SEASON OUTLOOK
Matthew Thomas is a nationally acclaimed linebacker and he's expected to be a big part of Booker T. Washington's success.
Photo by Stuart Browning
Miami Central. We could have given the nod to the Tornadoes’ road showdown with Cedar Hill (Texas). However, the Central has beaten Booker T. each of the last three seasons. If Booker T. is to demonstrate its Dade County supremacy this year, beating Central is imperative.
Question mark: Can Booker T. hang with the big boys? In many parts of Florida, school size is hardly a factor in how good teams are. After all, the cluster of talent that Booker T. has is greater than that found in several small states. However, it’s a very competitive landscape, and Booker T. needs to prove itself against much bigger opponents.
Treon Harris, the coach's son, will be tasked withleading the Tornadoes from the quarterback position.
Photo by Stuart Browning
Per usual, South Florida will have its share of strong teams. Central, as mentioned, will be strong. In Broward County, St. Thomas Aquinas should be much-improved. Palm Beach County features a very talented American Heritage squad as well as perennial power Dwyer, which is loaded on defense.
Overall outlook: This team is drawing comparisons to the 2007 squad that finished undefeated and was among the nation’s best teams. However, it needs avenge last year’s losses while dealing with pressure and expectations for a dream season. The talent and coaching is not in question, but the schedule is brutal. Because they fell short last season, the Tornadoes are both experienced and hungry and should make another trip to Orlando this December.
Coach quote: “All of us down here (in Dade County) have our strengths and weaknesses coming back. But looking at the numbers and key players, the guys that made the biggest plays, we have more coming back than any other team down here. Everybody in the Miami area is looking for us to be the team down here.”
- Offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr.
