The football season is chugging along for some schools in South Florida, while others are getting closer and closer to starting up.
Some schools, like Cardinal Gibbons and St. Thomas Aquinas, are planning to start their schedules in the next few weeks. Public schools in both Broward and Palm Beach are scheduled to begin playing in the last week of October.
For now, the same group of private schools take the field again this week for the Week 4 slate. I went 4-1 with my picks last week. I’m 12-3 so far this season.
All games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
American Heritage (2-0) at St. John’s Bartram Trail (3-0)
The Patriots hit the road again this week after taking care of Clearwater on the Gulf Coast. This week, they head up I-95 to Bartram Trail in St. John’s. The Bears are a talented team and they’re off to a strong start to the year. Former Benjamin quarterback Santino Marucci, who transferred to Bartram Trail, is one of the top senior quarterbacks in the state; 247 Sports ranks him as the No. 2 pro-style senior quarterback in the state behind only IMG Academy’s J.J. McCarthy. He has completed 63 percent of his passes thus far and thrown six touchdowns against no interceptions. The Patriots have a dominant defense, though, featuring numerous future Division I players. But American Heritage will have to avoid mistakes. Bartram Trail has eight interceptions through three games. If they keep the ball and don’t turn it over, Heritage should take a win over a good team. American Heritage 17, Bartram Trail 13
Calvary Christian (2-0) at Clewiston (2-0), 7:30 p.m.
Both Calvary and Clewiston enter this game not just undefeated but also never scored on. Through two games, the Eagles have outscored opponents, 69-0, while the Tigers have won their two games by a combined score of, 96-0. Neither team has faced an immensely difficult opponent, if you go by MaxPreps’ rankings. Clewiston’s two opponents were ranked 312th and 405th in the state, while Calvary’s were 171st and 476th. This will be the Eagles’ biggest test so far in this shortened season, and I think they come out ahead. Calvary Christian 21, Clewiston 14
TRU Prep Academy (1-0) at Miami Palm Glades Prep Academy
TRU Prep Academy began its program with a resounding win over Winter Haven Akelynn’s Angels Christian Academy in a game where the Saints clearly overmatched their opponent. This should be more of the same. Quarterback Nick Vattiato looked sharp, and his two biggest weapons in the passing game, C.J. Cage and Brandon Inniss, both had big touchdown catches. The defense looked good, too, keeping their opponents out of the end zone and picking off a pair of passes. This game allows for another tune up before the schedule gets tougher. TRU Prep Academy 55, Palm Glades Prep Academy 7
Benjamin (0-1) at Archbishop McCarthy (0-1)
Both of these teams had rough starts to their seasons last week. Benjamin lost, 24-3, to American Heritage-Delray, while Archbishop McCarthy fell, 45-0, to Miami Belen Jesuit. The Buccaneers had some bright spots, though. Chauncey Bowens, a freshman running back, rushed for 141 yards in the loss. And quarterback Tyler Aronson will likely improve under the tutelage of Benjamin coach and former professional quarterback Eric Kresser. Benjamin 35, Archbishop McCarthy 13
Doral Academy at Cardinal Newman (1-1)
Cardinal Newman recovered from a rough season opener against Calvary Christian and picked up a solid win against King’s Academy. The Crusaders had a balanced offense, putting up 183 passing and 183 rushing yards. If they can replicate that type of performance, they should pick up a win over Doral Academy, which is playing its first game of the season. Cardinal Newman 28, Doral Academy 20
