What last week’s state championship football games at Pitbull Stadium at FIU proved was when it came to getting the best 14 teams together over four days, Florida was indeed in a unique spotlight.

While other states and regions can boast some top teams with plenty of talent, the sheer numbers that the Sunshine State churns out every year is indeed mind boggling.

As they say, the proof is in the final product, and all you have to do is turn on your TV or computer every Saturday and Sunday throughout the football season and you will see those very athletes who got their start right here in Florida.

SOUTH FLORIDA GRABS THE SPOTLIGHT

While the rest of the state did their thing – with Venice (7A) and Cocoa (2A) winning state titles, it was pretty much about Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach – with Chaminade-Madonna (1A, Coach Dameon Jones), Miami Northwestern (3A, Coach Teddy Bridgewater), Plantation American Heritage (4A, Coach Mike Smith), Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A, Coach Roger Harriott) and West Boca Raton (6A, Coach Dylan Potts) that pretty much stole the show.

As we continue to promote football prospects in all classes throughout the course of a year, today, we look back at five prospects that turned some heads. 

2026 - Jamar Denson, WR, 5-10, 182, Plantation American Heritage. One of the promising receivers in the class had the opportunity to showcase his skills on a large stage and came out and more than held his own. A track & field standout that also gets it done in the classroom, holding down a 3.6 GPA. Caught six balls for 86 yards and a score in the win over Orlando Jones.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19484710/6543c218689883045cc9eb3a

2026 – Mark Hanniford Jr., WR, 6-2, 180, West Boca Raton. While this was a prospect that many knew after a solid season this year and his past at Delray Beach Atlantic as a sophomore, his performance in the state championship game was indeed head turning as several college coaches and fans saw him catch two long touchdown passes for 140 yards. In addition, he also gets it done in the classroom (3.8 GPA).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18325926/Mark-Hanniford

2026 - Jaiden Roper, LB, 6-1, 207. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. As soon as he arrived on campus after coming over from Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, the Lions knew they had something very special – and they were right. Instrumental in getting this program to its record ninth consecutive state title appearance. A 3.8 (GPA) student in the classroom, his state title game was indeed at another level with a game-leading 10 tackles, which included two tackles for loss.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19239806/Jaiden-Roper

2026 - Leon Strawder, QB, 6-1, 200, Miami Northwestern. Where do we start with this gifted prospect, who opened the season in the Broward County Showcase with four touchdown passes and 400 yards and simply never stopped putting up the numbers and giving the state champion Bulls a chance in every game. His 45 touchdowns and over 3,000 yards were only added to in the season finale where he threw for 361 yards and four touchdowns. Will be one of the most productive quarterbacks coming back for 2025.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19082566/Leon-Strawder

2027 - Ah’Mari Stevens, WR/Athlete, 6-0, 165, Plantation American Heritage. Sometime during the Raiders dominating performance against Lakeland to win their sixth straight state football title, the mention of the future started to surface, and if you are thinking about the players who will keep this program at the top, here is a player you need to put at the head of that list. This is one of the fastest players on a team loaded with amazing talent. A track & field standout, his performance in the title game was tremendous with five catches and impressive play on special teams. Announced he was transferring from St. Thomas Aquinas after the season ended.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19739206/AhMari-Stevens

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

For the past 54 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..

 For the next few months, we will take a look at what Miami-Dade and Broward County football programs have coming back for 2025.

While we know the rosters will change with additions and subtractions, this gives college coaches and fans an opportunity to see some of the prospects who will have a chance to make an impact this coming year.

We will start with our state finalists and then continue with the other teams in the #305 and #954.

Today, we bring with the 1A state champion Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna Lions, who just won their fourth straight state title on their ninth consecutive trip to the championship game.

Head Coach Dameon Jones and his team will once again be loaded up – with more prospects on the way.

CLASS OF 2026

There are several impressive and gifted juniors who will step up and keep this train rolling.

Prospects such as Jeremiah Adras (DB), R.J. Alphonse (DE), Ekeem Atehortua (OL), Damani Atkinson (OL), Travano Baptiste Jr. (OL), Bernard Blanks (ILB), nationally rated Derrek Cooper (RB/LB), Mohammed Fayoumi (DE), Christian Gilbert (OL), heavily recruited Denairius Gray (WR), Hudson Harris (DB), standout Bryant Junius (LB), national recruit Jasen Lopez (WR), Massimo Lucero (OL), productive Leonzay Merzius (DB), state championship game leader Jaiden Roper (LB), state-rated Noah Sidan (PK/P), Elias Sturman (OL) and Matthew Utter (DL).

CLASS OF 2027 ADDS DEPTH

As the rising senior class will be loaded with talented players, this rising junior (2027) class will also be stacked with proven players – like Guliani Blaise (OL), Tyler Chance (QB), John Gay (DB). Two-year varsity player Arwin Jackson (RB), James Klaiss Jr (WR), Angelo Smith (Athlete), Caleb Saint Fleur (DE) and Willie Walker III (OL).

CLASS OF 2028 READY TO STEP UP

The success of this program is to continue the pipeline of talent, and the rising sophomore class has those football players who are anxious to make an impact.

Players such as Jeremiah Arnoux (DB), Alexander Beltran (DE), Ron’Christopher Gonzalez (DT), Peter Pierre (DE/TE) and Dwayne Ray III (CB).

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

For the past 54 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
BCAA Writer
DAVIE – The first play after the second half kickoff, Blanche Ely running back Shawn Paschall sprinted 85 yards with the football firmly gripped under his right arm.

As it turned out Paschall’s scoring run was the difference in the outcome as the North defeated the South 10-7 in the 27th annual BCAA All-Star football game at Nova High on Thursday.

The final score was the second time the All-Star game was decided by the exact results since the South defeated the North in 2014.

The North now leads the series 18-9.

“I had just told my O-line and receivers I’m going to score on an 85-yard run just like I did against St. Thomas,” said Paschall. “I don’t have too much more to say other than thanking the BCAA for putting me in the All-Star game.”

The result of the game wasn’t secure until there were 55 seconds remaining in regulation when Taurus Damon Jr. (Plantation) intercepted a pass in the endzone.

The South had driven from the 50 following a North punt to the 10-yard line prior to the pick.

“This was a great experience for everyone competing,” said North coach Quentin Short of Piper. “The kids played their tale off especially with the big play at the end. Both offenses struggled all night, and the defenses played well.”

Following Paschall’s touchdown that put his team up 10-0, the South team responded on the ensuing kickoff with a Lavon Moss (Miramar) 2-yard run up the middle with 3:36 left in the third quarter, cutting the deficit.

The offensive and defensive players of the game for the North were Trent Dubuc (Cardinal Gibbons) and Damon Jr. (Plantation). For the South team the offensive and defensive players of the game were Keidran Willis Jr. (Pembroke Pines Charter and Zachary Dorelien (Nova).

“The most important part was making sure the kids have fun.” Said South coach Keidran Willis Sr. of Pembroke Pines Charter. “I think this was a great experience for all the players. "Our kids had a chance to win the ball game, but it didn’t go out way.”

Other than placekicker Isaias Posada Rios converting on a 24-yard field goal attempt with 5:26 left in the second quarter, offenses struggled, and defenses shined in the first half.

Five players for the South registered five sacks in the opening half.

Christian Mata of Piper spent the majority of the first escaping defenders, occasionally finding running room, allowing the North to find scoring chances twice.

The South had their best scoring opportunity late in the second quarter, but Flanagan quarterback Devon Gonzalez couldn’t find and open receiver for a touchdown.

Dave Brousseau can be reached on X at @dbrouss76 – or via e-mail at:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHOTO CUTLINE: (Left to right): Zachary Dorelien (Nova), Keidran Willis Jr. (Pembroke Pines Charter), Shawn Paschall (Blanche Ely, MVP): Trent Dubuc (Cardinal gibbons); Taurus Damon Jr (Plantation).

@CoachKT__

After heading to the state championship game for the ninth consecutive year, there was no sign that the Chaminade-Madonna and head coach Dameon Jones was slowing down.

While south Florida had a number of quality programs, very few teams answered the bell like the Lions.

Despite losing the first two games of the season, the challenging schedule and beating two state champions and 13 state playoff teams gave this program a third straight No. 1 finish.

While the Lions shined at last week’s state championship game with a sixth state title in seven years, there were others who made a strong finish – with four Miami-Dade and Broward schools taking home state titles.

Here is the way the rest of the teams finished in this year’s rankings:

1. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (13-2, 1A). LAST WEEK: The Lions beat No. 3 seed Clearwater Central Catholic, 42-8. This program has established itself as a national powerhouse.

2. Plantation American Heritage (12-2, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Patriots won a thriller against No. 2 seed Orlando Jones, 40-31. Mike Smith and his team overcame a lot.

3. Miami Northwestern (12-2, 3A). LAST WEEK: The Bulls continued to dominate the competition with a 41-0 state title win against No. 1 seed and previously unbeaten Jacksonville Raines. First year head coach Teddy Bridgewater and the Bulls were very impressive over the past seven weeks of the season, shaking off losses to state champion Venice, Miami Central (on the field) and Miami Norland.

4. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (12-3, 5A). LAST WEEK: For the unbelievable sixth straight time, the Raiders brought home a 34-0 shutout win against previously No. 1 Lakeland. Head Coach Roger Harriott and his team won for an amazing sixth straight season after being challenged in the state playoffs.

5. Miami Booker T. Washington (10-3, 2A)

6. Miami Christopher Columbus (8-4, 7A)

7. Miami Southridge (11-3, 6A)

8. Miami Norland (9-3, 4A)

9. Davie Western (6-7, 7A)

10. Pembroke Pines West Broward (9-4, 6A)

11. Coconut Creek Monarch (7-4, 6A)

12. Sunrise Piper (10-2, 6A)

13. Miami Immaculata LaSalle (11-2, 2A)

14. Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (8-4, 5A)

15. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (9-3, 4A)

16. Miami Edison (7-5, 1A)

17. Miramar (7-5, 5A)

18. Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (8-3, 2A)

19. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (7-5, 2A)

20. Homestead South Dade (6-6, 7A)

IN ADDITION: Coconut Creek (4-5, 5A – SEASON OVER), Coral Gables (5-4, 7A – SEASON OVER), Davie Nova (7-3, 6A – SEASON OVER), Doral Academy (5-5, 6A – SEASON OVER), Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (7-3, 2A – SEASON OVER), Fort Lauderdale NSU University School (9-2, Independent – SEASON OVER), Fort Lauderdale (4-5, 6A – SEASON OVER), Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (5-5, 3A – SEASON OVER), Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (5-4, Independent – SEASON OVER), Hialeah (8-3, 4A – SEASON OVER), Hollywood South Broward (4-7, 6A – SEASON OVER), Homestead (4-5, 6A – SEASON OVER), Miami Archbishop Carroll (6-5, 1A – SEASON OVER), Miami Carol City (7-4, 2A – SEASON OVER), Miami Florida Christian (9-1, Independent – SEASON OVER), Miami Jackson (4-7, 3A – SEASON OVER), Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (5-6, 7A – SEASON OVER), Miami Ransom Everglades (6-4, 2A – SEASON OVER), Miami Palmetto (6-4, 7A – SEASON OVER), Miami Springs (3-7, 2A – SEASON OVER), Miami True North Classical Academy (7-4, 1A – SEASON OVER), North Miami (6-5, 5A – SEASON OVER), North Miami Beach (3-7, 2A – SEASON OVER), Pembroke Pines Charter (6-4, 5A – SEASON OVER), Pembroke Pines Flanagan (7-4, 6A – SEASON OVER), Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (7-4, 3A – SEASON OVER), Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (7-4, 4A – SEASON OVER), Plantation (6-5, 4A – SEASON OVER). Weston Cypress Bay (6-4, 7A – SEASON OVER).

WEEKLY RANKINGS

PRE-SEASON. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-pre-season-top-20-st-thomas-begins-at-no-1

Week 2. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-2-top-20-st-thomas-remains-on-top

Week 3. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-3-top-20-surprises-shake-things-up

WEEK 4. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-4-things-are-getting-very-interesting

WEEK 5. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-5-local-rankings-change-from-week-to-week

WEEK 6. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-6-district-play-has-started-in-miami-dade-broward

WEEK 7. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-7-st-thomas-aquinas-miami-central-hollywood-chaminade-madonna-remain-at-the-top

WEEK 8. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-8-head-to-head-matchups-are-key

WEEK 9. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-9-chaminade-madonna-moves-back-on-top

WEEK 10. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-10-highlights-some-crucial-miami-dade-broward-games

WEEK 11. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-11-playoff-spots-are-now-filled-for-miami-dade-broward-county-teams

WEEK 12. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-12-local-teams-getting-ready-for-the-state-playoffs

PLAYOFF WEEK 1: https://larryblustein.com/news/playoff-week-1-the-race-begins-this-week

PLAYOFF WEEK 2: https://larryblustein.com/news/playoff-week-2-the-spotlight-shines-on-key-local-matchups-1

PLAYOFF WEEK 3: https://larryblustein.com/news/playoff-week-3-twelve-local-teams-remain-in-the-hunt

PLAYOFF WEEK 4: https://larryblustein.com/news/four-miami-dade-broward-schools-look-for-state-titles

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

For the past 54 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..