Northwestern (Miami) quarterback Teddy Bridgewater had a pretty busy summer this year in preparing for his senior year at "The West". Bridgewater, a University of Miami verbal commit, made national noise during the offseason after leading the South Florida Express, a team comprised of many players from the region including several from Northwestern, to its second straight Nike 7ON Championship in which he completed 32 of 41 passes for six touchdowns in the title game.
Bridgewater, who wowed college recruiters and coaches this summer with his strong arm and precision, displayed the same type of dominance on Friday night while leading the Bulls to a convincing 40-18 win over rival Carol City (Miami) in the season opener at Traz Powell Stadium. Much like he did in the Nike7ON Championship in Oregon, Bridgewater showed his precise passing ability by completing 23 of 28 passes for 357 yards and five scores in the win.
Photo by Tom Lemming
Northwestern High's Eli Rogers.
For the last two years, Bridgewater has been known as one of the most lethal dual-threat quarterbacks in the country and, with the focus being on him, he has been able to get many of his teammates involved in the process. On Friday, three different Bulls receivers finished with more than 100 yards receiving in the win over Carol City, including Eli Rogers, who caught seven passes for 103 yards and two scores. Rogers, also a University of Miami verbal commit and the team's leader in touchdown receptions last year, was complemented by 6-foot-5 tight end Dominque Rhymes, who caught six passes for 109 yards and three scores.
The Bulls got off to a quick start and took a 20-6 lead heading into halftime. Bridgewater also had some help from senior receiver Clinton Taylor, who led all receivers with eight catches for 120 yards. The Chiefs (0-1) were able to cut the deficit to eight, 20-12, in the third quarter but Northwestern's potent offense and tenacious defense didn't let that spark ignite and Northwestern ended up outscoring the Chiefs 20-12 in the second half.
SOUTH REGIONAL ALUMS CONTINUE SUCCESS AT NEXT LEVEL
Current Michigan Wolverine and former Deerfield Beach quarterback Denard Robinson electrified the NCAA-record 113,090 in attendance in Michigan's season opener against Connecticut on Saturday much like he did south Florida spectators two years ago. Robinson, a sophomore, led the Wolverines to a 30-10 win over the Huskies after rushing for 197 yards on 29 carries and a touchdown, while also completing 19 of 22 passes for 186 yards and a score.
Former St. Thomas Aquinas standout Duron Carter made history on Saturday night, but not for Ohio State. As the Buckeyes were putting the finishing touches on a win over Marshall, Carter, a sophomore, was etching his name in Coffeyville Community College (Kansas) history. Carter, who will return to Ohio State once his grades improve, caught six passes for 117 yards and a school-record five touchdowns while helping Coffeyville defeat Dodge City 72-7.
TIP AWARDThis week's top individual performance award goes to Northwestern (Miami) quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater led the Bulls to a 40-18 win over rival Carol City by completing 23 of 28 passes for 357 yards and five touchdowns.
WEEK 1 TOP PERFORMERS:
Collin Alford and Brandon Radcliff, RBs, Columbus (Miami) — Alford ran for 111 yards on 10 carries and a score, while Radcliff, a junior, ran for 106 yards on 10 carries to help the Explorers beat Palmetto (Miami) 35-3.
Derek Moise, WR, Washington (Miami) — Moise helped lead the Tornadoes to a 48-0 win over Killian (Miami) by catching four passes for 138 yards and a score.
Shaquille Cooper, WR, Coral Gables — Cooper caught a 49-yard touchdown pass and scored on a 79-yard run while helping the Cavaliers to a 20-10 win over Hialeah-Miami Lakes (Hialeah).
Anthon Samuels, RB, Monsignor Pace (Miami) — Samuels led the Spartans to a 41-0 win over Woods Haven Prep Academy (Hollywood Beach) by rushing for 147 yards on eight carries with three scores.
Deandre Jasper, WR, Jackson (Miami) — Jasper helped lead the Generals to a 44-7 win over North Miami after returning a kick 95 yards for a touchdown complemented by an 85-yard punt return for a score later on in the game.
Isaac McDonald, WR, Champagnat Catholic (Hialeah) — McDonald (6-6) helped Champagnat win its first varsity football game in school history after catching four passes for 90 yards and two scores, while recording 10 tackles on defense in a 44-20 win over Zion Lutheran (Deerfield Beach).
Dane James, QB, Boyd Anderson (Lauderdale Lakes) — James led the Cobras to a 36-17 win over Cypress Bay (Weston) after throwing for 213 yards and three touchdowns.
Brian Testor, QB, North Broward Prep (Coconut Creek) — Testor threw for 241 yards and four scores to lead NBP to a 35-6 win over Westminster Christian (Miami).
Doug Cooke, QB, University (Fort Lauderdale) — Cook completed passes to six different receivers totaling 296 yards and two scores, while rushing for two more en route to a 32-14 win over Nova (Davie).