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(3) St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders (3-1) vs. (6) Deerfield Beach Bucks (3-1)
Friday at St. Thomas Aquinas, 7 p.m.
This game already had some historical intrigue – as Deerfield Beach has been one of the few teams that proven itself capable of being a thorn in Aquinas’ side over the years.
The intrigue got kicked up a notch with St. Thomas’ going out to Arizona this past weekend and getting blanked by Centennial High.
Because the Raiders lost 12-0, my longstanding concerns about the team’s choice to bring in Ryan Collins as its new offensive coordinator were further validated. Putting St. Thomas’ wins against Piper and Stranahan into proper perspective, the Raiders have scored a total of nine points in their two games against major opponents (California St. John Bosco and Arizona Centennial).
9 points.
I’d say that Deerfield Beach is a major opponent.
The Bucks defense is “big time”. Deerfield Beach has playmakers at every level, but I really like linebackers Rosendo Louis, Kenny Bastida, and Ashtan Pierre. One would have to think that Deerfield Beach’s defense is licking its chops for a chance to put the clamps on Aquinas by pressuring Curt Casteel and stifling Daniel Carter.
Deerfield Beach’s offense seems to be finding its rhythm, which will make head coach Jevon Glenn’s team dangerous this week and throughout the rest of the year.
The Raiders have more than enough talent on the offensive side of the ball to be a more productive unit, but the right buttons must be pressed and the right calls have to be made consistently.
With all that considered, I still give St. Thomas the edge in what I expect to be a tightly contested, close game.
The reason? Aquinas’ defense is “big time”, too. On more than occasion this season, I have called for St. Thomas’ defense to come up big – and they’ve answered the call each time.
The group, which is led by Nik Bonitto, Asante Samuel, Rocky Shelton, and Anthony Solomon – has allowed just 15 points through four games.
While I remain wary of St. Thomas’ offense under Collins’ direction, I have plenty of faith in head coach Roger Harriott and the Raiders defense.
Bald Prediction = St. Thomas Aquinas wins 16-12
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