Key West vs. Archbishop McCarthy = Archbishop McCarthy wins by 13

Westminster Christian at Palm Beach Oxbridge Academy = Oxbridge Academy wins by 21

North Broward Prep vs. Calvary Christian = Calvary Christian wins by 7

Palm Beach King’s Academy vs. Pine Crest = King’s Academy wins by 11

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Carol City flexes its muscles on both sides of the ball, earning a 47-8 win over host Dillard Friday night in the region 4-6A regional quarterfinals and setting up a rematch with rival Northwestern next week.

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And then there were a few less.

The games are getting more and more exciting and the stakes are getting higher and higher. What happens in this round really tells the story of which teams are true title contenders.

The already paper-thin margin for error gets even smaller in this round. A lot of times, because these second round matchups are often district rematches, these games are won because of adjustments – ones made in pregame preparation and the always important in-game moves.

Teams essentially have to have three game plans: the one the opponent knows about, the one they don’t know about, and a special ace in the hole for emergencies.

The pressure begins to mount now. For almost all of the programs left on the bracket – especially those in South Florida – the games now have greater implications than what actually happens on the field. The future success of these programs hinges and swings on some of the most obscure things.

Again, it’s all about attention to detail.

I was able to get off to a solid start last week, correctly picking 20 out of 22 games. But the number of games gets cut in half, which means my margin has shrunk too.

There were a lot of blowouts last week, but I do not expect that trend to continue this week.

Record last week: 20-2
Season record: 455-70 (.866 Correct Pick Percentage)

11 games picked this week with three games in the Bald Predictions Spotlight.

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(2) Northwestern (10-1) vs. (10) Carol City (6-3)
Friday at Traz Powell Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

Here’s the game that everyone was looking forward as soon as the clock went 0:00 on the regular season matchup between these two teams.

Both of these teams ride into this game having breezed through their regional quarterfinal games and now will stand toe-to-toe with one another in a game that is sure to be more physical and more intense than the first.

Northwestern, the unofficial kings of Miami-Dade County this season, hasn’t lost a game since their rally fell short against Plantation American Heritage back on September 9th.

The Bulls have proven to be a team that can run the ball, get big plays through its passing game, and shut teams down with one of the best defensive front sevens in South Florida.

All season senior running back Kai Henry has been Northwestern’s offensive bell cow. His tough, between-the-tackles running has worn down opposing defenses and he’s put up county-leading numbers.

But Henry’s battering-ram style of running has worn on him a bit. The Bulls elected to rest Henry during their 38-0 win over Boynton Beach and relied on junior quarterback Chatarius “Tutu” Atwell and a committee of other ball carriers to shoulder the offensive load.

How healthy Henry is, the fans will see come Friday night, but there’s no doubt he’ll be in uniform and ready to carry the ball.

Carol City has continued to ride the strength of its defense – “Dark Side Defense 2.0”. The Chiefs looked impressive in their big win over Dillard, but they did it without two of their best players.

As was known for more than a week now, senior defensive end Deandre “Eye Candy” Wilder “aged out” – meaning he surpassed the age of 19 years and nine months and won’t be able to play in any more games for Carol City this season.

But Carol City was also without sophomore running back Nayquan Wright. Wright has been nursing a leg injury which he sustained in the first Northwestern game and he’s been limited in what he’s able to do since.

One would be inclined to think that Wright would be available to go for the Chiefs with two weeks of rest. Junior running back Camron Davis has handled the bulk of the rushing load with Wright out of the lineup and I know he’s eager to make up for his shortcomings in the first game against the Bulls.

Looking back at the previous game, I am reminded that both defenses flexed their muscles. Sure, the heavy rainfall helped, but Carol City’s defense only truly surrendered 10 (of 19) points and Northwestern’s defense only gave up eight (of 14) points.

Both teams scored defensive touchdowns.

The teams are so evenly matched, it’s hard to give a clear-cut advantage to either squad.

Northwestern can rely on Atwell to make good things happen either with his arm or legs, but how healthy will Henry be?

Carol City is definitely down Wilder on defense and the status of Wright, who ran for a 92-yard touchdown run against the Bulls in the regular season, is still up in the air, so will they be able to rise to the occasion without two of their – if not two – best football players?

I fully expect this game to come down to the wire once again.

Bald Prediction = Northwestern wins 16-12

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(4) McArthur (11-0) vs. (15) Mater Academy (10-1)
Friday at Hialeah Milander Park, 7:30 p.m.

Here’s a game that will feature a pair of teams that are greatly benefitting from having strong coaching staffs in place.

Both of these teams have had success in the past, but looking at them now – you see the true impact of having coaches that can both draw talented players in and help those players get even better and make a formidable team.

Mater Academy comes in riding a 10-game winning streak. The Lions haven’t lost a game since a week one fall at Miramar and have turned into a squad capable of scoring a heap of points. Since its seven-point output against the Patriots, Mater has scored 21 or more points in every game it played.

I’d like to say that senior running back Daniel Doriscar was responsible for much of the Lions’ scoring, but he’s missed time with multiple nagging injuries. While Doriscar, or “Steak Sauce” as he’s called by teammates and coaches, missed time – other players like quarterback Kaywon Hanna, junior running back Lentivone Lesane and senior receiver Travon Roberts had to step in and prove themselves as reliable offensive playmakers.

They did and now that “Steak” is back healthy and in the lineup full-time, Mater is that much stronger of a team.

On the other side is a McArthur team that holds the high distinction of being one of only two undefeated teams in South Florida this season – Plantation American Heritage is the other.

The Mustangs have impressed this season – showing that they are a balanced team that can run the ball, throw the ball, and make key defensive stops in critical moments.

At the start of the season most people pointed at junior athlete Dominick Watt as McArthur’s “big gun”, but as the season wore on folks began to realize that head coach Laron Culpepper has a full arsenal of talented players at his disposal.

6-foot-4 junior receiver Damarco Harris has made big strides (pun not intended) this season as has sophomore quarterback Deon Jones, who accounted for four touchdowns in McArthur’s first round playoff victory.

The steadiest guy in the group has been junior running back Craig Cooper. Cooper, much like Doriscar, doesn’t get a lot of credit for his individual talents – but all he’s done this season is total 1,000 yards from scrimmage with 10 touchdowns.

Looking at the matchup, I’d be inclined to say that McArthur has the edge. The chief reason being that whatever Mater Academy can throw at McArthur, the Mustangs can counter with that same thing and a bit more.

Mater’s defensive front is solid – especially with sophomore defensive end Mikel Jones anchoring the line. But thinking back to the Lions’ round one win, I saw a defense that was still fairly susceptible against a strong running game.

Cooper City’s Tyler Brown ran for 173 yards.

McArthur rushed for 175 yards as a team in its round one win.

The other factor is the Mustangs’ ability to create mismatches on the outside with its physically dominant receivers. Harris is a matchup nightmare with his height and Watt has the scary combo of size (6-foot-2) and speed. Also, senior Jaquan Denson has to be accounted for.

It’s unclear if Mater will have 6-foot-3 standout defensive back Latavious Brini in the lineup – he did not play against Cooper City – but even if he is, his assignment will likely be Harris since he’s the only one capable of matching up height-wise.

Ultimately, I see this being a fairly high-scoring game. I think Doriscar will get his and Mater will find a way to produce points but I feel that McArthur will get the couple of stops needed to churn out another victory.

Bald Prediction = McArthur wins 34-28

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(9) Coral Gables (8-1) vs. (13) Columbus (7-3)
Thursday at Tropical Park, 7 p.m.

Out of all the games in the second round, this is one of the ones that I have mulled over the most.

I’ve paid extra attention to this one because of the performance of Coral Gables in the opening round. I – incorrectly – picked the Cavaliers to lose against North Miami Beach and they not only won the game, they put up their fourth-highest point total of the season in a 47-12 victory.

The other reason I’ve hemmed and hawed about this one is the old adage: “it’s hard to beat a team twice in the same season”.

These two teams locked horns three weeks ago with the Explorers coming out on top in a 14-7 slugfest.

Thinking back on the previous matchup, neither team was able to do much offensively. Coral Gables didn’t even score an offensive touchdown – it’s one score came on an interception return.

Columbus, too, had a pick-six; but the Explorers were able to manufacture a first quarter touchdown and it ended up being the difference in the game.

Between the torrential rain that fell on the stadium and the stout defenses, there was maybe 130 combined total offensive yards gained by the teams.

Looking at this matchup again, I see a Columbus team that is battle tested. The Explorers have lined up against some of the best teams that Miami-Dade has to offer and they’ve come out the other side better for wear because of it.

This game is going to a lot of small details, the most important of which being field position. I feel like It’s going to be tough for either team to sustain long drives against the other’s defense, so whichever team is able to create its own breaks with solid special teams plays will put itself in the best position to win.

Gables will be welcoming the healthy return of stud junior defensive back Gilbert Frierson, who missed the Cavs’ opening round game after taking a hard hit in the regular season finale. Having Frierson back in the lineup means Gables can be even more aggressive in its stacking against the run because he is more than able to patrol center field and defend against a pass over the top.

Both teams will be keying on the other’s run game – and rightfully so. Both teams look to establish the ground game early in an effort to set the tone at the line of scrimmage and take the pressure off of their quarterbacks.

Quarterback play will also be a huge factor. Coral Gables has Nick Galuppo and Columbus will put the ball in the hands of Marcelo Rodriguez. Neither has put together a spectacular statistical season, but they both can operate within the confines of their offensive systems.

I’d have to give Columbus the slight edge in the quarterback matchup and I think it’ll be a field goal – either early or late – that turns out to be the difference in this game.

Bald Prediction = Columbus wins 16-13

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Other Games

(1) Plantation American Heritage vs. (8) Cardinal Gibbons = American Heritage wins by 6

(3) St. Thomas Aquinas vs. Palm Beach Dwyer = St. Thomas Aquinas wins by 10

(6) Booker T. Washington vs. (14) Miami Edison = Booker T. wins by 14

(7) Flanagan vs. (12) Deerfield Beach = Deerfield Beach wins by 4

(11) Southridge vs. Miami Palmetto = Southridge wins by 13

(18) Chaminade-Madonna vs. Palm Beach Oxbridge Academy = Oxbridge Academy wins by 12

(24) Champagnat Catholic vs. Naples First Baptist = Naples First Baptist wins by 3

North Broward Prep vs. Archbishop McCarthy = Archbishop McCarthy wins by 7

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With all the success that the South Florida high school football programs have achieved – locally and nationally – the coaches never seem to get the respect they truly deserve.

As coaches from Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and other states that have tremendous interest in high school football continue to make high salaries, teach little to no classes and reap the accolades from colleges and the media from around the country – it’s the South Florida coaches who are being so overlooked for what they do – year round without many of the perks that coaches from across the country receive.

The fact that South Florida produces by far more NFL and professional talent than any other place in the country should be considered when applauding coaches across the nation who have six figure salaries and do half the year-round coaching, teaching and babysitting that South Florida coaches do.

If you sat down and actually calculated how much a high school coach in South Florida makes – for all they put in year round – it would be laughable at best.

Having been around this high level football all of my life, and watching in other areas of the country, having to see current coaches such as longtime icons Rich Stuart (Belen Jesuit), Jeff Bertani (North Miami Beach), Mark Guandolo (Cypress Bay), Joe Zaccheo (Monsignor Pace) and Byron Walker (Archbishop McCarthy) making next to nothing for being a part of this successful system for nearly four decades, truly pains me.

It’s a crying shame.

States such as Texas and Georgia would have to break the bank to afford the knowledge and experience these innovators bring to their programs daily.

Give me the knowledge and wisdom of veteran educators/coaches such as Roger Harriott (St. Thomas Aquinas), Billy Rolle (Northwestern), Tim “Ice” Harris, Chris Merritt (Christopher Columbus), Rocco Casullo (Mater Academy), Darryl Heidelburg (Norland), Art Taylor (Everglades), Carl Wilburn (Blanche Ely), Willis May (Douglas), Roland Smith (Central), Steve Smith (Hialeah), Earl Sims (Gulliver Prep), Rex Nottage (North Broward Prep), Willie Dodaro (Monarch) and Adam Ratkevich (Western).

Even the new breed such as Max Edwards (Northwestern), Jase Stewart (Doral Academy), Laron Culpepper (McArthur), Lorenzo Davis (Dillard), Richard Dunbar (Fort Lauderdale), Roger Pollard (Coral Gables), Aubrey Hill (Carol City), Napoleon Joseph (Edison), Javi Valdes (Killian), Dennis Marroquin (Hialeah Champagnat Catholic), Pat Surtain (American Heritage), Jevon Glenn (Deerfield Beach), Dameon Jones (Chaminade-Madonna) and Tally Adams (Stranahan) get what it takes to not only compete, but to develop for a higher level.

So do Kevin Huntley (Nova), Matt Dubuc (Cardinal Gibbons), Pierre Senatus (Miramar), Stanford Samuels (Flanagan), Gerald Cox (Coconut Creek), Benedict Hyppolite (Hallandale), Brandon Walker (Cooper City), Ed Williams (North Miami), Mike Manasco (Palmetto), Nate Hudson (South Dade), Daniel Luque (University School) and several others.

The respect is on display year round and at every level. Our local coaches just don’t show up to their local youth programs to be seen. They make an impact and start taking an active role in the lives of their future players and their families.

That is what helps pay it forward to every level – and why all the professional prospects are comfortable walking the sidelines of their local youth and high school programs – where they couldn’t even go out to dinner in the cities they have made a name for themselves in.

The very thought of a full-time high school coach not teaching classes is something that will never be an issue in South Florida – because it will never happen. With numerous pay cuts for educators in Miami-Dade and Broward coming all the time, which is so awful in many ways, there would be too many grievances filed by hard-working teachers who would have every right to do so.

So, the next time you see some of those programs on TV with multi-million dollar stadiums and fans packed to the upper deck, many of the athletes you are watching are not getting the year-round life lessons that these South Florida coaches provide. In addition, attend a game in South Florida and you are almost guaranteed that you will see an NFL player or two, three or four that you would never view anywhere else.

CHIEFS COME UP WITH A DEFINING WIN
It was easily the best second round game in the country – and while those who had the chance to watch the thrilling game between Carol City and Northwestern, it was one of those classic matchups that brought back some of those great years of inner city football in Miami-Dade County.

The 34-27 win by the Chiefs over a tremendous Bulls’ squad was not the game that sends this program to state, but it does push head coach Aubrey Hill’s football team to the third round of the 6A state playoffs – the day after Thanksgiving – at No. 1 Daytona Beach Mainland.

For the first time in six years, a team other than Miami Central, will represent South Florida in the state playoffs – and watching this game that people will remember for generations – it brought back some great memories.

“Classic game by two outstanding teams that have been making lasting contributions to football in the state of Florida for a long time,” Hill said. “This is football the way it used to be.”

Indeed, a packed house at the “Mecca” (Traz Powell Stadium) greeted these two teams for the second time in a month. The first meeting saw head coach Max Edwards and the Bulls win the district title. But like last year when the Chiefs beat Central for the district title, only to lose when things really counted, the Chiefs were ready this time around.

It was indeed a game where the stars came out and once again put a stamp on how impressive football is in Miami-Dade County.

So, there is a winner of the “SEC district” – but this time around – Carol City will carry the banner for the region – with hopes of winning a state title for the first time in nearly 15 years.

CAROL CITY PROSPECT WATCH
2018 – Yasir Abdullah, LB
2018 – Mark Carter, Jr., DB
2017 – Naytron Culpepper, DB
2018 – Camron Davis, RB
2018 – Irshaad Davis, DB
2017 – Kevaughn Dingle, WR
2017 – Jason Dunios, OL
2017 – Jamare Edwards, DL
2019 – Lorenzo Floyd, QB
2018 – Leonard Lucas, OL/DL
2017 – Moris Lugo, LB
2017 – Harvey Martin, OL
2018 – Daequan Nelson, LB/RB
2018 – Montrell Newton Jr., OL
2018 – Kewon Parker, LB
2017 – Angelo Powell, DB
2018 – Randy Russell, DB
2018 – Marlon Smith, QB
2017 – Terry Straughter, LB
2017 – Donelle Thomas, DB
2017 – Victor Tucker, WR
2017 – Christner Valembrum, OL
2018 – Phenol Williams, WR/DB

NORTHWESTERN PROSPECT WATCH
2017 – Andre Adams, WR
2018 – Tutu Atwell, QB
2017 – Jude Barthlemy, WR
2019 – Samuel Brooks, DE
2017 – Travon Brooks, LB
2018 – Thomas Burns, DB
2018 – Teron Carey, OL
2018 – Tyquan Cooper, OL
2018 – Derrick Davis, WR
2018 – Kiaryn Davis, RB
2017 – Taurus Dotson, DB
2017 – Kelvin Flores, PK
2019 – Mark Fox, OL
2017 – Ben Garland, DB
2018 – Avery Hall, OL
2018 – Corey Hammet, RB
2017 – Harry Hanna, OL
2018 – Justin Hill, Jr., WR
2017 – Schneider Jonassaint, DE
2018 – Billy Joseph, LB
2018 – Roy Livingstone, WR
2018 – Aaron Louis, RB
2018 – Dememtrius Mayes, DT
2017 – Al-Malik Moore, WR
2017 – Demetrius Taylor, LB
2017 – Kevin Washington, OL/DL

WALKER CONTINUES TO TEACH AND WIN
While the newer football fans in South Florida can rattle off coaches and teams that they believe are among the best, it’s a good bet that when the name Byron Walker pops up, those who really know football and what it takes to be an all-around coach, put him at the top.

The one time Glades Central standout football player has made a career of taking athletes and teaching them and showing them the right way to play the game. That is something that has gone unnoticed in some circles in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

In his years at Glades Day and American Heritage, Walkers has won state titles, coaches major college football players and has developed athletes who still come back to see this icon every year.

When his Archbishop McCarthy team won the Gold Coast Conference title last Thursday night, 51-23, over North Broward Prep, Walker and his football team finished the season with a 10-1 record, 21-1 in two years – which is easily the best in South Florida.

“We have put together a program where these young men come in here and know that they are going to learn about the game from a tremendous coaching staff,” Walker explained. “This is a group of football players that are still very young and will definitely be right back in the mix next year as well.”

As North Broward Prep head coach Rex Nottage finished with a very impressive 9-3 season, he will also welcome back plenty of athletes for the 2017 season. The Eagles made some major strides this season.

ARCHBISHOP MCCARTHY PROSPECT WATCH
2018 – Christian Avila, WR/DB
2019 – Jacob Baptiste, RB
2018 – Ramsey Baty, TE/OLB
2019 – Derek Burns, LB/TE
2017 – Daniel Cerda, LB/FB
2017 – Bradyn Clarke, OL/DL
2018 – Quinn Dempsey, QB
2019 – Rashad Dollar, S/RB
2018 – Logan Giordano, CB/WR
2018 – Andrew Hallman, S
2019 – Noah Hunter, DB/WR
2017 – Zach Messer, DE/TE
2017 – Marcus Mijares, NG/TE
2017 – Mason Moyer, OL/DL
2018 – Marcus Nunez, OC/DL
2018 – Carlos Ramos, OL
2019 – Jesse Rivera, QB
2018 – Julian Rosario, K/P
2017 – Jonathan Salaya, WR/DB
2019 – Gio Sandora, LB/FB
2018 – Eric Scott, DL/OL
2018 – Denzel Simmon, LB/FB

NORTH BROWARD PREP PROSPECT WATCH
2018 – Kevin Austin, WR/DB
2017 – Justin Bentayou, OL/DL
2019 – Kurt Bernard, OL/DL
2017 – Ivan Bronnikov, DT
2018 – Kirby Burns, LB/FB
2020 – Thomas Carvajal, FS
2018 – Cole Cavaline, RB/LB
2018 – Bradley Cooper, WR/DB
2019 – Justin Doles, RB/DB
2017 – Anthony Gomez, Athlete/DB
2017 – Hunter Greggs, OL/LB
2019 – Hunter Guinta, QB/WR
2017 – Kenny Henningsen, TE/DE
2017 – Kallen Jennings, LB
2017 – Dymitri McKenzie, LB/RB
2018 – Logan Shooster, QB
2019 – Tyler Struve, TE/DE
2019 – Jasen Vest, RB/LB

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We’ve come to one of my favorite weeks of the year.

I’ve always enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday. Not just because of the food, but because it’s a time to sit back and reflect on all the positive things in our lives that we typically take for granted.

Don’t get me wrong, though, the food is awesome.

My wife made fried turkey last year…changed my life. Plus, Thursday is a day full of football leading into a weekend chocked full of even more football.

It’s awesome.

Anyone who’s still playing football this week has a lot to be thankful for. This is elite eight (for classes 4A through 8A) and the final four (for classes 1A through 4A), so this is the cream of the crop that’s left.

I had a very rough week in round two. I wasn’t happy with the fact that I struggle to barely get about .500 by going 6-5. There’s one thing that I learned because of my down week: always trust your initial instincts. In two games, I changed my initial – what I call – “skeleton picks” – and both times it came back to haunt me.

Moving on to round three only means that the games are going to get even tougher to pick – especially because now I have to study tons of film on opposing teams just like the South Florida coaches do because I want to be as familiar with the other teams as I possibly can.

At the expense of sounding like a broken record; I’ll remind players, coaches and fans again that attention to small details means the difference between winning and losing at this point.

Every point counts – ask McArthur – and games can turn on “inches”. An inch too far, an inch too short, an inch too far left or right, and you’ll find yourself crying into your leftover collard greens come Friday night.

Because a majority of the South Florida teams are playing against teams from around the state, I want to wish the Miami-Dade and Broward county teams the best of luck and I want to wish everyone a very happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Get yourself some fried turkey and thank me later.

Record last week: 6-5
Playoff record: 26-7
Season record: 461-75 (.860 Correct Pick Percentage)

Eight games picked this week with three games in the Bald Predictions spotlight.

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(10) Carol City (7-3) vs. Daytona Beach Mainland (11-0)
Friday at Daytona Municipal Stadium, 7:30 p.m. – Region 4-6A Final

This is easily one of the most intriguing games of the third round. There are a couple of interesting narratives to follow here.

The first is that this is the first time in three seasons that Daytona Beach Mainland will go on a playoff run and won’t have to worry about running into Miami Central. Mainland has always had its dreams of potentially playing for a state title dashed by the Rockets and now, the figurative “bully” is off the block.

While a loss is a loss is a loss, one has to remember and respect the fact that the Buccaneers have gone 36-5 over the past three seasons – and three of those losses came at the hands of Central.

Mainland is a well-coached team (Scott Wilson) and they have a core group of senior athletes that would want nothing more than to finally make it past a team from Miami-Dade County.

Senior athlete and Western Michigan commit Denzel Houston is Mainland’s trigger man. He’s a typical undersized but super talented dual-threat Florida quarterback; he threw for 2,783 yards and 34 touchdowns while also running for 575 yards and another 11 touchdowns this past season and has put up comparable numbers in 2016.

Carol City rolls into this game having knocked off its bitter rival Northwestern in a thrilling 34-27 game. The Chiefs proved to themselves and to the rest of South Florida that they are a complete team, one that can rise to the occasion in big moments.

It was huge for Carol City’s confidence to go into a game like last week’s regional semifinal without two of its best football players – sophomore running back Nayquan Wright (injury) and senior defensive end Deandre Wilder (age) – and still come out victorious.

In the cliché, “next man up” mentality – it was defensive end Yasiir Abdullah who came away with five sacks and receivers Kevaughn Dingle and Victor Tucker to each pull down two touchdown passes.

Looking at this matchup, Carol City will likely represent the toughest defense that Mainland has faced this season. The Buccaneers have scored at least 35 points in every game this season whereas the Chiefs have only allowed three opponents to score in double figures this season – two of those instances were against the Bulls.

On the other side of the ball, Wright’s health status is still up in the air. Junior Camron Davis is more than capable of carrying the ground game workload, but having Wright would be a huge boost.

The health of Carol City quarterback Marlon Smith is also in question. He exited the game against Northwestern and was on the sideline as sophomore quarterback Lorenzo Floyd threw the game-winning touchdown pass. Again, Floyd is a capable replacement, but having Smith would be better – he is the starter for a reason.

This is a game where the Chiefs’ “Dark Side Defense 2.0” has to step up. They came up with the necessary stops this past week in a “bend but don’t break” fashion, but this is a game where it needs to be more like the dominant and suffocating group that it was throughout the season.

An added factor that I believe will play in the Chiefs’ favor is that they’ve gone on road trips for games three times already this season. Carol City took trips to Bradenton (IMG Academy, Palm Beach (Oxbridge Academy) and Lakeland – so they won’t be fazed by taking the ride to Daytona and they shouldn’t be overwhelmed by playing in someone else’s stadium in a big-game situation.

Chiefs win a hard fought game.

Bald Prediction = Carol City wins 23-21

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(9) Southridge (9-2) vs. (11) Coral Gables (11-1)
Friday at Southridge Stadium, 3 p.m. – Region 4-8A Regional Final

Now that this game has finally settled on where it will be played, here’s a matchup that – on the surface – has a “David vs. Goliath” feel to it.

Even the Coral Gables booster club’s social media account is playing up that element. The account has made various posts this week pointing out how many players on Southridge’s roster have Division-I scholarship offers and saying that the Spartans have “more talent than a small college team”.

I’m all for using the “why not us” or “us against the world” mantras as a rallying cry, but I find their means of doing it this week – a bit odd.

Coral Gables handed me one of those bitter losses I was talking about earlier where I switched my pick at the last minute. The Cavaliers showed a lot of gumption and heart in their win over Columbus.

Once again, senior running back Jamar Thompkins had himself a big game and once again the Gables defense stepped up and rose to the challenge.

A lot of credit is owed to Gables’ coaching staff as a whole, but specifically to head coach Roger Pollard for showing that he’s definitely one of the bright young coaching minds that we have in South Florida. He’s shown throughout his very productive tenure that he defense is his specialty, but also that he’s a great motivator and manager of his team.

Southridge, on the other hand, is a team that I’ve been fairly hard on this season because their roster is chocked full of top-tier talent.

But it seems like the Spartans have put all their pieces together, figured things out and now look like a mighty tough team to beat.

What makes Southridge so daunting is that they have all-star caliber players on both sides of the ball. It’s not like they have one spectacular unit that has to carry the other; Southridge can literally throw multiple future major college football players at opponents in every phase of the game.

Okay, I might get what the Coral Gables booster club was doing…

The key to this matchup will be Southridge’s ability to actually go out and execute the steps it takes to win this game. What could hurt the Spartans and open the door for Coral Gables would be: mistakes (turnovers) that the Cavaliers will certainly capitalize on.

Coach Pollard and his staff will cook up a game plan to try to exploit any cracks that they find in film study and try to put their team in the best possible position, but Southridge’s overall talent coupled with the fact the Spartans have overcome the early bumps and developed the chemistry needed for a squad to make a deep run – makes me lean towards the home team.

Because this game will ultimately be played on Southridge’s home turf – something that wasn’t the case earlier in the week – it will be a rallying point for the Spartans. They’ll want to defend their home field even more because there was a chance they wouldn’t be able to play on it.

I don’t think this game will be a runaway – Coral Gables is too good to let something like that happen – but I do think Southridge will earn a victory.

Bald Prediction = Southridge wins 22-17

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(12) Deerfield Beach (9-2) vs. Delray Beach Atlantic (9-3)
Friday at Deerfield Beach, 7:30 p.m. – Region 3-8A Regional Final

Here’s a game that won’t get much of the attention, but it’s a game in which one team can take another big step forward in living up to the expectations placed on it at the start of the season.

Of course, I’m talking about Deerfield Beach.

I’ve been hard on the Bucks this season. I’ve held the team to the fire for some of its performances this season and I feel justified for it because of the immense amount of talent that is on Deerfield Beach’s roster.

Like fellow Class 8A elite eight participant Miami Southridge, Deerfield Beach has a roster brimming with talented players with Division-I offers and just a great collection of high school football players.

Looking at a roster like that, it’s easy for folks – including myself – to want to rush “the process” and expect greatness right out of the gate. The team has to gel, a hierarchy has to be built and things have to go on a progressive arc as the season toils on.

Delray Beach Atlantic is a team that hasn’t always fared well against South Florida teams – not in recent history at least.

The Eagles came to Dade County just this past spring and were sent back home with a 48-12 loss thanks to Northwestern. This past season, Atlantic went head-to-head with Flanagan and failed to register any significant blows in a 35-0 loss – the Eagles’ only loss in the 2015 season.

Granted, every team is different year to year and a squad will look a lot different from seeing them in May to laying eyes on them in late November, but those are lasting images.

What I will say about Atlantic is that it always has a nice group of athletes on the roster. This season is no different. Senior quarterback Zavion Thompson is a dual-threat weapon that has had a productive career for the Eagles. Athlete Marquis Waters is, arguably, the team’s best player – the Duke University commit will run the ball for the offense and line up at safety (his more natural position) for the defense.

Deerfield Beach will likely be in the top three in terms of overall talent for teams that Atlantic has faced this season. As I’ve said and written on multiple occasions, the Bucks are more than just Jerry Jeudy. Much more actually.

I think this is another matchup, like the region 4-8A final, where the more talented team just has to go out and execute the necessary steps to win the game. With Deerfield playing the cleanest game it possibly can, dotting all the I’s and crossing all the T’s, the Bucks should come out with a win.

A part of me thinks that this game could end up with a double-digit margin, but football is a funny game. And come playoff time, it’s downright wacky.

Still, Bucks win.

Bald Prediction = Deerfield Beach wins 27-21

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Other Games

(1) Plantation American Heritage at Orlando Bishop Moore = American Heritage wins by 1

(3) St. Thomas Aquinas vs. (15) Mater Academy = St. Thomas Aquinas wins by 10

(6) Booker T. Washington vs. Cocoa (Fl.) = Booker T. Washington wins by 7

(18) Chaminade-Madonna vs. Melbourne Central Catholic = Chaminade wins by 3

(24) Champagnat Catholic vs. St. Petersburg Northside Christian = Champagnat wins by 2

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Carol City running back Camron Davis has a big game and the Chiefs defense puts on a dominant performance in Carol City’s 33-7 win over host Daytona Beach Mainland Friday night.

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MIAMI GARDENS (CBSMiami) – A celebration fit for champions.

That’s what is happening in Miami Gardens on Sunday as the Miami Carol City Alumni Association and the Quarterback Club are presenting the Miami Carol City Senior High Championship Parade & Community Block Party.

The event is to celebrate the Class 6A State Championship won by Carol City High back in December.

The Chiefs’ defense led the way as the team took down Lakeland Lake Gibson 14-6, securing the school’s first state title since 2003.

Overall, it is the fifth State Championship for Carol City.

The parade begins at 12 p.m. from the east side parking lot of Carol City High.

It will then go west on NW 183rd Street, north on NW 37th Avenue, east on 191st Street, south on NW 32nd Avenue and west on 187th Street back to the rear of the school.

Following the parade, a block party will take place until 5:30 p.m. at the Carol City High football field.

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As Benedict Hyppolite walked the sideline at Gwen Cherry Park in Liberty City last Saturday, he had the chance to watch many of his players live for the first time.

As our J.T. Wilcox reported first, the 27-year-old, who came up through the Tim “Ice” Harris, Sr. “coaching tree”, was hired as the new head coach of the defending Class 6A state champion Carol City Chiefs.

Hyppolite, who was on hand for the Second Annual War Zone 7-on-7 Football Tournament, knew many of the prospects that the Chiefs had, but had not watched them perform. On Saturday, he had the opportunity to lay eyes on a number of prospects who are ready to defend that state title – and more.

“We certainly set these young men up with a challenging schedule once again – that’s for sure,” Hyppolite said. “Playing the best only puts you in the spotlight.”

With so many elite prospects coming back on both sides of the ball – and the recent addition of prospects such as athlete Legend Moore (Hallandale and American) – competing for a district title will still be tough, but more realistic.

With powers such as Miami Central, Northwestern and Norland in the district, which many believe is the toughest in the country, every week is going to be a battle – and to win that battle and others, offense will be a key.

That is why one of the first hires for Hyppolite was one time North Miami head coach Ed Williams, who is known for his innovative and high scoring offenses that captured two district titles for the Pioneers.

Williams, who has worked with some impressive quarterbacks, will have the chance to work with Marlon Smith, who like Tyberius Horne he had last year, can put the ball up.

Because the defenses are so dominating in South Florida, a productive offense is essential, and the Chiefs believe they have the edge.

With University of Miami commit Cam’Ron Davis (2018) and Nayquan Wright (2019), this may be the best running back tandem anywhere. But many believe that the difference once again this season will be at quarterback.

Perhaps the most underrated of all Class of 2018 passers could be Marlon Smith. While Northwestern’s Tutu Atwell is easily the best game day quarterback, but Smith is not far behind in what he brings to this team.

At 6-foot-4 and 185 pounds, he has the size and athleticism that college coaches are always looking for. Add in the fact that he has a strong and accurate arm, and has already lead his team to a state title, this very well may be the best secret going.

Having worked with some outstanding quarterbacks at Booker T. Washington, Edison and at Hallandale this past season, Hyppolite understands what having a quality quarterback who leads does for a program. He saw it with Treon Harris at Booker T. He also sees plenty of positives with his new signal caller.

While Smith was not the player who was slated to take over for two-year starter Buckshot Calvert, he ended up being the player everyone was talking about at the end of the season – and into this offseason.

“As he learns more about the game, he is really becoming a very productive and important part of this offense,” said Strong Arm 7-on-7 organizer Martin Maultsby. “Our offensive backfield has the chance to be one of the best in the country.”

Losing some key playmakers on offense from last year, the addition of Moore with receivers such as Phenol Williams, Johaun Beresford and Greg Grate, Jr., and lineman Montrell Newton, along with some key transfers, things are indeed looking up.

COMING AND GOING
Moore’s move from Hallandale wasn’t the only prospect that changed locations recently.

Safety/linebacker Jesse Smith, who started the past two years at McArthur, is now at Piper.

This week, St. Thomas Aquinas is expected to get some additional running back help with 1,000-yard rusher Riley Allison making the move over.

Flanagan lost a pair of linemen. Troy Ingle went to Plantation American Heritage and Terry Augustin went to Carol City.

Dr. Krop, which lost running back Lawrence Papillon to Hallandale, may be getting the impressive runner back. The lightning did get one-time American standout defensive back Xavier Lopez.

PLAYER: Malcolm Ray

POSITION: DL

SCHOOL: Miami Carol City

CLASS: 2019

HEIGHT: 6-2

WEIGHT: 230

SCOUTING: While many started to watch this young man last year, there were others who had watched his development since starting to play at the high school level. Exploded onto the scene this past season with Chiefs – and every game he played – against some of the best competition in the country – he gave fans and colleges something to watch. A quick and athletic prospect who can play every position on the line and, do well at all of them. Gifted talent who has already committed to the University of Louisville – which will keep the Cardinals in the spotlight. He will have another huge season in 2018 as the Chiefs return some tremendous talent under second year head coach Benedict Hyppolite.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/profile/8214555/malcolm-ray

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Not far from the Dolphin’s home turf in Miami Gardens, there was a celebration at Miami’s Carol City High School, the launch site for a new program – Values Matter Miami.

“Here in South Florida we know that football really matters, but you know what matters even more – values,” said Miami Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvalho in a public service announcement released to promote the program.

It’s a partnership between the Miami Dolphin’s and Miami-Dade Public school that goes beyond the classroom, to make sure students in the district also get an education in good old fashioned values.

“When you talk about the core values, that’s something that is forgotten and when I think about the people that helped me be successful along the way, I think about the values that they instilled in me,” said former Dolphin tight end Troy Drayton.

Respect, responsibility, kindness, and integrity are just a few of the values that during home games students who demonstrate those qualities will be honored for, said Carvalho.

“Students draw inspiration by seeing what the adults notice in them,” said Carvalho.

Carvalho said there was no better place to kick off the program than at Carol City High because it’s a school that has come a long way.

“In reading, mathematics at all levels, the graduation rate at this school has improved dramatically, so I think it is fitting for the Dolphins to be here today to celebrate the Chief’s at Carol City High School but also to launch this partnership with Miami-Dade public schools,” said Carvalho.