Since Lake Mary upset Vero Beach on the final play of the 7A state title game last December, we have waited over the past eight plus months for the return of high school football.

Through months of conditioning, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events and nearly a month of preparation, we have finally reach the opening night of the regular season.

With teams having dreams of playing for a state title, the state of Florida will open the gates – for real – as programs are anxious to showcase their teams and new players.

Never before has their been such an active off season where players moved schools at a record pace, and while many have questioned the number of transfers, answers will come quickly with two Thursday night contests in south Florida that will feature programs with high hopes and several new faces.

With a number of games taking place on this Thursday, we will spotlight one in Miami-Dade and one in Broward County that features teams that are familiar to championship football. 

Miami Columbus at Miami Southridge, 7. This opener will provide a barometer for the visiting Explorers, who had a disappointing season in 2025 under veteran head coach Dave Dunn and a Spartan squad that fell short in the state playoffs for the second straight season.

With Columbus getting plenty of off season attention for the elite prospects added to their roster, head coach Pierre Senatus and Southridge were relatively quiet, adding new players but nowhere near what some of the other Miami-Dade and Broward teams have.

Both programs have a challenging schedule – with the Explorers getting nationally rated Las Vegas Bishop Gorman and Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas along with rival Miami Palmetto in the coming weeks.

MIAMI CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS EXPLORERS 2026 SCHEDULE

8/20 - @Miami Southridge

8/29 – Las Vegas Bishop Gorman (Broward County National Football Showcase)

9/4 - @Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

9/10 - @Miami Palmetto

9/18 - @Homestead South Dade

9/24 – Homestead

10/1 – Southwest Miami

10/9 - @Coral Gables

10/16 – GMAC Week

10/23 - @Miami Northwestern

MIAMI SOUTHRIDGE SPARTANS 2026 SCHEDULE

8/20 – Miami Christopher Columbus

8/28 - @Homestead

9/4 – Miami Palmetto

9/17 – Miami True North Classical Academy

9/25 – Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy

10/1 - @Homestead South Dade

10/9 - @Miramar Everglades

10/16 – GMAC Week

10/23 – Fort Lauderdale Dillard

10/30 – Miami Jackson

Hollywood Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna vs. Coconut Creek Monarch (Deerfield Beach), 7. In their 10^th consecutive appearance in the state championship game, veteran head coach Dameon Jones and his Lions were upset by West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman. That loss did not sit well with this program.

While several players graduated and others departed, it was time for this national power to regroup and get things back into focus – and they did just that.

Coming off a convincing kickoff classic win against Miami Norland, this program is not only looking to make a splash in 2A, but also is one of those programs that has the talent and coaching to make it into the newly created “Open Division” with an amazing amount of talent on both sides of the ball.

For the Knights, last year was certainly not what this team wanted to accomplish, so like many other programs, they did something about it in the off season.

With several new faces along with impressive newcomers, they figure to make an impact this season.

Veteran Head Coach Calvin Davis knows that his team can make a statement tonight – with a competitive schedule looming this season.

HOLLYWOOD CHAMINADE-MADONNA LIONS 2026 SCHEDULE

8/20 - @Coconut Creek Monarch

8/27 – Sierra Canyon, California

9/4 – Plantation American Heritage

9/10 – Miami True North Classical Academy

9/18 - @Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

9/25 – Boca Raton St. Andrew’s Academy

10/2 – Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

10/9 - @West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman

10/16 – Hollywood McArthur

10/30 - @Coconut Creek

COCONUT CREEK MONARCH KNIGHT 2026 SCHEDULE

8/20 – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

8/27 – Miramar

9/4 - @Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

9/18 – Sunrise Piper

9/25 – Deerfield Beach

10/2 - @Coconut Creek

10/9 – Boca Raton Olympic Heights

10/16 - @Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

10/22 - @West Boca Raton

10/29 - @Pembroke Pines Flanagan

In addition to those two games this evening, here is a look at the rest of Thursday’s schedule and the first week of the 2026 season:

Deerfield Beach at Pembroke Pines Charter, 6

Fort Lauderdale vs. Coral Springs Taravella (Coral Springs), 7

Fort Lauderdale Dillard vs. Sunrise Piper (PAL), 7

Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest at Coral Springs Charter (Coral Glades), 7

Miami Beach at Tavernier Coral Shores, 7

Miami Norland at Homestead South Dade vs. Miami Norland (Harris Field), 6

Miami Westminster Christian at Miami St. Brendan, 7

North Miami Beach vs. Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (Milander), 7

Oakland Park Northeast at Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, 7

Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy at Delray American Heritage, 7

South Miami at Miami Sunset, 3:30

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy at Royal Palm Beach, 7

Weston Cypress Bay at South Plantation, 7

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21^ST

Boca Raton St. John Paul II at Miami Belen Jesuit, 7

Coconut Creek North Broward Prep at Cooper City, 7

Doral Academy at Naples Golden Gate, 7

Doral Ronald Reagan at Miami Varela, 3:30

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons at Miramar, 7

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas at Davie Western (Pembroke Pines Flanagan), 7

Hallandale at Davie Nova, 7

Hialeah American vs. Homestead (Harris), 7

Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy vs. Hialeah (Milander), 7:30

Hialeah Miami-Lakes at Hialeah Gardens, 3:30

Homestead Somerset Silver Palms at Miami Ransom Everglades, 7

Jacksonville Mandarin at Hollywood McArthur, 7 (Broward Showcase Game)

Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson at Hollywood Hills, 4

Fort Lauderdale NSU University at Mount Dora Christian, 7

Miami Braddock at Miami Florida Christian, 7

Miami Carol City at Daytona Beach Mainland, 7

Miami Central at Orange Lutheran, California, 10

Miami Coral Park vs. Southwest Miami (Tropical), 7:30

Miami Coral Reef at Miami Archbishop Carroll, 3:30

Miami Edison vs. Miami Springs (Ives Park), 7

Miami Ferguson at Miami Gulliver Prep, 3:30

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace at Naples St. John Neumann, 7

Miami High vs. Coral Gables (Curtis Park), 7:30

Miami Immaculata LaSalle vs. Miami Booker T. Washington (Curtis Park), 3

Miami Northwestern at St. Petersburg Lakewood, 7:30

Miami Palmetto vs. Miami Killian (Southridge), 7:30

Miami SmartEn Sports at Miami Palmer Trinity, 4

Miramar Everglades at Hollywood South Broward, 6:30

North Lauderdale Somerset Prep at Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy, 7

North Miami at Clearwater Calvary Christian, 7

Plantation at Coconut Creek (Deerfield Beach), 7

Pompano Beach at Coral Springs Parkridge Christian, 7

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely at Coral Springs Coral Glades, 7

West Boca Raton at Plantation American Heritage, 7                                                         

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..

After months of camps, combines, 7-on-7 events, conditioning and spring games, the 2026 high school football season is set to open tomorrow night across the state of Florida.

No matter where you go in the Sunshine State, there are impressive prospects just waiting for the opportunity to showcase their talents – and college coaches are waiting.

In a time when getting a college scholarship or financial assistance is getting tougher with the transfer portal and NIL deals taking place, student/athletes are doing everything possible to enhance their chances.

In Miami-Dade and Broward County, where the spotlight is always shining brightly, there are several talented players just waiting for the opportunity to make an impact.

During the summer and into the first week of kickoff classics, several prospects from the #305 and #954 had the chance to let those who follow high school football know that they have arrived – and we were fortunate to be on hand to see the action unfold.

Today, on the eve of the 2026 season, we have five prospects that you will want to keep an eye on:

2027 – Jayden Johnson, RB, 5’7, 160, Miami Central – 3.2 GPA. From Hollywood South Broward to taking his place in the Rockets’ backfield, this quality runner is going to be special as this program is returning to the offense that made them special for so many years. Fast, elusive and the ability to catch the ball will help give this elite program plenty of firepower.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19588383/Jayden-Johnson

2027 – Jamison Larsen, QB, 6’4, 225, Miami Palmetto – 3.8 GPA. While many were skeptical about making a move from Wisconsin to south Florida and fitting in, they are no longer questioning this young man after a strong spring, summer and the kickoff classic where he dazzled several who had been wondering if he would be able to make an impact. The Panthers have an offensive leader who has already turned heads for a team that has once again set the bar high.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18993826/Jamison-Larsen

2028 – Jordan Murray, OL, 6’3, 300, Coconut Creek Monarch – 3.0 GPA. You know how important the line position at this school which has been able to develop some quality big men, and this underclassman has the chance to be another prospect that will help guide the Knights back into the state playoffs. He is big, strong and agile – and only getting better with off season work.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23518672/Jordan-Murray

2027 - Phoenix Taylor, Slot/Athlete, 5’11, 170, Coral Gables. After spending three years at Lantana Santaluces and Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons in Palm Beach County, this versatile receiver now brings his talents to south Florida with the Cavaliers – and after watching his first live appearance – this is someone who has the chance to be very special for a team that has the opportunity to be much improved this season. Has the speed and toughness to play in the slot, which is something that will be needed this year.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22391162/6972afda82317f1e1497b39e

2027 - Jason Thomas, WR/DB, 6’0, 180, Sunrise Piper. Track & Field. While he was seldom used a year ago at Plantation, this is a speedy, gifted football player who started to blow up in the spring – as colleges started to take notice of his quickness, athletic ability, skill and size. This is one of those talented young men who could be a breakout performer for the Bengals this coming season!

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20390204/Jason-Thomas

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..

Ever since the end of the 2025 high school football season when Lake Mary stunned Vero Beach in the 7A final, we have been building toward 2026.

Attending by far more events – team and individual – as well as visiting programs during the spring and summer – we have watched as teams changed right before our very eyes.

In a day when transfers have become the norm, the landscape of many programs certainly change – quickly.

When anyone puts rankings together, especially team rankings, they become subjective – at best. But let’s also keep in mind that if you are actually attending events across the state in the off season, you tend to see much more than they average person who relies on sitting behind a computer at home and judges talent from the same film and information that EVERYONE has the chance to see.

For six decades – way before there were off season events to help determine the success of teams, we have been there watching and seeing with our own eyes.

Understanding that rankings change from week to week, it is always easy to put a team next to a number without an explanation of why programs are rated why they are.

Today, we bring you the first ranking of the season – with the belief that Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas and their seven straight state titles, along with power Bradenton IMG Academy – with a national roster – are in a league of their own as the season is set to start.

Here is a look at the Top 30 programs for Week 1 – with additional teams that have a chance to be special in a year that will feature the “Open Division” along with Class 1A-6A playing for a state title:

1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A, 0-0). Leave no doubt that this team is stacked with talent as they make a bid for a coveted eighth straight state title and perhaps a national crown. THIS WEEK: At Davie Western. NEXT WEEK: DeSoto, Texas in the Broward National Showcase.

2. Bradenton IMG Academy (Independent, 0-0). This is a program develops and churns out some of the best football talent in the country. They compete at a different level each season. THIS WEEK: At Lone Peak, Utah. NEXT WEEK: San Antonio Cornerstone Christian.

3. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (2A, 0-0). Losing in the 1A state finals a year ago in their 10^th consecutive appearance in the title game, the Lions had a unique off season, losing a number of difference makers, but at the same time, added huge playmakers. THIS WEEK: At Coconut Creek Monarch (Deerfield Beach High School). NEXT WEEK: Sierra Canyon, California in the Broward County National Showcase.

4. Miami Central (3A, 0-0). Falling short in the state playoffs, losing to rival Miami Northwestern only fueled the Rockets as they rebuilt and reloaded for a state championship run. New faces but plenty of talent. THIS WEEK: A trip to California to play Trinity Conference power Orange Lutheran. NEXT WEEK: Off.

5. Miami Carol City (2A, 0-0). Nobody in the country had an off season like the Chiefs – with dozens of new faces and coaches looking to return this program to its past glory days. Plenty of elite talent and a competitive schedule will tell a lot about this team. THIS WEEK: At Daytona Beach Mainland. NEXT WEEK: At Lee County, Georgia.

6. West Boca Raton (5A, 0-0). Two straight state titles and the respect of every program in Florida have put the Bulls in a position where they believe that they can compete against anyone. Elite talent on both sides of the ball and a very competitive schedule. THIS WEEK: Opens at No. 7 American Heritage Plantation – also a two-time defending state champion. NEXT WEEK: Off.

7. Plantation American Heritage (4A, 0-0). Say what you want about the Patriots, but this two-time defending state champion once again is loaded with elite playmakers and has another schedule that will only get them better throughout the season. THIS WEEK: Home against No. 6 West Boca Raton. NEXT WEEK: National power East St. Louis in the Broward County National Showcase.

8. Vero Beach (6A, 0-0). Nobody needs to remind the Indians about the 7A state title loss in the final seconds to Lake Mary. It has fueled them and they head into the 2026 season with plenty of motivation and talent. THIS WEEK: Jensen Beach. NEXT WEEK: Delray Beach Atlantic.

9. Venice (6A, 0-0). There are very few programs that have enjoyed the success that the Indians have in the past decade, and after losing in the state playoffs a year ago, they are hungry and ready for a legitimate run at some kind of title. THIS WEEK: At Rabun Gap Nacoochee, Georgia. NEXT WEEK: Off.

10. DeLand (6A, 0-0). There is no getting around how potent this Bulldog team is on offense – scoring almost at will with talent all over the field. The only question is the defense. If they come up with key stops against top competition, this could be a huge year. THIS WEEK: At No. 30 Lake Wales. NEXT WEEK: It’s national powerhouse St. Frances Academy, Maryland at home.

11. Gainesville Buchholz (5A, 0-0). Here is a team that has a chance to be an Open Division program. They are loaded on both sides of the ball with playmakers everywhere and well coached. The Bobcats fell short the past two years, but that could change in 2026. THIS WEEK: At Ocala Vanguard. NEXT WEEK: Gainesville.

12. Seffner Armwood (5A, 0-0). If you follow high school football this is a program that is the standard when it comes to producing talent and playing at an elite. But the Hawks have fallen short the past two years, losing to programs that they should have beaten. Big expectations again, but they need to get over the hump. THIS WEEK: Competitive and talented Ruskin Lennard. NEXT WEEK: At Don Bosco Prep, New Jersey.

13. Lakeland (5A, 0-0). One of the most successful football teams in Florida. Stacked with talent and produces top-flight prospects every year, but the Dreadnaughts have been stopped cold the past two years against St. Thomas Aquinas. Will this year be different? THIS WEEK: At Lakeland Kathleen. NEXT WEEK: Off.

14. Jacksonville Raines (3A, 0-0). The defending state champions have lost a lot of talent, but at the same time, have put together a program that is developing and many on north Florida feel that the Vikings could be there in the end. They have plenty of playmakers as defending state champions. THIS WEEK: At Orange Park Oakleaf. NEXT WEEK: Baldwin.

15. Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (3A, 0-0). When people talked about this team before the start of the season, they felt that the Cougars were as good as anyone – with elite playmakers and several prospects returning from last year’s state title game. Do we strike their 49-0 loss to St. Thomas Aquinas in the kickoff classic from the record? They get a pass as state champs. But only one. THIS WEEK: Tampa Berkeley Prep. NEXT WEEK: Defending state champion No. 23 West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman.

16. Miami Christopher Columbus (6A, 0-0). Hang around this program long enough and you will understand that 4-7 just will not cut it. Anything less than a state title appearance is unacceptable and that’s why this roster and coaching staff underwent some major changes. They are talented but cannot afford any key injuries. Tough schedule out of the gate and then things ease up. THIS WEEK: At Miami Southridge. NEXT WEEK: National power Las Vegas Bishop Gorman in the Broward County National Showcase.

17. Miami Palmetto (6A, 0-0). Okay, we will get this over with right away. The Panthers are still stinging from their state semifinal overtime loss on the road in Vero Beach. That said, this may be the most overlooked team in Florida. There’s a misconception that they lost a lot and didn’t replace those losses. WRONG! Do not take this team lightly or they will beat you – on both sides of the ball. For those who ignore them, do your research! THIS WEEK: At Miami Killian. NEXT WEEK: Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy.

18. Orlando Evans (5A, 0-0). All the Trojans have done the past two years is build, adding pieces along the way, and while it’s been a minute since they have been a true state power, this may be the year that the corner is turned – especially with the impressive additions that were made on both sides of the ball. Sit back and watch them become central Florida’s best. Game three will be a barometer against No. 19 Orlando Jones. THIS WEEK: At Orlando Lake Nona. NEXT WEEK: Orlando Boone.

19. Orlando Jones (4A, 0-0). For the past two seasons, this was one of the most talented teams in the state of Florida, losing in the finals to Plantation American Heritage. Plenty of talent joined this Fightin’ Tigers in the off season, but much of it was on the defensive side of the ball where they are one of the best in the state. The big problem will be on offense. They are young and inexperienced and that can be a problem against top competition – like the first two games. THIS WEEK: At national powerhouse Santa Margarita, California. NEXT WEEK: Off.

20. Eau Gallie (3A, 0-0). This program has been hanging around with the elite teams the past few years and it may be time for the Commodores to finally kick in the door with immense talent on both sides of the ball with big time playmakers who had their chance to shine during the off season at several college camps. Everything is in place to make a legitimate run. THIS WEEK: At 1A power Tampa Carrollwood Day. NEXT WEEK: At Palm Bay Heritage.

21. Miami Northwestern (4A, 0-0). There are those who follow this game that are ready to push the Bulls off to the side and forget about them. MISTAKE. Even though they loss the state title game, lost coaches and several players – several key ones – this is a program that will not just disappear. They still have size, talent and coaches who know the team and community very well. If you leave the door open, this team will gladly kick it in. THIS WEEK: At St. Petersburg Lakewood. NEXT WEEK: The “Soul Bowl” against Miami Jackson.

22. Orlando Edgewater (6A, 0-0). One of the most successful programs in central Florida the past decade is coming off a frustrating 12-1 season – with that third-round loss to Lakeland that stood in the way of perhaps getting to the state title game. The Eagles are still very talented with game-changers and the schedule very much plays in their favor. Keep an eye on this program. THIS WEEK: Ocoee. NEXT WEEK: Orlando The First Academy.  

23. West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (2A, 0-0). After winning the 1A state title a year ago, the Crusaders were rewarded with a “promotion” to 2A and in the same district as the Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna team they upset in the state title game. This is a quality team that will have to replace a number of key players but will have to play four Final 4 teams and eight and 10 teams who advanced to the state playoffs. THIS WEEK: Community School of Naples. NEXT WEEK: At No. 15 Sarasota Cardinal Mooney.

24. Jacksonville Mandarin (5A, 0-0). Moments after their 27-20 loss to Gainesville Buchholz in the state playoffs, ending the 2025 season with an 11-3 record, the Mustangs made a commitment that the off season would help elevate the program and things would be different this coming season. Well, here we are – and while there are several elite teams, they will be in the mix – with top-flight prospects. THIS WEEK: At Hollywood McArthur. NEXT WEEK: At Jacksonville Atlantic Coast.

25. Jacksonville Bolles (2A, 0-0). They reached the 2A state finals a year ago with plenty of talent, and while they have what it takes to reach the championship game once again, the Bulldogs have a challenging schedule and have to replace some key prospects. The classification is going to be loaded with top-flight talent and will not be easy to navigate. Still, this team belongs in the conversation. THIS WEEK: Lake City Columbia. NEXT WEEK: At Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy in the Broward County National Showcase.

26. St. Augustine (4A, 0-0). One of the most consistent football programs in the state over the past decade, the Yellow Jackets find themselves right back in the mix as another season is starting. Quality prospects on both sides of the ball have an opportunity to avenge the third-round state playoff loss to Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee. THIS WEEK: At Palatka. NEXT WEEK: Ponte Vedra Nease.

27. Jacksonville Trinity Christian (1A, 0-0). The past two seasons, while some may have missed it, veteran head football coach Verlon Dorminey and his young Conquerors were just one game from playing for another state title. Loaded with talent and experience, this is the year where this program is the favorite to reach the state final – with a challenging schedule. THIS WEEK: At Jacksonville Ed White. NEXT WEEK: Jacksonville University Christian.

28. Palmetto (5A, 0-0). While the Tigers were thrilled with the 10-2 season a year ago, the way they were upset in the second round of the state playoffs certainly fueled them in the off season, and with the addition of some new faces and the return of key players, the objective will be the same for a program that everyone will need to keep an eye on. THIS WEEK: At No. 30 Clearwater Central Catholic. NEXT WEEK: At Key West.

29. Port Charlotte (4A, 0-0). What this program showed over the past two years – especially during an 11-3 season in 2025 – is that they will line it up with anyone and often come out on top. Losing to eventual 4A state runner up Orlando Jones in the state semifinals proved to the Pirates that they had what it takes to make a run. They are loaded with quality talent this coming season. THIS WEEK: At Cape Coral. NEXT WEEK: At No. 30 Clearwater Central Catholic.

30 (Tie). Lake Wales (4A, 0-0). While Polk County football fans continue to watch what Lakeland does every season, and for good reason, here is a program that has also made an impact with some quality teams and tremendous coaching. After losing twice to the defending state runner up Orlando Jones program last year and finishing 10-3, the Highlanders are back and ready to prove the detractors wrong. They are stacked with talent and have a legitimate shot to go deep in the state playoffs again. THIS WEEK: No. 10 DeLand. NEXT WEEK: At Sebring.

Clearwater Central Catholic (2A, 0-0). The one thing you can never accuse this program of is not playing a challenging schedule. One of the most successful programs in the region for a number of years, the Marauders make the move up from 1A and have really put together a team that has a chance to make a serious run. Losing to Tampa Carrollwood Day in the state playoffs and finishing 10-3 only fueled this team in the off season. This will be a fun team to watch. THIS WEEK: No. 28 Palmetto. NEXT WEEK: No. 29 Port Charlotte.

KEEP AN EYE ON:
1A

Blountstown (0-0)

Community School of Naples (0-0)

Fort Pierce John Carroll (0-0)

Hawthorne (0-0)

Lakeland Christian (0-0)

Madison County (0-0)

Miami True North (0-0)

Naples St. John Neumann (0-0)

Pahokee (0-0)

St. Petersburg Catholic (0-0)

Jacksonville University Christian (0-0)

Tampa Carrollwood Day (0-0)

2A   

Boca Raton Saint Andrew’s (0-0)

Cocoa (0-0)

Miami Immaculata LaSalle (0-0)

Orlando The First Academy (0-0)

Pensacola Catholic (0-0)

Starke Bradford County (0-0)

St. Petersburg Lakewood (0-0)

Tallahassee Florida High (0-0)

Tampa Berkeley Prep (0-0)

3A

Belle Glade Glades Central (0-0)

Brooksville Nature Coast Tech (0-0)

Crawfordville Wakulla (0-0)

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (0-0)

Fort Lauderdale Dillard (0-0)

Gainesville Eastside (0-0)

Jacksonville Bishop Kenny (0-0)

Merritt Island (0-0)

Santa Rosa Beach South Walton (0-0)

Tampa Chamberlain (0-0)   

Tampa Jefferson (0-0)

The Villages Charter (0-0)   

Titusville (0-0)

4A

Delray Beach Atlantic (0-0)

Fort Myers Dunbar (0-0)

Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee (0-0)

Hollywood McArthur (0-0)

Jacksonville Ed White (0-0)

Jensen Beach (0-0)

Lake City Columbia (0-0)

Lynn Haven Mosley (0-0)

Miami Norland (0-0)

Middleburg (0-0)  

Milton (0-0)

Naples (0-0)

Ocala Vanguard (0-0)

Orlando Bishop Moore (0-0)

Tallahassee Godby (0-0)

Tallahassee Lincoln (0-0)

Tallahassee Rickards (0-0)

Tampa Jesuit (0-0)

Zephyrhills (0-0)  

5A

Auburndale (0-0)

Bradenton Manatee (0-0)

Clermont East Ridge (0-0)             

Coconut Creek (0-0)

Coconut Creek Monarch (0-0)

Fort Myers Riverdale (0-0)

Groveland South Lake (0-0)

Kissimmee Osceola (0-0)          

Miami Southridge (0-0)

Niceville (0-0)               

Oviedo (0-0)

Pace (0-0)

Ponte Vedra (0-0)

Ponte Vedra Nease (0-0)

Riverview Sumner (0-0)

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (0-0)

Orange Park Oakleaf (0-0)

Tampa Bay Tech (0-0)

Tampa Gaither (0-0)

Trinity Mitchell (0-0)            

Wesley Chapel Wiregrass Ranch (0-0)

6A

Daytona Beach Mainland (0-0)

Fort Pierce Central (0-0)      

Lake Mary (0-0)

Orlando Lake Nona (0-0)

Pembroke Pines West Broward (0-0)

Port Orange Spruce Creek (0-0)

Ruskin Lennard (0-0)

Sanford Seminole (0-0)

Sarasota Riverview (0-0)

St. Cloud (0-0)

Wellington Palm Beach Central (0-0)  

Weston Cypress Bay (0-0)

Winter Garden West Orange (0-0)   

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..

MIAMI GARDENS – Okay, the 2026 high school football season can officially get started.

On Saturday, the Miami Dolphins held their annual high school football media day and players and coaches took full advantage at Hard Rock Stadium.

With kickoff classics held this past week, several programs from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties brought their top players to meet the media and have some fun.

As the 2026 season is ready to unfold this week, several top players talked to reporters, posed for photos and did some bragging on video.

STATE CHAMPS, FINALISTS ON HAND

While several players and teams were trying to put themselves on the map with the media, five established local programs came out on this day.

State champions West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (1A), two-time defending champion Plantation American Heritage and seven-time champs Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas were on hand for the media event.

In addition, state runner-up Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1A), who made their 10^th straight appearance, and first-time finalist Pembroke Pines West Broward (6A) came out.

“It was a great day for all the teams and their coaches who came out,” said Aaron Harris, Senior Manager, Youth Programs for the Dolphins. “I know that there were some programs who couldn’t attend, but for those who did make it out, I think they enjoyed themselves.”

In addition to St. Thomas Aquinas, Chaminade-Madonna and West Broward other Broward schools to attend were Coconut Creek, Coconut Creek Monarch, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep, Cooper City, Coral Springs Charter , Coral Springs Coral Glades, Coral Springs Taravella, Davie Nova

Davie Western, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, Fort Lauderdale Dillard, Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy, Hallandale, Hollywood Hills, Hollywood McArthur, Hollywood South Broward, Lauderdale Lake Boyd Anderson, Miramar, Miramar Everglades, Parkland Douglas, Pembroke Pines Charter, Pembroke Pines Flanagan, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy

Plantation, Pompano Beach, South Plantation, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, Sunrise Piper and Weston Cypress.

Miami-Dade was also several programs on hand with Doral Academy, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, Hialeah Miami-Lakes, Homestead, Homestead South Dade, Miami Booker T. Washington, Miami Braddock

Miami Dr. Krop, Miami Gardens Monsignor P ace, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman, Miami Palmer Trinity, Miami Palmetto, Miami Sunset, Miami True North Classical Academy, North Miami and North Miami Beach .

Besides Cardinal Newman, Palm Beach County sent Belle Glade Glades Central, Boca Raton, Boca Raton Spanish River, Delray American Heritage, Delray Atlantic, Jupiter, Lake Worth Dr. Joaquin Garcia, Lake Worth Park Vista, Lantana Santaluces, Loxahatchee Seminole Ridge, Palm Beach Central, Palm Beach Gardens, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, West Palm Beach Forest Hill and West Palm Beach The King’s Academy.

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..

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