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 is back on Veteran’s Day Wednesday night 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 Wednesday night went:
With the start of the high school football state playoffs this week, Andre Fernandez looked at some of the teams that are favored – while he also checked out programs that could be a huge surprise.
ANDRE FERNANDEZ ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/high-school-football-analyst-andre-fernandez-739ca
After losing to Notre Dame in South Bend last Saturday night, the University of Miami will be back at it on Saturday afternoon in a clash with defending ACC champion Duke. Did the second half performance against the Fighting Irish help Miami find some things out? Adam Lichtenstein of the South Florida Sun Sentinel dropped by to talk about it.
ADAM LICHTENSTEIN ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/adam-lichtenstein-miami-hurricanes-football-reporter-for-south-florida-sun-sentinel-68607
For the past four years, Nick Dyer has been a huge part of Cooper City High School. Whether it’s on the football field or in the classroom, this impressive student/athlete set standards for the Cowboys.
NICK DYER ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/cooper-city-senior-quarterback-nick-dyer-00e24
For the past two months, the talk surrounding high school football in the state of Florida was about the inaugural “Open Division”. Computer generated by Max Preps, choosing the best eight teams to play in this tournament that will produce a state champion may have left some quality team out of the mix and Jon Santucci from USA Today joined the show to look at the current teams and give his opinion on the opening round this week.
JON SANTUCCI ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/usa-today-high-school-football-analysts-jon-santucci-c5286
After four games to start the 2026 season, the Miami Christopher Columbus Explorers had a good idea how talented the Explorers would be. Playing back-to-back No. 1 nationally rated teams and two local teams, head coach Dave Dunn and his coaching staff had a feeling that if they stayed healthy, this program could end up playing in the inaugural “Open Division”. This Friday, as a No. 2 seed, they will be hosting Miami Central in the first round.
COACH DAVE DUNN ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/christopher-columbus-head-football-coach-dave-dunn-9152f
After losing several players from last year’s 1A state runner up and a few coaches, head coach Dameon Jones and the Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna Lions made a strong run at being one of the top teams in the state – and on Friday night, as part of the “Open Division”, they will host Venice in the first round as they are making a bid to get to the state title game for an amazing 11th consecutive time.
COACH DAMEON JONES ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/chaminade-madonna-head-football-coach-dameon-jones-1fb1b
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..
While the media are not calling for a record number of credentials or rankings are at stake, the 2026 post season for high school football teams is not just about who will end up at Pitbull Stadium (FIU) for the much-publicized state championships.
Several programs from the two counties will be in action on this Thursday, hoping to extend their season and give their players another game to get film and put themselves on the recruiting radar.
At a time when many are looking at the inaugural “Open Division” as well as the state titles in 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A and 6A, independent programs along with others who didn’t make the field for the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state playoffs were interested enough in extending their season and competing against others for a title – even if the stakes are not as high.
Several programs will have the chance to continue playing this sport, and at a time when attaining a college scholarship or financial assistant is at a premium, this is a chance to be proactive in the competitive world of recruiting.
When the Independent League Pool A starts play today, there will be six teams that are hoping to move on and compete for another week.
Two of the top seeds will be in action this evening:
No. 8 Cape Coral Oasis (8-1) at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale (9-1), 5:30. Lockhart Stadium. The Flying Ls were looking to finish unbeaten, but a close loss to South Plantation gave them their only setback. Head Coach Richard Dunbar and his team have been one of the best this season.
CAPE CORAL OASIS SHARKS
Fort Myers Southwest Florida Christian Football, W 18-14
Naples Palmetto Ridge, W 28-27
Fort Myers Gateway Charter, W 75-0
Bonita Springs, W 49-7
Cape Coral Island Coast, W 21-13 (OT)
Cape Coral Mariner, L 28-17
Cape Coral Ida Baker, W 28-16
Fort Myers Gateway, W 24-21
Fort Myers Cypress Lake, W 13-3
11/12 - @Fort Lauderdale
FORT LAUDERDALE FLYING LS
Coral Springs Taravella, W 32-12
Hollywood South Broward, W 32-20
Hollywood Hills, W 34-8
West Palm Beach Forest Hill, W 35-0
Cooper City, W 27-10
Pembroke Pines Charter, W 49-6
Parkland Douglas, W 27-7
Coral Springs, W 42-0
South Plantation, L 9-7
Fort Lauderdale Stranahan, W 38-34
11/12 – Cape Coral Oasis
No. 7 Cape Coral Ida Baker (6-4) at No. 2 Cooper City (8-2). When it comes to developing talent, very few coaches have done what veteran Art Taylor has been able to accomplish for several decades.
When he returned to coach the Cowboys, he understood that it was going to be a tough assignment, but opting to get traction in this program by becoming independent has really worked out in a positive way – and as they head into this evening’s matchup, this is a team that is hungry for success.
CAPE CORAL IDA BAKER BULLDOGS
Bonita Springs, W 33-6
Naples Aubrey Rogers, L 34-10
Bradenton IMG Academy State, W 35-17
Fort Myers Gateway, W 28-18
Naples Golden Gate, L 35-33
Naples First Baptist, L 44-7
Cape Coral Mariner, W 42-21
Cape Coral Oasis, L 28-16
Naples Palmetto Ridge, W 44-41
Cape Coral Island Coast, W 35-8
11/12 - @Cooper City
COOPER CITY COWBOYS
Coconut Creek North Broward Prep, W 48-21
Parkland Douglas, W 42-6
Coral Springs Taravella, W 41-0
Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, W 41-27
Pembroke Pines Charter, W 42-28
Fort Lauderdale, L 27-10
Coral Springs, W 49-0
Hollywood South Broward, L 28-21
Oakland Park Northeast, W 48-6
South Plantation, W 36-22
11/12 – Cape Coral Ida Baker
In addition to those two games tonight, the Independent League Pool A has two other contests that we will be watching:
No. 5 Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (2-8) at No. 4 Miami Belen Jesuit (5-5), Nov. 12, 7 p.m.
No. 6 Pembroke Pines Charter (5-5) at No. 3 Hollywood South Broward (7-3), Nov. 12, 7 p.m.
4A-6A FIT GAMES
For the second season, teams who played a mainstream schedule and failed to make the playoffs, also wanted to extend their season and will also be in action tonight.
Here is a look at the three Miami-Dade schools that will all be in action on the road:
SOUTH
No. 8 Miami Lakes Goleman (4-6) at No. 1 Lake Worth Park Vista (5-4), Nov. 12, 6 p.m.
No. 5 Doral Academy (4-6) at Kissimmee Gateway (8-2), Nov. 12, 7 p.m.
No. 6 North Miami (4-6) at No. 3 Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast (6-4), Nov. 12, 7 p.m.
SUNSHINE STATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
For the third week, several quality football programs from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties will be in action as the field narrows for the SSAA.
Tonight’s key games will determine which teams will move on:
Jupiter Christian (9-3) at Miami Florida Christian (10-2), Thursday, Nov. 12. 7 p.m.
Tavernier Coral Shores (9-3) at Coconut Creek North Broward Prep (6-6), Nov. 12, 6 p.m.
Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (9-3) at West Palm Beach The King’s Academy (10-0), Nov. 13, 7 p.m.
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..
Here is a look at the complete schedule with team records of the post season here in the state of Florida.
Independent League Pool A
NORTH
No. 8 Deltona Pine Ridge (1-8) at No. 1 Windermere (7-3)
No. 5 Port Orange Atlantic (8-2) at No. 4 Umatilla (6-4)
No. 7 Orlando Freedom (5-5) at No. 2 Orlando Innovation (9-1)
No. 6 Orlando Oak Ridge (4-6) at No. 3 Orlando University (9-1)
SOUTH
No. 8 Cape Coral Oasis (8-1) at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale (9-1)
No. 5 Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (2-8) at No. 4 Miami Belen Jesuit (5-5)
No. 7 Cape Coral Ida Baker (6-4) at No. 2 Cooper City (8-2)
No. 6 Pembroke Pines Charter (5-5) at No. 3 Hollywood South Broward (7-3)
Independent League Pool B
NORTH
No. 8 Oviedo The Master’s Academy (3-7) at No. 1 Mount Dora Christian Academy (8-1)
No. 5 Panama City Bozeman (3-7) at No. 4 Gainesville Oak Hall (6-3)
No. 7 Casselberry Geneva (7-3) at No. 2 Jay (7-2)
No. 6 Jacksonville Providence School (4-6) at No. 3 Hilliard (10-0)
SOUTH
No. 8 Winter Garden Foundation Academy (6-3) at No. 1 Melbourne Holy Trinity (7-2)
No. 5 Ocoee Central Florida Christian Academy (7-2) at No. 4 Maitland Orangewood Christian (9-1)
No. 7 Boca Raton Saint John Paul II (3-7) at No. 2 Lakeland Santa Fe Catholic (8-2)
No. 6 Lakeland Evangelical Christian (6-3) at No. 3 Fort Myers Canterbury (9-1)
1A-3A FIT
No. 8 Fort Myers Cypress Lake (1-9) at No. 1 Live Oak Suwannee (6-4)
No. 5 Citra North Marion (2-8) at No. 4 Bradenton Bayshore (3-7)
No. 2 Tallahassee FAMU DRS (3-7) at No. 7 Gainesville Eastside (3-7)
No. 6 North Port Wellen Park (6-4) at No. 3 Belleview (4-6)
4A-6A FIT
NORTH
No. 8 St. Augustine Tocoi Creek (3-7) at Winter Park Lake Howell (6-4)
No. 5 St. Cloud (6-4) at No. 4 Jacksonville Riverside (3-7)
No. 7 Yulee (6-4) at No. 2 St. Johns Beachside (6-4)
No. 6 Pensacola Booker T. Washington (6-3) at No. 3 Land O’Lakes (6-4)
SOUTH
No. 8 Miami Lakes Goleman (4-6) at No. 1 Lake Worth Park Vista (5-4)
No. 5 Doral Academy (4-6) at Kissimmee Gateway (8-2)
No. 7 Stuart South Fork (7-3) at No. 2 Lantana Santaluces (5-4)
No. 6 North Miami (4-6) at No. 3 Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast (6-4)
1A
REGION 1
QUARTERFINALS
No. 8 Chipley (5-5) at No. 1 Madison County (5-5)
No. 5 Perry Taylor County (4-5) at No. 4 Bonifay Holmes County (7-3)
No. 7 Marianna (6-4) at No. 2 Blountstown (9-1)
No. 6 Baker (7-3) at Fort White (6-4)
REGION 2
QUARTERFINALS
No. 8 Daytona Beach Father Lopez (4-6) at No. 1 Jacksonville Trinity Christian (6-4)
No. 5 Williston (3-7) at No. 4 Melbourne Central Catholic (7-2)
No. 7 Chiefland (4-6) at No. 2 Hawthorne (10-0)
No. 6 Wildwood (8-2) at No. 3 Jacksonville University Christian (7-3)
REGION 3
QUARTERFINALS
No. 8 Naples First Baptist (7-3) at No. 1 Tampa Carrollwood Day (10-0)
No. 5 Community School of Naples (4-5) at No. 4 St. Petersburg Catholic (6-4)
No. 7 Zephyrhills Christian (5-5) at No. 2 Lakeland Christian (9-0-1)
No. 6 Lakeland Victory Christian (7-3) at No. 3 Naples St. John Neumann (7-3)
REGION 1
QUARTERFINALS
No. 1 Miami True North Classical Academy (5-4). Bye
No. 5 North Palm Beach Benjamin (4-6) at No. 4 Miami Archbishop Carroll (8-1)
No. 7 North Lauderdale Somerset Prep (2-7) at No. 2 Fort Pierce John Carroll (6-3)
No. 6 Miami Palmer Trinity (4-6) at No. 3 Pahokee (6-4)
2A
REGION 1
QUARTERFINALS
No. 8 Freeport (5-5) at No. 1 Jacksonville Bolles (7-2)
No. 5 Jacksonville Andrew Jackson (7-3) at No. 4 Tallahassee Florida High (8-2)
No. 7 Destin (5-4) at No. 2 Pensacola Catholic (8-1)
No. 6 Havana Gadsden County (4-6) at No. 3 DeFuniak Springs Walton (7-2)
REGION 2
QUARTERFINALS
No. 8 Clearwater Calvary Christian (6-4) at No. 1 Orlando The First Academy (7-3)
No. 5 Cocoa (4-5) at No. 4 Tampa Catholic (7-3)
No. 7 St. Petersburg Lakewood (4-6) at No. 2 Clearwater Central Catholic (8-2)
No. 3 Tampa Berkeley Prep (7-2) at No. Starke Bradford County (9-1)
REGION 3
REGIONAL SEMIFINALS
No. 4 Miami Edison (1-9) at No. 1 West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (7-3)
No. 3 Miami Booker T. Washington (1-8) at No. 2 Boca Raton St. Andrew’s (6-4)
REGION 3
QUARTERFINALS
No. 1 Miami Immaculata LaSalle (10-0). Bye
No. 5 Miami Gulliver Prep (7-3) at No. 4 Miami Westminster Christian (8-2)
No. 2 Miami Killian (8-2). Bye.
No. 6 Somerset Academy Silver Palms (4-6) at No. 3 Miami Ransom Everglades (9-1)
3A
REGION 1
QUARTERFINALS
No. 8 Palatka (5-5) at No. 1 Tallahassee Godby (7-3)
No. 5 Pensacola Pine Forest (5-4) at No. 4 Jacksonville Bishop Kenny (6-4)
No. 7 Santa Rosa South Walton (7-3) at No. Glen St. Mary Baker County (7-3)
No. 6 Panama City Bay (8-2) at No. 3 Crawfordville Wakulla (8-2)
REGION 2
QUARTERFINALS
No. 8 Lakeland Tenoroc (6-4) at No. 1 Merritt Island (10-0)
No. 4 Alachua Santa Fe (8-2) at No. 5 Dunnellon (9-1)
No. 7 Titusville (6-4) at No. 2 Eau Gallie (6-4)
No. 6 Bushnell South Sumter (6-4) at No. 3 The Villages Charter (10-0)
REGION 3
QUARTERFINALS
No. 8 Dunedin (4-6) at No. 1 Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (9-1)
No. 5 Tarpon Springs (8-2) at No. 4 Tampa Robinson (8-2)
No. 7 St. Petersburg Gibbs (4-6) at No. 3 Brooksville Nature Coast Tech (9-1)
No. 6 Tampa Jefferson (4-6) at No. 3 Bradenton Braden River (8-1)
REGION 4
QUARTERFINALS
No. 8 Miami Jackson (5-5) at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (7-3)
No. 5 North Miami Beach (7-3) at No. 4 Belle Glade Glades Central (4-5)
No. 7 Key West (4-6) at No. 2 Fort Myers Bishop Verot (6-3)
No. 6 Miami Springs (8-2) at No. 3 Fort Lauderdale Dillard (6-4)
4A
REGION 1
QUARTERFINALS
No. 8 Green Cove Springs Clay (8-2) at No. 1 Lake City Columbia (10-0)
No. 5 Lynn Haven Mosley (9-1) at No. 4 Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee (7-2)
No. 7 Tallahassee Lincoln (4-6) at No. 2 St. Augustine (9-1)
No. 6 Tallahassee Rickards (5-5) at No. 3 Jacksonville Ed White (8-2)
REGION 2
QUARTERFINALS
No. 8 New Port Richey River Ridge (8-2) at No. 1 Orlando Bishop Moore (8-2)
No. 5 Zephyrhills (7-3) at No. 4 Ocala Vanguard (8-2)
No. 7 Ocala Lake Weir (8-2) at No. 2 Orlando Jones (7-3)
No. 6 New Smyrna Beach (6-4) at No. 3 Lake Wales (8-1)
REGION 3
QUARTERFINALS
No. 8 Naples Gulf Coast (7-3) at No. 1 Port Charlotte (7-2)
No. 5 Clearwater (9-1) at No. 4 Fort Myers Dunbar (8-2)
No. 7 Estero (7-3) at No. 3 Tampa Jesuit (8-1)
No. 6 South Fort Myers (8-2) at No. 3 Naples (6-4)
REGION 4
No. 8 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (7-3) at No. 1 Plantation American Heritage (6-3)
No. 4 Miami Norland (4-6) at No. 5 Delray Atlantic (7-3)
No. 7 Miramar (5-5) at No. 3 Miami Northwestern (6-4)
No. 3 Hollywood McArthur (3-7) at No. 6 Jensen Beach (8-2)
5A
REGION 1
QUARTERFINALS
No. 8 Orange Park Oakleaf (5-5) at No. 1 Jacksonville Mandarin (9-1)
No. 5 St. Johns Bartram Trail (7-3) at No. 4 Orlando Evans (7-3)
No. 7 Ponte Vedra (3-7) at No. 2 Gainesville Buchholz (9-1)
No. 3 Ponte Vedra Nease (7-3) at No. 6 Pace (7-2)
REGION 2
QUARTERFINALS
No. 1 Sebring (6-4) at No. 8 Wiregrass Ranch (6-4)
No. 5 Lakeland Lake Gibson (6-4) at No. 4 Tampa Gaither (7-3)
No. 7 Bartow (6-4) at No. 2 Oviedo (7-3)
No. 6 Melbourne (8-2) at No. 3 Kissimmee Osceola (3-7)
REGION 3
QUARTERFINALS
No. 8 Cape Coral (8-2) at No. 1 Seffner Armwood (9-1)
No. 5 Bradenton Manatee (6-4) at No. 4 Riverview Sumner (6-4)
No. 7 Tampa Plant (5-5) at No. 2 Tampa Bay Tech (9-1)
No. 6 Royal Palm Beach (9-1) at No. 3 Palmetto (9-1)
REGION 4
QUARTERFINALS
No. 8 Pembroke Pines Flanagan (1-9) at No. 1 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (4-6)
No. 5 Sunrise Piper (5-5) at No. 4 Miami Southridge (6-4)
No. 7 Deerfield Beach (6-4) at No. 2 Coconut Creek (8-2)
No. 3 Coconut Creek Monarch (5-5) at No. 7 Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (5-5)
6A
REGION 1
QUARTERFINALS
No. 8 Altamonte Springs Lake Brantley (5-5) at No. 1 Sanford Seminole (10-0)
No. 5 Lake Mary (2-8) at No. 4 St. Johns Creekside (8-2)
No. 7 Port Orange Spruce Creek (5-4) at No. 2 Deland (9-1)
No. 6 Winter Park (5-5) at No. 3 Daytona Beach Mainland (5-4)
REGION 2
QUARTERFINALS
No. 8 Fort Pierce Central (6-3) at No. 1 Vero Beach (9-1)
No. 5 Orlando Dr. Phillips (5-5) at No. 4 Winter Garden West Orange (9-1)
No. 7 Ocoee (5-5) at No. 2 Orlando Edgewater (6-4)
No. 6 Clermont East Ridge (8-2) at No. 3 Orlando Lake Nona (9-1)
REGION 3
QUARTERFINALS
No. 1 Sarasota Riverview (8-2) at No. 8 Haines City (7-3)
No. 5 Plant City Durant (5-5) at No. 4 Plant City (8-2)
No. 7 Lithia Newsome (7-3) at No. 2 Tampa Alonso (9-1)
No. 6 Sarasota (7-3) at No. 3 Ruskin Lennard (8-2)
REGION 4
QUARTERFINALS
No. 1 Miami Palmetto (8-2) at No. 8 Jupiter (9-1)
No. 5 Homestead South Dade (4-6) at No. 4 Pembroke Pines West Broward (7-3)
No. 7 Wellington Palm Beach Central (7-3) at No. 2 Western Cypress Bay (10-0)
No. 3 Davie Western (7-3) at No. 6 Boca Raton Spanish River (5-4)
OPEN DIVISION
POOL A
ROUND 1
No. 5 Lakeland (5A, 9-1) at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A, 10-0)
No. 8 Venice (6A, 9-1) at No. 4 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (2A, 8-2)
ROUND 2
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas at Venice
Lakeland at Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna
ROUND 3
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna at Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
Venice at Lakeland
POOL B
ROUND 1
No. 6 Miami Central (3A, 7-3) at No. 2 Miami Christopher Columbus (6A, 9-1)
No. 7 Jacksonville Raines (3A, 10-0) at No. 3 West Boca Raton (5A, 8-1)
ROUND 2
Miami Christopher Columbus at Jacksonville Raines
West Boca Raton at Miami Central
ROUND 3
West Boca Raton at Miami Christopher Columbus
Miami Central at Jacksonville Raines
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..
Whether it’s for the inaugural Open Division or any of the other state championships up for grabs, the road to a state title gets started this week.
After eight long months of the off season and three plus months of the regular season, this is what so many players, coaches and teams have worked and sacrificed for.
From the Panhandle to south Florida and everywhere in between, this is where the spotlight will fall this week as the state playoffs start for many programs.
With the beginning of the post season, here is a look at the Top 30 programs for Week 13 – with additional teams that have enjoyed a special year:
1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A, 10-0). The nation’s No. 1 team has grabbed the No. 1 overall seed in the inaugural OPEN DIVISION and will be at home against No. 12 Lakeland on Friday (11/13). NEXT GAME: The Raiders will be on the road against No. 9 Venice in the OPEN DIVISION (11/20).
2. IMG Academy (Independent, 9-0). The Ascenders will be on the road for the final game of the season and a chance at a perfect year against Baltimore St. Frances Academy (11/14).
3. Miami Christopher Columbus (6A, 9-1). The Explorers, the No. 2 overall seed in the OPEN DIVISION, will be at home for the first game against No. 22 Miami Central (11/13). NEXT GAME: The Explorers will be on the road against No. 4 Jacksonville Raines in the OPEN DIVISION (11/20).
4. Jacksonville Raines (3A, 10-0). The defending state champions will start the OPEN DIVISION on the road against No. 5 West Boca Raton in the OPEN DIVISION (11/13). NEXT GAME: The Vikings will be at home against No. 3 Miami Christopher Columbus in the OPEN DIVISION (11/20).
5. West Boca Raton (5A, 8-1). The two-time defending state champions will be at home for the first game in the OPEN DIVISION against No. 4 Jacksonville Raines (11/13). NEXT GAME: Another home game in the OPEN DIVISION against No. 22 Miami Central.
6. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (2A, 8-2). The Lions will begin play in the OPEN DIVISION with a home game against No. 9 Venice (11/13). NEXT GAME: There will be another home game in the OPEN DIVISION against No. 12 Lakeland (11/14).
7. DeLand (6A, 9-1). The Bulldogs, who missed out on the OPEN DIVISION, will start the state playoffs at home as a No. 2 seed in the region against No. 7 Port Orange Spruce Creek (11/13). NEXT GAME: The winner of the opening round game will play either No. 3 Daytona Beach Mainland or No. 6 Winter Park (11/20).
8. Tampa Carrollwood Day (1A, 10-0). The highest scoring team in the state will be at home for the opening round of the state playoffs against No. 8 Naples First Baptist. NEXT GAME: The winner of the opening round contest will play either No. 4 St. Petersburg Catholic or No. 5 Community School of Naples (11/20).
9. Venice (6A, 9-1). The Indians will start the OPEN DIVISION on the road against No. 6 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (11/13). NEXT GAME: It’s back to Broward County in Round 2 for a matchup with No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (11/20).
10. Seffner Armwood (5A, 9-1). The Hawks will start the state playoffs as a No, 1 seed at home against No. 8 Cape Coral (11/13). NEXT GAME: The winner will take on either No. 4 Riverview Sumner or No. 5 Bradenton Manatee (11/20).
11. Lake City Columbia (4A, 10-0). The unbeaten Tigers will open post season play as the top seed and take on No. 8 Green Cove Springs Clay (11/13). NEXT GAME: The winner will play either No. 4 Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee or No. 5 Lynn Haven Mosley (11/20).
12. Lakeland (5A, 9-1). The Dreadnaughts will start the OPEN DIVISION on the road against a familiar face – No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (11/13). NEXT GAME: It will be back to Broward County for a game against No. 6 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (11/20).
13. Vero Beach (6A, 9-1). The Indians open post season play as the No. 1 seed at home against No. 8 Fort Pierce Central (11/13). NEXT GAME: The winner will play either No. 4 Winter Garden West Orange or No. 5 Orlando Dr. Phillips (11/20).
14. Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (3A, 9-1). The defending state champions will start the playoffs as a No. 1 seed at home against No. 8 Dunedin (11/13). NEXT GAME: The winner will take on either No. 4 Tampa Robinson or No. 5 Tarpon Springs (11/20).
15. Lake Wales (4A, 9-1). The Highlanders, one of the best teams in the state drew the short straw and will be a No. 3 seed at home against No. 6 New Smyrna Beach (11/13). NEXT GAME: The winner will play either two-time defending state runner up No. 2 seed Orlando Jones or No. 7 Ocala Lake Weir (11/20).
16. Jacksonville Mandarin (5A, 9-1). The Mustangs – as the top seed – will open at home against No. 8 Orange Park Oakleaf (11/13). NEXT GAME: The winner will take on either No. 4 Orlando Evans or No. 5 St. Johns Bartram Trail (11/20).
17. Tampa Bay Tech (5A, 9-1). As a No. 2 seed, the Titans will be at home against No. 7 Tampa Plant (11/13). NEXT GAME: The winner will get either No. 3 Palmetto or No. 6 Royal Palm Beach (11/20).
18. Port Charlotte (4A, 7-2). The Pirates, who had a tremendous season, will begin the state playoffs as a No. 1 seed at home against No. 8 Naples Gulf Coast (11/13). NEXT GAME: The winner will play either No. 4 Fort Myers Dunbar or No. 5 Clearwater (11/20).
19. Sanford Seminole (6A, 10-0). The unbeaten Seminoles start the post season as a No. 1 seed and will be at home against No. 8 Altamonte Springs Lake Brantley (11/13). NEXT GAME: The winner will take on No. 4 St. Johns Creekside or No. 5 defending state champion Lake Mary (11/20).
20. Tampa Jesuit (4A, 8-1). As a No. 2 seed, the Tigers will be at home against No. 7 Estero (11/13). NEXT GAME: The winner will either have No. 3 Naples or No. 6 South Fort Myers (11/20).
21. Merritt Island (3A, 10-0). The unbeaten Mustangs, as a No. 1 seed, will be at home against Lakeland Tenoroc (11/13). NEXT GAME: The winner will get either No. 4 Alachua Santa Fe or No. 5 Dunnellon (11/20).
22. Miami Central (3A, 7-3). The Rockets, who slid into the OPEN DIVISION as a No. 6 seed, will start play against No. 3 Miami Christopher Columbus (11/13). NEXT GAME: The Rockets will to the road to play against No. 4 Jacksonville Raines (11/20).
23. St. Augustine (4A, 9-1). The Yellow Jackets, as a No. 2 seed in the region, will play host to No. 7 Tallahassee Lincoln (11/13). NEXT GAME: The winner will play either No. 3 Jacksonville Ed White or No. 6 Tallahassee Rickards (11/20).
24. Gainesville Buchholz (5A, 9-1). The Bobcats start out as a No. 2 seed at home will play No. 7 Ponte Vedra (11/13). NEXT GAME: The winner will move on against No. 3 Ponte Vedra Nease or No. 6 Pace (11/20).
25. Orlando The First Academy (2A, 7-2). The Royals open as a No. 1 seed in the region at home against No. 8 Clearwater Calvary Christian (11/13). NEXT GAME: The winner will have No. 4 Tampa Catholic or No. 5 Cocoa (11/20).
26. West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (2A, 7-3). The defending 1A state champions, as a No. 1 seed, will have a bye in the opening round. NEXT GAME: Miami Edison at home (11/20).
27. Lynn Haven Mosley (4A, 8-1). The Dolphins – as a No. 5 seed – will be on the road at Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee (11/13). NEXT GAME: The winner will play either No. 1 Lake City Columbia or No. 8 Green Cove Springs Clay (11/20).
28. Clearwater Central Catholic (2A, 8-2). The Marauders, as a No. 2 seed, will be at home against No. 7 St. Petersburg Lakewood (11/13). NEXT GAME: The winner gets either No, 3 Tampa Berkeley Prep or No. 6 Starke Bradford County (11/20).
29. Weston Cypress Bay (6A, 10-0). The unbeaten Lightning, as a No. 2 seed, will be at home against No. 7 Wellington Palm Beach Central (11/13). NEXT GAME: The winner will play either No. 3 Davie Western or No. 6 Boca Raton Spanish River (11/20).
30. Orlando Lake Nona (6A, 9-1). The Lions, who had a tremendous season, will open at home as a No. 3 seed against Clermont East Ridge (11/13). NEXT GAME: The winner will play either No. 2 seed Orlando Edgewater or No. 7 Ocoee (11/20).
KEEP AN EYE ON:
1A
Blountstown (8-1)
Fort Pierce John Carroll (6-3)
Hawthorne (10-0)
Jacksonville Trinity Christian (6-4)
Jacksonville University Christian (7-3)
Lakeland Christian (9-0-1)
Madison County (5-5)
Melbourne Central Catholic (7-2)
Miami Archbishop Carroll (8-1)
Miami True North Classical Academy (5-3)
Naples First Baptist (7-3)
Naples St. John Neumann (7-3)
Pahokee (6-4)
St. Petersburg Catholic (6-4)
Wildwood (8-2)
2A
Boca Raton Saint Andrew’s (6-4)
DeFuniak Springs Walton (6-2)
Jacksonville Bolles (7-2)
Miami Carol City (7-3)
Miami Immaculata LaSalle (10-0)
Miami Killian (8-2)
Miami Westminster Christian (8-2)
Pensacola Catholic (9-1)
Tallahassee Florida High (9-1)
Tampa Berkeley Prep (7-2)
Starke Bradford County (9-1)
Tampa Catholic (7-3)
3A
Alachua Santa Fe (3A, 8-2)
Bradenton Braden River (8-1)
Brooksville Nature Coast Tech (8-1)
Bushnell South Sumter (6-4)
Eau Gallie (6-4)
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (7-3)
Fort Lauderdale Dillard (6-4)
Miami Springs (7-2)
North Miami Beach (7-3)
Panama City Bay (8-2)
Santa Rosa Beach South Walton (6-3)
Tampa Robinson (8-2)
The Villages Charter (10-0)
Titusville (6-4)
Titusville Astronaut (7-3)
Wakulla (8-2)
4A
Plantation American Heritage (6-3)
Clearwater (9-1)
Delray Beach Atlantic (7-3)
Fort Myers Dunbar (8-2)
Fort Pierce Westwood (5-4)
Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee (6-2)
Green Cove Springs Clay (7-2)
Hialeah American (5-5)
Jacksonville Ed White (8-2)
Jensen Beach (8-2)
Miami Norland (4-6)
Miami Northwestern (6-4)
Middleburg (5-4)
New Port Richey River Ridge (8-2)
New Smyrna Beach (6-3)
Ocala Lake Weir (8-2)
Ocala Vanguard (8-2)
Orlando Bishop Moore (8-2)
Orlando Jones (7-3)
Pensacola Washington (6-2)
Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (6-3)
Tallahassee Godby (6-3)
Tallahassee Leon (7-2)
Zephyrhills (7-3)
5A
Auburndale (5-5)
Bradenton Manatee (6-4)
Clermont East Ridge (8-2)
Coconut Creek (8-2)
Coconut Creek Monarch (4-5)
Fort Myers Riverdale (7-3)
Immokalee (6-4)
Melbourne (8-2)
Niceville (4-5)
Ocala Forest (8-2)
Orange Park Oakleaf (5-5)
Orlando Evans (7-3)
Oviedo (7-3)
Pace (6-2)
Palmetto (8-1)
Riverview Sumner (6-4)
Royal Palm Beach (8-1)
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (4-5)
St. John Bartram Trail (7-3)
Stuart Martin County (5-5)
Stuart South Fork (7-3)
Tampa Gaither (7-3)
Trinity Mitchell (6-4)
Viera (4-5)
6A
Boca Raton Spanish River (5-4)
Davie Western (7-3)
Daytona Beach Mainland (5-4)
Flagler Palm Coast (7-2)
Fort Pierce Central (6-3)
Jupiter (9-1)
Kissimmee Gateway (8-2)
Lantana Santaluces (5-4)
Miami Palmetto (8-2)
Orlando Edgewater (6-3)
Orlando Lake Nona (9-1)
Palm Beach Lakes (8-2)
Port Orange Spruce Creek (5-4)
Ruskin Lennard (7-2)
Sarasota Riverview (8-2)
St. Cloud (6-4)
Tampa Alonso (9-1)
Wellington (6-4)
Wellington Palm Beach Central (7-3)
Winter Garden West Orange (9-1)
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
Week 6 Florida State Football Rankings: Every Game Will Have Meaning. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-6-florida-state-football-rankings-every-game-will-have-meaning
Week 7 Florida State Football Rankings: There Is No Turning Back Now. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-7-florida-state-football-rankings-there-is-no-turning-back-now
Week 8 Florida State Football Rankings: Which Poll Do Subscribe To? https://larryblustein.com/news/week-8-florida-state-football-rankings-which-poll-do-subscribe-to
Week 9 Florida State Football Rankings: Results Have Never Been More Important. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-9-florida-state-football-rankings-results-have-never-been-more-important
Week 10 Florida State Football Rankings: Two Big Weeks To End Regular Season. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-10-florida-state-football-rankings-two-big-weeks-to-end-regular-season
Week 11 Florida State Football Rankings: Top Teams Continue To Win. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-11-florida-state-football-rankings-top-teams-continue-to-win
Week 12 Florida State Football Rankings: On To The State Playoffs. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-12-florida-state-football-rankings-on-to-the-state-playoffs
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..
In a week when the rest of the state was getting ready for the post season, the Sunshine State Athletic Association’s (SSAA) 11-man division took some of the spotlight this past Friday night.
As Miami Florida Christian and Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace clashed in an independent playoff game, it was time for some of the players and teams to get their piece of the high school football playoff pie.
As the season winds down for Miami-Dade and Broward County football teams, it was time for the Patriots and head coach Gio Montano to make a splash.
Their 17-7 victory over the Spartans moves this program on to the South Semifinals against Jupiter Christian this week.
Led by a strong defense, and over 100 yards and two touchdowns from junior running back Cordell Gibson, Florida Christian continued its climb toward a state title.
“We talk about something inside of us that’s strong,” Montano said. “All Glory to God at the end of the day. “It’s an awesome feeling and I’m proud of these guys, but we’re not done yet. They’re trusting the process and the coaches and they’re balling out right now.”
This is a program that has used a mix of talent all year. Among the seniors include Tavarus Greene (WR/FS), Amir Wright (CB/WR), Esteban LaLuz (RB/SS), Curtis Barley (OLB/FS) and Rylen Zamora (TE/OL).
While Gibson leads the way in the 2028 class, he is not alone. There are also Aiden Perez (WR/DB), Nathaniel Escoto (LB/FB), Isaiah Williams (SS/RB), Gabriel Reina (OLB/TE), Julian Garcia (OLB/TE), Adrian Mora (OL/DL) and Noah Bencid (DL).
Sophomores Izeah Rizo (QB), freshmen Jeremiah Cadavieco (DL/RB) and Brandon Morgan (DB) and versatile eighth grader Alberto Estevez Jr. have also done their job.
MIAMI FLORIDA CHRISTIAN PATRIOTS
West Palm Beach The King’s Academy, L 20-14
Miami Braddock, W 42-0
Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest, W 24-17
Miami Beach, L 23-7
Riviera Beach Inlet Grove, W 47-14
Pompano Beach NextGen Prep, W 41-6
Miami Belen Jesuit, W 28-8
Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy, W 33-15
Tampa Cambridge Christian, W 35-7
Marco Island Academy, W 56-0
Fort Lauderdale NSU University School, W 49-14
11/6 – Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, W 17-7
11/14 – Jupiter Christian
Other action involving south Florida teams this past week were:
Calvary Christian (Fort Lauderdale) 31, Hardee County (Wauchula) 14
Coral Shores (Tavernier) 41, Bayside (Palm Bay) 28
Jupiter Christian 35, Out-of-Door (Sarasota) 12
North Broward Prep (Coconut Creek) 36, Somerset Canyons (Boynton Beach) 16
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..