BOCA RATON – With the public school season back, the eyes in Palm Beach County turn to a private/charter school match up that will kick off the week.

St. Andrew’s, which opened is season two weeks ago against St. John Paul II, will host Somerset Academy Canyons of Boynton Beach, which opens up its season on Thursday (Nov. 5).

In 2019, Somerset Canyons had an up-and-down run. In three of their seven losses, the Cougars lost by under one score.

Included in that is a matchup against St. Andrew’s, where a late touchdown by the Scots pushed them to a 29-28 victory.

Although the Cougars hit a rough patch midway through the season, they ended their season with two consecutive wins.

The Scots, on the other hand, had a largely successful season in 2019.

The Scots finished with a 7-3 regular-season record, giving them a Class 3A playoff spot. The Scots fell to Somerset Academy Silver Palms in their one playoff game.

Records: St. Andrew’s (1-1), Somerset Academy Canyons (0-0)

Kickoff date & time: Today (Nov. 5), 7 p.m.

Joe Pinkos Line: St. Andrews over Somerset Academy Canyons by 20

Matchup to watch: QB Jeremiah Young (St. Andrew’s – 2021) vs. QB Benson Barnes (Somerset Academy Canyons – 2022)

Last season: St. Andrew’s defeated Somerset Academy Canyons, 29-28

Score prediction: Teams can win because of their quarterback, and Barnes is one of the better quarterbacks in the county. After losing by just a point in 2019, the aspect of potential revenge is possible for the Cougars.

“It will take mental toughness and for us not to play down to their level,” Barnes said. “I believe we’re the better team, and if we play our game, it will show on the scoreboard.”

Expect this game to be closer than the line shows.

34-23 win for St. Andrew’s