Winker’s South Florida High School Football Update: Week 6

Willie Wilcox, the legendary voice of Traz Powell Stadium, makes a passionate plea each week about the importance of the officiating crew and the need for more game officials, but the shortage continues year after year.

As late as Thursday afternoon, last week's games looked like they would not take place as officials refused to sign up to work games in the labor dispute.

Miami Herald’s Bill Daley reported that the hold out centered on an $8 increase in travel stipend.https://www.miamiherald.com/sp... Each crew member makes $65 per game plus $12 for travel. The officials association had originally asked for a $8 increase and the Greater Miami Athletic Conference refused to move off its offer of a $4 increase. An agreement on a $8 increase was hammered out late Thursday afternoon, which allowed all games to take place.

LAST WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

3A Edison Red Raiders (3-2) may have wanted a postponement in retrospect, as they were pounded by 6A Central Rockets (4-1) 44-14. Central plays fellow 6A Belen Jesuit Wolverines (3-2) at Traz Powell Friday at 7:30 PM. Edison plays Coral Gables Cavaliers (1-4) at Tropical Park Friday at 4 PM.

4A University Sharks (4-1) followed up on their away win at 8A Western Wildcats by beating 2A Champagnat Lions (3-2) 26-13 in Fort Lauderdale. Coach Hector Clavijo will be looking to get the Lions back on track for a return trip to the state finals in Daytona Beach and the task starts at 4A Monsignor Pace Spartans (2-3) on Friday at 7pm. University has the week off.

The two time defending Class 3A Chaminade-Madonna Lions (4-1) stole a 17-14 win at Hilltop Stadium in Delray Beach from 7A Atlantic Eagles (2-1) . The Lions are off this week.

Thursday Night Game of the Week- Miami High Stingarees (4-0) visit Columbus Explorers (2-2) 5pm

No one had this game marked on the calendar as a pivotal 8A battle before the season, but this showdown of first year coaches is the game of the week. Miami High has rattled off four straight wins against weaker teams under Coach Corey Smith.

Coach Dave Dunn’s return to Columbus (he led Columbus to back-to-back district titles in 1999 and 2000) has gotten off to a lackluster start and Columbus will be looking to find its footing after being pounded in all aspects of the game by 4A Booker T. Washington Tornadoes. One of the biggest storylines so far this year has been the rise of the Palmetto Panthers and South Dade Buccaneers in 8A, and this game will give us some insight into potential challengers.

Friday Night Game of the Week- 4A Carol City Chiefs (2-3) visit 7A St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders (3-0) 7pm

The Raiders are entering a two game stretch that will reveal a lot about the team, as they take on a battle tested Carol City team before heading to Jacksonville to face defending 8A champion Mandarin Mustangs (2-2).

Carol City lost 42-14 to the 3A Trinity Christian Academy Conquerors in Jacksonville last week. Booker T. Washington, who will host the Conquerors next weekend, play at the undefeated IMG Academy Ascenders Friday at 7pm. IMG beat the Northwestern Bulls 24-7 earlier this month.