St. Thomas Aquinas - American Heritage Plantation: Predictions
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Much like the Miami Central - Booker T. Washington matchup last year, this week's St. Thomas Aquinas vs American Heritage Plantation week 1 contest is an incredible matchup.
American Heritage Plantation checks in at no. 3 in the Florida High School Football top 25 presented by FlaVarsity.com and FloridaHSFootball.com, and St. Thomas Aquinas is listed at no. 4, despite receiving the most first place votes of any team.
FlaVarsity.com asked some writers across the state of Florida for their predictions of the game.
"The Raiders simply have too much offensive firepower. Jordan Scarlett is poised for a great year and Sam Bruce is uncoverable, even by a nice prospect like McFadden. Dredrick Snelson is so hot he will try to take over the game though." -Canesport.com publisher Gary Ferman
Prediction: Aquinas 28-21
"St. Thomas Aquinas is loaded with prospects including Miami commits Jordan Scarlett and Sam Bruce, as well as undecided Raiders Devante Peete and Nick Bosa. That being said, don't discount the combination of American Heritage quarterback Torrance Gibson and the only five-star between either team - DB Tavarus McFadden. Patriots receiver and Miami commit Dredrick Snelson also impressed at this year's underclassmen challenge, so it's tough to say if either team walks away with an easy win." -Rivals.com Florida recruiting analyst Adam Krohn
Prediction: 28-27 Heritage
"You can't underestimate the advantage of having a returning starter at quarterback like Torrance Gibson for Heritage. I saw more inspired play by American Heritage than I did from St. Thomas last week. Perhaps it was the opponent but Heritage seems to be closer to mid-season form than St. Thomas. The Patriots won't be intimidated by the likes of Aquinas after taking on Central a season ago. St. Thomas will have to earn this victory." -Chad Wilson of Gridironstuds.com
Prediction: Heritage 31-21
"With so many talented prospects this will be a very close game. However with new additions Jordan Scarlett and Sam Bruce from University School I think St Thomas Aquinas will just be too much to hold off." -Insidethegators.com Recruiting Analyst Blake Alderman
Prediction: Aquinas 38-35
"It's hard to believe that there is a team that is more talented than Plantation American Heritage in this state but I believe that St. Thomas Aquinas is. I think we will see a heavy dose of Miami commit Jordan Scarlett for the Raiders and that will eventually wear down the American Heritage defense. Aquinas will have to pressure Heritage quarterback Torrance Gibson make him beat the Raiders with his arm instead of his legs. I think Heritage will spring a big play or two with Gibson and junior Dredrick Snelson but Aquinas will be too tough in the end." -FlaVarsity.com southwest Florida expert Carl Bleich
Prediction: Aquinas 27-21
"A huge Broward County matchup at Sun Life Stadium in Week 1. Both sides are loaded with playmakers, but the Raiders hold an edge in the trenches and are the deeper program." -Pat Lammer of LammerRecruiting.com
Prediction: Aquinas 34-26
"This game is just loaded with the most impressive talent you can find anywhere in the state and this enough to send the high school football junkie (and recruiting junkie) over the edge. This game will be a true test for both teams and I expect both teams still be in the state finals come December regardless the outcome of this game." -FloridaHSFootball.com publisher Josh Wilson
Prediction: Aquinas 35-28
"I really want to say that this is going to be a close game, but I just think St. Thomas Aquinas is just way too talented. I'm completely on Raiders' bandwagon and think they're the best team in the state. I love their playmakers and warriors in the trenches. I like the Raiders to win bigger than most think." -FlaVarsity.com publisher Mike Singer
Prediction: Aquinas 38-17