Just last week, Chaminade-Madonna found itself in one of the state’s top matchups when the Lions took on Miami Northwestern. That game pitted two of Florida’s premier offenses against one another, and things don’t get any easier this week as Chaminade-Madonna hosts American Heritage, another team with an explosive offense.
Chaminade-Madonna, likely the top team in Class 1M, enters this contest undefeated at 3-0 after winning that showdown with Miami Northwestern 42-14. The Lions are averaging 42 PPG through the season’s initial stretch while allowing 23.3 PPG to some tough opponents that have also included St. John’s (DC) and Dillard.
The Lions’ offensive depth is no secret, with names such as Jeremiah Smith, Edwin Joseph, and Joshisa Trader at wide receiver, while Davion Gause anchors the Chaminade-Madonna backfield. Cedrick Bailey leads the offense at quarterback, and the Chaminade-Madonna defense, led by Zaquan Patterson and Jeno Junius, is certainly not lacking for talent, either.
American Heritage also comes into the contest undefeated and fresh off a dominant 56-0 win over Glades Central. The Patriots offense is just as impressive, averaging more than 50 PPG, while the defense has posted some notable performances as well. American Heritage’s other wins were over Los Alamitos (CA) and Lake Gibson.
The Patriots offense is led by quarterback Blake Murphy and a talented group of playmakers at the skill positions such as Brandon Inniss, Mark Fletcher, and Malachi Toney. Defensively, American Heritage has a talented secondary led by Daemon Fagan and Damari Brown. Other key defensive contributors include David Vadala and Bowen Drewes.
This potentially high-scoring showdown between Chaminade-Madonna and American Heritage will likely come down to the play of each team’s defense. Considering the pure level of talent each team boasts on offense, it will be nearly impossible to keep either of these groups off the scoreboard. So whichever defense will be able to at least contain the opposing offense will give its team an advantage that could ultimately decide the game.
Overall, expect this matchup to deliver on the hype as one of the best in the state this week. I think Chaminade-Madonna will come away with the win due to big games from names such as Gause and Smith and a score late in the fourth quarter.
Prediction: Chaminade-Madonna 35, American Heritage 28
