Local high school Miami Central has the second best football team in the nation, according to a new poll by USA Today.
The poll pointed to Central's 12 returning starters (six on offense, six on defense) in picking them ahead of bitter rival Northwestern, who did not make the top 25.
But the title of best-in-Miami, let alone the nation, is far from decided.
According to the Associated Press, Northwestern -- not Central -- is the best team in the state. The AP ranks the Bulls number one despite the Rockets receiving the most first-place votes.
Central beat Northwestern for the first time in last year's playoffs, only to lose to eventual state champion Miramar in the semi-final. The two teams square-off October 9 at FIU stadium.
The Rockets take-on Blanche Ely tomorrow in the Pompano Beach Kickoff Classic (7 p.m. at Lockhart Stadium). They officially open their season on the road at Camden County High in Georgia and Dallas Madison in Texas.