Winker’s South Florida High School Football Update- Week 8

When the Northwestern Bulls (4-2) and Central Rockets (5-2) meet at Traz Powell, there are certain things you can count on: a sold out crowd and sports-celebrity studded sideline, a defensive battle decided by explosive plays, and in the last few years … a dramatic come from behind win by Northwestern.

The off season break up of Miami-Dade’s 6A Class of Death- Carol City, Northwestern and Central, which combined for the last seven Class 6A state titles- did nothing to change any of the foregoing.

Last November in the 6A regional final, Northwestern scored a last-minute touchdown in a 19-15 victory to end Central’s season on their way to back to back 6A state titles.

Last Friday University of Miami coach Manny Diaz watched Max Edwards coach Northwestern, now in 5A, to another win (30-20) after overcoming a two touchdown second half lead by 6A Central.

The Bulls host the 5A Miami Springs Golden Hawks (2-5) at Traz Powell 7pm on Friday at 7pm. Central looks to get back to its winning ways against the Norland Vikings (2-3) Saturday at 7pm at Traz.

The Booker T. Washington Tornadoes (5-2) opened up the action last Thursday at Traz Powell with a 20-7 win over a Trinity Christian Academy Conquerors (3-4) team that has rattled off four state titles in six years.

The Jacorey Brooks show continued as the Tornadoes wide receiver turned seven receptions for 141 yards into two touchdowns in the second half. The Tornadoes visit the American Patriots (2-4) Friday at 7:30pm.

In other action last week, the American Heritage Patriots (5-1) beat Cardinal Gibbons (4-2) 28-21. Both teams entered the game on four game winning streaks, with the Chiefs losing their season opener at Traz Powell to Northwestern, and the Patriots only loss in Washington, DC to Gonzaga Prep (5-0).

American Heritage visits 5A rival Stranahan Mighty Dragons (3-2) Friday at 7pm. Cardinal Gibbons hosts the McArthur Mustangs (4-2) Friday at 7pm.

Two Games of the Week in Broward Friday night

The undefeated Plantation Colonels (6-0) have a chance to see where they are as a program when they visit Brian Piccolo Stadium to take on the USA Today 2nd ranked team in the nation St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders (5-0) Friday at 7pm.

Coming off a 35-14 win last Friday over Monsignor Pace (2-5), the Columbus Explorers (4-2) visit the 4A University Sharks (5-1) at 7pm Friday in one of two games of the week taking place in Broward Friday night.

Another interesting matchup is Friday’s battle of Catholic schools with Hector Clavijo’s 2A Champagnat Catholic Lions (4-2) visiting Eddie Delgado’s 6A Belen Jesuit Wolverines (4-3) for a game under the lights at De la Cruz Stadium at 7pm on Friday.

If you have never been to a game in Key West, Tommy Roberts Memorial Stadium is definitely worth a visit to see the 5A Key West Conchs (4-2) in action. The Jackson Generals (2-4) visit this Friday at 7pm.