As the calendar says late October, this is the time of year when teams are competing for playoff position, but this year has been much different.

When longtime rivals and national powers Miami Central and Miami Northwestern clash this evening (7:30) at Traz Powell Stadium, bragging rights and national ranking will be at stake as these two defending state champions have already secured a playoff spot in a blind draw.

The Bulls and Rockets will clash in a setting that will be unusual in a year that has had more than its share of crazy things going on.

With Covid-19 restrictions in place, the crowds that usually overflow into the parking lots will now include a fraction of what this game annually attracts.

There is no doubting that these two programs are among the best in the nation – with both rosters loaded with impressive prospects who have already committed their future to colleges across the country.

As Max Edwards and his team look for an amazing fourth consecutive state title, Central head coach Roland Smith and the Rockets are searching for a repeat and a chance to climb back in the national championship picture.

While the “regular” season will only consist of three to four games before the playoffs, the rust will need to come off quickly – as many of these impressive football players have not competed since last December in Daytona Beach.

Miami Central Rockets

HEAD COACH: Roland Smith

2019 RECORD: 12-3

CLASSIFICATION: 6A

WHO ARE WE LOOKING AT FOR 2020:

2023 - Rueben Bain, DT

2022 - Wesley Bissainthe, LB

2021 - Demond Brown, WR/RB

2021 - Timothy Brown Jr., WR

2021 - Yulkeith Brown, Athlete

2022 – Solomon Charles Pierre, LB

2021 - Amari Daniels, RB

2021 - Chester Fearon, CB/S

2021 - Aaron Honer, DT

2021 - Rhoody Jean Louis, LB

2023 – Keyone Jenkins, QB

2022 - Jayden John, PK

2021 – Terrence Lewis, LB

2021 - Eddrin Lollar, DB

2021 – Robert McMinn, WR

2022 – Elijah Miller, OL

2022 – Omari Moore, OL

2021 - Shamori Orr, DE

2022 – Zaylan Reese, WR

2021 - Jeron Scharoun, OL

2023 - Antwon Sheppard, DB

2023 - Lamar Seymore, WR

2021 - Laurence Seymore, OL

2021 - Aramis Soto, DE/DT

2021 - Don Smith DT

2022 – Nicolas Vargas, CB

2021 - Elijah Vaughn, CB

2021 - Stephon Young Rolle, DL

Miami Northwestern Bulls

HEAD COACH: Max Edwards

2019 RECORD: 13-2

CLASSIFICATION: 5A

WHO ARE WE LOOKING AT FOR 2020:

2021 – Steve Augustin, WR

2022 - Jason Bissainth, OL

2021 - Timonthy Bostic TE/FB

2021 - Kahlil Brantley, TE

2021 - Romello Brinson, WR

2021 - Timothy Burns Jr., DB

2022 – Jai-Ayviauynn Celestine, Athete

2022 – Jael Cuellar, DB

2023 - Taron Dickens, QB

2021 – Jermarba Evans, LB

2021 - Henry Farmer, G

2021 - Ja’Corey Hammett, LB/DL

2022 – Khalil Hunter, DE

2021 - Siddiq Jackson, RB

2023 – Andy Jean, WR

2021 - Kamren Kinchens, S

2021 - Okino King, G

2022 - Telleck Lockette, OL

2022 – Darveed Lollar, OL

2021 – Vincent Martin, DB

2021 - Antwan Massie, FS

2021 - Amahri McCray, LB

2021 – Travis McNichols, FS

2022 – Dylan Milbry, DT

2021 – Zuberi Mobley, RB

2023 – Fatoma Paulk, WR

2021 – Patrick Payton, DE

2021 - Kareem Roberts, LB/DL

2022 - Jalen Rodger, WR

2022 – Jamari Sharpe, WR

2021 - Ricky Taylor, C/G

2021 – Antonio Tharpe, OL

2022 – DeShawn Trowers, RB

2021 - Leonardo Zuazo, K

OTHER GAMES THIS WEEK

In addition to the Central-Northwestern matchup, there are some other impressive games this week as well in south Florida:

Columbus vs. Miami Killian at Tropical Park, 7:30

Miami Springs vs. Dr. Krop at Ives Estates Park, 7:30

Miami Sunset vs. Miami Beach, 3:30

North Miami Beach vs. Miami Jackson at Curtis Park

Southwest Miami vs. Coral Reef at Southridge Stadium, 7:30

South Miami at Coral Gables, 4

American Heritage (Plantation) at Venice, 7:30

Archbishop McCarthy at Key West

Belen Jesuit at Cardinal Newman

Berean Christian at Westminster Academy

BTW and Palmetto, (Tropical, 1:30 p.m.

Cardinal Gibbons at St. Thomas Aquinas

Chaminade-Madonna at Benjamin

Champagnat Catholic at Doral Academy

Coral Shores at Westminster Christian, 4

Dade Christian at Gulliver Prep, 4

Mater Academy at Immaculata-La Salle

Miami Edison vs. Homestead at Harris Field, 7:30

Palm Glades Prep at Avant Garde (Hollywood)

Pine Crest at North Broward Prep

St. Brendan at Somerset South Homestead

Somerset Silver Palms at Monsignor Pace, 7:30

True North at Archbishop Carroll, 5

For the past 50 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, nobody has evaluated more football talent than we have. We will remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein- SFHSports) and Twitter (@SFHSSports - @larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..