Football preview: Chaminade-Madonna at Plantation American Heritage

Last year’s edition was an instant classic between the Lions and Patriots

PLANTATION, FLORIDA- When Chaminade-Madonna topped Plantation American Heritage 42-34 last season, it could be labeled the game of the year of 2022. 

Now about one year later, not much has changed when it comes down to the complexion of this specific game. It’s still one of the best when it comes down to Broward County football programs. 

Both teams have rushed off to fast starts to the season and each impressive in their own right. 

Chaminade-Madonna (3-0) has flexed its offensive prowess in the first three games of the season against three quality opponents. The Lions started off the season with a convincing, grueling 35-14 victory over St. Frances Academy (Maryland) in a different fashion: via the ground game. 

Dameon Jones’ bunch needed to run the ball in the South Florida heat in order to upend the Panthers behind running back Davion Gause. The following two games have been runaways with the Lions defeating Cardinal Gibbons 41-4 and Bergen Catholic (New Jersey) 61-21. 

In the latter contest, Chaminade-Madonna received one of the top performances from a receiver as Ohio State commitment Jeremiah Smith, with 282 yards receiving. Now Smith (27 catches, 433 yards) and the gang will try and replicate the performance against a talented American Heritage team. 

North Carolina State commitment Cedrick Bailey has been near-perfect under center for the Lions. Bailey has completed 59-of-79 passes for 721 yards, nine touchdowns and just two interceptions. 

Flipping over to the American Heritage side of things, the Patriots impressed all at the Broward County Classic Elite High School Showcase and defeated St. John’s (Washington DC) 45-20. The The Patriots followed that up with a gritty 27-14 win over Trinity Christian Academy at home.

This game against Chaminade-Madonna will be the club’s third straight at home. American Heritage plays six home games and four away this fall. 

A lot has been focused around the play of first-year starting quarterback of the Patriots in Dia Bell. The sophomore entered the season with high expectations and Bell has lived up to them thus far. Bell has completed 31-of-40 passes for 398 yards and four touchdowns. 

The skill group around Bell is pretty impressive, with players like running backs Byron Louis (27 attempts, 177 yards), DeAndre Desinor (15 attempts, 101 yards) and wide receiver Malachi Toney (nine catches, 170 yards). 

ANDY’S PREDICTION: Chaminade-Madonna 49, American Heritage 28 

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-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl