With the regular season beginning to draw to a close, we present our Florida high school football Week 9 “Pick-6” predictions.
Miami Columbus vs. Norland
Similar to recent weeks, the biggest matchup in our Florida High School Week 9 predictions comes in South Florida, where the Miami Columbus Explorers (7-1) take on the Norland Vikings (7-0). Two of Miami’s best so far this season, the Explorers and Vikings last met during the 2014 season, with Miami Columbus winning 29-6.
Prediction: Miami Columbus 28, Norland 27
Lakeland vs. Clearwater Academy International
Lakeland (6-2) will host Clearwater Academy International (3-4) on Friday in a rematch of a 2022 contest in which the Dreadnaughts defeated the Knights 44-6.
Prediction: Lakeland 30, Clearwater Academy International 17
Tampa Bay Tech vs. Jesuit
In a big Class 3M clash in the Tampa area, Tampa Bay Tech (8-0) will host Jesuit (5-2) on Friday night. The Tigers defeated the Titans 24-21 a year ago in a close contest hosted by Jesuit.
Prediction: Tampa Bay Tech 28, Jesuit 27
Apopka vs. Lake Mary
In this Class 4M-District 2 showdown, Apopka (5-2) will host undefeated Lake Mary (7-0) on Friday night. The Blue Darters won both matchups between the teams a year ago: a 21-17 victory in the regular season and a 30-23 triumph in the regional finals.
Prediction: Lake Mary 24, Apopka 14
Cardinal Newman vs. Benjamin
Two of the top teams in Class 1M meet, with Cardinal Newman (6-1) welcoming Benjamin (6-1) on Friday night. The Crusaders won both meetings between the two in 2022, the first of which was a 36-14 victory in the regular season, followed by 14-6 win in the regional semifinals.
Prediction: Cardinal Newman 24, Benjamin 21
Bishop Verot vs. Cardinal Mooney
The final Pick-6 matchup of the week is a Class 2S vs. 1S clash as Bishop Verot (7-1) hosts Cardinal Mooney (6-1). Bishop Verot has won the last five meetings between the two dating to 2019, including a close 27-24 road win last season.
Prediction: Bishop Verot 30, Cardinal Mooney 21
