Two of Florida's best teams square off Friday

Even by the high standards of Florida high school baseball, where there is so much talent that the top players inevitably face each other occasionally, Friday's contest between American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.) and Archbishop McCarthy (Southwest Ranches, Fla.) is eye-catching.

Both teams are ranked in the top 10 of Perfect Game's latest national high school Top 50 rankings and both feature several players expected to be selected in the First-Year Player Draft this June.

Scouts believe Archbishop McCarthy left-hander Brian Gonzalez is the best prospect on either team and will get the start Friday. A Miami recruit, his fastball peaks at 91 mph and he also throws a good curveball and changeup.

Gonzalez will be opposed by right-hander Louis Beck, a Villanova recruit. American Heritage also features senior outfielder Magglio Ordonez, Jr., and Brandon Vicens, a Florida Atlantic recruit.

The teams will meet again March 21 and are expected to contend for the state championship later this spring.