When things kick off this week across the state of Florida, we will be crossing over the halfway point of this fast-moving season.
With district games and cross-state matchups taking place there will be plenty at stake for teams all over the Sunshine State.
From a race for the 1A through 6A state title games to the newly minted “Open Division”, which will feature the eight best teams, the contests that are played now until the end of the season will certainly sort things out.
Here is a look at the Top 30 programs for Week 6 – with additional teams that have a chance to be special this year:
1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A, 5-0). The nation’s No. 1 team rolled on the road for the second straight week – beating Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, 40-7. THIS WEEK: The Raiders will have the week off. NEXT WEEK: They will stay on the road for a big matchup with No. 9 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (10/2).
2. Bradenton IMG Academy (Independent, 4-0). The Ascenders fell behind No. 22 Orlando The First Academy but rallied and came away with a strong second-half performance, winning 48-27. THIS WEEK: A home game against Spring Legacy School of Sport Sciences (9/25). NEXT WEEK: A road contest to Springfield, Virginia to play The St. James Performance Academy (10/3).
3. Venice (6A, 5-0). The Indians continue to show why they are one of the best teams in the state with a 63-21 win against Cape Coral. The third time this year over 60 points. THIS WEEK: A home district game against Sarasota (9/25). NEXT WEEK: It’s a big one with Open Division on the line at No. 6 Jacksonville Raines (10/2).
4. Miami Christopher Columbus (6A, 4-1). The Explorers continued to roll with a district win against Homestead South Dade, 45-7. THIS WEEK: Another district game – at home against Homestead (9/24). NEXT WEEK: Another district game at home against Southwest Miami (10/1).
5. Miami Central (3A, 3-1). The Rockets rebounded from their loss at Buford, Georgia with a 54-18 win against Miami Jackson. THIS WEEK: The annual showdown against Miami Northwestern (9/25). NEXT WEEK: A district game on the road against Miami Springs (10/3).
6. Jacksonville Raines (3A, 5-0). The defending state champions flexed some muscle with a convincing 31-13 win against No. 21 Jacksonville Mandarin. THIS WEEK: Off. NEXT WEEK: A huge contest at home that will have a direct impact on the Open Division against No. 3 Venice (10/2).
7. West Boca Raton (5A, 3-1). The Bulls dropped their first game of the season against unbeaten St. John’s Prep of Washington D.C., 15-14. THIS WEEK: A home district game against Boca Raton Olympic Heights (9/24). NEXT WEEK: A road game to Belle Glade to play Glades Central (10/2).
8. Gainesville Buchholz (5A, 5-0). It wasn’t pretty but the Bobcats stayed perfect on the season – on the road against No. 27 Tampa Jesuit with a last second field goal, 20-17. THIS WEEK: A home game against an unbeaten No. 30 (5-0) Ocala Forest team (9/24). NEXT WEEK: A road trip to play another unbeaten team, Alachua Santa Fe (10/1).
9. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (2A, 3-1). Bad weather and flooding pushed the game against Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons back. THIS WEEK: A home district game against Boca Raton Saint Andrew’s (9/25). NEXT WEEK: It’s the No. 1 team in the country – Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – coming into Hollywood for a big matchup (10/2).
10. DeLand (6A, 3-1). The Bulldogs continued to roll along with a convincing 43-0 win against Deltona. THIS WEEK: A home game against the always competitive Port Orange Spruce Creek team (9/25). NEXT WEEK: A home game against Port St. Lucie Centennial (10/2).
11. Vero Beach (6A, 4-1). The Indians showed a strong defense and a timely offense in beating Boca Raton Spanish River, 28-3. THIS WEEK: A huge district showdown against unbeaten (4-0) Fort Pierce Central at home (9/25). NEXT WEEK: Yet another home game will take place against Daytona Beach Mainland (10/2).
12. Lakeland (5A, 3-1). The Dreadnaughts came up with a huge home win, keeping their Open Division hopes alive with a 21-16 win against two-time defending state champion Plantation American Heritage. THIS WEEK: A home district game against Auburndale (9/25). NEXT WEEK: Another home game against Dover Specialty Fit Academy (10/2).
13. Seffner Armwood (5A, 4-1). The Hawks won for the third straight time, 43-6, against Riverview Sumner. THIS WEEK: A road district matchup with Tampa Plant (9/25). NEXT WEEK: Off.
14. Clearwater Central Catholic (2A, 3-0). The Marauders got back to work after a week off and continued to show that they are one of the best 2A programs in the state, 35-11, over St. Petersburg Catholic. THIS WEEK: A key road game against a much-improved Tampa Catholic (4-1) squad (9/25). NEXT WEEK: A huge road matchup against defending state champion, No. 18 Sarasota Cardinal Mooney.
15. Tampa Carrollwood Day (1A, 5-0). The highest scoring team in the state rolled to a 67-0 decision against Tampa Chamberlain. The Patriots have outscored their opponents by an insane, 285-21 margin. THIS WEEK: Back on the road to play Zephyrhills Christian Academy (9/25). NEXT WEEK: A challenging home game against Jacksonville Trinity Christian (10/2).
16. Tampa Bay Tech (5A, 5-0). The Titans remained unbeaten with a competitive 35-28 win against Tampa Gaither. THIS WEEK: A home game against Valrico Bloomingdale (9/25). NEXT WEEK: A huge non district road game against 4-1 Ruskin Lennard (10/2).
17. West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (2A, 4-1). The Crusaders rebounded from their loss to West Boca Raton and beat Jensen Beach, 22-7. THIS WEEK: The defending state champions will have the week off. NEXT WEEK: A big road trip to play the always competitive Delray Beach Atlantic Eagles.
18. Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (3A, 3-1). The Cougars enjoyed the week off getting ready for the stretch run. THIS WEEK: Another big home district game against unbeaten Bradenton Braden River (9/25). NEXT WEEK: A major home game against No. 14 Clearwater Central Catholic.
19. St. Augustine (4A, 5-0). The Yellow Jackets rolled to their fifth straight win – at home – against Orlando Evans, 24-20. THIS WEEK: A home game against much-improved Green Cove Springs Clay (9/24). NEXT WEEK: They will enjoy the week off.
20. Lake Wales (4A, 4-1). The way under-the-radar Highlanders had no problem with Kissimmee Osceola, 35-3. THIS WEEK: A home district game against Brandon (9/25). NEXT WEEK: They will enjoy the week off.
21. Jacksonville Mandarin (5A, 3-1). Their hopes of making the Open Division took a blow on the road against the defending 3A state champion, No. 6 Jacksonville Raines, 31-13. THIS WEEK: A home district game against Neptune Beach Fletcher (9/25). NEXT WEEK: A home game against the defending state champion Lake Mary Rams.
22. Orlando The First Academy (2A, 4-1). The Royals sprinted out to a huge lead against No. 2 Bradenton IMG Academy, but didn’t have enough, losing 48-27. THIS WEEK: After a busy start, they will have the week off. NEXT WEEK: A home game against the Cocoa Tigers.
23. Port Charlotte (4A, 2-2). The Pirates were off this past week. THIS WEEK: A trip to play a solid and unbeaten (4-0) South Fort Myers team (9/26). NEXT WEEK: A home game against Fort Myers Bishop Verot (10/2).
24. Lake City Columbia (4A, 5-0). The Tigers keep winning and slowly making believers across the state. THIS WEEK: A home game against Jacksonville Riverside. NEXT WEEK: A competitive trip to play the always tough Bradenton Manatee Hurricanes (10/2).
25. Lynn Haven Mosley (4A, 5-0). The Dolphins continue to win over those who are mom believers, beating Havana Gadsden County, 49-24. THIS WEEK: A home contest against Tallahassee Lincoln (9/25). NEXT WEEK: After a great start, they will have the week off.
26. Sanford Seminole (6A, 5-0). It wasn’t pretty but the Seminoles remained unbeaten halfway through the season against Daytona Beach Mainland, 27-21. THIS WEEK: A home game against Apopka (9/25). NEXT WEEK: A well deserved off week.
27. Tampa Jesuit (4A, 3-1). The Tigers dropped a last second contest on a field goal against No. 6 Gainesville Buchholz at home, 20-17. THIS WEEK: A trip to play Tampa Middleton (9/25). NEXT WEEK: The team will enjoy the week off.
28. Miami Palmetto (6A, 4-1). The Panthers got back on the winning track with a district win against Coral Gables, 28-6. THIS WEEK: The district schedule continues with a game against Southwest Miami (9/25). NEXT WEEK: The team will enjoy a much-needed week off.
29. Miami Carol City (2A, 2-2). The Chiefs got back on the winning track by taking down Miami Edison, 58-0. THIS WEEK: A home contest against Miami Booker T. Washington (9/24). NEXT WEEK: A trip back to Georgia to take on a competitive Grayson (10/2).
30. Ocala Forest (5A, 5-0). The Wildcats make their Top 30 debut after a 17-7 win against Clermont East Ridge. THIS WEEK: Talk about getting to test their unbeaten streak this year, it’s a short trip to Gainesville to take on No. 8 Gainesville Buchholz. NEXT WEEK: It’s back home for a contest against Belleview.
KEEP AN EYE ON:
1A
Blountstown (3-1)
Fort Pierce John Carroll (3-1)
Hawthorne (5-0)
Jacksonville Trinity Christian (2-3)
Jacksonville University Christian (3-2)
Lakeland Christian (5-0)
Madison County (3-2)
Melbourne Central Catholic (3-1)
Miami Westminster Christian (4-0)
Naples First Baptist (5-0)
Naples St. John Neumann (4-1)
Pahokee (4-1)
St. Petersburg Catholic (2-3)
Wildwood (4-0)
2A
Boca Raton Saint Andrew’s (4-2)
DeFuniak Springs Walton (4-0)
Jacksonville Bolles (3-1)
Miami Immaculata LaSalle (4-0)
Pensacola Catholic (4-1)
Starke Bradford County (4-0)
Tallahassee Florida High (4-0)
Tampa Berkeley Prep (2-2)
Tampa Catholic (4-1)
3A
Alachua Santa Fe (3A, 4-0)
Bradenton Braden River (4-0)
Brooksville Nature Coast Tech (3-1)
Bushnell South Sumter (4-1)
Crawfordville Wakulla (4-1)
Eau Gallie (3-2)
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2-2)
Fort Lauderdale Dillard (3-2)
Merritt Island (4-1)
Miami Springs (4-1)
North Miami Beach (4-1)
Santa Rosa Beach South Walton (4-1)
The Villages Charter (4-0)
Titusville (4-1)
4A
Plantation American Heritage (2-3)
Clearwater (5-0)
Delray Beach Atlantic (3-1)
Fort Myers Dunbar (3-2)
Fort Pierce Westwood (2-2)
Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee (2-2)
Hialeah American (4-1)
Jacksonville Ed White (2-1)
Jensen Beach (3-2)
Miami Norland (2-2)
Miami Northwestern (4-1)
Middleburg (3-2)
New Smyrna Beach (4-0)
Ocala Vanguard (2-2)
Orlando Bishop Moore (3-2)
Orlando Jones (2-1)
Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (3-2)
South Fort Myers (4-0)
Tallahassee Godby (3-2)
Zephyrhills (3-2)
5A
Auburndale (3-1)
Bradenton Manatee (3-2)
Clermont East Ridge (3-2)
Coconut Creek (4-1)
Coconut Creek Monarch (2-2)
Fort Myers Riverdale (3-2)
Immokalee (3-1)
Kissimmee Osceola (2-3)
Melbourne (3-2)
Miami Southridge (1-3)
Niceville (2-3)
Orange Park Oakleaf (2-2)
Orlando Evans (2-3)
Oviedo (3-2)
Pace (2-2)
Palmetto (3-2)
Riverview Sumner (3-2)
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (2-2)
St. John Bartram Trail (4-1)
Stuart Martin County (2-2)
Tampa Gaither (3-2)
Trinity Mitchell (3-1)
Viera (3-1
6A
Daytona Beach Mainland (1-2)
Flagler Palm Coast (4-0)
Fort Pierce Central (4-0)
Jupiter (4-0)
Lake Mary (1-3)
Lantana Santaluces (2-2)
Orlando Edgewater (2-2)
Orlando Lake Nona (4-1)
Palm Beach Lakes (3-1)
Port Orange Spruce Creek (4-1)
Ruskin Lennard (4-1)
Sarasota Riverview (4-1)
St. Cloud (3-1)
Tampa Alonso (4-0)
Wellington (3-1)
Wellington Palm Beach Central (4-0)
Weston Cypress Bay (5-0)
Winter Garden West Orange (5-0)
Winter Park (2-3)
Week 1 State Football Rankings: St. Thomas Aquinas Is The One. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-1-state-football-rankings-st-thomas-aquinas-is-the-one
Week 2 State Football Rankings: Top Teams Get Off To A Fast Start. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-2-state-football-rankings-top-teams-get-off-to-a-fast-start
Week 3 Florida State High School Football Rankings: The Nation Was Watching. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-3-state-football-rankings-the-nation-was-watching
Week 4 Florida State Football Rankings: Elite Teams Stay On Top. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-4-florida-state-football-rankings-elite-teams-stay-on-top
Week 5 Florida State Football Rankings: Things Are Getting Very Exciting. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-5-florida-state-football-rankings-things-are-getting-very-exciting
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 56 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein), Instagram (OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
It’s another week of football as the popular and nationally-recognized South Florida High School Sports radio show with Larry Blustein on 104.3 FM WQAM was on Monday this week – brought to you courtesy of University of Miami Health Sports Medicine.
Each week, the program attracts the newsmakers in high school sports, recruiting college sports – not only locally, but throughout the country.
The show gives listeners an opportunity to hear about college football programs statewide from the media that cover them. It also focuses on the coaches who use the state of Florida – Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in particular.
The program, which has been run for nearly two decades and has been rated as one of the top programs of its kind has become a popular listen for recruiting fans as well as high school sports purists, focusing on high sports and the newsmakers.
Here is a look at the way Monday night went:
From the inaugural “Open Division” to the race to capture a 1A-6A state football title, Andre Fernandez is watching Miami-Dade and Broward programs closely and he talked about the teams to keep an eye on as we head toward the second half of the season.
ANDRE FERNANDEZ ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/high-school-sports-analystwriter-andre-fernandez-76e65
After a not-so-impressive second half performance last Friday night against Wake Forest and several injuries, the Miami Hurricanes play their first Saturday game of the season against Central Michigan with some questions that need to be answered. Jordan McPherson from the Miami Herald tried to answer several questions.
JORDAN MCPHERSON ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/miami-hurricanes-football-reporter-for-the-miami-herald-jordan-mcpherson-c33bc
The Florida Gators are 3-0 and that means several high profile recruits are paying plenty of attention on what is going on in Gainesville. Tyler Harden from @Swamp247 stopped by to talk about the big home game this week against Top 5 Ole Miss.
TYLER HARDEN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/gators-football-recruiting-analyst-tyler-harden-6b798
After four games of his first season as head coach at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Drew Davis is a perfect 4-0 with the competitive conference games still ahead. The son of legendary football coach Butch Davis talked about how the players have bought into what this coaching staff is preaching.
COACH DREW DAVIS ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/st-thomas-university-head-coach-drew-davis-81749
Through four games of his first season as head coach at Miami Westminster Christian, Josh Kirkland and his football team has a chance to remain unbeaten on Friday with a home district matchup with Miami Killian.
COACH JOSH KIRKLAND ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/miami-westminster-christian-head-coach-josh-kirkland-592a9
After five games of the 2026 high school football season, the Weston Cypress Bay Lightning are 5-0, heading into a huge district showdown with Davie Western. First-year head coach Darrell Strong talked about why this program is doing what they have.
COACH DARRELL STRONG ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/cypress-bay-head-coach-darrell-strong-fbe75
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 56 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein), Instagram (OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
By Dave Brousseau
SOUTHWEST RANCHES – The final score of the St. Thomas Aquinas and Archbishop McCarthy football reflected the lopsided outcome in the first meeting between these two schools.
The combination of a dominate run game and stingy defense keyed the Raiders 40-7 District 15-5A victory on Friday.
The win extended the Aquinas (5-0) winning streak to 19 games, tying the fourth most in team history.
Senior running back Ryan Mathis led the team with 107 rushing yards on six carries, including scoring runs of 16 and 58 yards as part of a 27-0 lead in the first half.
Overall, the combination of Mathis, quarterback Blake Calixte, Omar Gonzalez Jr., Jacquez Burley and Virgil Lemons finished with 288 yards on 24 carries and six touchdowns.
Senior running back Tyler Reid and team rushing leader had only three carries for 70 yards, all coming in the opening quarter.
Calixte was also consistent with the passing game with 18 completions for 158 yards. At one point he completed 12 passes on 14 attempts.
“We always have to improve, because there are the little things we need to take care of,” said St. Thomas coach Roger Harriott. “That’s how our team evolves over the course of the year.”
“I think we still need to find our rhythm offensively, while out defense and special team are doing a quality job,” Harriott continued.
The Raiders defense held the Mavericks (2-2) to 53 rushing yards on 19 carries. McCarthy’s lone score came on a 63-yard pass from Malik Denson from Nate Merrell Jr. in the third quarter.
The Raiders will have a bye-week before facing Chaminade-Madonna on the road on Oct. 2. Chaminade leads the all-time series 7-5 dating back to the first meeting between the two schools in 1963.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. THOMAS AQUINAS FOOTBALL
Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and is a longtime BCAA Correspondent. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We have just finished Week 5 of the 2026 high school football season and teams are starting to posture themselves for a strong stretch run.
Whether it’s the inaugural “Open Division”, the regular state playoffs where there will be titles to win in 1A-6A or independent championships.
Several south Florida programs continue to jump into the spotlight and we have a few of those results:
Blanche Ely (Pompano Beach) 6, Deerfield Beach 0 (OT). Just when the Bucks were rolling along through the first four games unbeaten, the Tigers (3-2) come in and have a statement victory on the road. They have a chance to run the table – with longtime rival Dillard coming up in a few weeks.
Cooper City 42, Pembroke Pines Charter 28. For the first time in three decades, the Cowboys are unbeaten after five games and with unbeaten Fort Lauderdale and South Plantation left on the schedule, could this team be looking at a perfect season? One game at a time for veteran head coach Art Taylor.
Killian (Miami) 27, Tampa Catholic 10. Before this game took place, all the talk was centered around the Crusaders and their unbeaten start, but by the end of the contest it was the 4-1 Cougars that are starting to receive some attention statewide as they get ready for an unbeaten district battles with Miami Westminster Christian this coming week. It’s been a minute since the Cougars have been able to make this kind of noise.
Lakeland 21, American Heritage (Plantation) 16. The two-time defending state champions may have taken themselves out of the Open Division running, but even with a 2-3 start, their schedule will keep them in the mix like last year when they took their lumps, but ended up hoisting the 4A championship trophy.
North Miami Beach 26, Miami Springs 19. This was a huge district game that saw the Chargers prevail, knocking off the previously unbeaten Golden Hawks in a district contest. Both teams still have to play district favorite Miami Central. NMB’s only loss came against Monsignor Pace.
Ransom Everglades (Miami) 39, Somerset Academy (Pembroke Pines) 14. The Raiders (4-0) remained unbeaten, setting up a huge game this week. Here is a program that has some way under-the-radar talent and is looking for another post-season appearance this year. The went on the road to Broward County this past week and came away with another win.
Westminster Christian (Miami) 35, Belen Jesuit (Miami) 14. The Warriors moved to 5-0 under first year head coach Josh Kirkland as they get ready for a district showdown with Miami Killian. Keep an eye on this quality program that can wrap up the title with a win on Friday at home.
In addition to those games, here is a look at how some of the other Miami-Dade and Broward County teams fared:
American (Hialeah) 41, Hialeah 9
Central (Miami) 54, Jackson (Miami) 18
Carol City (Miami Gardens) 58, Edison (Miami) 0
Christopher Columbus (Miami) 45, South Dade (Homestead) 7
Coconut Creek 55, Boyd Anderson (Lauderdale Lakes) 12
Coral Glades (Coral Springs) 26, Nova (Davie) 25
Cypress Bay (Weston) 50, Douglas (Parkland) 0
Dillard (Fort Lauderdale) 34, McArthur (Hollywood) 27
Florida Christian (Miami) 47, Inlet Grove (Riviera Beach) 14
Goleman (Miami Lakes) 47, Hialeah Gardens 0
Gulliver Prep (Miami) 31, Ferguson (Miami) 14
Homestead 46, Southwest Miami 7
Key West 58, St. Brendan (Miami) 7
Mater Academy (Hialeah Gardens) 21, Monsignor Pace (Miami Gardens) 7
Miramar 36, Flanagan (Pembroke Pines) 12
NextGen Prep (Pompano Beach) 34, Prestige Academy 12
Northwestern (Miami) 23, North Miami 7
Palmer Trinity (Miami) 35, Saint Francis Episcopal Day (Houston, Texas) 20
Palmetto (Miami) 28, Coral Gables 6
Pine Crest (Fort Lauderdale) 21, Oxbridge Academy (West Palm Beach) 12
Piper (Sunrise) 35, Monarch (Coconut Creek) 34
Plantation 40, Northeast (Oakland Park) 0
Ronald Reagan (Doral) 21, Felix Varela (Miami) 12
Saint Andrew’s (Boca Raton) 34, North Broward Prep (Coconut Creek) 14
Saint Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) 40, Archbishop McCarthy (Southwest Ranches) 7
Somerset Academy Silver Palms (Homestead) 10, The Benjamin School (North Palm Beach) 7
South Broward (Hollywood) 49, Coral Springs 0
South Miami 34, Hialeah-Miami Lakes 20
South Plantation 12, Boca Raton 6
Sunset (Miami) 22, Coral Park (Miami) 14
True North Classical Academy (Miami) 28, Southridge (Miami) 21
West Broward (Pembroke Pines) 47, Doral Academy 7
Westminster Academy (Fort Lauderdale) 48, Master’s Academy (Vero Beach) 0
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 56 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein), Instagram (OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
By Dave Brousseau
DEERFIELD BEACH – For many of the previous 46 times the Deerfield Beach and Blanche Ely football teams have met, it was considered among the many Broward County games to watch each year.
Thursday’s rivalry game was a far cry from many of the memorable games played between the two teams.
In a game consumed by lackluster play, Tigers junior Travis Jackson scored the winning points on a six-yard pass from Qurban Henley in overtime to earn a 6-0 victory.
It was the Tigers (3-2) fifth straight victory over the Bucks since a 70-0 loss in 2021. Deerfield Beach had defeated the Tigers 10 consecutive times prior to the last five meetings.
“Henley used his legs to extend the play and get to the open guy,” said Blanche Ely coach Terence McFadden. “This was a dog fight after we shot ourselves in the foot several times. These kids showed so much resilience.”
Deerfield Beach (4-1) had an opportunity to win the game with 11.4 seconds left in regulation, but a 11-yard field goal attempt was blocked.
“It was a sloppy game, and the details matter in games like this,” said Deerfield coach J.T. Thomas. “Missed opportunities is the difference in a overtime 6-0 game. We’ll from this.”
The Tigers did manage 142 yards rushing, while holding Deerfield to only 15 yards on the ground.
Despite the loss, the Bucks still lead the overall series 24-23.
Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and is a longtime BCAA Correspondent. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.