Teams are beginning to separate themselves as we move into district games this season. Among the eight classes: 8A is still an enigma, 7A seems to be the deepest class from top to bottom, 6A is Miami Central’s to lose, 5A is strong at the top, 4A is stronger at the top, 3A is Chaminade’s to lose, 2A is Champagnat’s to lose and we have a three-team race brewing in 1A with defending champions Madison County at the top.
We are almost at the half-way point through the season if you can believe that and wins are becoming more critical to get into the postseason. This week’s rankings have some new members based on some big wins in the previous week, and others were dropped due to lackluster performances. We learned this week that teams will continue to display their greatness while others will reveal flaws that will end their seasons earlier than expected.
Riser – Pats Come Out Swinging
American Heritage (Plantation) is alive and well. For those that thought the program was dying, they may want to reconsider. The Pats took a business trip to Jacksonville and handed the 3A state title contenders their third loss of the season in dominating fashion. Heritage jumped out to a 24-0 lead and held off a Trinity Christian comeback to win 31-17. Quarterback Edwin Rhodes has taken it up a notch from last season as he tossed two touchdown passes to Douglas Emilien and another to Jacolby Spells to open up the big lead. The Heritage defense did Heritage things forcing four turnovers and have a date with Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) circled on their calendars on October 4th.
Faller – Bears Maul Mustangs
The defending 8A state champions took one on the chin last week. The Bears of Bartram Trail (St. Johns) held last year’s Mr. Football award winner and senior quarterback Carson Beck, to just 41 total passing yards and intercepted him three times. Bartram Trail gets a big district win exhibiting a balanced attack from quarterback Chad Dodson and running back A.J. Jones in the 32-7 win. Watch out for the Bears in 8A.
Riser and Faller – Tornadoes Blow Explorers Away
Miami Booker T. Washington held Columbus workhorse Henry Parrish Jr. in check for most of the game and took a 7-3 lead into halftime. Four-star Columbus receiver Xzavier Henderson left the game in the first half with an arm injury and any hopes of offense from the Explorers also seemed to leave the game with Henderson. The Tornadoes, led by junior quarterback Torey Morrison (who threw two touchdown passes one to junior Jacorey Brooks and the other to senior Tenard “TJ” Summerall) scored on a four-yard touchdown run to end any hopes of a Columbus comback late in the second half. The Booker T. defense forced four turnovers giving Morrison great field position throughout the game. The Tornadoes pulled their starters with a 27-3 lead en route to a 34-11 victory on Columbus’s home field.
U-School Wins Davie Bowl
Both are contenders in their respective classes, but only one can be the best in the city. The University School (Davie) Sharks make that claim in 2019 with a 14-9 win over the Western (Davie) Wildcats. Standout junior quarterback Nick Vattiato returned from a reported concussion two weeks prior to lead his team over the crosstown foe last week. Freshman Colin Hurst, who played most of the game, came close to completing a fourth-quarter comeback over on his home field. After scoring with 1:48 to go, Hurst drove his team to the 7-yard line but failed to score on fourth down as his pass fell incomplete. U-School looks to keep it rolling against the 2A state runner-ups in Champagnat (Hialeah).
Eagles Soar, Leave Raiders Sore
After a two-week layoff courtesy of Hurricane Dorian, the Eagles were able to fly all over the field in a 49-3 win over Glades Central (Belle Glade). Junior running back Montahj Joseph scored four touchdowns as the Eagles flew to a 36-3 halftime lead. The road gets tougher in a hurry with the 3A state champs Chaminade-Madonna coming to Delray next week.
Dreadnaughts Keep It Rolling
Lakeland extended their winning streak to 19 with an easy 55-19 drubbing of rival Plant City. Clemson commit DeMarkcus Bowman rushed for 172 yards on 11 carries scoring two touchdowns. Senior quarterback and Auburn commit Chayil Garnett returned in this game after missing a few games with an injured hand. The Lakeland defense forced six turnovers including two pick-sixes. The Dreadnaught machine gets Hialeah next.
Top Performers
Zach Rhodes, WR, Bartram Trail – The senior had seven catches for 175 yards and a 77-yard touchdown.
Click Here For Zach Rhodes Mandarin Game Film
Tywan Cash, RB, Miami Carol City – In the absence of two Chief running backs, the senior Cash cashed-in rushing for 132 yards on 23 carries scoring two touchdowns in a 14-13 win over Chaminade.
Click Here For Tywan Cash Chaminade-Madonna Game Film
Montahj Joseph, RB, Atlantic (Delray) – The junior scored four touchdowns in a 49-3 rout of Glades Central.
Click Here For Montahj Joseph Glades Central Game Film
Chezzy Matthews, RB, South Dade (Homestead) – Rushed for 128 yards on 16 carries and touchdown in a 35-32 comeback victory over Miami Norland.
Click Here For Chezzy Matthews Game Film
Andre Johnson, DB, Seminole – The senior had two interceptions in a 24-13 win over DeLand.
Click Here For Andre Johnson DeLand Game Film
David Vadala, LB, American Heritage (Plantation) – The freshman linebacker had a sack a forced fumble and tackle for loss in a 31-17 win over Trinity Christian.
Click Here For David Vadala Game Film
Games To Watch This Week In Florida
(All Game Times Eastern)
#6 Atlantic (Delray) Vs. #19 Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) Friday 6:00 PM
#2 St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) Vs. Miramar Friday 7:00 PM
#5 Armwood (Seffner) Vs. Chamberlain (Tampa) Friday 8:00 PM
#13 Miami Carol City At Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) Friday 7:30 PM
#24 Champagnat (Hialeah) At University School (Davie)
#25 Madison County Vs. Florida State High Friday 7:30 PM
Top 25
1. Lakeland (7A) (4-0)
Last Week: Defeated Plant City 55-19
This Week: Vs Hialeah Friday 7:30 PM
2. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) (7A) (2-0)
Last Week: Defeated South Plantation 61-0
This Week: Vs. Miramar Friday 7:00 PM
3. Miami Central (6A) (3-1)
Last Week: Defeated Miami Southridge 35-0
This Week: Vs. Miami Edison Thursday At Traz Powell Stadium
4. Miami Northwestern (5A) (3-1)
Last Week: Defeated Miami Killian 48-13
This Week: At Lowndes (GA) Friday 8:00 PM
5. Armwood (Seffner) (7A) (2-1)
Last Week: Bye
This Week: Vs. Chamberlain (Tampa) Friday 7:30 PM
6. Atlantic (Delray) (7A) (2-0)
Last Week: Defeated Glades Central 49-3
This Week: Vs. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) Friday 6:00 PM
7. Columbia (Lake City) (6A) (4-0)
Last Week: Defeated Pine Forest (Pensacola) 21-13
This Week: Bye
8. American Heritage (Plantation) (5A) (3-1)
Last Week: Defeated Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) 31-17
This Week: Bye
9. Edgewater (Orlando) (7A) (4-0)
Last Week: Defeated Godby (Tallahassee) 48-7
This Week: Vs. Winter Park Friday 7:00 PM
10. Miami Booker T. Washington (4A) (3-1)
Last Week: Defeated Columbus (Miami) 34-11
This Week: Vs. North Miami Friday 7:30 PM At Curtis Park
11. Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) (4A) (3-1)
Last Week: Defeated Fort Lauderdale 41-16
This Week: At American Heritage (Delray) Friday 7:00 PM
12. South Dade (Homestead) (8A) (4-0)
Last Week: Defeated Miami Norland 35-32
This Week: Bye
13. Miami Carol City (4A) (2-2)
Last Week: Defeated Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) 14-13
This Week: At Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) Friday 7:30 PM
14. Cocoa (4A) (2-1)
Last Week: Defeated Sebastian River 40-0
This Week: At Heritage (Palm Bay) Friday 7:00 PM
15. Tampa Bay Tech (7A) (4-0)
Last Week: Defeated Plant (Tampa) 40-14
This Week: Bye
16. Gulliver (Miami) (4A) (4-0)
Last Week: Defeated Immaculata La Salle (Miami) 44-0
Next Week: At King’s Academy (Palm Beach) Friday 7:00 PM
17. Rockledge (5A) (3-0)
Last Week: Defeated Eau Gallie (Melbourne) 42-6
This Week: At Viera Friday 7:00 PM
18. Jones (Orlando) (5A) (3-1)
Last Week: Defeated Bishop Moore (Orlando) 49-21
This Week: Bye
19. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) (3A) (3-1)
Last Week: Lost to Miami Carol City 14-13
This Week: At Atlantic (Delray) Friday 6:00 PM
20. Oakleaf (Orange Park) (8A) (3-1)
Last Week: Defeated Gainesville 37-6
This Week: Vs. Ed White (Jacksonville) Friday at 7:00 PM
21. Venice (7A) (2-1)
Last Week: Bye
This Week: Vs. Riverview (Sarasota) Friday 7:30 PM
22. Dillard (Fort Lauderdale) (6A) (4-0)
Last Week: Defeated Northeast (Oakland Park) 42-0
This Week: At Stranahan (Fort Lauderdale) Friday 7:00 PM
23. Bartram Trail (St. Johns) (8A) (4-0)
Last Week: Defeated Mandarin (Jacksonville) 32-7
This Week: At St. Augustine Friday 7:00 PM
24. Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah) (2A) (3-1)
Last Week: Defeated Everglades Prep 49-0
This Week: At University School (Davie) Friday 7:00 PM
25. Madison County (1A) (4-0)
Last Week: Defeated Suwanee (Live Oak) 55-28
This Week: Vs. Florida State High Friday 7:30 PM
Others Receiving Votes:
Berkeley Prep (Tampa) (3A) (3-0)
Last Week: Bye
This Week: Vs. IMG Academy White (Bradenton) Friday 7:00 PM
Columbus (Miami) (8A) (2-2)
Last Week: Lost to Miami Booker T. Washington 34-11
This Week: Bye
Deerfield Beach (8A) (2-2)
Last Week: Defeated Zachary (LA) 53-0
This Week: Vs. Oak Ridge (Orlando) Friday 7:00 PM
Dunnellon (5A) (4-0)
Last Week: Defeated Vanguard (Ocala) 23-20
This Week: Vs. Forest (Ocala) Friday 7:30 PM
Florida State High (Tallahassee) (3A) (4-0)
Last Week: Defeated P. K. Yonge (Gainesville) 43-0
This Week: At Madison County Friday 7:30 PM
Gaither (Tampa) (6A) (4-0)
Last Week: Defeated East Bay (Gibonston) 39-15
Next Week: Bye
Lake Wales (5A) (4-0)
Last Week: Defeated Mulberry 72-0
This Week: Vs. Clewiston Friday 7:30 PM
Lakewood (St. Petersburg) (4A) (4-0)
Last Week: Defeated Boca Ciega (Gulfport) 35-0
Next Week: Vs. Braden River Friday 7:30 PM
Lincoln (Tallahassee) (7A) (3-1)
Last Week: Defeated Navarre 35-20
This Week: At Niceville Friday 8:00 PM
Mandarin (Jacksonville) (8A) (2-1)
Last Week: Lost to Bartram Trail (St. Johns) 32-7
This Week: Vs. Lee (Jacksonville) Friday 6:00 PM
Miami Palmetto (8A) (3-1)
Last Week: Defeated Coral Gables 35-3
This Week: At Miami Southridge Friday 7:30 PM
Miramar (7A) (2-2)
Last Week: Defeated South Broward (Hollywood) 27-2
This Week: At St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) Friday 7:00 PM
McArthur (Hollywood) (7A) (1-1)
Last Week: Bye
This Week: Vs. South Broward (Hollywood) Friday 7:00 PM
North Marion (Citra) (5A) (3-0)
Last Week: Defeated Hardee (Wauchula) 25-13
This Week: Vs. Gainesville Friday 7:30 PM
Osceola (Kissimmee) (8A) (2-1)
Last Week: Defeated Celebration 42-14
This Week: At Liberty (Kissimmee) Friday 7:00 PM
Plantation (7A) (3-0)
Last Week: Defeated Piper (Sunrise) 53-6
This Week: At Everglades (Miramar) Friday 7:00 PM
Seminole (Sanford) (8A) (3-0)
Last Week: Defeated DeLand 24-13
Next Week: At Mainland (Daytona) Friday 7:00 PM
University School (Davie) (4A) (3-1)
Last Week: Defeated Western (Davie) 14-9
This Week: Vs. Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah) Friday 7:00 PM
Wekiva (Apopka) (7A) (4-0)
Last Week: Defeated East River (Orlando) 31-7
This Week: At Ocoee Friday 7:00 PM
Rankings By Class (Top Three)
8A
South Dade (Homestead)
Oakleaf (Orange Park)
Bartram Trail (St. Johns)
7A
Lakeland
St. Thomas Aquinas
Armwood (Seffner)
6A
Miami Central
Columbia (Lake City)
Dillard (Fort Lauderdale)
5A
Miami Northwestern
American Heritage (Plantation)
Rockledge
4A
Miami Booker T. Washington
Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale)
Miami Carol City
3A
Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood)
Florida State High (Tallahassee)
Berkeley Prep (Tampa)
2A
Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah)
Cambridge Christian (Tampa)
University Christian (Jacksonville)
1A
Madison County
Blountstown
Baker
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