10 Games To Watch This Friday
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During the football season we have a lot of features that we run every day. But the one thing that seems to be the favorite of all our readers is a look at the Top 10 games of the week.…
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Continue ReadingDuring the football season we have a lot of features that we run every day. But the one thing that seems to be the favorite of all our readers is a look at the Top 10 games of the week.
Especially down the homestretch when teams are playing at a different level – in search of a state playoff spot, you get some quality games.
While we try and look at the most meaningful contests, it isn’t always about record rather than importance of the game.
With the state championships on the horizon, here is a look at 10 top games to watch this Friday across Florida. Enjoy some of the greatest high school football on earth.
Check out these games:
Apopka (4-2) at Lake Mary (5-0). Here is a key district contest between two programs that have been hot here in the past few weeks. For head coach Jeff Rolson and his Blue Darters, they are looking to make another run at a state championship appearance – while veteran head coach Scott Perry and the Rams are ready for the stretch run.This is a contest that has a chance to elevate both programs.
Citra North Marion (6-2) at Hawthorne (6-0). A very interesting matchup here – with the Hornets looking to keep their eye on a return to the state finals under head coach Cornelius Ingram. This is a loaded team who has turned into a true state power. For head coach Greg Carr and the Colts, they look to keep things going after a 4-0 start. While the Hornets have the edge in experience, North Marion showed they have that something special with some key wins.
No. 11. Gainesville Buchholz (6-0) at No. 14 St. John’s Bartram Trail (7-0). Other than Miami Central and Miami Christopher Columbus, this could be the game of the week in Florida. Head Coach Mark Whittemore’s Bobcats have a high powered offense and a stingy defense that has stood up to some quality competition. For veteran head coach Darrell Sutherland and the Bears, this has been a banner season – with the offense putting up nearly 40 points a game and the defense showcasing some quality talent. This is going to be quite a 4S contest with the winner holding an upper hand.
Clearwater Academy International (6-0) at No. 5. Lakeland (6-0). While the Dreadnaughts have rolled to six straight wins and hold an advantage in the region – average over 30 points per outing under the Dean of football coaches in Florida, Bill Castle, do not sleep on the Knights. With some quality wins under their belt so far this year, this is a program that has been a very gifted team with prospects under head coach Jesse Chinchar. Keep an eye on this game if you cannot attend.
No. 6 Miami Christopher Columbus (8-0) at No. 1 Miami Central (7-0), Traz Powell, 7:30. This is the game that everyone has been pointing to since the GMAC matchups were made. The Explorers come into the contest with quality wins and boast some impressive talent under head coach Dave Dunn. They have answered every challenge put in front of them. For first year head coach Jube Joseph and his nationally rated Rockets, this season has indeed been a magical one with a major victory over national power IMG Academy. This team is stacked on both sides of the ball, and nobody has been able to slow them down – at all. The best game in the state of Florida this week will also receive national attention.
No. 7 Plantation American Heritage (7-1) at Naples (6-1), 7:30. This is a contest that has gotten little attention, and while head coach Mike Smith and his Patriots come into the game as big favorites, the last time they traveled to Naples, the results didn’t come out in their favor. But this is a different year and the objective of reaching the 2M state title game has been the objective all season. Plenty of Southwest Florida fans who went through Hurricane Ian could use a boost and they will receive it with a game like this. Head Coach Rick Martin and the Golden Eagles look at this game as a major challenge that could help to further elevate the program.
No. 18. Rockledge (6-1) at Merritt Island (5-2). Last year, head coach Wayne Younger and his football program watched the Mustangs roll all the way to the 5A state finals and understand that this is a team to keep an eye on. Rockledge had one bad outing, which woke the team up – while first year head coach Tyler Murray and his team have had a resurgence after a slow start by winning three straight and five of six games. By far the best game this week in the Space Coast with plenty on the line this evening.
Tallahassee Florida High (7-0) at Chiefland (5-0). Another of the under the radar games on tap this week, you have a pair of Big Bend area programs who are loaded with talent and both have state championships in mind. For quality head coach Jarrod Hickman, he has now established himself as one of the top teams northern Florida and remains stacked with big time talent. James Corbin moves in and has done a tremendous job for a Chiefland team that continues to play a challenging schedule. While many outside the area may to be aware, this has potential to be a good game if the Indians come to play and avoid key mistakes.
Tallahassee North Florida Christian (8-0) at Crawfordville Wakulla (7-1). Yet another Big Bend area contest that could be a one of the most competitive matchups of Week 9. The NFC Eagles and head coach Brent Hill have played a challenging schedule this season, beating several big-time opponents along the way in Class 1S. They are stacked with talent and are bringing back memories of the days this team dominated 1A. For veteran head coach Scott Klees and his War Eagles, they remain one of the teams to beat in 2S with Live Oak Suwannee coming up next week. This should be one of the games you may want to check out.
No. 8. Tampa Bay Tech (8-0) at Tampa Jesuit (4-3). Do not let the record fool you. Head Coach Matt Thompson and his defending 6A state champion Tigers have battled through many changes this season but continue to fight and could change the entire season with an upset of a team that has dominated the area over the past few seasons. With some impressive talent and a schedule that has prepared them all year, they have to feel good about this game. For veteran head coach Jayson Roberts and his Titans, this is what they have worked hard and built for the past few years. Adding the key pieces along with maturing players, they know that with this 3M district win this evening, they will have the momentum needed to carry them to a season finale against Seffner Armwood and into the playoffs.
TUESDAY SCORES (10-18)
Ave Maria Rhodora J. Donahue 40, Winter Haven Oasis Christian 0
Jacksonville Old Plank Christian 38, Ocala St. John Lutheran 6
Lantana Santaluces 41, Royal Palm Beach 0
Melbourne 9, Harmony 7
Oviedo The Master’s Academy 28, Mount Dora Christian 21
Sarasota Booker 41, Bradenton Bayshore 7
THURSDAY SCORES
Clearwater Central Catholic 31, Tampa Carrollwood Day 6
Coconut Creek North Broward Prep 54, Coral Springs Charter 32
Hialeah American 36, Miami Ferguson 7
Homestead 44, Miami Northwestern 28
Jacksonville Trinity Christian 47, Jacksonville Christ’s Christian 14
Lantana Santaluces 56, Boca Raton Spanish River 6
Merritt Island Christian 49, St. Augustine Florida Deaf 14
Miami Carol City 25, South Miami 18
Miami Coral Reef 30, Westland Hialeah 8
Miami Dr. Krop 32, Miami Braddock 14
Miami Edison 21, Homestead South Dade 14
Miami Norland 35, Miami Palmetto 14
Miami Springs 14, Doral Reagan 13
Miramar 21, Davie Western 0
Naples Golden Gate 47, Bonita Springs 10
Naples Gulf Coast 49, Moore Haven 19
Ocala Lake Weir 24, Umatilla 17
Parkland Douglas 54, Hollywood South Broward 28
Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy 46, Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons 14
Pembroke Pines West Broward 33, Pembroke Pines Flanagan 0
Plantation 14, Deerfield Beach 7
Pompano Beach 35, West Palm Beach Berean Christian 0
Tallahassee Chiles 48, Clearwater American Collegiate 6
West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman 62, SLAM Palm Beach 0
UPDATED CLASS OF 2023 RANKINGS. https://prepredzone.com/florida/rankings/2023-rankings/
CLASS OF 2024 RANKINGS. https://prepredzone.com/2022/08/updated-2024-florida-rankings/
You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: Floridakids1@aol.com.