SPCjessica2004

I'm holding off on bangin the drum for Oxbridge,  and still lookin at Chaminade as the big dog in this year's hunt - CM had too much post-Irma rust, back on their heals early, and they were just gassed - a far better team than they showed against AHP.  .Oxbridge again lost good players,  both to injury and whatnot,  and am thinkin they don't have the depth to go deep again this year.  Especially on the lines.  They need every weapon possible, and their kicking game and D against the run both need work too.  With a roster of primarily upperclassmen, believe this year may be their last really competitive FB season since they seem to recently shift all heavy emphasis on academics.
This week's Glades Central-Oxbridge game will show a lot about their run in 3A this year.  Worth a trip to see that.
Not counting AHD down,  just yet,  but they have a ways to go.   Long road trip to Pensacola catholic this week.
On the edges;
Kings - fun team to watch, improving each week,  only gonna get better .... next year.  
Newman - fearless, scrappy, good team chemistry, no-quit attitude, seem to find a way to win.  Coach has found ways to do much with little.  Oct games vs Pahokee and Glades Central will reveal their real character.
Benjamin - talented, good execution, well-coached, still building.
Don't have eyes on other central and N. FL 3A teams so I can't say.
In my general "underdog category" - am pullin for Inlet Grove at Scheck-Hillel this week.  the IG hurricanes gonna win a game one of these years.  
 

Chaminade-Madonna @ AHP  full game
 
 

I have been very remiss to accept the fact that, after two terrible seasons and the continuation of terrible into this season, the coaching staff is probably the problem. We have had 4 games so far including the KO Classic. We have scored exactly one TD. Yes, we have solid players. But, something is truly not right in the direction of those players. When this coaching staff took over in 2015 they completely changed the philosophy of the team. They also changed formations and most plays, from what Trinity had for years, to a totally different concept. I also believe that this year they once again changed offensive formations to something completely new. I honestly think that this team is now totally confused. I would truly hope that the coaching staff could right themselves fairly soon. But, I would not be completely surprised if they were not around come the first of the year.

I believe Chaminade is a little banged up right now.  I believe their QB got injured in the Miramar game and they had a FR  RB out there to finish the game.  FR started and played the whole game versus AHP if I am not mistaken.
 
3A out of Palm Beach
Oxbridge Academy - obviously on a roll right now.  QB is really maturing and playing confident right now.
Kings Academy-  They are severely under the radar right now. Big test versus a hot 4A Gulliver Prep next wkd.
Cardinal Newman - lost several top players this summer transferring out but they continue to impress this year.
AHD - got their QB and another top player back last week....got back on track with a 14-0 win over Archbishop McCarthy.  
Benjamin -  2-1 ...Solid team, will probably have to win out to see November. Final game versus Kings Academy.

I don't know much about the facebook/twitter barbs, but Rockledge is 0-2 against some super powerhouses. Viera and Kissmiee Osceola are very, very strong and Rocklege appears to have had a good showing in both games. Looking at their remaining schedule I think they would be favorites vs Mt. Dora, Titusville and Space Coast.    CCC, Palm Bay, MI, Cocoa are just better programs than them right now I believe.

 

Dixie will not put a fight up on Madison.  Madison win by least 28
Taylor vs Dixie tho should be a very good game both teams evenly Matched IMO.
 
 

I don't know much about the facebook/twitter barbs, but Rockledge is 0-2 against some super powerhouses. Viera and Kissmiee Osceola are very, very strong and Rocklege appears to have had a good showing in both games. Looking at their remaining schedule I think they would be favorites vs Mt. Dora, Titusville and Space Coast.    CCC, Palm Bay, MI, Cocoa are just better programs than them right now I believe.

 

When I post thoughts and my personal rankings it usually take me until week 5 to understand the current football season. I admit that until then I often use 2016 results to validate thoughts, but I've now seen via stream all of the major contenders for 3A. So, here's my updated top 5 at the halfway point:

1) Chaminade-Madonna (1-2).  Yes, the Lions have two blowout losses to American Heritage and Miami Central; however, this is still the best team in 3A although I don't believe the gap is as big as once thought. I think there are challenges that have emerged to compete with the Lions.

2) Oxbridge Academy (2-1). Oxbridge has had to ride a stormy offseason and then the season opening loss in heartbreaking fashion to Archbishop Wood. Since then, the Thunderwolves have decimated everything in their path.

3) Clearwater Central Catholic (4-0). The Marauders struggled in the first quarter against a surprisingly solid 6A Northeast team; however, scored 57 points in the last 3 quarters.

4) Melbourne Central Catholic (2-1). The Hustlers rallied late to force overtime and eventually win 31-28 against a solid Tampa Catholic. MCC's starting QB Joaquin Collazo missed the game.

5) Lakeland Christian (4-0). Needed to hold off a pesky Orlando Christian Prep team, but it was their second game in 5 days as the Vikings upset Berkeley Prep last Monday in a classic game.

On my radar: Taylor County (3-1), Orlando The First Academy (4-0), Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (4-0)

Some notes.

I jumped CCC ever so slightly ahead of MCC based on the common opponent Tampa Catholic.  MCC beat Tampa Catholic 31-28 in overtime without their starting QBm Joaquin Collazo. CCC beat Tampa Catholic 25-0 without their top WR, Brett Seither. While we can argue the schematics of MCC missing their starting QB and how the offense may of ended the game earlier than OT (the kid is a Class 3A PoY candidate) the fact is MCC gave up 28 points and close to 350 yards total offense to TC.  CCC limited TC to about 150 yards and 0 points.    The reality is, these teams are evenly matched that they should be tied, but when I tied them at #2 earlier this year it caused a firestorm so I had to break the tie, up until this week I gave MCC the nod, now I'm giving CCC the nod based on the common opponent.

I said at the beginning of the year I would not consider dropping Chaminade from #1 unless 2 things happened 1) They had 3 blowout losses and 2) The team I moved ahead of them was playing better football. Chaminade has 2 blowout losses, but I think they're a score better than Booker T thus I do not see a third loss on their schedule.

Lakeland Christian is a very solid team, but to this point in the year they have the weakest Strength of Schedule. The win over Berkeley Prep was much needed, but the only team they play from here on out of interest is Orlando Lake Highland Prep; still, Danny Williams and company are doing a great job with the task at hand.

Sarasota Cardinal Mooney is really playing some quality football. While they haven't had the toughest schedule they are clearly capable of doing good against more talented teams. Their HC was the old OC at Don Bosco Prep in NJ and their offense has been solid this year.

Taylor County vs Dixie County will be a fun matchup between two strong, hard-hitting programs. I would love some analysis by people more familiar with the northern part of the state.

What's going on at Ocala Trinity Catholic? The Celtics only scored 3 points against Dunellon, should really be more stout. On paper, this is a solid team. While I'm not saying the Celtics are out of the playoff hunt, their region Class 3A Region 3 is the most competitive region in 3A and has some heavy hitters.

Calvary Christian of Clearwater suffered their first loss of the year to Orlando The First Academy. Calvary started off 2-0, but now faces a tough strength of 3 games that would open the door for the above mentioned Ocala Trinity to get into the playoffs. First Academy is quietly having a strong season.

Tampa Catholic and Berkeley Prep play each other on Berkeley Prep's field this Thursday in what should be a classic game. Due to the dominance of CCC and the strong seasons Lakeland Christian and Cardinal Mooney have put together, the loser of the TC vs BP game is likely out of the playoffs.

I don't know much about the facebook/twitter barbs, but Rockledge is 0-2 against some super powerhouses. Viera and Kissmiee Osceola are very, very strong and Rocklege appears to have had a good showing in both games. Looking at their remaining schedule I think they would be favorites vs Mt. Dora, Titusville and Space Coast.    CCC, Palm Bay, MI, Cocoa are just better programs than them right now I believe.

 

When I post thoughts and my personal rankings it usually take me until week 5 to understand the current football season. I admit that until then I often use 2016 results to validate thoughts, but I've now seen via stream all of the major contenders for 3A. So, here's my updated top 5 at the halfway point:

1) Chaminade-Madonna (1-2).  Yes, the Lions have two blowout losses to American Heritage and Miami Central; however, this is still the best team in 3A although I don't believe the gap is as big as once thought. I think there are challenges that have emerged to compete with the Lions.

2) Oxbridge Academy (2-1). Oxbridge has had to ride a stormy offseason and then the season opening loss in heartbreaking fashion to Archbishop Wood. Since then, the Thunderwolves have decimated everything in their path.

3) Clearwater Central Catholic (4-0). The Marauders struggled in the first quarter against a surprisingly solid 6A Northeast team; however, scored 57 points in the last 3 quarters.

4) Melbourne Central Catholic (2-1). The Hustlers rallied late to force overtime and eventually win 31-28 against a solid Tampa Catholic. MCC's starting QB Joaquin Collazo missed the game.

5) Lakeland Christian (4-0). Needed to hold off a pesky Orlando Christian Prep team, but it was their second game in 5 days as the Vikings upset Berkeley Prep last Monday in a classic game.

On my radar: Taylor County (3-1), Orlando The First Academy (4-0), Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (4-0)

Some notes.

I jumped CCC ever so slightly ahead of MCC based on the common opponent Tampa Catholic.  MCC beat Tampa Catholic 31-28 in overtime without their starting QBm Joaquin Collazo. CCC beat Tampa Catholic 25-0 without their top WR, Brett Seither. While we can argue the schematics of MCC missing their starting QB and how the offense may of ended the game earlier than OT (the kid is a Class 3A PoY candidate) the fact is MCC gave up 28 points and close to 350 yards total offense to TC.  CCC limited TC to about 150 yards and 0 points.    The reality is, these teams are evenly matched that they should be tied, but when I tied them at #2 earlier this year it caused a firestorm so I had to break the tie, up until this week I gave MCC the nod, now I'm giving CCC the nod based on the common opponent.

I said at the beginning of the year I would not consider dropping Chaminade from #1 unless 2 things happened 1) They had 3 blowout losses and 2) The team I moved ahead of them was playing better football. Chaminade has 2 blowout losses, but I think they're a score better than Booker T thus I do not see a third loss on their schedule.

Lakeland Christian is a very solid team, but to this point in the year they have the weakest Strength of Schedule. The win over Berkeley Prep was much needed, but the only team they play from here on out of interest is Orlando Lake Highland Prep; still, Danny Williams and company are doing a great job with the task at hand.

Sarasota Cardinal Mooney is really playing some quality football. While they haven't had the toughest schedule they are clearly capable of doing good against more talented teams. Their HC was the old OC at Don Bosco Prep in NJ and their offense has been solid this year.

Taylor County vs Dixie County will be a fun matchup between two strong, hard-hitting programs. I would love some analysis by people more familiar with the northern part of the state.

What's going on at Ocala Trinity Catholic? The Celtics only scored 3 points against Dunellon, should really be more stout. On paper, this is a solid team. While I'm not saying the Celtics are out of the playoff hunt, their region Class 3A Region 3 is the most competitive region in 3A and has some heavy hitters.

Calvary Christian of Clearwater suffered their first loss of the year to Orlando The First Academy. Calvary started off 2-0, but now faces a tough strength of 3 games that would open the door for the above mentioned Ocala Trinity to get into the playoffs. First Academy is quietly having a strong season.

Tampa Catholic and Berkeley Prep play each other on Berkeley Prep's field this Thursday in what should be a classic game. Due to the dominance of CCC and the strong seasons Lakeland Christian and Cardinal Mooney have put together, the loser of the TC vs BP game is likely out of the playoffs.

Columbia,

Thanks for the 411 on Dixie! I'll keep and eye on that result. I debated taking Oxbridge at #1 for about 2 seconds, at the end of the day I don't think they would do any better than what Chaminade did against Central and American Heritage.  Now, if Chaminade is blown out by Booker T it's a new discussion, but I'll take Chaminade by 3 over Booker.

As mentioned above, MCC and CCC should really be tied, those two teams are mirror imagines of each other.

I have a hard time ranking a 2 loss TC team over an undefeated LCS team for the simple fact that LCS has a solid win over Berkeley Prep; however, I totally understand the logic of waiting for TC vs Berkeley Prep this Thursday to let it work itself out. It's ashame that TC and LCS don't play this year.



 

Dixie County might be a surprise threat to Madison this year and so far has dominated their games,  that game will say a lot about both teams 
 
 
I'm not sure with Trinity Catholic i thought they would be good this year 
 
 
Here my current Top 6 for 3a
 
1 Oxbridge Academy 
2 Chaminade Madonna 
3 Melbourne Central Catholic 
4 Clearwater Central Catholic 
5 Tampa Catholic
6 Lakeland Christian
 
 
While i feel Chaminade is more talented overall i feel oxbridge has been on fire so far 
 
Lakeland Christian looks good but I'm wanting to see a little more before bumping them into top 5 (or Tampa Catholic continuing to struggle)
 

When I post thoughts and my personal rankings it usually take me until week 5 to understand the current football season. I admit that until then I often use 2016 results to validate thoughts, but I've now seen via stream all of the major contenders for 3A. So, here's my updated top 5 at the halfway point:

1) Chaminade-Madonna (1-2).  Yes, the Lions have two blowout losses to American Heritage and Miami Central; however, this is still the best team in 3A although I don't believe the gap is as big as once thought. I think there are challenges that have emerged to compete with the Lions.

2) Oxbridge Academy (2-1). Oxbridge has had to ride a stormy offseason and then the season opening loss in heartbreaking fashion to Archbishop Wood. Since then, the Thunderwolves have decimated everything in their path.

3) Clearwater Central Catholic (4-0). The Marauders struggled in the first quarter against a surprisingly solid 6A Northeast team; however, scored 57 points in the last 3 quarters.

4) Melbourne Central Catholic (2-1). The Hustlers rallied late to force overtime and eventually win 31-28 against a solid Tampa Catholic. MCC's starting QB Joaquin Collazo missed the game.

5) Lakeland Christian (4-0). Needed to hold off a pesky Orlando Christian Prep team, but it was their second game in 5 days as the Vikings upset Berkeley Prep last Monday in a classic game.

On my radar: Taylor County (3-1), Orlando The First Academy (4-0), Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (4-0)

Some notes.

I jumped CCC ever so slightly ahead of MCC based on the common opponent Tampa Catholic.  MCC beat Tampa Catholic 31-28 in overtime without their starting QBm Joaquin Collazo. CCC beat Tampa Catholic 25-0 without their top WR, Brett Seither. While we can argue the schematics of MCC missing their starting QB and how the offense may of ended the game earlier than OT (the kid is a Class 3A PoY candidate) the fact is MCC gave up 28 points and close to 350 yards total offense to TC.  CCC limited TC to about 150 yards and 0 points.    The reality is, these teams are evenly matched that they should be tied, but when I tied them at #2 earlier this year it caused a firestorm so I had to break the tie, up until this week I gave MCC the nod, now I'm giving CCC the nod based on the common opponent.

I said at the beginning of the year I would not consider dropping Chaminade from #1 unless 2 things happened 1) They had 3 blowout losses and 2) The team I moved ahead of them was playing better football. Chaminade has 2 blowout losses, but I think they're a score better than Booker T thus I do not see a third loss on their schedule.

Lakeland Christian is a very solid team, but to this point in the year they have the weakest Strength of Schedule. The win over Berkeley Prep was much needed, but the only team they play from here on out of interest is Orlando Lake Highland Prep; still, Danny Williams and company are doing a great job with the task at hand.

Sarasota Cardinal Mooney is really playing some quality football. While they haven't had the toughest schedule they are clearly capable of doing good against more talented teams. Their HC was the old OC at Don Bosco Prep in NJ and their offense has been solid this year.

Taylor County vs Dixie County will be a fun matchup between two strong, hard-hitting programs. I would love some analysis by people more familiar with the northern part of the state.

What's going on at Ocala Trinity Catholic? The Celtics only scored 3 points against Dunellon, should really be more stout. On paper, this is a solid team. While I'm not saying the Celtics are out of the playoff hunt, their region Class 3A Region 3 is the most competitive region in 3A and has some heavy hitters.

Calvary Christian of Clearwater suffered their first loss of the year to Orlando The First Academy. Calvary started off 2-0, but now faces a tough strength of 3 games that would open the door for the above mentioned Ocala Trinity to get into the playoffs. First Academy is quietly having a strong season.

Tampa Catholic and Berkeley Prep play each other on Berkeley Prep's field this Thursday in what should be a classic game. Due to the dominance of CCC and the strong seasons Lakeland Christian and Cardinal Mooney have put together, the loser of the TC vs BP game is likely out of the playoffs.

I don't know much about the facebook/twitter barbs, but Rockledge is 0-2 against some super powerhouses. Viera and Kissmiee Osceola are very, very strong and Rocklege appears to have had a good showing in both games. Looking at their remaining schedule I think they would be favorites vs Mt. Dora, Titusville and Space Coast.    CCC, Palm Bay, MI, Cocoa are just better programs than them right now I believe.

 

Nolebull,

MCC beat TC 31-28 in OT.  It sounds like it was an amazing game.

If you're a Spectrum customer, Spectrum is broadcasting and streaming the Lakeland vs East Lake game.

Spectrum is also broadcasting/streaming Clearwater Central Catholic vs Northeast.

Chaminade vs American Heritage will be broadcast on ESPNU this evening.

Orlando First Academy vs Calvary Christian (both undefeated) is being streamed online via NFHS.

I'm checking to see if Tampa Catholic vs Melbourne Central Catholic is streamed.

It never ceases to amaze me how Uschool continues to get athletes and then loses them to Chaminade-Madonna within a year or so. It's like Uschool is Chaminade's JV team.

Proseteye,

Thanks for the information! I've been keeping my eye on OTC (No pun intended) and think that despite starting 0-2, the teams OTC lost to  may finish 8-2 themselves giving OTC a few quality losses. I think there's a few wins coming up on your schedule with Santa Fe and Providence being down- in addition, this doesn't appear to be the best South Sumter has fielded and Jordan Christian Prep is probably a win. Your analysis on their team themselves is appreciated as I haven't seen OTC in person or via stream this year. I'm showing OTC is also playing IMG White and North Marion. I know IMG White isn't very good yet, which leaves North Marion, 0-3 but they've played some good teams.  In that regard, I would view this week as a huge game against an undefeated team.

As for the playoffs- OTC would benefit greatly from Tampa Catholic/Berkeley Prep continuing to struggle and it wouldn't hurt if Cardinal Mooney and Calvary stubbed their toe a time or two.







 

Jessica
Since you are continuing to aptly define Class 3A on a regular basis, thought I'd jump in and add a little bit to your analysis in case anyone is interested.
I do believe that the defining game, for the Trinity Catholic Celtics, is this coming Friday when undefeated 4A Dunnellon rolls into Celtic stadium. So far this season the Celtics have been a big disappointment with so much promise at the beginning of the season. For some odd reason our offense is just not getting the job done. This is the same problem we have had over the last two years even though we now have a darn good QB in King Redd and a large experienced OL. Our WR's and RB's, although not D-1 material, are still all capable. We also now have an OC who previously had championship teams in another state. We have so far played two undefeated teams, 5A Belleview and 4A Lake Highland Prep, both of which are pretty good teams but not world beaters. In the past the Celtics would have handled both without too much difficulty.
Once again we will be going up against a good undefeated team in Dunnellon. We have never played them so don't know really what to expect. I mention this as our defining game because if we don't win this one I don't think we have a chance to get into the playoffs. If we do win it, and look good doing it, I think there is a possibility that we could run the table and go into the playoffs with an 8-2 record. This team is a solid one with all around good players and coaching. My thought is that, if it all comes together this Friday, then the team will have a definitive goal to work for.
 

Nolebull813,

Great analysis! I'm really excited for Chaminade/AHP.  Neither team has played a game in quite a while- I'm showing AHP and Chaminade haven't played since 9/1.  I could of swore I saw the game was televised on ESPN somewhere, but I could be wrong. Because of their accomplishments and talent, AHP has to be the favorite- but I agree, if Chaminade used the downtime to fix a few things and work on chemistry, they'll compete in this one for 3 quarters- ultimately, AHP's supieor depth will make sure they come away with the W, but Chaminade would benefit greatly from a good showing in this one.

You bring up a great, great point about Tampa Catholic. I saw a stat on facebook by an indepent sportswriter that against their two biggest rivals Tampa Jesuit and CCC, they're 0-17 against Jesuit since 2000 and 6-15 against CCC since 1999 or 2000. Going 6-32 against your biggest rivals over an almost 20 year span isn't getting it done. So, I agree with the assessment that in big games, Tampa Catholic tends to come up short. Of course, the counter argument would be- TC has also been to 2 state championship games and has multiple final 4 appearances despite a poor record against their rivals- still, MCC has to considered the favorite.

I think First Academy is the favorite, but by a minor amount- maybe 3 points. Calvary hasn't played a competitive schedule, although I can see AFA finishing 6-3, so that will end up being a good win for them. First Academy runs the Wing-T. Now, I don't know a lot about X's and O's, but I know when I hear the phrase Wing-T, coaches tend to panic since it's hard to simulate in practice and unless you prepare for it, even lesser talented teams can creep up and win.

I think CCC is going to be on cruise control for the next 2 weeks, then they travel to Rockledge which I'm told is a top 5 team in Brevard County. That will be an amazing game against 2 very good programs. This week? I think Northeast can compete for a bit, but CCC just has way to many 6'1 /6'2 210lbs running backs on the roster and the QB is a star in the making IMHO.

Nolebull813,

Great analysis! I'm really excited for Chaminade/AHP.  Neither team has played a game in quite a while- I'm showing AHP and Chaminade haven't played since 9/1.  I could of swore I saw the game was televised on ESPN somewhere, but I could be wrong. Because of their accomplishments and talent, AHP has to be the favorite- but I agree, if Chaminade used the downtime to fix a few things and work on chemistry, they'll compete in this one for 3 quarters- ultimately, AHP's supieor depth will make sure they come away with the W, but Chaminade would benefit greatly from a good showing in this one.

You bring up a great, great point about Tampa Catholic. I saw a stat on facebook by an indepent sportswriter that against their two biggest rivals Tampa Jesuit and CCC, they're 0-17 against Jesuit since 2000 and 6-15 against CCC since 1999 or 2000. Going 6-32 against your biggest rivals over an almost 20 year span isn't getting it done. So, I agree with the assessment that in big games, Tampa Catholic tends to come up short. Of course, the counter argument would be- TC has also been to 2 state championship games and has multiple final 4 appearances despite a poor record against their rivals- still, MCC has to considered the favorite.

I think First Academy is the favorite, but by a minor amount- maybe 3 points. Calvary hasn't played a competitive schedule, although I can see AFA finishing 6-3, so that will end up being a good win for them. First Academy runs the Wing-T. Now, I don't know a lot about X's and O's, but I know when I hear the phrase Wing-T, coaches tend to panic since it's hard to simulate in practice and unless you prepare for it, even lesser talented teams can creep up and win.

I think CCC is going to be on cruise control for the next 2 weeks, then they travel to Rockledge which I'm told is a top 5 team in Brevard County. That will be an amazing game against 2 very good programs. This week? I think Northeast can compete for a bit, but CCC just has way to many 6'1 /6'2 210lbs running backs on the roster and the QB is a star in the making IMHO.

AHP wins but the game will be closer than the Chaminade/MC game
Mel CC whips T Catholic. It seems like TC loses all these games. Plus MCC has more horses
First Academy wins because they have been more successful and the Calvary players are still new to it. 
CCC is gonna running clock Northeast

Columbia, thanks for the 411- I now have a game to watch tonight!

I'll be live streaming Columbia vs Lee
 
https://twitter.com/sports_CHSLC?s=09

What an amazing game last night between Lakeland Christian School and Tampa Berkeley Prep. LCS won 48-40. LCS has a very dangerous 1-2 punch with QB Tate Whatley and WR/S Tanner Molony.  Very exciting game to watch on a Monday night. Thanks to everybody involved for streaming it!

Without further adu, here's my Class 3A top 5

1) Chaminade-Madonna Prep ; Still the most loaded team in 3A and now well rested.
2) Oxbridge Academy; big game coming up against Uschool in a week.
3) Melbourne Central Catholic; Schedule doesn't get easier games at TC and Fort Hill coming up.
4) Clearwater Central Catholic:  Better than last years 9 win team and more balanced offensively.
5) Lakeland Christian: Fun to watch, well coached, big win vs Berkeley.

Chaminade remains at #1, Oxbridge at #2. Neither team has played a game recently. I really wanted to have CCC and MCC tied for 3, but then I saw MCC picked up Tampa Catholic this week and the two Central Catholic's will finally have a common opponent. LCS cracks the top 5. Ft. White  would be #6 if I did went further. 

Here are the games I'm interested in seeing the results for:

American Heritage Plantation at Chaminade-Madonna

Before the season I felt this game would be a battle between two of best teams not in Florida, but the nation. I actually made the case that Chaminade should be a top 50 team in America; however, that may of been a tad to grandiose- especially after the Lions were destroyed against Miami Central.

Still, few people have success going to Traz Powell and beating Central. The Lions get another nationally ranked program but this time at home. The Lions can win back some fans with a strong performance in this one, but American Heritage is probably a few pegs higher on the pole than the Lions right now.

Melbourne Central Catholic at Tampa Catholic

This game was added last Sunday and it's a doozy. Both teams have high expectations. I haven't seen MCC, but I did see Tampa Catholic vs CCC in person. Tampa Catholic, to me, is an enigma. From a pure athletic standpoint, the only team in all of 3A that should out-athlete them in Chaminade, yet the only remarkable thing about their season thus far is how unremarkable they've performed.

That  could change this week as a supremely talented MCC team comes to town. MCC has only played 2 games this year, a loss at Buford Georgia and a solid win over Palm Beach Central. Tampa Catholic does have a history of knocking off state ranked teams at home. A win vs MCC would quickly turn the Crusaders season around. 

Orlando First Academy at Calvary Christian (Clearwater)

A battle of undefeated Class 3A teams lost in the shuffle of the more well-known 3A team, the Royals and Warriors should have a good contest on Friday. Calvary Christian is lead by a host of CCC transfers Amari Burney and Deandre Ferguson alongside Ethan White and a solid set of skill players.  First Academy has long had success in in Florida football with head coach Leroy Kinard and his powerful Wing-T attack. This year is no different as the Royals are off to a quick 3-0 start.  The game will be played in Clearwater.

Clearwater Central Catholic vs St. Petersburg Northeast

This game is the Spectrum Sports Tampa Co-Game of the Week with East Lake and Lakeland, meaning it will be televised/streamed.  The Vikings of Northeast are 1-1 and are a mid-level Pinellas County football team with a strong athletic history that could end up winning 5 games this year and competing for a playoff spot in 6A. They have a capable QB/RB combination and some very solid coaching. It's probably unrealistic to expect Northeast to win this game, but it is realistic for them to make it competitive- especially if CCC is rusty.