So who’s really elite in the landscape of Florida High School Football?
Let’s break down the best teams in the state and determine who is truly earning their ranking. When it comes to rankings, it should come down to who you beat, how did you beat the teams on your schedule, who you lost to, and how you lost. There is a bit of shake up this week as wins and losses are becoming better defined. The RPI (metric to determine playoff teams) comes out next week so these type of anylytics will be used to determine postseason participants.
We believe Lakeland and St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) fit the description of the elitist in the sunshine state but every team in the top 12 can make a case to be in the top five. Many believe the two 7A powers have the best collection of talent in the state and have not been challenged for most of the season. The two teams met in the 7A state championship game last season in which Lakeland came out on top 33-20. Both seem to be on a collision course for a massive rematch in Daytona.
Lakeland (6-0)
Best Win: George Jenkins (Lakeland)
The Dreadnaughts have yet to be challenged thus far. Their opponents have a combined record of 13-19 and they have outscored those opponents 289-44. What will they do when they are actually challenged? The way things are shaping up, they will not get to see until maybe the second round of the playoffs.
St. Thomas Aquinas (4-0)
Best Wins: De La Salle (CA) (Currently ranked 10th in the country by USA Today), Miami Carol City, Miramar
The Raiders have done much more to earn a number one ranking than the aforementioned 7A state champs. They opened the season with a cross-country trip to California and beat a nationally ranked team in De La Salle, shutout an underrated Miramar team, and outplayed Miami Carol City last week to remain undefeated. The Raiders are playing a much tougher schedule than years past which will mentally prepare them for the postseason. Plantation, Deerfield Beach and Western should be their biggest concerns but I’m sure Head Coach Roger Harriot will preach a one game at a time philosophy as they travel to an underachieving defending 8A state champion in Mandarin in Jacksonville this week.
Miami Central (5-1)
Best Wins: Miami Booker T. Washington, Miami Carol City
Loss: St. Frances (MD) – (Currently ranked 9th in the country by USA Today)
The Rockets edged South Florida powers Miami Booker T. Washington 32-29 and handled Miami Carol City 49-26 the following week. The ladder, similar to what St. Thomas did to the Chiefs last week. The two wins are arguably the two most impressive wins in a two-week span. After a humbling 49-13 loss to nationally ranked St. Frances, Central looks like the powerhouse we have been accustomed to for many years now. They get rival Miami Northwestern this week and will not have to worry about facing any of their cross-town rivals in the postseason.
Armwood (Seffner) (4-1)
Best Win: Bloomingdale (Valrico)
Loss: North Gwinnett (GA)
The 6A state runner-ups have been taking care of business on a week-to-week basis and have yet to be pushed to the brink in the state. Their one loss, a 26-23 double-overtime defeat to North Gwinnett. Those Georgia Bulldogs are 4-1 with their only loss coming to a 4-1 Colquitt County (GA) team so it’s a strong loss. Besides a 28-0 shutout of Bloomingdale, the Hawks have a lack of a strong resume of wins. We will know so much more when Armwood takes on district foe Tampa Bay Tech in about a week and a half.
Miami Northwestern (3-2)
Best Wins: Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale), Miami Carol City
Losses: IMG Academy (Bradenton) – (Currently ranked 5th in the country by USA Today), Lowndes (GA)
Their two wins – solid. Can’t really get any better than two shutouts of Cardinal Gibbons (32-0) and Miami Carol City (10-0), two of the best teams in the state in 4A. Their two losses – solid. It’s hard to say losses are solid, but of all the teams from Florida that played IMG Academy this season (Venice and Miami Booker T. Washington), Northwestern came the closest falling 24-7. Northwestern’s 48-21 loss to Lowndes (GA) was to arguably the best team in all of Georgia as the Vikings are still undefeated. The Bulls defense is unquestionably one of the best defending units in the state and the offense has the playmakers to get it done. If ‘The West’ can get some consistent quarterback play, the 5A state championship is theirs to lose.
Columbia (Lake City) (5-0)
Best Wins: Trinity Christian (Jacksonville), Oakleaf (Orange Park)
The Tigers broke out of the gate strong with wins over Trinity Christian and Oakleaf that look better now going into week 7. A blowout win over TCA 38-7 and a narrow 21-19 win over the Knights keep Columbia’s unblemished record intact, but that record will be challenged this week by defending 1A state champion Madison County and the follwing week at Lee (Jacksonville).
American Heritage (Plantation) (4-1)
Best Wins: Trinity Christian (Jacksonville), Miramar
Loss: Gonzaga (DC) (Currently ranked 8th in the country by USA Today)
The business trip to Trinity Christian put the state on notice. Heritage is a legit contender for the 5A state title and the 31-17 victory over TCA proved it. A 31-6 victory over Miramar is looking better each week and there is no better way to prove yourself than to beat your cross-town rival. The Patriots go to Cardinal Gibbons this week in a game that never seems to disappoint. Their lone blemish, a 33-14 loss to nationally ranked Gonzaga on the road.
Edgewater (Orlando) (6-0)
Best Wins: Jones (Orlando), Wekiva (Apopka)
The Eagles have clearly been one of the most impressive teams this season. Their two best wins were in convincing fashion as they beat Jones 28-14 and Wekiva last week 52-21. Jones and Wekiva only have the one loss on the season. The Eagles face a huge challenge traveling to Marietta (GA) who ranks 21st nationally by USA Today.
Miami Booker T. Washington (4-2)
Best Win: Columbus (Miami)
Losses: Miami Central, IMG Academy
The Tornadoes’ last real regular-season challenge is to Trinity Christian this Thursday in Miami. A win can solidify their place in the top ten until we get to the playoffs that will perhaps be the most intriguing than any on the year in the 4A class. Booker T. took it on the chin (52-14) to IMG Academy like most teams did this season and nearly pulled off the victory over Miami Central. Washington’s 34-11 win over Columbus stands as their most impressive win.
Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) (4-1)
Best Win: Miami Palmetto
Loss: Miami Northwestern
A gutsy 23-21 victory over Miami Palmetto remains their strongest win to date. Their toughest challenge will indeed be this week against their rival American Heritage (Plantation). A win will firmly put them among the state’s elite and in the driver’s seat to repeat as state champions. The embarrassing 32-0 shutout from Northwestern is well in the past as the Chiefs continue to drive forward in defending the school’s first-ever state title.
South Dade (Homestead) (5-0)
Best Win: Columbus (Miami)
The Bucs made everyone believers with a one-touchdown victory over Columbus a few weeks back, but a shaky 35-32 win over Miami Norland brought doubts of how superior South Dade truly is over the other 8A teams in the state. Games against Carol City and Miami Palmetto in October will reveal how much of a contender they are in 2019.
Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) (4-1)
Best Win: Atlantic (Delray)
Loss: Miami Carol City
The Lions have one of the toughest schedules in the state and are very close to being undefeated. The close 17-14 win over Atlantic and a close loss to Carol City stand as the defining moments so far for the back-to-back 3A state champs. Chaminade plays at Vero Beach and host Miami Central this month.
Good teams, Tough Schedules
Miami Carol City and Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) continue their brutal schedules and both still remain contenders in their respective classes. There is also a scarcity of cupcakes on both Chaminade’s and Miami Central’s schedule this season. One things for sure is that all are battle-tested which will pay dividends in the playoffs.
Back-to-back Champs Lose
The two-time 1A state champions dropped a game for the first time this year losing to Lakewood (St. Petersburg) 21-20 in overtime. The Spartans of St. Pete got a defensive stop in overtime as Madison County attempted to go for the win with a two-point conversion. Senior quarterback Greg Spann scored on a Vince Young like run to the pylon for the go-ahead score in OT. Spann also had a 65-yard touchdown scramble in the game.
Eagles Storm Back To Remain Unbeaten
Edgewater (Orlando) was down 21-6 in the first quarter but the Eagles were able to tie it up before halftime 21-21 with a DJ Hampton scoop and score. Wekiva (Apopka) would not score for the rest of the game as the Eagles reeled off 46 straight points led by quarterback Canaan Mobley and running back Isaiah Connelly. Edgewater goes to 1-0 in district.
Miramar Show Big Heart Against McArthur
Amidst a controversial season-long suspension of Head Coach AJ Scott, the Patriots came up big defeating district foe McArthur (Hollywood) 20-6. The Miramar defense shuts down McArthur for most of the game as Clifford Massenat gets a pick-six just before the half to make it 20-0. Miramar is now the clear favorite to win the 7A-15 district. The Patriots’ coach was suspended for coming on the field to speak to the official after calling a timeout.
Top Performers
Jaden McBurrows, DB, St. Thomas Aquinas – The junior had three tackles, a blocked punt and an interception for a touchdown in a 45-24 win over Miami Carol City.
Jaden McBurrows Miami Carol City Game Film
Greg “Deuce” Spann, QB, Lakewood – The senior rushed for well over 100 yards scoring three rushing touchdowns in a 21-20 overtime win over Madison County.
Greg Span Madison County Game Film
David Wright, QB, Tampa Bay Tech – The junior signal caller went 11 for 15 throwing for four touchdown passes and had a rushing touchdown in a 47-8 win over Gibonston.
Jacolby George, WR, Plantation – The junior scored three touchdowns in a 46-14 win over Fort Lauderdale. The Miami commit racked up 176 receiving yards.
Jacolby George Fort Lauderdale Game Film
Games To Watch This Week In Florida
(All Game Times Eastern)
#3 Miami Central Vs. #4 Miami Northwestern Friday 7:30 PM At Traz Powell Stadium
#6 American Heritage (Plantation) At #10 Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) Friday 7:00 PM
#5 Columbia (Lake City) At Madison County Friday 7:30 PM
#9 Miami Booker T. Washington Vs. Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) Thursday 7:00 PM
#17 Jones (Orlando) Vs. Apopka Friday 7:00 PM
#25 Atlantic Vs. Clearwater Academy International Thursday 6:30 PM
#15 Tampa Bay Tech At Bloomingdale (Valrico) Friday 7:30 PM
Miami Carol City At Vanguard (Ocala) Friday 7:30 PM
Top 25
1. Lakeland (7A) (6-0)
Last Week: Defeated Strawberry Crest (Dover) 59-0
This Week: Vs Centennial (Port St. Lucie) Friday 7:30 PM
2. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) (7A) (4-0)
Last Week: Defeated Miami Carol City 45-24
This Week: At Mandarin (Jacksonville) Friday 6:00 PM
3. Miami Central (6A) (5-1)
Last Week: Defeated Belen Jesuit (Miami) 38-14
This Week: Vs. Miami Northwestern Friday 7:30 PM At Traz Powell Stadium
4. Miami Northwestern (5A) (3-2)
Last Week: Bye
This Week: Vs. Miami Central Friday 7:30 PM At Traz Powell Stadium
5. Columbia (Lake City) (6A) (5-0)
Last Week: Defeated Gainesville 41-14
This Week: At Madison County Friday 7:30 PM
6. American Heritage (Plantation) (5A) (4-1)
Last Week: Defeated North Miami Beach 31-8
This Week: At Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) Friday 7:00 PM
7. Edgewater (Orlando) (7A) (6-0)
Last Week: Defeated Wekiva (Apopka) 52-21
This Week: At Marietta (GA) Friday 7:00 PM
8. Armwood (Seffner) (7A) (4-1)
Last Week: Defeated Wiregrass Ranch (Wesley Chapel) 49-3
This Week: At Plant City Friday 7:30 PM
9. Miami Booker T. Washington (4A) (4-2)
Last Week: Lost to IMG Academy (Bradenton) 52-14
This Week: Vs. Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) Thursday 7:00 PM
10. Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) (4A) (4-1)
Last Week: Bye
This Week: Vs. American Heritage (Plantation) Friday 7:00 PM
11. South Dade (Homestead) (8A) (5-0)
Last Week: Defeated Coral Reef (Miami) 48-0
This Week: Vs. Miami Southridge Friday 7:30 PM
12. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) (3A) (4-1)
Last Week: Bye
This Week: Vs. Doral Academy Friday 7:00
13. Rockledge (5A) (5-0)
Last Week: Defeated Atlantic (Port Orange) 41-0
This Week: At St. Ignatius (OH) Saturday 8:00 PM
14. Seminole (Sanford) (8A) (4-0)
Last Week: Defeated West Port (Ocala) 47-0
Next Week: Vs. Lake Brantley (Altamonte Springs) Friday 7:00 PM
15. Tampa Bay Tech (7A) (5-0)
Last Week: Defeated East Bay (Gibonston) 47-8
This Week: At Bloomingdale (Valrico) Friday 7:30 PM
16. Lakewood (St. Petersburg) (4A) (6-0)
Last Week: Defeated Madison County 21-20
This Week: Vs. Sebring Friday 7:30 PM
17. Jones (Orlando) (5A) (4-1)
Last Week: Defeated Leesburg 53-0
This Week: Vs. Apopka Friday 7:00 PM
18. Oakleaf (Orange Park) (8A) (5-1)
Last Week: Defeated Sandalwood (Jacksonville) 37-22
This Week: Bye
19. Dillard (Fort Lauderdale) (6A) (6-0)
Last Week: Defeated Boyd Anderson (Lauderdale Lakes) 41-6
This Week: Vs. Archbishop McArthy (Southwest Ranches) Friday 7:00 PM
20. Cocoa (4A) (4-1)
Last Week: Defeated Glades Central (Belle Glade) 27-20
This Week: Vs. Mainland (Daytona) Friday 7:00 PM
21. Bartram Trail (St. Johns) (8A) (5-0)
Last Week: Bye
This Week: At Ponte Vedra Friday 7:30 PM
22. Dunnellon (5A) (6-0)
Last Week: Defeated Belleview 58-7
This Week: Bye
23. Gulliver (Miami) (4A) (5-0)
Last Week: Bye
Next Week: Vs. North Broward Prep Friday 4:00 PM
24. Miami Palmetto (8A) (5-1)
Last Week: Defeated Southwest Miami 35-0
This Week: Bye
25. Atlantic (Delray) (7A) (3-1)
Last Week: Olympic Heights (Boca Raton) 62-0
This Week: Vs. Clearwater Academy International Thursday 6:30 PM
Others Receiving Votes:
Apopka (8A) (4-0)
Last Week: Defeated Lake Brantley (Altamonte Springs) 35-0
This Week: At Jones (Orlando) Friday 7:00 PM
Bloomingdale (Valrico) (7A) (4-1)
Last Week: Defeated Plant City 37-34 OT
This Week: Vs. Tampa Bay Tech Friday 7:30 PM
Berkeley Prep (Tampa) (3A) (5-0)
Last Week: Defeated Tampa Catholic 21-16
This Week: Victory Christian (Lakeland) Friday 7:00 PM
Cambridge Christian (Tampa) (2A) (6-0)
Last Week: Defeated Zephyrhills Christian 35-12
This Week: At Seffner Christian Friday 7:30 PM
Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah) (2A) (4-2)
Last Week: Defeated Monsignor Pace (Miami) 34-13
This Week: Bye
Columbus (Miami) (8A) (3-2)
Last Week: Defeated Miami High 45-18
This Week: At Monsignor Pace (Miami) Friday 7:30 PM
Deerfield Beach (8A) (4-2)
Last Week: Defeated Boca Raton 49-6
This Week: Bye
Escambia (Pensacola) (6A) (5-0)
Last Week: Defeated Milton 22-15
This Week: Vs. Pace Friday 8:00 PM
Florida State High (Tallahassee) (3A) (5-1)
Last Week: Defeated Gadsden County 36-6
This Week: At North Florida Christian (Tallahassee) Friday 7:30 PM
Gaither (Tampa) (6A) (5-0)
Last Week: Defeated Fivay (Hudson) 54-3
Next Week: At Chamberlain (Tampa) Friday 7:30 PM
Lake Wales (5A) (5-0)
Last Week: Bye
This Week: At Lely (Naples) Friday 7:00 PM
Lee (Jacksonville) (6A) (4-1)
Last Week: Defeated Middleburg 38-6
This Week: At Ribault (Jacksonville)Thursday 6:00 PM
Madison County (1A) (5-1)
Last Week: Lost to Lakewood (St. Petersburg) 21-20 2OT
This Week: Vs. Columbia (Lake City) Friday 7:30 PM
Miami Carol City (4A) (2-4)
Last Week: Lost to St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) 45-24
This Week: At Vanguard (Ocala) Friday 7:30 PM
Miramar (7A) (3-3)
Last Week: Defeated McArthur (Hollywood) 20-6
This Week: Vs. Hallandale Friday 7:00 PM
Naples (6A) (6-0)
Last Week: Defeated Barron Collier (Naples) 49-14
This Week: Bye
Niceville (7A) (6-0)
Last Week: Defeated Navarre 20-7
This Week: Vs. West Florida (Pensacola) Friday 8:00 PM
Osceola (Kissimmee) (8A) (4-1)
Last Week: Defeated Cypress Creek (Orlando) 41-0
This Week: Vs. St. Cloud Friday 7:00 PM
Palmetto (6A) (6-0)
Last Week: Defeated Braden River 27-3
This Week: Bye
Plantation (7A) (5-0)
Last Week: Defeated Fort Lauderdale 46-14
This Week: Vs. South Plantation Friday 7:00 PM
Trinity Christian (Jacksonville) (3A) (3-3)
Last Week: Defeated Pahokee 42-7
Next Week: Vs. Miami Booker T. Washington Thursday 7:00 PM
University School (Davie) (4A) (4-1)
Last Week: Bye
This Week: Vs. Miami Christian Friday 7:00 PM
Vanguard (Ocala) (5A) (3-1)
Last Week: Defeated North Marion (Citra) 18-14
This Week: Vs. Miami Carol City Friday 7:30 PM
Venice (7A) (3-2)
Last Week: Defeated Sarasota 42-7
This Week: Vs. St. Frances (MD) Friday 7:30 PM
Wekiva (Apopka) (7A) (5-1)
Last Week: Lost to Edgewater (Orlando) 52-21
This Week: Vs. Dr. Phillips (Orlando) Friday 7:00 PM
8A
South Dade (Homestead)
Seminole (Sanford)
Oakleaf (Orange Park)
7A
Lakeland
St. Thomas Aquinas
Edgewater (Orlando)
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)
Lakewood (St. Petersburg)
3A
Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood)
Trinity Christian (Jacksonville)
Florida State High (Tallahassee)
2A
Cambridge Christian (Tampa)
Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah)
University Christian (Jacksonville)
1A
Madison County
Blountstown
Baker
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