Story
High school football picks: American Heritage big favorite against Glades Central
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
by
Jeff Greer
Matt Porter
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Let's call this week Rematch Week.
Glades Central's 41-34 overtime win at American Heritage last fall was the game of the year in Palm Beach County. It had everything fans could ask for: Soaring interceptions, momentum changes, big runs and all kinds of emotion.
Thursday's rematch in Belle Glade could be the exact opposite of that memorable 2011 contest.
Glades Central (0-2) is out of The Post Top 10 rankings, something even the best area historians can't ever recall happening. Meanwhile American Heritage (2-0) is fresh off a road upset at Seffner-Armwood, considered one of the nation's top programs.
Another game that generated highlights and hoopla last fall was Dwyer's 23-14 home win over Seminole Ridge. The Hawks get a shot at revenge on their home field this time, but they'll need major tweaks after last week's rocky 2012 debut, a 21-7 home loss to Park Vista. Defense, and defensive stars, will be on display in Loxahatchee.
And who could forget the showdown Palm Beach Central and Palm Beach Gardens produced last fall? Expect plenty of offense and fireworks again in their Wellington meeting.
Enough chatter: Let's get to the picks.
GAMES OF THE WEEK (Games at 7 p.m. Friday unless noted)
No. 1 American Heritage (2-0) at Glades Central (0-2), 7:30 p.m., Thursday
These teams have produced thrillers of late, and it's going to take a monster effort from Glades Central to make this year anything more than a snoozer. The Raiders are sorting out issues everywhere, while Heritage is coming off a road win at top Class 6A team Armwood.
Jeff's pick: Heritage 38-10.
Matt's pick: Heritage 34-17.
No. 2 Dwyer (2-0) at No. 6 Seminole Ridge (0-1), 7:30 p.m.
Two teams with outstanding defenses go at it. Dwyer's defense is better than Ridge's, and its offense, while unsettled up front and under center, is more consistent than Ridge.
Jeff's pick: Dwyer 16-13.
Matt's pick: Dwyer 24-10.
No. 7 Palm Beach Gardens (1-1) at No. 4 Palm Beach Central (1-0)
It was a shootout in Gardens last year when Central pulled off the early season upset. Expect more the same, though the scoring might be done differently. Gardens has a nice mix of passing and rushing offense, while Central will get its yards from its dominant offensive line and trio of rushing weapons.
Jeff's pick: Central 41-35.
Matt's pick: Central 38-31.
No. 9 John I. Leonard (2-0) at Wellington (2-0)
A win over up-and-coming Wellington would make Leonard 3-0. They can throw on anyone, and don't sleep on that defense and run game. Leonard is legitimate, but let's remember the Lancers were 3-0 last year before finishing 4-6.
Jeff's pick: John I. Leonard 28-14.
Matt's pick: John I. Leonard 30-10.
Pahokee (0-2) at Atlantic (1-1), 7:30 p.m.
It's been a sloppy proposition the past few meetings, and this one will be no different. Atlantic is simply bigger, faster and stronger this season, something that may change in the near future. Don't be fooled: Pahokee is better this season, but the schedule is extremely challenging.
Jeff's pick: Atlantic 33-10.
Matt's pick: Atlantic 28-14.
West Boca Raton (0-2) at Lake Worth (0-2)
This is an intriguing matchup between a pair of winless teams. Both offenses can move the ball a bit, with West Boca's powered by running back Eugene Bethea and Lake Worth's by its passing attack. But the defense for West Boca's been a bit more trustworthy.
Jeff's pick: West Boca 24-21.
Matt's pick: West Boca 20-17
JEFF'S PICKS
THURSDAY
Treasure Coast (2-0) at Daytona Beach-Mainland (1-1): T-Coast is off to a nice start, but Mainland is considered one of the tougher teams in the state. Mainland 20-16.
FRIDAY
Boca Raton (1-1) at Jupiter (0-2): Boca's tough road loss at Atlantic doesn't hurt its stature, while Jupiter's opening games have been disastrous. Boca Raton 28-7.
Boynton Beach (1-1) at Forest Hill (1-1): Good luck picking this one. Both teams lost to Wellington, and both struggled to score. Boynton has more athletes. Boynton Beach 18-16.
Spanish River (0-2) at Olympic Heights (2-0): Two new coaches, and two programs headed in very different directions. Love O-Heights' discipline so far. Olympic Heights 35-0.
Inlet Grove (0-2) at Jupiter Christian (0-1), at Dwyer: Concerns abound about both teams' offenses after rough starts. Depth is also an issue. Jupiter Christian 17-16.
Glades Day (2-0) at Clewiston (0-2): Kelvin Taylor is off to his usual blazing start, and he'll look for better results this time after his team lost to the Tigers last fall. Glades Day 28-21.
Coral Springs Charter (1-0) at John Carroll (1-1): John Carroll got rolled last week at Benjamin, but that says more about the Bucs than John Carroll. John Carroll 21-14.
Fort Pierce Westwood (0-2) at Vero Beach (2-0): This might be the biggest mismatch of the week, as Vero's become one of the top teams (again) in Class 8A. Vero Beach 45-0.
Centennial (0-2) at Okeechobee (1-1): Hard to judge these teams after two games. Okeechobee was strong in Week 1, but struggled in Week 2. Centennial's offense is lagging. Centennial 14-13.
MATT'S PICKS
THURSDAY
Boca Raton Christian (2-0) at Miami-Hillel (1-1): Boca Christian is off to a good start with senior A.J. Puente at quarterback, but Hillel can score and shut down the pass. Hillel 31-18.
FRIDAY
Suncoast (1-1) at No. 8 Cardinal Newman (2-0): Cardinal Newman has put up more points than anyone in the area, and unless Suncoast can get stops early, this one will be over quick. Cardinal Newman 45-10.
No. 5 Park Vista (2-0) at Palm Beach Lakes (1-1): Park Vista has allowed just a touchdown and 172 yards of offense through two games. Lakes, which won't increase those totals by much. Park Vista 28-0.
Pope John Paul II (2-0) at Benjamin (2-0): Two of the Southeastern Football Conference's best teams get together in Palm Beach Gardens. Benjamin junior McKenna Johnston has been a pleasant surprise carrying the ball. Benjamin 24-21.
Miami-Archbishop Curley (0-2) at St. Andrew's (0-2): Both SFC teams have looked shaky in the outset, but the Scots should take this one at home. St. Andrew's 14-7.
Pompano Beach-Highlands Christian (0-2) at Village Academy (0-2): Village tested itself with a preseason game against No. 4 Palm Beach Central and big school Treasure Coast in Week 1 before falling to powerful 3A Chaminade last week. They're primed for a win. Village Academy 34-7.
Martin County (0-2) at Melbourne-Eau Gallie (1-1): Martin County hasn't shown it can keep teams from driving down the field, giving up 46 points to South Fork and 48 to Vero Beach. Eau Gallie will be similarly tough to stop. Eau Gallie 34-14.
Sebastian River (1-1) at No. 3 Fort Pierce Central (2-0): Short week for Central, which finished a comeback win over Melbourne-Palm Bay on Monday night. Sebastian has a chance if FPC is dog-tired. Fort Pierce Central 48-13.
Jensen Beach (1-1) at Port St. Lucie (0-2): Port St. Lucie has gained the sixth-most yards in the area, but has just 20 points to show for it. Jensen Beach makes good on its opportunities. Jensen Beach 21-13.
SATURDAY
Berean Christian (1-0) vs. South Florida HEAT (1-1) at Wellington, noon: Berean stomped Posnack Day last week, and should roll against HEAT. Berean Christian 34-17.
RECORDS
Jeff Greer: 13-5 last week; 26-7 overall.
Matt Porter: 13-4 last week; 26-7 overall.
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User Comments:
Lady Raider commented on September 12, 2012 at 8:12 p.m.: report abuse
@ Raider 84, when The Raiders don't when games, the first thing people like you want to say is "Fire the Coach". That is not always the answer and definitely NOT always the problem. It could be a simple case of WE just don't have it this year. Our kids need stability, because to much change is not good and brings about to many inconsistencies and confusion. Our kids once considered it a privilege to play and to be part of such a great program that produce so much passion for the game. Slowly we ate seeing their joy disappearing and our talent leaving only to play for other schools because of all the chaos, favoritism, negativity, rude fans and thoughtless comments that people like you make on the post. These are people kids you are speaking so harshly about. We should individually see what we can do to assist them academically and then worry about football second. I don personally
agree with every decision made on the football field, but i would never speak so poorly of our youth considering the amount of time and energy they pour into practice on a daily basis. It literally disturbs me to see and hear people criticize our young men. Reality and common sense should tell us, that no matter how good we were, nobody remains on top forever although that's what we have allowed ourselves to be accustomed to year after year. Because that's what they gave us, a Dynasty that others could use as a gauge to measure their talent, they gave us bragging rights on a Dynasty that bought us 6 championships which is something we can always boast and be proud of. Our Raiders have made us Nationally known and have been ranked as high as number 3 in the Nation and produce more NFL athletes than most high schools in the nation. They should have our respect rather than disrespect. So instead of complaining and criticizing be proud of who we are and what we have accomplished at Raider Nation. I feel your frustration but I don't agree with anyone speaking so disrespectfully towards our young men. It is what it is, let's support them anyway and know and believe we will be back.....
Lady Raider commented on September 12, 2012 at 8:17 p.m.: report abuse
Oops, comment meant for '04 Raider
The Truth commented on September 12, 2012 at 9:01 p.m.: report abuse
Ridge D is dinged up and they need J at saftey, Almonte out a few more weeks. Dixon is a maybe this week, and DE has a bad wing, otherwise kyle would be in the middle. B/U QB is done, so Jallen might get his shot if Decosta repeats last week.
Raiders4Life commented on September 12, 2012 at 11:21 p.m.: report abuse
@ Lady Raider: I agree with a lot of what you said. We definitely need to support our kids (male and female) no matter what. Yes, we are accustomed to being on top,but that's the attitude we took on long ago, not because we wanted to win because we felt we had to because we always felt we had to prove ourselves. As an adult, I sometimes feel the same way...I can relate to what our kids feel. The kids in the Glades should always feel special and we as a community needs to embrace them, support them and love them. Yes, Belle Glade is a football town...we know that! And, we know that it is the "heartbeat" of the city to which we are not ashame but proud. Football games are more than a game but a family reunion. Others may think it is crazy but you have to be from the "Muck" to understand. Yes, we can be crazy fans and some people (as mentioned alot in the Blog of the Palm Beach Post) are rude and disrespectful but you find that everywhere. That's reality! Raider fans always get the short end of the stick. Why? Because we are vocal and really don't hold back when it comes to trash talking...keep it real...this goes on everywhere, not just Belle Glade. Whatever we do, we always get criticized and the negative talk becomes the topic of most football games. I have witnessed this first hand while attending other high school football games where the Raiders were not playing. Being a Raider, we always set the bar high and we know what comes with the reputation we have created over the past 2 decades. I'm a die hard Raider and proud. We may be down this year but we will be back. We have the a record that most teams wish they had, most state titles that most teams would love to have and have produced the most NFL players in the nation. This may come a surprise to most, we don't just produce professional football players, but instead educators, nurses, lawyers, doctors, pharmarcists, ect. So, please don't judge by a few fans who get a little carried away during football games. As it is written in Matt 7, "Do not judge or you too will be judged. For the same way you judge others, you will be judged." Let's just all get along.
One for the road: When the Raiders come back...there will be a state title on the radar. Bank on it !Go Raiders!!!!
Mucheverywhere commented on September 12, 2012 at 11:29 p.m.: report abuse
@ Ladyraiders
I agree with you on some points, yes academically wish but this is a sport page and I know for a fact the Raiders will still have their fans with them. But the children at G.C. and youth around know that we can do better then what is happen. Everyone know that we have a great players but not in the right position. How we goin to be able to brag when we having a losing record. There students are playin for their future and if they dont have the right people there then how are they goin to success on the field. But the ball in the right hand put the right people on the field and everything will come together.
forest hill falcons commented on September 13, 2012 at 1:26 a.m.: report abuse
Shannon Patrick he is a sophomer QB his completion percentage is bout 65- 70 % and our running back has ran for 300 plus yards in the first two weeks come watch this game and you will see who has the athletes
@ forest hill falcons commented on September 13, 2012 at 7:09 a.m.: report abuse
win a game.
@forest hill blue jays commented on September 13, 2012 at 8:19 a.m.: report abuse
How many State Titles do y'all have? LMAO @ Forest Hill! Win a state title!!!!
More Truth commented on September 13, 2012 at 9:19 a.m.: report abuse
seminole ridge qb- those coachs let the back up qb get hurt last week and now they dont even allow the best QB play he be playin defense. They have a good qb on jv who is a jr and he should be starter ahead of coachs kid.
WHS PRIDE FOR LIFE! commented on September 13, 2012 at 9:36 a.m.: report abuse
Wellington hasnt been that great in the past. But since this new coach stepped in everything has changed! There's no daddy ball at wellington. This start off for them has been one of the best start off in Wellington history! Don't worry about what Matt and Jeff are saying just go out there and do your guys best!!!!!! Let's go Wellington!!!!!!!! Let's make it 3-0 !!!!!!!!!!!
@WHS Pride commented on September 13, 2012 at 10:28 a.m.: report abuse
You are kidding yourself if you think there is no daddy ball at Wellington.
Hawkeye commented on September 13, 2012 at 10:33 a.m.: report abuse
Lets do work this Friday Hawks! Rebound from last week now that you guys have your feet back underneath you. The Ridge plays the most physical style of football in the county and they're gonna bring it to Dwyer. Lets go Hawks!
Hawk Hog 09 commented on September 13, 2012 at 12:11 p.m.: report abuse
All things considered, 9 days off from football, the O-line suffered the most. Never- Ever! - have I seen a Ridge O-line miss so many blocking assignments. They looked gassed, and just a little out of sync. Was it the lay-off, we'll find out Fri. night.
Tell me why commented on September 13, 2012 at 12:28 p.m.: report abuse
RAIDER FANS NO EXCUSES! every year at Glade Central we lose at least 15 to 20 seniors,and we have never looked like this. We can`t blame this POOR showing on a young team.Coaches have to plan to succeed, not just show up and think because were GC it`s a win. Those days are over the last dominate team was the 2006 team with both size and speed, that team lost 3 regular season game but most importantly won a state title. So lets keep supporting our RAIDERS and demand that coaches put all their effort doing the off season to better prepare the team for the up coming season. Becareful of what you wish for !!
GO RAIDERS!!!!
Riviera Beach commented on September 13, 2012 at 1:23 p.m.: report abuse
Starting to feel like Jeff is either a fan of Seminole Ridge or has somethng against Dwyer. 16-13? Man this game won't be close. Dwyer is hyped. Callgery Judge get ready!!!!!!! DEM DWYER PANTERS ARE COMING!!!!!!!!!! Hawkman and Shark I will be on the Seminole Ridge side of the stadium first half.
Tell me why commented on September 13, 2012 at 1:55 p.m.: report abuse
@Riviera Beach i agree this game shouldn`t be close, DYER big over ridge!!!
Tell me why commented on September 13, 2012 at 1:58 p.m.: report abuse
Sorry! meant Dwyer
Lady Raider commented on September 13, 2012 at 2:14 p.m.: report abuse
@much everywhere, please don't misinterpret my point! My biggest concern here is the way some people or so called fans speak so harshly of our players when they don't meet up to our expectations. Do you honestly think the coaches are putting them in positions they are not good at only to sabotage their own team. Thay is sensless. Do you honestly think the football players work extremely hard everyday in practice and agree not to play their best so that they could experience humiliation by being defeated five games in a row. This is heartbreaking for them to experience as and team and disheartnenng to witness as a loyal fans. As you stated earlier, yes The Raiders still have their loyal fans but not as a whole when you compare to a few years ago. I remember when you didn't get the game by 6:30 or 7:00, you would not find a seat. Now, no matter what time you go, you can find a seat anywhere. The reason for this is unknown to me. So even if you feel you have nothing to brag about because of a season thats off to a rough start, that makes you shortsighted too critical in your own eyes. But for those of us who choose to
hold on to our proud moments and who continue to loyally support our team, come what may..... Let us do so!!!! All is not lost, we will get better with time, effective coaching, proper readjustments, comminity SUPPORT and constructive criticism.
I appreciate your response.... let's just work on building our youth up instead of tearing them down...... LET'S GO RAIDERS!!!
Tell me why commented on September 13, 2012 at 2:45 p.m.: report abuse
@Riviera Beach i agree this game shouldn`t be close, DWYER big over ridge!!!
@Riviera Beach commented on September 13, 2012 at 3:22 p.m.: report abuse
Greer is a Palm Beach Central fan, no doubt.
No way WTD will blow out, or shut out, Ridge. Fact, zebras saved ya last year. Just wait and see, Hawks ARE ready to bust WTD dead in their mouth, just like last year, BRING IT!!!
gonna win commented on September 13, 2012 at 3:22 p.m.: report abuse
I agree too! Dwyer is going to destroy Seminole Ridge! But all we are going to hear is how Ridge missed practice for over a week! Boo hoo! They would have lost whether they had practice or not.
@Ridge commented on September 13, 2012 at 3:40 p.m.: report abuse
If you can't beat PV, no have no chance against Dwyer. 0-2 start with 2 home losses.
glades central commented on September 13, 2012 at 3:46 p.m.: report abuse
glades central gone get blowed out tonight and ima raider fan myself we cant move the ball or stop nobody this gone be the worst team in glades central history soon or later we going to be just like pahokee Go Raiders And please start washington tonight atleast we will have a better chance at winning and call some better plays on the offensive side and make defense practice some tackling skills going 0-3 is not acceptable at gc thats just sorry face it raider fans we suck when we ever lost to dwyer or plantation and was the underdogs against american heritage the glory days in belle glade are over no more state for us 6championships men it was a good ride plus all our nfl players
RivieraBeachShark commented on September 13, 2012 at 4:19 p.m.: report abuse
Riviera Beach, I'll be on the Ridge side also, probably hanging out with Spearman's dad. Go D-BLOCK!
Lady Devil Baby commented on September 13, 2012 at 4:30 p.m.: report abuse
To all yall raider fans u gonna get da brakes beat off ya tonitew so sit tight relax and enjoy. It's time for da raiders to rebuild and take the overdue butt whoopings.
glades central commented on September 13, 2012 at 4:55 p.m.: report abuse
@Lady Devil Baby And We Been Whooping Pk For Four Years St8 And Yall Been Sorry Since 2010 Beat Us Then Talk Get Off Them Other Teams Jock Yall Cant Make The Playoffs And Dont Forget Yall Gotta Play American Heritage Too If They Blow Us Out Then They Gone Defintely Kill Yall Oh Yea Yall Got Blowed Out All Last Year 2-8 We Gone Blow Yall Out Again Muck Bowl Haha How You Gone Talk Yall Aint Beat Us 4 Years St8 Or Made The Playoffs In The Last Three Years Haha Yea We May Be Sorry But We Better Than Yall haha
@ @WHS Pride commented on September 13, 2012 at 6:01 p.m.: report abuse
The daddy-ball era IS over. Wellington has a real football coach now.
@@@WHS Pride commented on September 13, 2012 at 6:53 p.m.: report abuse
Just wait and you will see a new era of daddy ball....it's starting already and you don't even know it.
Riviera Beach commented on September 13, 2012 at 7:20 p.m.: report abuse
Pounded? Seminole Ridge had 58 yards rushing the WHOLE GAME!!!!! In the four you started moving the ball threw the air. It was a smart move. SR actually had 164 yards passing. Also both teams scored 7 in the fourth quarter. Don't fool yourself Dwyer dominated most of that game. It was early on in the year and Faton was still adjusting. If that game was later in the season it wouldn't have been close. Same with this season. When Dwyer's offense starts to get it going they will be scary good. This year there will be no question.
@ matt and jeff commented on September 13, 2012 at 8:17 p.m.: report abuse
its funny how when seminol ridge lose a game its cause they didnt have conditionin but when another team lose its cause they are not good. u guys are so funny. y dnt u guys treat every team the same. watch how dwyer kills them. 35-7 book it.
Raiders4Life commented on September 13, 2012 at 9:32 p.m.: report abuse
To Lady Devil Baby: I understand that you are bitter in more ways than one. Blue Devils have always love to hate the Raiders, but we understand that you all just want to be like us. First, Blue Devil fans stopped following their football team about 3 years ago. Second, Blue Devil fans do not support your team at all. Lastly, you should be the last to make a comment on any blog. Now, with that said, I will be the bigger person and wish you all a good season. Now that's CLASS! Go Raiders!
5*Recruit commented on September 13, 2012 at 10:23 p.m.: report abuse
AH-14 vs GC=0
Ball Game
@ Daddy ball huh? commented on September 14, 2012 at 9:54 p.m.: report abuse
Wellington is now 3-0 beating John I. Still daddy ball?
sportsfan commented on September 14, 2012 at 10:56 p.m.: report abuse
oh my God, can you guys please stop using the phrase Daddy Ball. you sound like a bunch of old whiney moms and dads from the old baseball/softball days. lets get original; and congrats to Welly for winning tonite and to Dwyer as well. @ @matt and jeff, you were pretty close on that prediction. seems like this season could be wide open, looking at some of the scores that just popped up; thank God football season is back!
Ridge make me sad commented on October 19, 2012 at 3:25 p.m.: report abuse
The fact that the Ridge/DICKMAN continue to run the antiquated Winged-T is SAD. It's time to move on to the progressive football being played around you. Even the Acreage Rec League has more interesting offensive strategies and formations. The 3-4 Defense doesn't work!!!! th3 5 and 6 hole gets exploited regularly.
DICKMAN WAKE UP PLEASE WE BEG YOU!
Run some different formations, give these kids a chance to excel!!! in HS and in college.
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