St. Thomas Aquinas solidifies hold on No. 1

There’s been a little bit of a shakeup in the rankings this week after some of Broward County’s top teams struggled with seasonopening tests.

Cardinal Gibbons and Deerfield Beach both struggled mightily at Traz Powell Stadium, with the Chiefs falling to reigning Class 6A champions Miami Northwestern and the Bucks losing to Miami Carol City. Those losses allowed teams like American Heritage, Chaminade-Madonna, Western and University School to move up in this week’s rankings.

Here’s where Broward teams stand in the Sun Sentinel’s rankings entering Week 2. All of this week’s games are Friday at 7 p.m. unless noted.

1. (1) St. Thomas Aquinas

(1-0): The Raiders took care of business with a victory over De La Salle in California. Zion Turner looked solid in his first career start, and the defense looked good. Now they have another big test in New Jersey’s Bergen Catholic, which is ranked second in the state by MaxPreps. Next: vs. Bergen Catholic (0-0), Saturday, 7 p.m.

2. (3) American Heritage (1-0): American Heritage moves up one spot after blowing out Miami’s Monsignor Pace. The Patriots excelled in nearly every aspect of the game. Heritage goes on the road this week to face Washington D.C.’s Gonzaga, which is No. 13 in MaxPreps’ XCellent 25.

Next: at Gonzaga (0-0), 6;30 p.m.

3. (4) Chaminade-Madonna

(1-0): Despite missing several key players, Chaminade came away with a win over No. 10 McArthur. WRs Bralon Brown and Elijah Canion should be back this week, so RB Thad Franklin shouldn’t have to carry quite as much of the burden. Next: at Hallandale (1-0)

4. (2) Deerfield Beach (0-1): Bucks had a tough time with Miami Carol City and things don’t get easier this week as they travel to Washington, D.C., to face St. John’s, which is No. 5 in MaxPreps’ XCellent 25. Next: at St. John’s (0-0), Saturday, 2 p.m. 5. (6) Western (1-0): If the Wildcats were frustrated following their shutout loss to Miami Palmetto in their Kickoff Classic, they took it out on Everglades in Week 1. Western dominated the game, winning 58-0. The Wildcats travel to Milton, Georgia, to play UMSWright Prep in the annual Freedom Bowl slate on Saturday.

Next: vs. UMS-Wright Prep (1-0), Saturday, 7 p.m., Milton, Georgia. 6. (7) University School (1-0): The Sharks routed Pahokee out in the Muck to open their season, looking like they didn’t miss a step. If U-School keeps firing on all cylinders like it did in Week 1, the Sharks will be able to compete for a state title. Next: vs. Hialeah (1-0) 7. (5) Cardinal Gibbons (0-1): The Chiefs were on the wrong side of their matchup with reigning Class 6A champion Miami Northwestern. The Bulls looked like they’re still one of the top teams in the state, while Cardinal Gibbons failed to find the end zone once. Things don’t get easier this week, as the Chiefs host Miami Palmetto and its extremely talented defense. Next: vs. Miami Palmetto (1-0)

8. (8) Plantation (1-0): The Colonels looked great in their season-opening rout against Taravella, but they will face a tougher defense this week in the form of McArthur. Next: vs. McArthur (0-1)

9. (10) Dillard (1-0): The Panthers dominated Piper to start the year. Zamir Jones looked solid as Dillard’s starting QB, running for a TD and throwing for two more. Miramar’s defense is solid, though, so this week won’t be as easy.

Next: vs. Miramar (1-0) 10. (9) McArthur (0-1): McArthur’s defense looked good against Chamiande on Friday. The problem was the offense stalled against the Lions’ formidable defense. If the Mustangs can make their offense work, they’ll be fine. If not, it’ll be a tough road.

Next: at Plantation (1-0)

On the bubble: Miramar (1-0),

Monarch (1-0)