Live blog tonight (Tuesday)

Join Andre C. Fernandez (Miami-Dade) and Bob Emanuel Jr. (Broward) tonight for a live question and answer session from 7-8.

Want to discuss the Miramar-Flanagan brawl and the fallout? How about Booker T. Washington's future without its quarterback? Looking ahead to the Deerfield Beach-St. Thomas Aquinas game this Friday?

Ask away.

Can't be here during the hour? Ask your questions now, and we'll get to them during the live hour.

Comments

[bryan]

hey dre, is there a chance edison can still win districts?

[miramar fan]

Hey Bob, how can a no. 10 and 3-1 Miramar team drop out of the poll in one week. If they can beat everglades and depending on the results of the flanagan game can't they still make the playoffs?

[Thomas the Tank Engine]

What do you think STA's chances are against Deerfield Beach? And do you think the suspensions handed down to the participants of the brawl to weeks ago are fair, to lenient, or to tough?

[Bob Emanuel Jr.]

Miramar fan asks: "Hey Bob, how can a no. 10 and 3-1 Miramar team drop out of the poll in one week. If they can beat everglades and depending on the results of the flanagan game can't they still make the playoffs?"

A: Miramar can easily move back into playoff contention. The Patriots would need a victory over Everglades and a victory in the continuation of the Flanagan contest (Pats led 20-7 with 17 minutes to play). If that happens, and Cypress Bay wins out, Miramar is the district runner-up. Of course, there are a host of other scenarios based on tie-breakers that could play out as well, but that is the easiest way for Miramar to make it.

As far as the poll, I thought Miramar was close to staying in at 20, but its lack of offensive production last week was disturbing. I don't see the Pats as a complete team right now.

The good news is 17 players return this week. If Miramar knocks off Boyd Anderson, it is right back in the Top 20. If not, the decision to drop the Pats out is justified.

[chris]

Speaking of deerfield, what about last week vs. Douglas? Not such an easy win...I was there and it was a costant battle back and forth. Do you think if deerfield see's them again you should mark it down as a automatic win?

[Bob Emanuel Jr.]

Thomas asks: "What do you think STA's chances are against Deerfield Beach? And do you think the suspensions handed down to the participants of the brawl to weeks ago are fair, to lenient, or to tough?"

A: Loaded question. Thanks.

I'll address the suspensions first. I did not see the brawl, but our freelancer Alex Lopez told me his take on it. I also spoke with the competition's reporter (who I highly respect) and he gave a near identical recap. From the video I was able to see, it looked like pure mayhem erupted. It was a minute (maybe 90 seconds), but it left a definite mark in my memory.

From what I saw and was told, I think the suspensions were fair. I trust the people making the decisions at the FHSAA, and I think they generally act fairly.

As far as the Raiders' chance this week, I don't see it happening. I just think Deerfield is a bit more complete right now and playing better football. It will be very close, but my prediction in this week's paper will be: Deerfield Beach 28, St. Thomas Aquinas 20.

[Bob Emanuel Jr.]

Andre, this was posted elsewhere for you to answer:

Hi Andre, I am new to the blog and was wondering what the procedure was to pick the All-Dade's. I have noticed that it is usually the same guys over and over again and some of the kids are being left out who deserve to be there (stat-wise). I film all our games and my stats don't match up to what is printed, a little unfair don't you think?

Posted by: Jaime | October 09, 2007 at 03:04 PM

[Bob Emanuel Jr.]

Chris asks: Speaking of deerfield, what about last week vs. Douglas? Not such an easy win...I was there and it was a costant battle back and forth. Do you think if deerfield see's them again you should mark it down as a automatic win?"

A: Douglas has surprised me this season. Noshay has played out of his mind, and the Eagles look good. That said, I think Deerfield is just a superior team. Yes, the game was close, but I don't see Douglas winning a rematch. For a rematch to happen, both teams would have to make it through the regional playoffs to meet in the regional final. I don't see that happening.

[Thomas the Tank Engine]

You and the Herald's freelance writer have taken a lot of heat from the Miramar faithful in your previous blog conerning the blog, what is your reaction and or response to all the negativity you have received?

[Bob Emanuel Jr.]

Thomas asks: "You and the Herald's freelance writer have taken a lot of heat from the Miramar faithful in your previous blog conerning the blog, what is your reaction and or response to all the negativity you have received?"

A: I think the negativity directed at the media in general (I saw some nasty comments on the competition's website as well) is completely unjustified. We, as reporters, have a duty to present the news. We have been objective.

It seems the bulk of criticism has come from Miramar and its fans. That is to be expected. The Patriots had more to lose with the suspensions.

But, still, it brings up the old saying, "Don't shoot the messenger." Regardless of who was wrong and who was right, remember this: Alex and I were not the ones throwing punches or swinging our helmets. Direct your anger at those responsible for the actions and hope they learn from their mistakes.

[Miramar fan]

reguardless of who started the fight, what the suspensions were. WHO WON THE FIGHT????

[Bob Emanuel Jr.]

Miramar fan asks: "reguardless of who started the fight, what the suspensions were. WHO WON THE FIGHT????"

A: Who cares? Your team lost 28 players and your school was fined $5,350. Flanagan saw 26 players suspended and was fined $6,800.

No one won the fight. Both schools lost.

[Ryan]

Bob, I know you think Deerfield has the more complete team, but do you think the fact that STA has had 2 home games in a row helps them with their team building? They struggled early on the road but maybe this helps them some. I think it could go either way.

[Andre]

hey dre, is there a chance edison can still win districts?

Posted by: bryan

There is still a chance. But Edison must beat Monsignor Pace when they play later this season. They would need Pace to beat Belen prior to that, thereby forcing a 3-way tiebreaker that they'd then have to win.

If they beat Pace and Belen beats Pace, Edison can still make the playoffs as the runner-up.

That's all assuming they avoid the upset bug by Mater Academy and more importantly Key West.

[Bob Emanuel Jr.]

Ryan asks: "Bob, I know you think Deerfield has the more complete team, but do you think the fact that STA has had 2 home games in a row helps them with their team building? They struggled early on the road but maybe this helps them some. I think it could go either way."

A: Most definitely. I think this will be a toss up. Either team could win, and you could make a case for why they each will win.

I just think Deerfield might be playing a tad better at this stage, but Aquinas could easily come away victorious.

[Andre]

Andre, this was posted elsewhere for you to answer:

Hi Andre, I am new to the blog and was wondering what the procedure was to pick the All-Dade's. I have noticed that it is usually the same guys over and over again and some of the kids are being left out who deserve to be there (stat-wise). I film all our games and my stats don't match up to what is printed, a little unfair don't you think?

Posted by: Jaime

Unfortunately, there are stats that we have to rely on coaches for, like the defense.
As far as picking All-Dade, we factor in stats, but also coaches' votes and we take into account level of competition when judging stats to see who's legit and who isn't.

[Nick]

Bob, I noticed you said Deerfield beach is a more complete team than STA. What facts do you have that make you arrive at your opinion? I think St. Thomas will win this game fairly easily. I don't see Deerfield Beach slowing down St. Thomas rushing game they're averaging 240 yards a game. Deerfield has also struggled their last 3 weeks while St. Thomas is destroying their opponent. The only way Deerfield has a chance is in a low scoring game.St. Thomas 35 - Deerfield beach 21

[Bob Emanuel Jr.]

Nick asks: "Bob, I noticed you said Deerfield beach is a more complete team than STA. What facts do you have that make you arrive at your opinion? I think St. Thomas will win this game fairly easily. I don't see Deerfield Beach slowing down St. Thomas rushing game they're averaging 240 yards a game. Deerfield has also struggled their last 3 weeks while St. Thomas is destroying their opponent. The only way Deerfield has a chance is in a low scoring game.St. Thomas 35 - Deerfield beach 21"

A: Deerfield Beach's 35-21 victory over Coconut Creek really impressed me. I think the way its offense performed in that game against a tough Creek D said a lot about Denard Robinson and the Bucks. That said, Robinson has been banged up lately and may not be at 100 percent.

Aquinas has the skill position players to compete with anyone. The lines, both offensively and defensively, still must show consistency. I think St. Thomas will be right there with Lakeland again at the end of the season to decide the 5A title, but I am giving the edge here to Deerfield.

[Bob Emanuel Jr.]

With that, our hour is done. Thank you everyone for joining us. We look forward to doing it again next week (and mostly every week this season).

See you all in seven days.

[Miami Beat]

Dre, why is SOUTH DADE not in your TOP 20?

What do they need to do to get RANKED?

[swim fan]

Turning to swimming for a minute as we go towards the county championship meet this weekend. Any comment on Columbus avoiding Belen this season? With such a light schedule (3 reg. season meets and GMAC--how do they get into that one anyway) for Columbus, seems they should be ready to go at the Youth Fair. Instead, their coach is sitting it out for fear their perfect season will end. Care to comment?

[another swim fan]

Columbus used to have a good team but in the last couple of years it has gone downhill. They didn't schedule many meets and are skipping the Youth Fair because they are afraid that Belen will hand them their a**! But they have alot of other excuses. Bottom line just chicken.

[stacy cart]

why don,t pace kids get their stats posted at all

[Boricua]

Gables is doing a lot better this year than anticipated at 6-0. At the same time, the Herald blogs connected to game highlights are full of references to special sandwiches, soul sandwiches, etc. that these guys get. Anything behind that (i.e., are they really sandwiches or symbolic for something else) or are these guys for real? I guess if they can't be an overrated Columbus this week, we'll know.

[Boricua]

Gables is doing a lot better this year than anticipated at 6-0. At the same time, the Herald blogs connected to game highlights are full of references to special sandwiches, soul sandwiches, etc. that these guys get. Anything behind that (i.e., are they really sandwiches or symbolic for something else) or are these guys for real? I guess if they can't be an overrated Columbus this week, we'll know.

[HS]

Whats your take on the Sunset vs. Southwest game tommorow night? Ive been keeping up with SW football for a few years now and I have never seen my eagles put up the fights they have in past years even when they have lost. Other than the South Dade game which was dominated by their defense, we were about one play away from beating South Miami.

[HS Fan]

Anyone know where current state rankings (FSWA) are posted on-line?

[Jaime]

What is your take on the ACC Vs Gulliver game?

[Observer of High School Football]

What do you think will happen with the NMB and krop game. I hear its going to be a real good game . What you think? ( A Score)

[HS]

Your comments on the Southwest Eagles football team so far this year, and your take for the next game and the rest of the season?

[JIM]

why do Miami Senior High football team sucks so bad and who do you think colleges is lookin at right now that play football for miami senior high stingeerees