We are getting into the heart of the high school football season, and Week 5 offers some intriguing matchups.
Western heads to Fort Lauderdale to face Broward County’s No. 1 team, St. Thomas Aquinas and Pahokee will look to stay undefeated against Palm Beach Gardens.
I went 7-2 last week, with one game being canceled. I am 29-10 so far this season.
All games are Friday at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Western (2-1) at St. Thomas Aquinas (3-1)
The premier matchup in Broward County this week pits these two ranked teams against each other. Western has looked solid following its season-opening loss to Chaminade-Madonna. But the Wildcats struggled to move the ball against the Lions’ loaded defense, and the Raiders’ defense is similarly talented. St. Thomas clicked in a 56-6 win over Miami Monsignor Pace last week, and it will be tough for the Wildcats to slow them down. St. Thomas Aquinas 35, Western 17.
Palm Beach Gardens (2-2) at Pahokee (3-0), 6:30 p.m.
The Blue Devils are rolling through their first three games, outscoring opponents 102-28. Pahokee’s defense has been especially effective, forcing five interceptions and recovering three fumbles already. Palm Beach Gardens has been up-and-down through its first four games, upsetting Atlantic and beating Wellington but struggling in losses to Glades Central and Dwyer. Pahokee 21, Palm Beach Gardens 17.
Cardinal Gibbons (3-0) at Calvary Christian (2-2)
Calvary Christian is coming off two tough losses, and things don’t get any easier. Cardinal Gibbons has been stingy when it comes to allowing points, giving up 29 through three contests. The Chiefs only scored 16 points in their win over Gainesville Buchholz last week, but look for that number to go up this week. Cardinal Gibbons 28, Calvary Christian 10.
Cardinal Newman (1-2) at Fort Pierce John Carroll Catholic (1-0)
This game will provide a big test for the Crusaders. John Carroll is ranked eighth in Class 2A by MaxPreps. But neither team has played much recently. Cardinal Newman’s game against Fort Pierce Central on Sept. 17 was canceled, so the Crusaders are two weeks removed from a loss to Benjamin. John Carroll has played only one game: a win over Calvary Christian. Cardinal Newman 21, John Carroll Catholic 20.
Deerfield Beach (3-1) at Rockledge (4-0)
Rockledge offers a strong road test for the Bucks, who have outscored their opponents 99-2 in their last two games. The Raiders are ranked 37th in the state by MaxPreps (Deerfield is ranked 15th) and are undefeated on the season. Rockledge does have a few college prospects on the team, including Coastal Carolina commit Rian Black at wide receiver and three-star offensive tackle Bryce Lovett. Otherwise, the Bucks should have a talent advantage. Still, Deerfield can’t overlook this Rockledge team. Deerfield Beach 28, Rockledge 20.
Park Vista (3-0) at Royal Palm Beach (0-3), 6:30 p.m.
Park Vista has excelled early in the year, winning its three games by a combined score of 109-15. Royal Palm Beach has been on the opposite end of the spectrum, getting outscored 162-0 through three games. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, it’s unlikely Royal Palm Beach scores its first victory this week. Park Vista 42, Royal Palm Beach 7.
Miramar (1-2) at Flanagan (2-1)
The Patriots picked up their first win of the season with a 32-14 victory over South Broward. Next up is a trip to Pembroke Pines to play Flanagan, which is coming off a victory over Taravella. Miramar will have to game plan for defensive lineman Donnell Johnson. Even in their losses, the Patriots have shown that they’re nearly at the level of some of South Florida’s top teams, and I think they have the advantage here. Miramar 24, Flanagan 17.
Fort Lauderdale (2-1) at Coral Springs (0-3), Thursday, 7 p.m.
The Flying L’s have gotten off to a solid start to the year, with their one loss coming against Western. Last week, they handed Olympic Heights a 40-0 defeat. Sophomore quarterback Jadyn Glasser, in his first year on the varsity team, has been key to Fort Lauderdale’s hot start. He has completed 44 of 60 passes for 720 yards and 12 touchdowns thus far. He will likely continue that hot streak against a struggling Coral Springs squad on Thursday. Fort Lauderdale 35, Coral Springs 10.
Boca Raton (2-1) at Olympic Heights (1-1), Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
Boca Raton recovered well from its loss to Palm Beach Central, beating crosstown rival West Boca Raton 63-0 last week. The Bobcats stay in the city limits and face Olympic Heights this week. The Lions won their first game of the year but fell to Fort Lauderdale. Unfortunately for Heights, Boca Raton is closer to Fort Lauderdale’s level than John I. Leonard’s. Boca Raton 38, Olympic Heights 10.
Hialeah Champagnat (3-1) at Chaminade-Madonna (3-1) (canceled)
Chaminade’s anticipated matchup with Champagnat, the winner of the last two Class 2A state titles, was canceled after the Miami-Dade school made the Lions aware of a COVID issue.