The first two weeks of the high school football season consists of the most movement in ranking lists mostly because of missed predictions, huge early season clashes, and an introduction into who teams really are. Four of Week Two's Top 15 lost their game that week, and that was with 3 teams idle due to Hurricane Dorian. Those losses shake up our rankings and introduce a new team to the list, Cardinal Gibbons (23-21 win against #6 Miami Palmetto).
Lets get into the rankings!
1. Columbus (2-0)
Previous Ranking: 2
Week 2: W, 21-17 vs Osceola
Week 3: vs #14 South Dade
The Explorers move up to the top spot in our rankings because of their 2-0 start, beating 'rival' Belen Jesuit soundly in Week 1 and taking care of business in their second game against Orlando power, Osceola. Columbus has arguably the top RB in the are and one of the best defenses as well, a recipe for a state championship run.
2. Miami Northwestern (2-0)
Previous Ranking: 3
Week 2: W, 10-0 vs #5 Carol City
Week 3: @ IMG Academy
The West has every argument for the top spot. Defending State Champion. 2-0 start against the #5 and #11 team, and the best defense in the area. They fall into the #2 spot strictly because of offensive question marks, mainly at QB. Their two QB system has worked so far and both are talented enough to get another ring. Their Week 2 win was impressive because they shut out an elite Carol City team. A game against IMG will show how talented this team really is.
3. St Thomas Aquinas (1-0)
Previous Ranking: 1
Week 2: Canceled
Week 3: Bye
Although STA's game got canceled, they still drop this week. The beat a solid De La Salle team in Week 1, but they only won by 10 and didn't answer the calls on how good is their sophomore QB Zion Turner. An early bye was needed due to travel before, but now its just a chance to get their offense in order.
4. Chaminade-Madonna (2-0)
Previous Ranking: 8
Week 2: W, 44-8 vs Hallandale
Week 3: vs Miami Christian
Chaminade has dominated through the first two games of the season. After beating McArthur in all three phases in Week 1, they came out and embarrassed Hallandale by 36. A team with no weaknesses heading into the heart of their schedule (Carol City, Atlantic, Vero Beach, Central), the Lions are poised to not only make a state run, but possibly shoot up national rankings.
5. Carol City (1-1)
Previous Ranking: 4
Week 2: L, 10-0 vs Miami Northwestern
Week 3: vs #10 Miami Central
A tough 10-0 loss to rival Miami Northwestern drops Carol City a spot, but that may just be the beginning with #10 Miami Central coming to play. This classic rematch of last years playoff upset (Central won 30-21) should be a must see. Two tough defenses with big time running games will make this another classic. Carol City has all the tools to be #1 in these rankings, but they also have the schedule to drop out of the top 5.
6. Western (1-0)
Previous Ranking: 7
Week 2: Canceled
Week 3: vs Miami Springs
The team everyone keeps telling me isn't good enough to make a run has the defense and skill to shock a lot of people this season. This week should be an easy W, but next weeks matchup against #7 U School will have people talking..good or bad.
7. University School (2-0)
Previous Ranking: 9
Week 2: W, 35-27 vs Hialeah
Week 3: vs McArthur
The new 4A favorites for many people (we predicted a U School state championship in 4A) are starting to get the recognition they deserve. A near collapse against a tough Hialeah team won't get everyone on the bandwagon, though. Big game against McArthur this Friday.
8. American Heritage (1-1)
Previous Ranking: 5
Week 2: L, 33-14 vs Gonzaga (DC)
Week 3: vs Miramar
Hot and Cold should be the song for Heritage this year. 49-10 win Week 1, 33-14 loss Week 2. Off-season question marks are starting to show face. A victory against Miramar in the battle of the Patriots would ease any concerns, but a loss could start a downhill spiral for Pat Surtain and his boys.
9. Miami Palmetto (1-1)
Previous Ranking: 6
Week 2: L, 23-21 vs #11 Cardinal Gibbons
Week 3: vs Hialeah
The new 8A team on the block showcases elite speed and tough defense in both the trenches and skill, but Week 2 was not kind to Palmetto. Penalties and inability to capitalize off turnovers gave Cardinal Gibbons a W over the Panthers. I like Palmetto to get back on track, but if discipline is an issue this week, Hialeah will take advantage.
10. Miami Central (1-1)
Previous Ranking: 11
Week 2: W, 32-29 vs BTW
Week 3: vs #5 Carol City
The criticism will come my way for the Rockets ranking this week, especially after a come from behind victory against BTW. The talent is there for Central, but losing 49-13 to St Frances and pulling out the stops to beat a 4A Booker T team that isn't what it was, doesn't scream top 5 to me. All that said, can't wait to see what that backfield does against Carol City.
11. Cardinal Gibbons (1-1)
Previous Ranking: N/A
Week 2: W, 23-21 vs #9 Miami Palmetto
Week 3: vs North Miami
Gibbons goes from unranked to 11 on this list because of an impressive showing against #9 Palmetto. QB Brody Palhegyi looks healthy and the defense looks like it made some necessary changes after being dominated by Miami Northwestern. The 2018 State Champs could be a big riser over the next few weeks.
12. Gulliver Prep (2-0)
Previous Ranking: 12
Week 2: W, 45-16 vs Belen Jesuit
Week 3: vs Pine Crest
Gulliver added so many pieces this off season to an already solid team and it looks to be paying off. A sleeper in 4A, Gulliver has rolled through Coral Gables and 4-star RB Don Chaney's Belen Jesuit squad. Gulliver will roll through a soft schedule until the end of the season and this week will be no different.
13. Deerfield Beach (0-2)
Previous Ranking: 10
Week 2: L, 52-30 vs St. Johns (DC)
Week 3: vs Blanche Ely
The Bucks fall didn't stop in Week 1. Deerfield has been outscored 66-42 through the first two weeks. With countless top prospects and a tune up game against rival Ely, Deerfield will stabilize their record and season soon enough.
14. South Dade (2-0)
Previous Ranking: 13
Week 2: W, 23-0 vs Homestead
Week 3: vs #1 Columbus
South Dade came into the season with one of the best defenses in the area. They've dominated their first two opponents (50-0 scoring differential) and roll into Columbus with some momentum. Can they slow Henry Parrish and crew enough to pull off the upset and solidify themselves as an 8A contender?
15. Plantation (1-0)
Previous Ranking: 14
Week 2: Canceled
Week 3: vs West Broward
A chance to jump up the rankings was snatched away from Coach Steve Davis and his team when Hurricanes Dorian had a huge clash against McArthur canceled, but this is still one of the toughest teams in the area because of the type of offense they have and the connection of UTM commit QB Gerard Nesbitt and 4-star Miami commit WR Jacolby George. A 10/4 matchup with STA is the game Plantation is circling on their schedule.
First 5 Out (NO ORDER)
McArthur
Monarch
Booker T Washington
Champagnat
Dillard
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