Football Hotbed Florida High School Week 2 Rankings

Hurricane Dorian’s stationary pause over the Atlantic put a pause on some high school football games in Florida.  Many games were canceled or rescheduled due to the massive category five storm just east of Florida’s coastline. Dorian is expected to travel north so we may see more games effecting Florida this week.

As for the games that were played, we now know more about the contenders and the pretenders when it comes to challenging for the state title.  

Risers and Fallers

Faller – Palmetto Folds In Primetime

After an impressive offseason, Miami Palmetto failed to live up to the hype.  The Panthers fell to Cardinal Gibbons in Fort Lauderdale 23-21 and could not come up with game-winning plays when it counted the most.  With under five minutes to go, the Panthers had a chance to drive down the field for the game-winning score but failed with two consecutive turnovers on downs.  The loss put Palmetto out of the top 25 and looking to bounce back this week against Hialeah Thursday night.   

Riser – Hail To The Chiefs 

Junior quarterback Brody Palhegyi shook off the embarrassing shutout loss to Miami Northwestern and fought back to lead his team to victory over a very talented Miami Palmetto team.  Palhegyi would make the big plays when Gibbons needed them the most scrambling with his legs and making throws with his arm.

Brody Palhegyi, QB, Cardinal Gibbons

In a back and forth game in the second half, the Chiefs’ QB made big throws when needed including a 70-yard touchdown to junior Troy Stellato.  

Troy Stellato, WR, Cardinal Gibbons

Faller – Wildcats Take a Tumble Despite Game Cancelled

Western (Davie) falls out of the top 25 based on being shut out by Miami Palmetto in the preseason kickoff classic.  The Wildcats did bounce back with a dominant win over Everglades (Miramar) in week 1, but with not much of a sample size, we cannot put the Wildcats into the top 25 if Palmetto is also out.  The Wildcats’ game against UMS Wright Prep (AL) was canceled due to Hurricane Dorian.

Riser(s) – Central Florida Contenders Emerging

Edgewater (Orlando), Rockledge and Tampa Bay Tech will have something to say when it’s all said and done.  All made a significant jump in this week’s rankings.

TBT was able to get by Plant City 26-14, in one of the bigger games of the weekend.  The Tech defense was able to shut down one of last week’s top performers Mario Williams who had zero catches in the game.  The Titans got on the scoreboard with a 44-yard touchdown by Bobby Moore. The senior made the catch with 10 seconds remaining in the half to give the Titans a 19-7 lead. TBT QB David Wright had a solid night completing 11 of 20 passes for 210 yards.  Moore had six grabs for 113 yards.

Rockledge took care of business defeating Lincoln (Tallahassee) 34-20.  Four-star senior athlete Ladarius Tennison scored three touchdowns and a couple of defensive scores by Virgil Marshall and Terrance Griffin proved to be the difference in the game. The Raiders were suppose Columbia (GA)

Edgewater continues to dominate after two games of play.  After a strong 34-21 win over Bishop Moore (Orlando) in week one, the Eagles destroy Oak Ridge (Orlando) scoring 56 points in the first half.  Junior athlete Christian Leary started the game with a 65-yard touchdown catch and run and junior linebacker Deshawn Troutman had a 25-yard scoop and score in the first quarter.  The Eagles never looked back but will be looking forward to an intriguing matchup with Jones (Orlando) this week. 

Another Dade County Thriller

Miami Central pulled out a win over Miami Booker T. Washington in a game that came down to the wire.  Sophomore Wesley Bissaint and senior Deidrick Stanley stepped in front of footballs in the second half and sprinted for touchdowns to make it a 26-14 game.  The Rockets withstood a furious comeback from the Tornadoes in a 32-29 win.  

Florida Power Fails in Georgia

Armwood (Seffner) fell to North Gwinnett (GA) in overtime 26-23 in Georgia over the weekend.  After scoring a field goal in the extra session, The Hawks gave up a touchdown to wide receiver DJ Hunt to concede victory.

Explorers Travel North Return 2-0

Henry Parrish Jr. had another huge day rushing for 232 yards and scoring two touchdowns in a 21-17 win over Osceola (Kissimmee).  The defense came up big for Columbus as Brendan Coleman had a key interception late in the game and the Explorers would also force a turnover on downs to seal the victory.

Biggest Upset

Tony Bartolo of Gaither (Tampa) passed for 197 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-28 victory over Plant (Tampa).  It was the first loss for Plant to a team outside of Armwood in Hillsborough county. Drelin Pittman and Deveon Knighton were Bartolo’s go-to targets throughout the match with Knighton scoring the eventual game-winner.

Top Performers

Osmanis Aquilera, RB, Tampa Bay Tech – The senior ran for 126 yards on 32 carries in a 26-14 win over Plant City.

Osmanis Aquilera Game Film

Jacorey Brooks, WR, Miami Booker T. Washington – The junior had 13 catches for 119 yards and three scores in a 32-29 loss to Miami Central.

Jacorey Brooks Miami Central Game Film

Brandon Inniss, WR, University School (Davie) – After starter quarterback, Nick Vattiato was knocked out of the game with what looked to be a concussion, Hialeah charged with a furious comeback.  The T-Breds were down 28-0 and climbed back into the game scoring 27 straight points.  Inniss from the wildcat formation was able to weave his way to a 52-yard game-clinching touchdown to preserve the 35-27 victory over the Hialeah.

Brandon Inniss Hialeah Game Film 

Carson Haggard, QB, Gulliver (Miami) – The sophomore threw four touchdown passes in route to a 45-16 win over Belen Jesuit (Miami).

Carson Haggard Game Film

Earnest Johnson, Edge, Miami Northwestern – The senior had three tackles for loss and two sacks in a 10-0 shutout of Carol City. The game was suspended due to lightning in the area with 6:18 left in the game.  There are no updates as to if the rest of game will be made up.

Earnest Johnson Game Film 

Games To Watch This Week In Florida

#3 Miami Northwestern Vs. #7 (National Ranking-USA Today) IMG Academy (Bradenton) Friday 7:00 PM At Traz Powell Stadium

#4 Columbus (Miami) Vs. #22 South Dade (Homestead) Friday 7:30 PM At Tropical Park

#5 Miami Central Vs. #8 Miami Carol City Saturday 7:30 PM At Traz Powell Stadium

#17 Jones (Orlando) Vs #21 Edgewater (Orlando) Monday 7:00 PM

#7 Venice At Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) Friday At 7:30 PM (Canceled)

#10 Mandarin (Jacksonville) Vs. Deland Friday At 6:00 PM (Canceled)

#12 American Heritage (Plantation) At Miramar Friday 7:00 PM

#14 University School (Davie) At McArthur (Hollywood) Friday 7:00 PM

#16 Cocoa Vs. Osceola (Kissimmee) Friday 7:00 PM (Canceled)

Dillard (Fort Lauderdale) At Pahokee Monday 6:30 PM

Gaither (Tampa) At Plant City Friday 7:30 PM

Raines (Jacksonville) At Lee (Jacksonville) Saturday 2:00 PM (Possible Reschedule)

All Game Times Eastern

Top 25

1. Lakeland (7A) (2-0)

Last Week: Defeated American Collegiate (Clearwater) 55-13

This Week: At George Jenkins Friday 7:30 PM

2. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) (7A) (1-0)

Last Week: Vs. Bergen Catholic (NJ) (Game Canceled)

This Week: Bye

3. Miami Northwestern (5A) (2-0)

Last Week: Defeated Miami Carol City 10-0

This Week: Vs. IMG Academy (Bradenton) Friday 7:00 At Traz Powell Stadium

4. Columbus (Miami) (8A) (2-0)

Last Week: Defeated Osceola (Kissimmee) 21-17

This Week: Vs. South Dade (Homestead) Friday 7:30 PM At Tropical Park

Henry Parrish Jr., RB, Columbus

5. Miami Central (6A) (1-1)

Last Week: Defeated Miami Booker T. Washington 32-29

This Week: Vs. Miami Carol City Saturday 7:30 PM At Traz Powell Stadium

Katravis Marsh, QB, Miami Central

6. Atlantic (Delray) (7A) (1-0)

Last Week: Vs. Clearwater Academy International (Rescheduled)

This Week: At Boca Raton Friday 6:30 PM

Henry Bryant III, DT, Atlantic

7. Venice (7A) (1-1)

Last Week: Defeated St. Petersburg 44-0

This Week: At Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) Friday 7:30 PM

8. Miami Carol City (4A) (1-1)

Last Week: Lost to Miami Northwestern 10-0

This Week: Vs. Miami Central Saturday 7:30 PM At Traz Powell Stadium

9. Armwood (Seffner) (7A) (1-1)

Last Week: Lost to North Gwinnett (GA) 26-23

This Week: At Bloomingdale (Valrico) Saturday 7:30 PM

10. Mandarin (Jacksonville) (8A) (2-0)

Last Week: Defeated Ribault (Jacksonville) 32-13

This Week: Vs. Deland Friday 6:00 PM

Carson Beck, QB, Mandarin

11. Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) (4A) (1-1)

Last Week: Defeated Miami Palmetto 23-21

This Week: Vs. North Miami Friday 7:30 PM

12. American Heritage (Plantation) (5A) (1-1)

Last Week: Lost to Gonzaga (DC) 33-14

This Week: At Miramar Friday 7:00 PM

13. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) (3A) (2-0)

Last Week: Defeated Hallandale 44-8

This Week: Vs. Miami Christian Friday 7:00 PM

14. University School (Davie) (4A) (2-0)

Last Week: Defeated Hialeah 35-27

This Week: At McArthur (Hollywood) Friday 7:00 PM

15. Columbia (Lake City) (6A) (2-0)

Last Week: Defeated Oakleaf (Orange Park) 21-19

This Week: Vs. A’ Kelynn Angels Christian (Winter Haven) Saturday 7:30

16. Cocoa (4A) (1-1)

Last Week: Lost to Hoover (AL) 37-23

This Week: Vs. Osceola (Kissimmee) Friday 7:00 PM (Canceled)

17. Jones (Orlando) (5A) (2-0)

Last Week: Defeated Johns Creek (GA) 47-16

This Week: At Edgewater (Orlando) Monday at 7:00 PM

18. Tampa Bay Tech (7A) (2-0)

Last Week: Defeated Plant City 26-14

This Week:  At Hillsborough Saturday 7:00 PM

19. Gulliver (Miami) (4A) (2-0)

Last Week: Defeated Belen Jesuit 45-16

Next Week: Vs. Pinecrest Friday 4:00 PM

20. Miami Booker T. Washington (4A) (1-1)

Last Week: Lost to Miami Central 32-29

This Week: Vs. Miami Jackson Friday 7:30 PM At Curtis 

21. Edgewater (Orlando) (7A) (2-0)

Last Week: Defeated Oak Ridge (Orlando) 56-0

This Week: Vs. Jones (Orlando) Monday 7:00 PM

22. South Dade (Homestead) (8A) (2-0)

Last Week: Defeated Homestead 25-0

This Week: At Columbus (Miami) Friday 7:30 PM

23. Rockledge (5A) (2-0)

Last Week: Defeated Lincoln (Tallahassee) 34-20

This Week: Vs. Columbia (GA) Friday 7:00 PM (Canceled)

24. Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah) (2A) (1-1)

Last Week: Lost to Lowndes (GA) 44-14

This Week: At Christ Presbyrterian (TN) Friday 8:00 PM

25. Madison County (1A) (2-0)

Last Week: Defeated Jefferson City 55-0

This Week: At Rickards (Tallahassee) Thursday 7:00 PM

Others Receiving Votes:

Berkeley Prep (Tampa) (3A) (2-0)

Last Week: Defeated Calvary Christian (Clearwater) 21-13

This Week: At Cardinal Mooney (Sarasota) Friday 7:00 PM

Deerfield Beach (8A) (0-2)

Last Week: Lost to St. Johns (DC) 52-30

This Week: At Ely (Pompano) Saturday 7:00 PM 

Deland (8A) (1-0)

Last Week: Bye

This Week: At Mandarin (Jacksonville) Friday 6:00 PM (Canceled)

Dillard (Fort Lauderdale) (6A) (2-0)

Last Week: Defeated Miramar 34-28

This Week: At Pahokee Friday 6:30 PM

Florida State High (Tallahassee) (3A) (2-0)

Last Week: Defeated Taylor County 52-12

This Week: Vs. Chiles (Tallahassee) Friday 7:00 PM

Gaither (Tampa) (6A) (2-0)

Last Week: Defeated Plant (Tampa) 35-28

Next Week: Bye

Lakewood (St. Petersburg) (4A) (2-0)

Last Week: Defeated Pinellas Park 40-0

Next Week: At Gibbs (St. Petersburg) Friday 7:30 PM

Lincoln (Tallahassee) (7A) (1-1)

Last Week: Lost to Rockledge 34-20

This Week: Vs. Tate (Cantonment) Friday 7:00 PM

Miami Palmetto (8A) (1-1)

Last Week: Lost to Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) 23-21

This Week: At Hialeah Thursday 7:00 PM

Miami Southridge (6A) (0-1)

Last Week: Bye

This Week: Vs. Coral Gables Friday 7:30 PM

Miramar (7A) (1-1)

Last Week: Lost to Dillard (Fort Lauderdale) 34-28

This Week: Vs. American Heritage (Plantation) Friday 7:00 PM

McArthur (Hollywood) (7A) (0-1)

Last Week: Vs. Plantation (Cancelled)

This Week: Vs. University School (Davie) Friday 7:00 PM

North Marion (Citra) (5A) (2-0)

Last Week: Defeated Palatka 53-7

This Week: Bye

Oakleaf (Orange Park) (8A) (1-1)

Last Week: Lost to Columbia (Lake City) 21-19

This Week: At Ridgeview (Orange Park) Monday at 6:00 PM

Osceola (Kissimmee) (8A) (1-1)

Last Week: Lost to Columbus (Miami) 21-17

This Week: At Cocoa Friday 7:00 PM (Canceled)

Plant City (7A) (1-1)

Last Week: Lost to Tampa Bay Tech 26-14

This Week: At Gaither (Tampa) Friday 7:30 PM

Plantation (7A) (1-0)

Last Week: Vs. McArthur (Hollywood) (Cancelled) 

This Week: Vs. West Broward (Pembroke Pines) Friday 7:00 PM

Raines (Jacksonville) (5A) (0-1)

Last Week: Vs. Pahokee (Rescheduled)

This Week: At Lee Saturday 2:00 PM (Rescheduled)

Seminole (Sanford) (8A) (2-0)

Last Week: Defeated Lake Mary 28-20

Next Week: Vs. Lyman (Longwood) Friday 7:00 PM (Cancelled)

Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) (3A) (1-1)

Last Week: Defeated Godby (Tallahassee) 45-42

This Week: Vs. Venice Friday 7:30 PM 

Vanguard (Ocala) (5A) (2-0)

Last Week: Defeated Buchholz (Gainesville) 41-12

This Week: At Sandalwood (Jacksonville) Friday 6:00 PM (Cancelled)

Wekiva (Apopka) (7A) (2-0)

Last Week: Defeated West Orange 46-14

This Week: Vs Olympia (Orlando) Friday 7:00 PM

Western (Davie) (8A) (1-0)

Last Week: Vs. UMS Wright Prep (AL) (Cancelled) 

This Week: Vs. Miami Springs Friday 7:00 PM

Class Rankings (Top Three)

8A

1. Columbus (Miami)

2. Mandarin (Jacksonville)

3. South Dade (Homestead)

7A 

1. Lakeland

2. St. Thomas Aquinas

3. Atlantic (Delray)

6A

1. Miami Central

2. Columbia (Lake City)

3. Dillard (Fort Lauderdale)

5A

1. Miami Northwestern

2. American Heritage (Plantation) 

3. Jones (Orlando)

4A

1. Miami Carol City 

2. Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale)

3. University School (Davie)

3A

1. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood)

2. Florida State High (Tallhassee)

3. Berkeley Prep (Tampa)

2A

1. Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah) 

2. St. Joseph (St. Augustine)

3. Cambridge Christian (Tampa)

1A

1. Madison County

2. Baker 

3. Lafayette

Photo Galleries

Football Hotbed Florida High School Preseason Rankings

Football Hotbed Florida High School Preseason Rankings

Marcus Benjamin works as the senior writer and editor for FootballHotbed.com. He attended Florida A&M and Florida Memorial University completing a bachelors degree in communications in 2010. He's covered high school football in the South Florida area since 2010 for the Miami Herald, Miami Sports Tribune and ShawSports.net. He is married and lives in Fort, Lauderdale, FL.

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