South Florida High School football update Sept 12-14

Coaches will tell you that you can learn more from losing than winning.

The Northwestern Bulls learned a lot last week in its loss to the IMG Academy Ascenders- most of it good things as it hung tough with IMG, a sports academy based in Bradenton that is not allowed to compete in the Florida high school playoffs.

The 2-time defending state 6A champ, coming off victories over Broward powerhouse Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs and neighboring rival Carol City Chiefs, went toe-to-toe with IMG's undefeated national team that is stacked with D1 talent for almost three quarters before IMG’s stifling defense forced two interceptions and a blocked punt to overcome Northwestern’s explosive offense in a 24-7 win.

Northwestern Bulls (2-1) will travel to play the Killian Cougars (2-1) Thursday at 7pm.

Here is a summary of some other of this weekend’s marquee games:

Friday Night Doubleheader at Tropical Park

Columbus Explorers (2-1) vs. Booker T. Washington Tornadoes (2-1) at 6pm

Columbus is coming off a stinging loss to the South Dade Buccaneers (3-0) who rallied from behind with 21 unanswered points to win 21-14. This was the first time South Dade has beaten Columbus since 2013 and has many thinking that South Dade is the 8A team to watch. Booker T. Washington beat the Jackson Generals (0-3) 31 – 10 last week.

Coral Gables Cavaliers (1-2) vs. Palmetto Panthers (2-1) at 7:30

Coral Gables is coming off an impressive 20-14 overtime win over the Southridge Spartans (0-2). Down 14-0 at the half, Coral Gables roared back with 20 unanswered points to earn a victory that cost Southridge head coach Sedrick Irvin his job. Palmetto pulled off three pick-sixes to put away Hialeah 34-13 last weekend at Milander Stadium.

This will be an interesting clash of 8A programs on the rise. Coral Gables’ two losses came at the hands of a surprisingly good Gulliver Raiders team and to the Apopka Blue Darters, who will likely be in Orlando competing for a 8A state championship at season’s end. Palmetto’s lone loss was to the Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs.

Edison Red Raiders (2-1) vs. Hallandale Chargers (2-1) at Hallandale HS Stadium 7pm Friday

Coach Luther Campbell appears to have Edison hitting on all cylinders, with their only loss coming in a controversial game at Naples. His comments after that game resulted in Coach Campbell serving a one game suspension last Friday as his team pounded out a hard fought win at Coconut Creek 16-15.

Other games of note on Friday

Carol City Chiefs (1-2) at Chaminade-Madonna Lions (3-0) 7pm

Western Wildcats (2-0) at University Sharks (2-1) 7pm

Central Rockets (2-1) vs. Southridge (0-2), Traz Powell Stadium 7:30pm

South Florida HS football features a higher concentration of future D1 prospects than any other region in the country, and area games present a great opportunity to see some of these future collegiate stars in action.