Teddy Bridgewater, Miami Northwestern
File photo by Chad Pilster
Despite poor field conditions, Northwestern showed why it's the favorite to win the Class 6A state title this season, pummeling Carol City 27-6 in front of a packed crowd at Traz Powell Stadium.
Complemented by a stellar defensive effort, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater led the stampede for Northwestern’s offense and continued his campaign as one of the state’s top quarterbacks. Bridgewater, a junior, led the Bulls in both rushing and passing, completing 8-of-20 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 80 yards and two more scores.
Bridgewater helped his team draw first blood, scoring on a 3-yard run on the Bulls' opening drive. He then found receiver Eli Rogers in the end zone for the two-point conversion and an 8-0 lead just a minute and three seconds into regulation.
Bridgewater clearly looked ready to lead the team this season, but it was the Bulls’ defense that sent a message to opposing programs. Led by senior defensive lineman Todd Chandler, Northwestern’s defense shut down Carol City while amassing eight sacks and an interception.
Chandler (who has verbally committed to the University of Miami) and senior defensive end Rashad Gaitor helped hold the Chiefs' rushing attack to only five yards. Gaitor recorded two sacks.
After taking the early lead, the Bulls extended their margin as Bridgewater converted a broken play into a 40-yard touchdown pass to Rogers with 6:12 left in the second quarter. Rogers led the team with 59 yards receiving and a score.
The electrifying play helped provide a spark that energized the defense, as well. After an ensuing sack by Gaitor, which resulted in an 8-yard loss, junior linebacker Demetrius Allen intercepted a deflected pass by Chiefs quarterback Devonte Mathis at the Northwestern 11-yard line.
The play by Allen helped the Bulls increase the lead 21-0, as senior running back Isreal Linder scored from two yards out with 3:21 left until halftime.
Carol City wasn't able to establish a rhythm on either side of the ball and mustered only 104 yards of total offense.
In the second half, Bridgewater helped extend his team’s lead to 27-0 after scoring on a 13-yard run with 7:36 left in the third quarter.
Despite struggling for most of the contest, Carol City managed to avoid the shutout with a last-minute score.
Week 1 Top Performers in Miami-Dade County
Tommy Shuler, WR, Miami Springs -- Shuler, a junior, helped Miami Springs to a 41-0 win over West Hialeah by catching 10 passes for 228 yards and three touchdowns.
Ed Smith, RB, Southwest -- Smith, a senior, ran for a career-high 262 yards and five touchdowns on 21 carries as the Eagles blasted Coral Park 52-16.
Jakhari Gore, RB, Columbus -- Gore, a senior and brother of San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore, helped the Explorers shut out Palmetto 36-0 by rushing for 169 yards and two touchdowns, while also catching a 55-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Garrett Colao.
Jerron Seymour, RB, Hialeah -- Seymour, a junior, helped the T-Breds in a 22-7 win over American by rushing for 130 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries.
Jarvis Bridge, RB, Coral Gables -- Bridge, a junior, led the Cavaliers to a 40-12 win over Hialeah-Miami Lakes by rushing for 196 yards and three scores on 23 carries, while also returning the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown.
Week 1 Top Performers in Broward County
Donte Dotson, QB, Deerfield Beach -- Dotson, a senior, gained 251 yards of total offense and four touchdowns, leading the Bucks to a 42-30 win over Coconut Creek.
Deven Drane, WR, Plantation -- Drane, a senior, helped Plantation defeat Northeast 26-15 by catching four passes for 142 yards and three touchdowns.
Devon Wright, RB, Taravella -- Wright, a senior, ran had for a game-high 211 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries, but it wasn't enough, as his team fell to Cardinal Gibbons 32-14.
Dareyon Chance, RB, Cardinal Gibbons -- Chance, a senior, rushed for 188 yards and scored two touchdowns as his Chiefs defeated Taravella 32-14.
De’Andric Gray, RB, Hollywood Hills -- Gray, a senior, rushed for 135 yards and two touchdowns, helping Hollywood Hills defeat Belen 14-8.
