We are down to the last week.
The state playoffs will be set after tonight’s games and there are seven Miami-Dade and Broward programs still alive for that coveted birth in the state finals – next week at Gene Cox Stadium in Tallahassee – and the week after here in Fort Lauderdale at DRV PNK Stadium.
Two weeks of championship football and we will find out after tonight's games which teams will match up.
Here is a look at the local games that you may want to check out – everyone by the Homestead-Orlando Jones contest will be played locally:
Class 4-Metro
No. 3 Ocoee (8-4) at No. 1 Miami Christopher Columbus (12-1). While Ocoee comes into the game on a roll, the Explorers and head coach Dave Dunn are at a different level.
Columbus is more than battle tested, lining up against some of the best teams in south Florida. This one should go as planned.
THE PICK: Miami Christopher Columbus 37, Ocoee 10.
Class 3-Metro
No. 1 Homestead (10-2) at No. 2 Orlando Jones (10-2). Okay, on the surface, the Jones Tigers are at home and are red hot after beating Orlando Edgewater soundly last week but let us keep in mind that both of the Broncos’ losses came when they were not at full strength, and remember this is a team that soundly beat the Miami Northwestern program that knocked off Jones in the kickoff classic.
This is south Florida vs. Central Florida and promises to be a war, and head coach Philip Simpson and his team will be ready.
THE PICK: Homestead 28, Orlando Jones 27.
No. 1 Tampa Jesuit (9-4) at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (12-0). Revenge is the order of the business at Brian Piccolo Stadium as the Raiders, the defending three-time state champions, welcome in the 6A state champions for a year ago.
But this is a rematch of last year when the Tigers beat St. Thomas and ruined a possible run at the national championship. Both teams have been on fire in the state playoffs. We all watched Tampa Jesuit lose at Columbus early in the season, and this should be the same type of outcome. The Raiders and head coach Roger Harriott are still looking at a top 5 national ranking.
THE PICK: St. Thomas Aquinas 37, Tampa Jesuit 13.
Class 2-Metro
No. 3 Jacksonville Bolles (9-4) at Plantation American Heritage (12-1). While The Bolles school is iconic and have been solid down the stretch this season, the Patriots are at a whole different level – after beating two-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. Since losing to one of the nation’s best teams, Chaminade-Madonna late in the fourth quarter, nobody has come close and the Bulldogs will see what this team is all about.
Loaded with big time playmakers on both sides of the ball, this one could get away quickly, and first year head coach Mike Smith and his team have prepared for this moment.
THE PICK: Plantation American Heritage 39, Jacksonville Bolles 14.
No. 4 St. Petersburg Lakewood (9-4) at No. 1 Miami Central (12-0). Not taking anything away from the red-hot Spartans, who have never backed away from top-flight competition as they seek a spot in the finals. But this is a bird that they have not flown with.
The Rockets are three-time defending state champions and understand that Lakewood is talented, but the fish they are frying is a whole lot bigger than the state title the Spartans are after. First year head coach Jube Joseph and his team come in as the No. 1 team in the nation and a win here will set up the possibility of bringing home a national title in two weeks.
THE PICK: Miami Central 42, St. Petersburg Lakewood 24
Class 1-Metro
No. 3 Miami True North Classical Academy (8-3) at No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (10-0). What more can you say about head coach Greg Laferre and his Titans who advanced to the state semifinals in the fourth year of the program. They have been impressive and have set the table for an exciting future.
On the other side of the field is a team that many feel is as good better as anyone as they are currently rated behind Miami Central nationally.
Big, strong and quick striking have given head coach Dameon Jones and this program a chance to be really special this season and certainly set the table for 2023, where nobody will return more elite talent – anywhere in the country.
THE PICK: Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 56, Miami True North Classical Academy 7.
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects
For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..