Week 4: Competition Is The Key Word
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While some of the early action in the state of Florida is pointing to some new faces who have been elevated into the spotlight, just a gentle reminder that the “old guard” is still very much in place and competing…
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Continue ReadingWhile some of the early action in the state of Florida is pointing to some new faces who have been elevated into the spotlight, just a gentle reminder that the “old guard” is still very much in place and competing against one another.
What separates football in the Sunshine State here in 2021 from the past is that every week, numerous state powers are playing each other – or taking on some elite competition somewhere.
As we head toward the fourth week of the season, national power IMG Academy (3-0) stays on top of the state poll – with defending 4A state champion Cardinal Gibbons in second.
With traditional powers such as St. Thomas Aquinas and Plantation American losing along with Miami Central, it’s easy to forget that these programs all won state titles and are very much as talented as they have been in the past.
While the powers are still very much in the race to play for a chance at a state title, some new faces have emerged.
Programs such as Venice, Tampa Jesuit and Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast have thrust themselves into the spotlight and will be right in the mix – along with defending 8A state champion Sanford Seminole and 3A state champs from 2020, Jacksonville Trinity Christian.
While there were a number of big games this past week, you will see several programs have moved up and down over the last ranking.
Here is a look at the latest ranking from Florida Prep Redzone, heading into Week 4:
1. Bradenton IMG Academy (Independent, 3-0). Remained unbeaten with a convincing home game 52-21 win over No. 18 Miami Northwestern. THIS WEEK: Another home game against No. 19 Orlando Jones.
2. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (4A, 2-0). While it was a bit of a struggle, the Chiefs beat Fort Lauderdale Stranahan, 37-8. THIS WEEK: A road trip to play unbeaten Gainesville Buchholz this Friday, Sept. 17.
3. Venice (8A, 2-0). Playing one of the most competitive schedules in the state, the Indians held on at home to beat No. 24 Cocoa, 21-20. THIS WEEK: A key road game at nearby Sarasota on Friday night.
4. Tampa Jesuit (6A, 3-0). Stayed unbeaten with an impressive win against Bloomingdale, 32-14. THIS WEEK: Another major showdown with a rising local program on the road at No. 25 Tampa Hillsborough.
5. Sanford Seminole (8A, 3-0). Once again last week, the Seminoles showed why they are one of the best in the state – with a 62-0 win over Longwood Lyman. They have outscored the three opponents, 135-6. THIS WEEK: A trip to play unbeaten Flagler Palm Coast on Friday.
6. Miami Central (5A, 1-2). After playing top 10 national powers the first two weeks of the season, the Rockets blasted off with a 51-7 win against Miami Booker T. Washington. THIS WEEK: A Thursday game against winless Miami Springs.
7. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (7A, 2-1). The Raiders rebounded on the road against No. 13 Plantation American Heritage, 24-16. THIS WEEK: A home game on Friday against Miami Monsignor Pace.
8. Jacksonville Trinity Christian (2A, 3-0). The Conquerors continued to roll with a 55-8 win against Zarephath Academy. THIS WEEK: A home game on Friday against Clearwater Academy International.
9. Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast (8A, 2-0). Playing a Monday night game to at least give the team some action, the Titans scored early and often – overwhelming Hollywood Surge Academy. THIS WEEK: A road game at Orlando Bishop Moore on Friday.
10. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (3A, 2-1). Rebounding from a loss the week before, the Lions rolled over 8A Miami Christopher Columbus, 33-17. THIS WEEK: It’s a Friday road trip to Georgia powerhouse Buford.
11. Apopka (8A, 3-0). With a 28-14 win over Dr. Phillips, the Blue Darters continue to roll and turn heads. THIS WEEK: On the road on Friday at Ocoee.
12. Miami Gulliver Prep (4A, 2-0). It was not easy, but the Raiders got by Miami Gardens TRU Prep Academy, 39-38. THIS WEEK: Another road game at a much-improved North Palm Beach Benjamin on Friday.
13. Plantation American Heritage (5A, 1-2). When the season began, this was one of those teams that many felt could be in the national picture, but with a second loss last week to No. 7 St. Thomas Aquinas, defending their 5A title is a priority. THIS WEEK: A trip to New Orleans and Edna Karr High School was something everyone looked forward to before Hurricane Ida.
14. Niceville (7A, 3-0). Those who have watched this team play believe that this is a team that is way under-the-radar – with so much talent. The 45-8 win against Fort Walton Beach showcased a lot of talent. THIS WEEK: Another road game at Pace on Friday night.
15. Naples (6A, 2-0). After two wins to start the season, the Golden Eagles took this week off. THIS WEEK: A home game on Sept. 17 against Naples Golden Gate.
16. Lakeland (7A, 3-0). From a less than spectacular 2020 season and an average spring, the Dreadnaughts are truly one of the major surprises so far this young season after beating power Lake Wales, 41-14. THIS WEEK: Another huge road game at rival Lakeland Lake Gibson on Friday.
17. Jacksonville Bolles (4A, 3-0). There is no doubt that this has been one of the top 4A programs in the state so far, beating a very good St. Augustine team last week, 32-27. THIS WEEK: A trip to play Fernandina Beach on Friday.
18. Orlando Edgewater (7A, 2-1). The Eagles – after being soundly beaten the week before – came up with a huge win a against No. 19 Orlando Jones, 52-49. THIS WEEK: An away game on Friday at Clermont East Ridge.
19. Orlando Jones (6A, 2-1). After two huge wins to start the season, the Tigers ran into No. 18 Edgewater in an exciting matchup, losing 52-49. THIS WEEK: It gets no easier at all – as a trip to No. 1 Bradenton IMG Academy is on tap for Friday.
20. Lake Mary (8A, 3-0). The great start continued for the Rams last week – with a convincing 38-6 win over Lake Brantley. THIS WEEK: The team will enjoy a well-deserved week off.
21. Tampa Bay Tech (7A, 3-0). It has been a tremendous start for the Titans as they got by a very talented No. 25 Tampa Hillsborough, 14-7. THIS WEEK: After a tremendous start, they will take the week off.
22. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (7A, 3-0). It wasn’t pretty, but the 15-7 win over Miramar was the Panthers’ 21st win in the past 22 games. THIS WEEK: A Friday home district game against Cooper City.
23. Miami Northwestern (6A, 2-1). A 52-21 loss to the No. 1 team in the state is something that the Bulls will need to get over – fast. THIS WEEK: A Friday district game at home against Miami Belen Jesuit.
24. Cocoa (4A, 2-1). After a pair of one-point wins to start the season, the Tigers lost by a point to No. 3 Venice. THIS WEEK: At press time, this program was off, but looking to fill this week’s opening.
25. Tampa Hillsborough (6A, 2-1). A 14-7 setback to No. 21 Tampa Bay Tech showed the Terriers they can lineup against anyone. THIS WEEK: It gets no easier this Friday with a home game against No. 4 Tampa Jesuit.
OTHER TEAMS TO CONSIDER: Baker County (6A, 2-1), Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (3A, 3-0), Clearwater Central Catholic (3A, 2-1), Davie Western (8A, 1-1), Deerfield Beach (8A, 2-1), Flagler Palm Coast (8A, 2-0), Fort Myers Dunbar (6A, 2-0), Gainesville Buchholz (7A, 3-0), Hawthorne (1A, 2-0), Hialeah Champagnat Catholic (2A, 2-1), Jacksonville University Christian (2A, 2-1), Kissimmee Osceola (8A, 1-1), Lakeland Lake Gibson (6A, 1-2), Lake City Columbia (6A, 2-1), Lake Minneola (6A, 2-1), Lake Wales (6A, 2-1), Madison County (1A, 2-1), Miami Booker T. Washington (4A, 1-2), Miami Miami Dade Christian (2A, 2-1), Miami Edison (3A, 2-1), Miami Killian (5A, 3-0), 24. Miami Palmetto (8A, 1-1), Pensacola Escambia (6A, 1-1), Ocala Vanguard (6A, 3-0), Port Orange Spruce Creek (7A, 3-0), Sarasota (8A, 3-0), Seffner Armwood (7A, 2-1), St. Augustine (6A, 2-1), St. Johns Bartram Trail (8A, 2-1), St. Petersburg Lakewood (4A, 3-0), Tallahassee Florida High (3A, 3-0), Tampa Berkeley Prep (3A, 3-0), Tampa Carrollwood Day (3A, 2-1), Tampa Catholic (3A, 2-1), Tampa Gaither (7A, 2-1), Rockledge (5A, 3-0), Vero Beach (8A, 1-1), Winter Garden West Orange (8A, 2-1).
TRACKING FLORIDA: Teams Look At 2021 Season. https://prepredzone.com/2021/03/tracking-florida-teams-look-at-2021-season/
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@