Miami Columbus vs. Miami Central
With both teams entering Florida high school Week 9 undefeated, you could certainly make the argument that the Explorers and Rockets are two of the top teams in the Miami area, as well as the state overall, regardless of classification. Expect this showdown to be close throughout and for a late score to be the deciding factor in the end.
Prediction: Miami Central 21, Miami Columbus 17
Miami Northwestern vs. Homestead
Speaking of high-profile matchups in the South Florida area, Miami Northwestern and Homestead are set to collide Friday night for the first time since the 2014 season. The Bulls were victorious in that game, 17-7. The Broncos come into this Florida high school Week 9 contest with a 6-2 overall record, while Miami Northwestern holds a 3-4 mark on the year, with all the losses coming in the last five games.
Prediction: Homestead 30, Miami Northwestern 28
Lakeland vs. Clearwater Academy International
Two unbeatens teams, Lakeland and Clearwater Academy International, square off Friday night in what is arguably the toughest test for each up to this point. This matchup features a Knights offense averaging 35.7 ppg facing off against a Dreadnaughts defense, led by five-star Cormani McClain, that has allowed only 48 total points this season.
Prediction: Lakeland 28, Clearwater Academy International 24
Bartram Trail vs. Buchholz
This Class 4S-District 3 showdown between Bartram Trail and Buchholz could be one of the most important of the week as both the Bears and Bobcats are undefeated in district play. Buchholz is led by dual-threat quarterback Creed Whittemore, while Bartram Trail features a key player at running back in Laython Biddle.
Prediction: Buchholz 35, Bartram Trail 28
Naples vs. American Heritage
A pair of one-loss teams, Naples and American Heritage meet Friday night in a matchup that pits one of the best in Class 3S against one of the best in 2M. The Patriots’ high-powered offense, led by the trio of Blake Murphy, Mark Fletcher, and Brandon Inniss, has been tough to stop at times this season. They’ll be matched up against a Naples defense that has allowed only 64 total points all season.
Prediction: American Heritage 24, Naples 17
Jesuit vs. Tampa Bay Tech
In the final matchup of our Pick-6 predictions for Florida high school Week 9, Tampa Bay Tech travels to Jesuit for a non-district showdown in Class 3M, putting their undefeated 8-0 record on the line in the process. The Titans are coming off an impressive 28-0 shutout win over Wharton a week ago, while the Tigers got back in the win column last week with a 42-21 win at Gaither.
Prediction: Tampa Bay Tech 28, Jesuit 14
