The Real Soul Bowl
By Rudy Rodriguez-Chomat
November 5, 2003

The games this week mean virtually nothing as every single playoff game has already been determined in Dade and Broward, but there are a few battles this week that have personal significance to some teams.

The Soul Bowls are being played this weekend. On Friday, it is Northwestern vs. Jackson in the Dade County version. It is being played at Pro Player Stadium, but unfortunately this game has zero interest beyond the Jackson and Northwestern area.

The game has no value for any district championship as it has in the past since Jackson has moved down to Class 5A. It has a Jackson team that is living a nightmare this season at 2-7 facing off against a wrecking ball in 9-0 Northwestern. Rivalry or not, this game makes for a blowout of epic proportions. There is no way to convince me that this game will be less than a three touchdown difference. A game that would normally attract 25,000 plus, if it had any meaning, and has in the past had crowds of over 40,000, might put 10 to 15 thousand in the seats at Pro Player this time, and most of the people will be pulling for the Bulls.

The other Soul Bowl takes place in Broward at Lockhart Stadium and matches 8-1 Ely against 3-6 Dillard. Dillard, although it made the playoffs winning a tiebreaker Monday night, is having a year that it would like to forget while Ely is gearing up for another run at the title, this time in Class 6A. The sad thing about Dillard is the fact it has some very good players. The Panthers simply have not been able to put it together. Expect Ely to put them out of their misery and win this game by plenty, just as they have done the past two seasons.

Which leads to the only game that will actually be something worth watching. It could be named "The Real Soul Bowl" because this one actually has value to both teams beyond pride. That game is Booker T. Washington vs. Edison at Curtis Park on Friday night.

This one is just as personal as the two aforementioned games, but actually holds some significance as both teams are riding winning streaks and both are expected to make noise in the playoffs.

Last season, Booker T. broke Edison’s nine-game winning streak, knocking off the Red Raiders 10-7. The loss certainly damaged the Edison morale and the week after, Palm Beach Dwyer sent Edison packing in a controversial first round win.

Edison surely does not want to go into the playoffs following a loss to Booker T. again, a team that has beaten it the past two seasons.

Riding an eight-game winning streak following a season-opening loss to Killian, the Red Raiders are rolling. They are coming off huge wins over the #1 ranked team in Class 2A at the time, Chaminade and district opponent Norland.

In the game against Chaminade, Edison trailed 21-9 late in the third quarter. The offense woke up and brought the team back along with some big plays by the defense. The 32-29 win over Chaminade could be looked at as the game that finally got Edison's mind in championship mode.

The win over Norland the week after clinched the district championship.

The Red Raiders, currently ranked third in the Class 5A state poll, are one of the favorites to win the state championship, along with # 1 Melbourne Palm Bay and # 2 Daytona Beach Mainland, but a loss to Booker T. could damage them mentally again just like it did last year.

That is something they do not want to find out.

The Red Raiders are led by their defense, but if their offense can put up 21 points a game, Edison should win most games with virtual ease.

Middle linebacker Brouce Mompremier leads the defense along with linebacker mates Jarell Guyton and Jermaine Harris. The linebacker trio is the best in the county, and possibly the entire state.

Richard Clebert leads the defensive line and causes nothing, but havoc for the offensive linemen that he faces.

Offensively, the key is quarterback Tino Edgecomb. When Edgecomb is clicking, Edison is simply unbeatable. Together with an effective running game led by Chad Simpson and Demerick Chancellor, Edison’s offense is unstoppable when Edgecomb is hitting his main target wide receive Jackie Chambers.

On the other hand, Booker T. brings a six game winning streak after falling in its first two games of the season.

There was certainly an adjustment period for the Tornadoes with new coach Tim Harris, Sr., but since their two losses, Booker T. has simply turned dominant.

Tim Harris, Jr., leads the Booker T. attack that usually operates in four receiver sets with Harris working out of the shot gun. His top targets are Emory Addison and Charles Arnold, but he also utilizes his running backs for dump off passes as well.

Harris possesses quickness that most quarterbacks do not have and is able to scramble out of the pocket when he needs to.

Dwayne Ireland leads the running game. If Booker T. is able to run the ball against Edison, something that has been virtually impossible this season, things could get quite interesting.

The defense is led by pass rushing defensive end Sheldon Hanks and mammoth defensive tackle Antonio Dixon. Hanks must put pressure on Edgecomb and Dixon has to clog the running lanes.

The secondary that has to contend with Edgecomb is led by Darrian Mobley, who had four interceptions in one game this season alone.

Overall, this game should be a war and nothing will be particularly surprising. One team will lose its winning streak and possibly the momentum going into the playoffs.

The reality is simple though. If Edison plays the way it can play, there is not a team in Dade County that will beat them. Period. That includes Southridge, Northwestern and Carol City. At the same time, Edison has only played the way it can play once this season, and that was the win over Chaminade.

Booker T. has one advantage in this game because the overall talent edge goes to Edison, the size advantage goes to Edison and the speed factor goes to Edison. The mental edge belongs to Booker T. The Tornadoes players know they can beat Edison. Many teams walk into games against Edison intimidated before they even line up. Booker T. is not one of them.

But it is time for Edison to pull this one out.

As Mompremier said after Edison’s win over Norland.

“Booker T. put us in an uncomfortable position going into the playoffs last year. We can’t let that happen again.”

I expect a close game, and it would not surprise me if Booker T. wins this game, but it is Edison’s turn. Sorry Booker T.

Edison 20-14.