Watch live at 7:30 p.m. ET. (Kickoff has been delayed slightly due to a power outage)
Two superpowers in the world of high school football, both defending state titles, square off Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET when Booker T. Washington takes on Miami Central. Many of the players grew up playing against each other, which the Miami Herald profiled.
"The teams both schools have been able to put together the past three or four years is what makes this such a big game," Booker T. coach Tim Harris Jr. said. "You talk about the friendships on both sides with coaches that have coached together in the past for years, or coaches like me that played for coaches over there in the past and are like family. It's sweet."
Both programs regularly send players to the best colleges in droves and attract the best youth talent from the area.
Central is led by receiver Da'Vante Phillips, who is expected to commit to Florida State, and Calvin Brewton, who is already a Seminoles commitment. The Rockets rely on a powerful running game behind an always formidable and huge line. The Rockets also have a host of underclassmen talent.
Booker T. relies on speed, speed and more speed. Extremely well coached, Booker T. runs a blistering up-tempo spread offense and has a litany of playmakers. Speedy receiver Antonio Callaway has seen his recruitment pick up of late, earning offers from Florida, Florida State and Miami. Tight end/defensive end Devonaire Clarington already has that trio of offers, as does defensive back DaVante Davis. And the best player for Booker T. might be running back Mark Walton, a Miami commit who could be able to reclassify and become a member of the 2015 class.
Speed beat power in 2013 when Booker T. came away victorious, and the Tornadoes have not lost since the 2012 game against Central.