South Florida High School football update Sept 18

As the proverb says “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another,” the competition in South Florida results in teams getting to Orlando ready to compete.

Last year 3 South Florida teams brought home championships (3A Chaminade-Madonna, 4A Cardinal Gibbons and 6A Northwestern), and 3 were runner-ups (2A Champagnat, 7A St. Thomas Aquinas and 8A Columbus)

Last Friday there were three games involving different classes:

4A Booker T. Washington Tornadoes (3-1) defeated 8A Columbus Explorers (2-2) 34-11

Is Booker T. really this good, or are the Columbus Explorers unlikely to return to Orlando this year? Shutting down Columbus’ standout running back Henry Parrish was clearly first year coach Ben Hanks’ game plan... and the Tornadoes executed. The Tornadoes host the North Miami Pioneers (1-2) at Curtis Park on Friday @ 7:30. First year Columbus coach Ben Hanks has the week off to get Columbus ready to get its season back on track against the undefeated Miami High Stingarees (4-0).

4A Carol City Chiefs (2-2) squeezed by 3A Chaminade-Madonna Lions (3-1) 14-13

Carol City, coming off two consecutive losses to Northwestern and Central, handed two-time reigning 3A state champs Chaminade-Madonna (3-1) its first loss of the season. The game ended on a controversial first down spot, with Chaminade-Madonna unsuccessfully arguing that it stopped Carol City on Fourth Down with 1:22 left. Neither team gets a reprieve as Carol City travels to Jacksonville Friday to take on the Trinity Christian Conquerors (1-3), who are coming off a close loss to American Heritage. Chaminade-Madonna plays at the Delray Beach Atlantic Eagles (2-0) on Friday @ 6:30.

8A South Dade Buccaneers (4-0) stay undefeated with last minute heroics against 6A Norland Vikings (1-3)

Coming off a big win over Columbus, the South Dade Buccaneers forced a fumble and rushed for a touchdown at the end of the game to overcome a gutsy effort by the Norland Vikings 35-32 at Harris Field. South Dade has the week off. Norland travels to Baltimore on Friday to play nationally ranked St. Frances Academy (3-1), who beat Central 49-13 earlier in their season opener.

Palmetto Panthers (3-1) established their place in the 8A discussion by demolishing the Coral Gables Cavaliers 35-3.

Palmetto plays at reeling Southridge Friday @ 7:30. Coral Gables travels to play the North Miami Beach Chargers (2-1) on Friday @ 4pm.

Can’t Miss Thursday Night Game

Edison Red Raiders (3-1) vs 6A Central Rockets (3-1) at Traz Powell Thursday 7pm

There is a pecking order in Miami football, and Central and Edison have been on polar opposite ends for a long time. But Coach Luther Campbell has brought a new attitude and some early season success at Edison. Edison’s sole loss was in a controversial game at Naples and Central presents a great chance for Edison to prove it is a team to take seriously.

Central’s sole loss was a season opener beating on ESPN by nationally ranked St. Frances Academy (Baltimore). Since then the Rockets have reeled off consecutive wins against Booker T. and Carol City and last week welcomed new interim head coach Atiles Knight to Southridge with a 35-0 mauling.

Other games Friday night

Champagnat Lions (3-1) at University School Sharks (3-1) Friday @ 7pm. Champagnat continues its quest to return to the 2A title game against Channing Crowder's University School, which stole a big win at Western.

Northwestern Bulls (3-1) travel to Valdosta, GA to play the Lowndes Vikings (4-0) Friday @ 8pm. Lowndes beat Champagnat 44-14 to start the season.