1. St Thomas Aquinas at Booker T. Washington
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Traz Powell Stadium, Miami
Why: This is simply the best match-up of the week and will be one of the top match-ups of the season with this rematch from last season. Both teams come into this game ranked nationally by multiple polls including those from USA TODAY and MaxPreps. Our partners at USA TODAY have the Raiders ranked as the top team in the nation at No. 1, while Booker T. Washington is holding at No. 6. Both programs had a solid performance last week in their respective preseason kickoff classics. St. Thomas Aquinas easily dispatched Dillard in 51-0, that saw Florida quarterback commit Jake Allen throw three touchdowns to three different receivers. Booker T. Washington on the other end found out things are going to be real again with Ice Harris back as the Tornadoes defense made a statement only giving up one score, which came in the fourth quarter, in a 20-7 win over Plantation American Heritage. Sophomore quarterback Daniel Richardson threw for 258 yards and two touchdowns in the game. It should not be expected that the Tornadoes will flop this game like they did last year. With both teams strong on team experience and looking to start the regular season off on the right note in defending their state championships. St. Thomas Aquinas is aiming for their third state championship in a row in Class 7A, while Booker T. Washington is aiming for a record fifth-straight state championship in Class 4A. Overall, expect a close battle in this game.
Predictions
Josh’s Prediction: St. Thomas Aquinas 35, Booker T. Washington 28
USA TODAY HSS Score Predictor: St. Thomas Aquinas 33, Booker T. Washington 21
Joe Pinkos’ Forecast: St. Thomas Aquinas 10 over Booker T. Washington
