As we approach the midway point of the 2024 Florida high school football regular season, let’s take a look at some of the state’s biggest matchups for Week 5 and make a pick for each.
IMG Academy vs. Mandarin
After suffering a season-opening loss at Corner Canyon out in Utah, IMG Academy (3-1) has since rattled off three straight victories over Bergen Catholic (New Jersey), Cocoa, and Mt. Zion Prep (Maryland).
Next up for the Ascenders is a tough home matchup with the Class 6A Mandarin Mustangs (3-1), who are coming off their first loss of the season at Bradford a week ago.
This is simply a can’t-miss matchup between two of Florida high school football’s top teams Friday night in Bradenton.
Prediction: IMG Academy 33, Mandarin 20
Venice vs. Cocoa
Off to an undefeated 4-0 start to the season, the Venice Indians are cemented among the top programs in the state early in the year.
Led by an offense that is averaging 57.8 points per game, the Indians will now host a talented Cocoa team that is 3-1 with wins over Titusville, Mainland, and Heritage.
The Indians won last season’s contest in Cocoa by a final score of 31-21. Will the Tigers get their revenge this Friday night?
Prediction: Venice 42, Cocoa 33
Miami Central vs. American Heritage
Two of South Florida’s best teams collide in Miami on Friday night as the Miami Central Rockets take on the American Heritage Patriots.
After beginning the season with a loss to Lakeland, Miami Central (3-1) has since rattled off three straight wins over Edison, Booker T. Washington, and Pompano Beach.
American Heritage currently sits at 2-2, having played one of the state’s toughest schedules.
This is the first meeting between the two teams since the 2022 Class 2M state title game, so expect this contest to live up to the hype once again.
Prediction: Miami Central 24, American Heritage 21
Chaminade-Madonna vs. Norland
Yet another prominent South Florida showdown comes via the Chaminade-Madonna Lions playing host to the Norland Vikings on Thursday night.
After a shocking 0-2 start to the year, Chaminade-Madonna (2-2) has bounced back the last two weeks with victories over both American Heritage and Edison.
Norland (3-0) is coming off an impressive 21-17 win over Miami Northwestern.
Who will win this meeting between the Lions and Vikings, two of Florida’s top teams a year ago?
Prediction: Chaminade-Madonna 30, Norland 20
Miami Northwestern vs. Miami Columbus
South Florida’s other top matchup on Thursday night features Miami Northwestern taking on Miami Columbus, a game the Explorers won a year ago by a final score of 24-7.
The Miami Northwestern Bulls come into this year’s matchup sitting at 2-2 overall.
The Miami Columbus Explorers have struggled at times, owning a 2-2 record against a challenging schedule.
Having lost to Miami Columbus each of the last two seasons, can Miami Northwestern snap that skid this time?
Prediction: Miami Northwestern 30, Miami Columbus 24
Edgewater vs. Apopka
We conclude with two programs that are certainly familiar with each other facing off Friday night in the Edgewater Eagles and Apopka Blue Darters.
Edgewater is coming off a 31-21 loss at Jones this past week and sits at 2-2 on the season.
Apopka holds a 3-1 record and has allowed only 6 points to opponents across the first four weeks of the year.
The Eagles have won the last three games between these two teams dating back to 2021. Can the Blue Darters break that streak?
