As we are now in the second round of the state football playoffs, there are a number of prospects who have slid under the radar.

With the amount of quality prospects we have in all classes, we shine the spotlight on so many of them – and while there are standouts who share some of the spotlight, there are those who have not received the attention they deserve.

Throughout the course of a year, we are fortunate to attend camps, combines, practices and games to see so many of these student/athletes firsthand and giving them the attention they deserve.

Being at so many events affords us the opportunity to tell you about the prospects from watching them live and not be like so many others who only watch these football players on film – like everyone can.

Today, we bring you some more prospects that truly deserve some attention:

2026 - Tristan Ayala, Edge, 6’1, 175, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School – 4.0 GPA. Basketball. Had a huge senior season for this Sunshine State Athletic Association playoff team with 16 sacks, 6 caused fumbles, 19 quarterback pressures and plenty of leadership.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20705733/Tristan-Ayala

2026 - Michael Buggam, CB, 6’2, 170, Coconut Creek - 4.89 GPA, Cambridge diploma recipient. Track & Field. On a team loaded with talent that advanced to the state playoffs, this is someone who brings so much to the table – on and off the playing field. A quality athlete, who not only gets it done as a football player, but also a track & field performer and achieves in the classroom.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21654647/Michael-Buggam

2028 – Amari Germain, RB, 5’10, 165, Miami Coral Reef. Track & Field. When it comes to south Florida talent, there is often so much that even the rising standouts tend to get overlooked. Here is definitely an example of a prospect who plays at a lesser known football school that has everything you need to be special. He has the size, athleticism and skill that every college looks for. If not for his appearance in the Greater Miami Athletic Conference (GMAC) Independent championship game where his team prevailed for the second year, there is a good bet that it probably wouldn’t have been until the off-season that those who help to promote prospects in south Florida would have heard about him. Watch him play and you can project that he will get it done against all types of competition because of his instincts and speed. He will be special over the next few years and just lacks the exposure that he will receive this winter and spring.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26508869/Amari-Germain

2028 - Lincoln Hall, WR/SS/OLB, 6’2, 178, Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest. One of the versatile underclassmen that we had in the region this season. Someone who has the size, athleticism and the ability to make plays on both sides of the ball. This is a prospect to keep an eye on during the off-season as he attends camps and other events. Also gets it done in the classroom.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26872184/690612f9ab529b1a0ee663ee

2027 - Tajhi “Jirr” Sam, WR, 5’8, 150, Hollywood South Broward – 3.7 GPA. On a program that is in the rebuilding process, this quality talent certainly showed that he will be yet another talent to keep an eye on as he matures during the off-season. What was a learning year for this student/athlete, you can see that he has the potential to be special with quickness and the ability to play this game.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20443687/Tahjir-Sam

2028 - Damari Snell, DL/LB, Fort Lauderdale – 2.9 GPA. Watch this quality talent play and you can see right away the passion that he has for this game. Gets off the ball fast and will compete until the whistle blows. This is a typical Richard Dunbar-coached player who gets the very most out of what he brings to the table. Over the next two years, it will be fun to watch his progress and how much he continues to hit the weightroom to get stronger which will only add to his football skills.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/27379782/690e9d8a74301bea69f99f13

2026 – Ace Taylor, RB/Athlete, Cooper City – 3.8 GPA. This three-year performer for the Cowboys certainly stepped up his game this past season – leading the way in rushing, touchdowns and as a major contributor for a program that continued to improve. The son of a head football coach more than brought his best every week. Forget his size and concentrate on his football skills.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17578624/Ace-Taylor

2025 Road To Miami & The Villages Charter. https://larryblustein.com/news/2025-road-to-miami-the-villages-charter

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

For the past 55 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..

Once again on Tuesday night the South Florida High School Sports Radio Show took center stage with seven impressive guests.

Each and every week, the FM 104.3 WQAM radio 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 show, which has run for nearly two decades, has become a popular listen for recruiting fans as well as high school sports purists, focusing on c

Here is a look at the way Tuesday went:

For only the second time in school history, Miami Ransom Everglades is headed to the second round of the state football playoffs. First year head coach Johan Betancourt talked Raiders and more.

JOHAN BETANCOURT ON TUESDAY NIGHT. Head Coach Johan Betancourt of Miami Ransom Everglades - South Florida High School Sports Radio | Podcast on Spotify

When Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman beat Homestead South Dade last Saturday night, it gave the Gators an opportunity to move on to the regional semifinal for only the second time ever. Head Coach Ariel Cribeiro spoke about his team.

COACH ARIEL CRIBEIRO ON TUESDAY NIGHT. https://open.spotify.com/episode/2xJB8RFSuXQZVbyVerwA8G

When Boca Raton St. Andrew’s travels to Miami on Thursday night to play True North Classical Academy, the Scots will bring in a 10-1 record and plenty of confidence. Veteran head coach Jimmy Robertson spoke about the team and the game.

COACH JIMMY ROBERTSON ON TUESDAY NIGHT. https://open.spotify.com/episode/27zeaTjJI3Ut2vx3qjT9Rc

With some impressive games coming up this week in the regional semifinals, Brandon Odoi from Football Hotbed stopped by to break some of the contests down. Check out the teams he picked.

BRANDON ODIO ON TUESDAY NIGHT. https://open.spotify.com/episode/2PGtHoAQCk4xbCPz9CDmVD

The Miami Killian Cougars have won five straight games heading into Friday night’s region semifinals at Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. Head Coach Rudy Trevino talked about the matchup and his team.

RUDY TREVINO ON TUESDAY NIGHT. https://open.spotify.com/episode/5RDz7lADFrlb8LKERKO9Uu

It has been a tough year for Plantation American Heritage’s football team. The defending 4A state champion Patriots will be at home on Friday night for a rematch with Plantation. Head Coach Mike Smith talked about this season and looked ahead to Friday.

COACH MIKE SMITH ON TUESDAY NIGHT.  https://open.spotify.com/episode/4E2J76aObtQvRywuAJbdVp

2025 Road To Miami & The Villages Charter. https://larryblustein.com/news/2025-road-to-miami-the-villages-charter

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

For the past 55 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..

When it comes to competitive high school football, you need to look no further than Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

When the state football playoffs got started last week, all eyes were on defending state champions as well as some impressive programs who have played at a high level all season.

With the objective of getting to play a state title game right in their own backyards at Pitbull Stadium (FIU) in the second week of December, the objective is indeed to play at the highest level they can.

With that in mind, we check out the top local teams heading into the second round of the state playoffs:

1. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A, 10-1). LAST WEEK: The six-time state champions started the playoffs with a 58-7 win against Palm Bay Heritage. THIS WEEK: No. 13 Coconut Creek (9-2). NEXT WEEK: No. 7 Hollywood McArthur (9-2) or  Delray Beach Atlantic (10-1).

2. Miami Northwestern (3A, 10-0). LAST WEEK: The Bulls opened defense of their 3A state championship with a 70-0 win against Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy. THIS WEEK: Key West (7-4). NEXT WEEK: Naples Lely (8-3) or No. 3 Miami Central (9-1).

3. Miami Central (3A, 8-1). LAST WEEK: The Rockets opened the state playoffs with a 54-14 win against Miami St. Brendan. THIS WEEK: Naples Lely (8-3). NEXT WEEK: Key West (7-4) at No. 2 Northwestern (10-0).

4. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1A, 8-2). LAST WEEK: The four-time defending state champions had no problems with Boca Raton St. John Paul II, 63-0. THIS WEEK: No. 19 Miami Edison (6-4). NEXT WEEK: Boca Raton St. Andrews (10-1) or No. 8 Miami True North Classical Academy (9-2).

5. Miami Southridge (6A, 10-1). LAST WEEK: The Spartans started out in the state playoffs with a convincing 49-0 win against Davie Nova. THIS WEEK: No. 19 Sunrise Piper (7-4). NEXT WEEK: No. 14 Coconut Creek Monarch (7-4) or No. 6 Pembroke Pines West Broward (9-2).

6. Pembroke Pines West Broward (6A, 9-2). LAST WEEK: The Bobcats rolled to a 56-13 win over South Plantation.  THIS WEEK: No. 14 Coconut Creek Monarch (7-4). NEXT WEEK: No. 19 Sunrise Piper (7-4) or No. 5 Miami Southridge (10-1).

7. Hollywood McArthur (5A, 9-2). LAST WEEK: The Mustangs continued to stay hot with a 41-13 win against Stuart Martin County. THIS WEEK: Delray Beach Atlantic (10-1). NEXT WEEK: No. 13 Coconut Creek (9-2) or No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (10-1).

8. Miami True North Classical Academy (1A, 9-2). LAST WEEK: The Tians won for the ninth straight time, 42-17, against Miami Palmer Trinity. THIS WEEK: Boca Raton St. Andrews (10-1). NEXT WEEK: No. 19 Miami Edison (6-4) at No. 4 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (8-2).

9. Miami Palmetto (7A, 9-2). LAST WEEK: The Panthers started their run at a state title with a 42-0 win against Coral Springs Coral Glades. THIS WEEK: No. 19 Miami Christopher Columbus (4-7). NEXT WEEK: No. 19 Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (7-4) or Boca Raton Spanish River (7-4).

10. Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (4A, 9-2). LAST WEEK: The Mavericks continued to turn heads with first round win against Hialeah, 49-6. THIS WEEK: No. 12 Miami Norland (6-5).  NEXT WEEK: No. 17 Plantation (7-4) or No. 16 Plantation American Heritage (5-5).

11. Miami Immaculata LaSalle (2A, 11-0). LAST WEEK: The Royal Lions stayed unbeaten with a 42-7 win against Homestead Somerset Silver Palms. THIS WEEK: No. 19 Miami Ransom Everglades (7-4). NEXT WEEK: No. 18 Miami Killian (8-3) or No. 15 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (8-3).

12. Miami Norland (4A, 6-5). LAST WEEK: The Vikings went on the road and came away with a 49-14 win against Jensen Beach. THIS WEEK: No. 10 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (9-2). NEXT WEEK: No. 17 Plantation (7-4) or No. 16 Plantation American Heritage (5-5).

13. Coconut Creek (5A, 9-2). LAST WEEK: The Cougars went on the road and beat No. 19 Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, 49-20. THIS WEEK: No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (10-1). NEXT WEEK: No. 7 Hollywood McArthur (9-2) or Delray Beach Atlantic (10-1).

14. Coconut Creek Monarch (6A, 7-4). LAST WEEK: The Knights started off the state playoffs with a 39-0 win against Doral Academy. THIS WEEK: No. 6 Pembroke Pines West Broward (9-2). NEXT WEEK: No. 19 Sunrise Piper (7-4) or No. 5 Miami Southridge (10-1).

15. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2A, 8-3). LAST WEEK: The Chiefs opened up with a 48-28 win against Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace. THIS WEEK: No. 18 Miami Killian (8-3). NEXT WEEK: No. 19 Miami Ransom Everglades (7-4) at No. 11 Miami La Salle (11-0).

16. Plantation American Heritage (4A, 5-5). LAST WEEK: The Patriots reached the .500 mark with a 50-20 win against Fort Pierce John Carroll. THIS WEEK: Plantation No. 17 (7-4). NEXT WEEK: No. 12 Miami Norland (6-5) or No. 10 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (9-2).

17. Plantation (4A, 7-4). LAST WEEK: The Colonels knocked off previously unbeaten No. 19 Fort Lauderdale Dillard, 21-14. THIS WEEK: No. 16 Plantation American Heritage (5-5). NEXT WEEK: No. 12 Miami Norland (6-5) or No. 10 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (9-2).

18. Miami Killian (2A, 8-2). LAST WEEK: The Cougars’ return to the state playoffs was a successful one with a 38-21 win against Miami Carol City. THIS WEEK: No. 2 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (8-3). NEXT WEEK: No. 19 Miami Ransom Everglades (7-4) or No. 11 Miami La Salle (11-0).

19 (Tie) Fort Lauderdale Dillard (4A, 10-1). LAST WEEK: The dream season for the Panthers ended in the first round with a 21-14 loss to No. 17 Plantation. SEASON OVER.

Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (5A, 8-4). LAST WEEK: The Lions watched their season end in the opening round of the state playoffs to No. 13 Coconut Creek, 49-20. SEASON OVER.

Miami Edison (6-4). LAST WEEK: The Red Raiders started out the state playoffs with a 50-7 win against Miami Westminster Christian. THIS WEEK: No. 4 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (8-2). NEXT WEEK: Boca Raton St. Andrews (10-1) or No. 8 Miami True North (9-2).

Sunrise Piper (7-4). LAST WEEK: The Bengals started off the state playoffs with a 24-12 win against Pembroke Pines Flanagan. THIS WEEK: No. 5 Miami Southridge (10-1). NEXT WEEK: No. 14 Coconut Creek Monarch (7-4) or No. 6 Pembroke Pines West Broward (9-2).

Miami Christopher Columbus (4-7). LAST WEEK: The Explorers rolled to an opening win against Lantana Santaluces, 28-3. THIS WEEK: No. 9 Miami Palmetto (9-2). NEXT WEEK: No. 19 Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (7-4) at Boca Raton Spanish River (7-4).

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (7-4). LAST WEEK: The Gators won a post season contest, 30-28, against Homestead South Dade. THIS WEEK: Boca Raton Spanish River (7-4). NEXT WEEK: No. 19 Miami Christopher Columbus (4-7) or No. 9 Miami Palmetto (9-2).

Here are some other programs who worked hard this year:

INDEPENDENT

Doral Ronald Reagan (7-2). SEASON OVER

Coral Springs Charter (5-6). SEASON OVER

Fort Lauderdale University School (8-5). SEASON OVER

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (8-3). SEASON OVER

Hialeah Gardens (4-7). SEASON OVER

Miami Braddock (4-6). SEASON OVER

Miami Coral Reef Football (9-2). SEASON OVER

Miami Ferguson (5-3). SEASON OVER

Miami Florida Christian (7-2-1). SEASON OVER

Miami Varela (6-4). SEASON OVER

CLASS 1A

Miami Archbishop Carroll (8-3), SEASON OVER

Miami Palmer Trinity (7-3). SEASON OVER

Miami Westminster Christian (8-3). SEASON OVER

CLASS 2A

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy (7-4). SEASON OVER

Miami Booker T. Washington (2-8)

Miami Carol City (6-5). SEASON OVER

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (4-7). SEASON OVER

Miami Gulliver Prep (6-4). SEASON OVER

Miami Ransom Everglades (7-4)

North Miami Beach (4-6)

CLASS 3A

Miami St. Brendan (4-7). SEASON OVER

Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (4-7). SEASON OVER

CLASS 4A

Hialeah (6-5). SEASON OVER

CLASS 5A

Miramar (4-7). SEASON OVER

North Miami (7-4). SEASON OVER

CLASS 6A

Davie Nova (5-6). SEASON OVER

Doral Academy (5-5). SEASON OVER

Pembroke Pines Flanagan (8-3). SEASON OVER

South Plantation (6-5). SEASON OVER

CLASS 7A

Coral Gables (4-5). SEASON OVER

Coral Springs Coral Glades (6-5). SEASON OVER

Davie Western (4-7). SEASON OVER

Homestead South Dade (5-6). SEASON OVER

Weston Cypress Bay (5-5). SEASON OVER

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD TOP 20

WEEK 1. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-1-top-20-miami-dade-broward-loaded-with-talent

WEEK 2. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-2-top-20-st-thomas-aquinas-moves-to-no-1

WEEK 3. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-3-local-teams-are-starting-to-emerge

WEEK 4. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-4-huge-games-will-test-local-teams

WEEK 5. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-5-new-teams-enter-an-elite-group

WEEK 6. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-6-district-games-will-put-distance-between-teams

WEEK 7. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-7-things-are-beginning-to-get-interesting-for-area-programs

WEEK 8. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-8-it-s-all-about-the-state-playoffs-now

WEEK 9. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-9-playoff-slots-still-up-for-grabs

WEEK 10. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-10-playoff-spots-up-for-grabs

WEEK 11.  https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-11-teams-getting-ready-for-the-post-season

WEEK 12. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-12-the-playoff-waiting-game-begins

WEEK 1 PLAYOFFS. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-playoff-week-1-key-opening-round-games

2025 Road To Miami & The Villages Charter. https://larryblustein.com/news/2025-road-to-miami-the-villages-charter

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

For the past 55 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

FORT LAUDERDALE – The Dillard High football team came into its Class 4-4A regional quarterfinal on Friday with the opportunity to remain undefeated.

The Panthers opponent in the Plantation Colonels had other ideas in mind with an outcome of playing the spoiler.

Losers of four consecutive playoff games dating back to 2021, the Colonels won in dramatic fashion led by sophomore wide receiver/defensive back Demond Christian’s three touchdowns for a 21-14 victory at Dillard High.

Plantation (7-4) advances to play at defending 4A state champion American Heritage next Friday at 7:30 p.m. The Colonels lost to Heritage earlier in the regional season 28-13.

“Christian had a pair of touchdowns on offense and came up big on defense which was perfect timing for us,” said Plantation coach Darrell Strong. “We took advantage of that. We knew Dillard was good and we didn’t care about their schedule. At the end of the day, it’s hard to go undefeated.”

Trailing 14-13 with Dillard poised to buffer its lead late in the third quarter Christian stepped in front of a Jayden Chico pass attempt and raced untouched 97-yards to pay dirt with 30.5 seconds remaining in the quarter.

A successful two-point conversion run by senior running back Zachariah Ray gave Plantation a seven-point lead at 21-14.

The Panthers (10-1) offense failed to produce and threat of a comeback at Chico struggled to connect with his receivers. The dagger came on an interception by sophomore defensive back Jeffrey O’Neal with 2:11 remaining in regulation.

“Tough loss,” said Dillard coach Demitris Mincey. “It was a competitive and we had the lead. It was the small things and us not taking care of the football. It was just a tough loss.”

Dillard rally from an early 13-0 deficit on a pair of Chico scoring passes to running back Anthony Carey.

The first was a five-yard toss with 4:21 left in the second quarter, followed by a 6-yard TD pass to Carey with 2.1 seconds left be for the half. The conversion was good and Dillard led 14-13.

Chico finished his night with 211 yards passing with two scoring passes and pair of interceptions.

Plantation scored on its opening possession on a 10-play 78-yard drive with Zakari Johnson 36-yard scoring pass to Christian. The conversion failed for a 6-0 lead with 8:21 left in the first quarter.

Johnson was also solid in the run game with 25 carries for 137 yards that helped keep the Panthers off the field.

Following a Panthers punt the Colonels added to their lead with another Johnson to Christian scoring play, this time covering 21 yards with 2:47 left in the first quarter.

“I came in here real confident,” said Christian. “I told myself I would score four times. We were down at halftime, and I had to help my team. We had to fight adversity and I showed them.”

Plantation’s victory was the second straight over Dillard in as many years, after four consecutive losses dating back to 2016.

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.