PALM BEACH COUNTY — It is the final week without public high school football, but the private high school football slate is full at last.

A total of ten Palm Beach County schools – all private – will participate in games this week, including St. Andrews. After starting their season later, the Scots will open up their high school football season on Friday against Palm Beach County opponent St. John Paul II.

St. Andrews against No. 4 St. John Paul II is not the only game between two Palm Beach County opponents. No. 2 King’s Academy will host Jupiter Christian, which has tripled its win total from a season ago.

AFTERNOON GLORY: No. 5 Boca Raton Christian (3-2) at Somerset Academy (Pembroke Pines) (1-0) – 4 p.m. kickoff

Boca Raton Christian has jumped into the New Era Prep Top 5 and for good reason. After starting the season off with two losses, the Blazers have won three straight games, including wins against Glades Day and Berean Christian.

This week, the Blazers play an opponent who has just one game played. Last week, Somerset Academy defeated Westminster Academy 26-21.

Score prediction: 29-25 win for Boca Raton Christian

HOME AND SEASON OPENER: St. Andrew’s (0-0) vs. No. 4 St. John Paul II (3-2) – 7 p.m. kickoff

St. Andrew’s has not yet played a game, but last season it made the FHSAA Class 3A playoffs after going 7-3 in the regular season. Despite an early playoff loss to Somerset Silver Palms, it was a promising season for head coach Jimmy Robertson and the Scots.

St. Andrew’s should look good this season. This program returns a lot of production, including senior quarterback Jeremiah Young, who has quickly become one of the best at his position in the county.

The matchup, however, is not an easy task for St. Andrew’s.

St. John Paul II has started the season off well. The Eagles should be able to keep their foot on the gas right now.

Score prediction: 31-28 win for St. Andrew’s

LION LIFE: No. 2 King’s Academy (3-1) vs. Jupiter Christian (3-2) – 7 p.m. kickoff

King’s Academy has become the new No. 2 team in the county, in large part because of a loss by Cardinal Newman. Head coach Keith Allen has just one loss this season (to Cardinal Newman), but the Lions three wins show where they are this season.

Jupiter Christian has become one of the most surprising teams in the county. After winning just one game last season, the Eagles have tripled their win total with three wins.

However, keep an eye on the Lions because they won’t let up.

Score prediction: 42-25 win for King’s Academy

CRUSADE PROTECTION: No. 3 Cardinal Newman (3-2) vs. Belen Jesuit (Miami) (2-2) – 7 p.m. kickoff

Cardinal Newman is once again one of Palm Beach County’s best private school programs. The Crusaders have rattled off three wins in their last four games, with their one loss came against a 4-1 Clewiston team that has looked strong this season.

Expect the Crusaders to play in a dog fight this week against Belen Jesuit, who has been a consistently good program in South Florida.

Score prediction: 26-17 win for Cardinal Newman

SOUTH LAKE OKEECHOBEE BATTLE: Glades Day (2-3) vs. Moore Haven (0-1) – 7 p.m. kickoff

Glades Day has hit a rough patch in its season, dropping the last two games.

Against First Baptist, the Gators scored just six points, which is a season-low. And the week prior, the Gators lost by two scores to Boca Raton Christian.

The Gators matchup this weekend is against an 0-1 Moore Haven team, but this game should be a dog fight.

Score prediction: 18-17 win for Glades Day

TRAVELING ON: Berean Christian (0-5) at Westminster Academy (1-5) – 7 p.m. kickoff

Berean Christian has had a rough start to the season, dropping its first five games of the season.

With such a small roster, the Bulldogs are at an inherent disadvantage. But this week presents a good chance to pick up their first win, however, as Westminster Academy has won only one game.

Score prediction: 42-28 win for Westminster Academy

ROAD WARRIORS: No. 1 American Heritage (Delray Beach) (1-2) at Clewiston (4-1) – 7:30 p.m. kickoff

American Heritage (Delray) has a tough schedule this year, and Clewiston is just another one of those tough opponents.

Last week, Clewiston defeated Cardinal Newman by 13 points (20-7) and has only lost one game this season. American Heritage’s defense and offense will have to work together for the entire game for it to pick up a win on the road.

Score prediction: 33-25 win for American Heritage (Delray Beach)

GAME OF THE WEEK: Benjamin (1-2) vs. Chaminade-Madonna (3-1) – 7 p.m. kickoff

With a relatively young team, Benjamin will have a rough time this week against Chaminade-Madonna.

The Lions are not only one of the best teams in South Florida, but they are also one of the best teams in the state.

Keep an eye on Benjamin freshman quarterback Tyler Aronson after a strong showing against Gulliver Prep last week

Score prediction: 45-21 win for Chaminade-Madonna

PHOTO CREDITS: Dana Fox, Shots by Dan, and Keith Forde