The remaining two undefeated teams in Broward (Dillard) and Palm Beach (Jupiter) both fell in the first round of the FHSAA state playoffs, while nationally ranked St. Thomas Aquinas (No. 12 by MaxPreps) and Chaminade-Madonna (No. 22) both rolled to victories.
Things will start to get more difficult this week as we march into week 2 and move deeper into the playoffs.
Six-time defending state champion St. Thomas Aquinas is looking to build on its current state-record win total and has won 32 consecutive games during that span. Three-time defending state champions Chaminade-Madonna is looking to make it four straight and eight out of the past 10 championship games.
I was 13-2 last week in running my overall record to 156-29 (84.3%) for the year.
7A
Miami Goleman (7-4) at Spanish River (7-4) (Friday, 6:30 p.m.): The host Sharks stunned Western 24-21 last week to make the second round of the postseason for the first time in school history. Miami Goleman has won three straight. Spanish River 17, Miami Goleman 14.
6A
East Lake (8-2) at West Boca Raton (9-2) (Friday, 7 p.m.): The host Bulls outscored its opposition 403-81 and face a potent Eagles offense (340 points this season). West Boca shut down high-powered Atlantic, 31-14, three weeks ago. West Boca 30, East Lake 12.
Monarch (7-4) at West Broward (9-2) at Cypress Bay (Friday, 7 p.m.): The host Bobcats are in rarified air as they look to make the regional final for the second time in school history. They have won nine straight games since losing the first two games of the year. Monarch is rounding into form with three consecutive victories. West Broward 24, Monarch 23.
5A
Coconut Creek (9-2) at St. Thomas Aquinas (10-1) (Friday, 7:30): The six-time defending state champion Raiders have won 10 consecutive games since opening the year with a 26-23 loss to Mater Dei. Coconut Creek took out the No. 5 Region 3-5A team last week in Mater Academy Charter, 49-20, and now faces the national powerhouse Raiders. St. Thomas 23, Coconut Creek 14.
McArthur (9-2) at Atlantic (10-1) (Friday, 7:30 p.m.): Surprising McArthur, coming off a 2-8 season, hopes to get past the regional semifinals to the regional final. Atlantic has been attempting to reach the state title game since 2017, when it lost to Orlando Dr. Phillips, 17-7. Atlantic 27, McArthur 14.
4A
Miami Norland (6-5) at Archbishop McCarthy (9-2) (Friday, 7 p.m.): The host Mavericks rolled to a 49-6 win in their opening-round game against Hialeah. Archbishop McCarthy downed Miami Norland 21-14 on Sept. 25 and has scored 38 points or more in three consecutive games. Archbishop McCarthy 35, Miami Edison 20.
Plantation (7-4) at American Heritage (5-5) (Friday, 7:30 p.m.): The host Patriots, the defending Class 4A champions, topped Plantation, 28-13, earlier in the season as senior WR Jeffar Jean-Noel caught six passes for 103 yards and a score. Plantation shocked previously undefeated Dillard in its last game, and its defense forced three turnovers, including a game-winning pick-6 by sophomore Desmond Chance. He scored two other times on offense. American Heritage 24, Plantation 21.
2A
Miami Killian (8-2) at Cardinal Gibbons (8-3) (Friday, 7 p.m.): The host Chiefs will have to shut down Killian’s senior wideouts Anton Smith and Corey Swint, along with junior RB Kayron Bryant. Cardinal Gibbons is allowing 22 points per game this season. Cardinal Gibbons 31, Killian 27.
1A
Community School of Naples (8-2) at Cardinal Newman (8-3) (Friday, 7 p.m.): Senior RB Jayvian Tanelus (1,780 rushing yards, 30 TDs) is a handful, and the host Crusaders counter with senior RB Phoenix Donghia (1,083 rushing yards, 20 scores) and senior LB Adam Balogoun-Ali (8 tackles per game). Cardinal Newman 27, Community School of Naples 24.
Edison (6-4) at No. 22 Chaminade-Madonna (8-2) (Friday, 6:30 p.m.): The last loss for the host Lions came 23 games ago when they fell in the state championship 25-22 to Trinity Christian Academy. They defeated Miami Edison for the regional final that season, 28-0, to reach the state finals. Chaminade has weapons on both sides of the ball and topped the Red Raiders, 56-6 early this season. Miami Edison has won four straight since back-to-back losses to the Lions and Miami Southridge. Chaminade-Madonna 42, Miami Edison 6.
St. Andrew’s (10-1) at True North (9-2) (Thursday, 7 p.m.): The host Titans feature junior RB Cecil Smith (1,810 all-purpose yards, 14 TDs) and senior QB Zach Katz (1,810 passing yards, 20 TDs). The Scots, with senior RB Remi DeOrsey (955 rushing yards, 16 TDs), have won three straight since their lone loss of the year, 16-14 to Calvary Christian Academy. True North 35, St. Andrew’s 32.
Rural
Pahokee (8-3) at Taylor County (10-1) (Friday, 7:30 p.m.): Pahokee, and senior RB Samuel Arnold (163.8 all-purpose yards per game, 8 TDs), head out to the play the Bulldogs, winners of four straight. They have relied on dual purpose junior QB Jabez Glanton who has thrown for 1,355 yards and 24 TDs, and run for 1,330 yards and 15 TD). Pahokee 20, Taylor County 17.
Florida Invitational Tournament
Second round
Thursday at 7 p.m. unless noted
7A-4A South Division
Royal Palm Beach (7-4) at Dr. Joaquin Garcia (8-3) (Thursday, 6:30 p.m.): This is a rematch of the Oct. 30 contest won 27-26 by Dr. Joaquin Garcia. Dr. Joaquin Garcia defeated Sarasota, 55-33, last week. Royal Palm Beach shut out Palm Beach Lakes 32-0 in its playoff opener as senior running back Tyree Pearson averages 100.5 yards on the ground per contest. Dr. Joquin Garcia 28, Royal Palm Beach 24.
3A-1A South Division
Miami Booker T. Washington (2-8) at Hallandale (6-4) (Thursday, 7:30): Hallandale, coming off a bye last week, is ranked No. 295 in the state, while Booker T. Washington is not far behind at 303 despite its mediocre record. Hallandale 27, Miami Booker T. Washington 10
