IMG Academy vs Miami Central

Our first Florida Pick 6 matchup in Week 1 features two of the state’s premier football programs: IMG Academy and Miami Central, in the first meeting between the schools since 2017. The Rockets, who are coming off a 2021 season in which they claimed the 5A state championship, enter the year as a preseason favorite in Class 2M, while the Ascenders are again among the nation’s best, beginning 2022 ranked No. 1 in our Classes 3 and 4 Top-25 rankings.

Prediction: IMG Academy 42, Miami Central 21

Chaminade-Madonna vs St. John’s (D.C.)

Several interstate matchups this weekend include some of Florida’s top teams, with arguably the most high-profile contest featuring Chaminade-Madonna taking on Washington D.C. powerhouse St. John’s on Saturday. The Lions, led by 2024 five-star wideouts Jeremiah Smith and Joshisa Trader, will pit their electric offense against a Cadets team that went undefeated a year ago, allowing only 72 combined points to opponents.

Prediction: Chaminade-Madonna 35, St. John’s 20

St. Thomas Aquinas vs St. Joseph’s Prep (PA)

Having won three straight state titles, St. Thomas Aquinas begins its chase for a fourth with a massive interstate showdown Saturday with Pennsylvania power St. Joseph’s Prep. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN and feature a Raiders team loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, facing off with a Hawks team that finished as the PIAA 6A runner-up a year ago.

Prediction: St. Thomas Aquinas 38, St. Joseph’s Prep 17

American Heritage vs Los Alamitos (CA)

Another interstate matchup that will be televised by ESPN this Saturday is American Heritage taking on Los Alamitos from California. This Florida Pick 6 matchup in Week 1 could be one of the most star-studded on the offensive side of the ball – a parade of high-profile names will take the field, including Malachi Nelson, Brandon Inniss, Makai Lemon, Mark Fletcher, and more.

Prediction: American Heritage 28, Los Alamitos 24

Venice vs Miami Northwestern

After winning the 8A state title a year ago, Venice kicks off its 2022 season with a home contest against Miami Northwestern, one of the top teams from a deep Class 2M. The showdown between the Indians and Bulls features the high-profile Miami Northwestern passing game led by quarterback Taron Dickens facing off against a strong Venice defense led by edge rusher Damon Wilson.

Prediction: Venice 30, Miami Northwestern 28

Miami Palmetto vs Homestead

Two of the top teams in the Miami area collide to begin the season as Miami Palmetto hosts Homestead in a rematch of a Panthers 21-19 road win a year ago. Similar to last season’s matchup, this one should be close, with each team displaying plenty of talent on both sides of the ball.

Prediction: Miami Palmetto 24, Homestead 21