By Dave Brousseau

DAVIE – After the completion of the first half of football between South Planation and Nova in a District 14-6A game on Friday the Titans seemed poised for a victory.

Then Nixon Kalish, the Paladins 6-4 senior quarterback, gave his team a needed shot in the arm to turn a10-point first half deficit into a 22-10 victory.

Momentum from a safety with 5:42 left in the third quarter turned the direction of the game.

Despite trailing 10-2, Kalish needed one play to tie the score following the ensuing kickoff. He completed a 55-yard scoring pass to sophomore Travis Williams 17 seconds later. A successful two-point conversion ties the score at 10-10.

“We’ve been a second half team all year,” said South Plantation coach Rod Williams. “Because we’re so young it takes a couple of quarters to get warmed up.

Our quarterback struggled mightily in the first half. That’s his story. Second half he came out, and he led us to victory.”

The game was all South Plantation (5-3) from there.

Kalish completed his second scoring pass, a 35-yard strike to Khyree Miller, with 10:48 left in the fourth quarter. The point after was blocked and the Paladins lead stood at 16-10.

“We came out strong in the second half and responded quick,” said Kalish. “The momentum started piling up. The offense started doing good and we had it from there.”

Zayvean Fulmore scored on a two-yard run with 5:35 left in regulation for the Paladins.

All the Titans (3-4) points came in the opening half on a Tyler Dawson 30-yard field goal in the first quarter. Sophomore quarterback Deangelo Plese completed an eight-yard scoring pass to Darvens Jeanlouis with less than a minute remaining in the first half for the 10-0 lead. 

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.

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 moved back to Monday 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 Monday night went:

It’s been some time since Miami Beach High School has been relevant on the football field, but this season, the Hi Tides are 6-1 going into their GMAC Week contest against Miami Killian. Head coach Wilkie Perez talked about the building process.

COACH WILKIE PEREZ ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/miami-beach-head-coach-wilkie-perez-b9dc0

The University of Miami is not the only program making noise in south Florida. FIU and FAU have both gotten out of the gate and have been turning heads with talented teams. Even though there is still a long way to go, Brandyn Pokrass stopped by with some good news about the Panthers and Owls.

BRANDYN POKRASS ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/brandyn-pokrass-fiu-and-fau-football-reporter-e51e7

There’s no doubt that this has been an exciting high school football season here in the state of Florida. With everything from the inaugural “Open Division” to playing for district and regional titles, there are several programs still in the race for post season play. Andrew “Drew” Johnson from Prep Redzone Florida stopped by to break it down.

DREW JOHNSON ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/drew-johnson-prep-redzone-c9ef5

It’s FSU-Miami Rivalry Week and who better to break it all down than WQAM’s own Alex Donno. Hosting his daily “Locked On Canes” Podcast and being a part of this rivalry for well over two decades, he has his thoughts in an extended interview, looking at Saturday night’s contest at Hard Rock Stadium.

ALEX DONNO ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/alex-donno-locked-on-canes-72bff

If you follow the work that Chris Nee does as part of the 247 Network, you already know that this longtime writer and analysts is fair and tells things like they are. Representing @Noles 247, Nee spoke about this week’s game – and also dropped some hints about Coach Mike Norvell’s future.

CHRIS NEE ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/chris-nee-noles-247-7f689

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..

This fast-moving season is now down to the final weeks, and as we all know, the stakes have never been higher.

With post season playoff spots at every level up for grabs, along with those coveted eight teams who will play for the first ever “Open Division”, high school football fans will be busier than ever before, supporting their programs.

With that said, we move into Week 9 – with key district games taking center stage and dictating where teams stand.

Here is a look at the Top 30 programs for Week 9 – with additional teams that have a chance to be special this year:

1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A, 7-0). After a thrilling 21-20 win against Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, the nation’s No. 1 team put it all together with a 48-0 win against Hollywood McArthur. THIS WEEK: A home against Coconut Creek Monarch (10/16). NEXT WEEK: A district contest against Pembroke Pines Flanagan.

2. Bradenton IMG Academy (Independent, 7-0). After their toughest game of the season the week before, the Ascenders had little problem with New Palestine, Indiana, 49-7. THIS WEEK: Loughborough NFL Academy England (10/16). NEXT WEEK: They will enjoy the week off.

3. Miami Christopher Columbus (6A, 7-1). The Explorers wrapped up the district title with a 51-13 win over Coral Gables. THIS WEEK: It’s GMAC Week with a huge matchup with No. 4 Miami Central. (10/17). NEXT WEEK: They will have the week off.

4. Miami Central (3A, 6-1). The Rockets moved one step closer to winning the district title with a 63-7 win against Key West. THIS WEEK: It’s GMAC Week and a key matchup against No. 3 Miami Christopher Columbus (10/17). NEXT WEEK: The final district game of the year, North Miami Beach (10/22).

5. Jacksonville Raines (3A, 7-0). The defending state champions won remained unbeaten with a Monday night huge district contest – beating Jacksonville Bishop Kenny, 48-3, to bring home yet another title. THIS WEEK: A home game against Jacksonville Riverside (10-16). NEXT WEEK: A road game at Cocoa (10/23).

6. West Boca Raton (5A, 6-1). The Bulls all but wrapped up the district title with 56-0 win against Deerfield Beach. THIS WEEK: A road trip to Orlando to play No. 16 The First Academy (10/16). NEXT WEEK: The final district game of the year against Coconut Creek Monarch (10/22).

7. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (2A, 5-2). The Lions rebounded from the tough loss to No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas dropped a tough home game against the No. 1 team in the country, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, with a 20-7 win against No. 21 West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman in a rematch of last year’s 1A state title. THIS WEEK: A non-district home game against Hollywood McArthur (10/16). NEXT WEEK: A makeup contest at Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (10/22).

8. DeLand (6A, 6-1). The Bulldogs continue to win and win big as they did last week against Orange City University, 57-7. THIS WEEK: A home game against Tavares (10/16). NEXT WEEK: A road game against Daytona Beach Mainland (10/23).

9. Tampa Carrollwood Day (1A, 7-0). The highest scoring team in the state had the week off. THIS WEEK: A home game against The Community School of Naples (10/16). NEXT WEEK: A home district game against St. Petersburg Catholic.

10. Gainesville Buchholz (5A, 8-0). The Bobcats remained unbeaten as they beat Palm Coast Matanzas, 48-0. THIS WEEK: Finally, a week off! NEXT WEEK: A home district game against Orange Park Oakleaf (10/23).

11. Venice (6A, 7-1). The Indians rebounded from their first loss of the season with a 49-14 win against Bradenton Lakewood Ranch. THIS WEEK: A big road district matchup against Sarasota Riverview (10/16). NEXT WEEK: The regular season comes to an end with a home district game against North Port (10/23).

12. Lakeland (5A, 6-1). The Dreadnaughts kept their slim “Open Division” hopes alive with a 38-3 district win against Sebring. THIS WEEK: Another road district contest against Bartow (10/16). NEXT WEEK: They return home for their annual battle with Lake Gibson (10/22).

13. Vero Beach (6A, 7-1). The Indians continue to set themselves up for a playoff run with a 22-7 win against Pahokee. THIS WEEK: A well-deserved week off. NEXT WEEK: A road district matchup in Port St. Lucie against Treasure Coast (10/23).

14. Seffner Armwood (5A, 6-1). The Hawks won a key district road game against No. 22 Tampa Bay Tech, 14-7. THIS WEEK: Another district game – at home – against Valrico Bloomingdale (10/16). NEXT WEEK: A home district game against Tampa Leto (10/23).

15. Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (3A, 6-1). The Cougars rolled to a 55-7 win against Bradenton Bayshore. THIS WEEK: A district road game against Bradenton Southeast (10/16). NEXT WEEK: A road non-district game against Wellington Palm Beach Central (10/23).

16. Orlando The First Academy (2A, 6-1). The Royals had a tough non-district game against Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, 31-24. THIS WEEK: A huge non-district home game against No. 6 West Boca Raton. NEXT WEEK: A home game against Ambassador Christian of Huntersville, North Carolina (10/23).

17. Lake City Columbia (4A, 7-0). The Tigers had the week off as they continue to show they are one of the best teams in the state. THIS WEEK: A big road district game against Jacksonville Ed White (10/16). NEXT WEEK: A home district contest against Yulee.

18. Lake Wales (4A, 6-1). The Highlanders all but wrapped up the district title with a huge 28-6 win against two-time defending state runner up Orlando Jones. THIS WEEK: A road game against Dover Specialty Fit Academy (10/16). NEXT WEEK: A home district game against Lake Wales.

19. Jacksonville Mandarin (5A, 6-1). The Mustangs came up with a big road district game against Ponte Vedra, 34-10. THIS WEEK: Another district matchup on the road against St. Johns Beachside (10/16). NEXT WEEK: A district showdown at home against St. Johns Bartram Trail (10/23).

20. St. Augustine (4A, 7-0). The Yellow Jackets remained unbeaten with a 55-0 win against Orange Park Ridgeview. THIS WEEK: A district home game against Orange Park (10/16). NEXT WEEK: A home district contest against Fleming Island (10/23).

21. West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (2A, 5-2). The defending 1A state champions were beaten in a rematch of that title game to No. 7 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, 20-7. THIS WEEK: A non-district home game against Pembroke Pines West Broward (10/16). NEXT WEEK: A road district game against Boca Raton Saint Andrew’s.

22. Tampa Bay Tech (5A, 7-1). The Titans dropped their first game of the season – a key district contest to No. 14 Seffner Armwood, 14-7. THIS WEEK: Another district matchup at home against Tampa Leto (10/16). NEXT WEEK: The regular season comes to an end with a road district game against Riverview Spoto.

23. Port Charlotte (4A, 4-2). The Pirates had the week off to get ready for the stretch run. THIS WEEK: Another district game at home against Cape Coral Mariner (10/16). NEXT WEEK: A district road game against Fort Myers (10/23).

24. Lynn Haven Mosley (4A, 6-0). Because of hurricane and bad weather throughout the Panhandle, the game against Panama City Beach Arnold has been moved to Nov. 3. THIS WEEK: A key district game on the road at Tallahassee Rickards (10/16). NEXT WEEK: Another road district game against Tallahassee Leon (10/16).

25. Sanford Seminole (6A, 7-0). The turnaround continues for the Seminoles with tough 21-19 win against the defending state champion Lake Mary. THIS WEEK: A trip to Port Orange to play Spruce Creek (10/15). NEXT WEEK: Another district road game against Altamonte Springs Lake Brantley (10/23).

26. Tampa Jesuit (4A, 5-1). The Tigers wrapped up the district title with a 22-7 win against Gibsonton East Bay. THIS WEEK: A home district game against Tampa Freedom (10/16). NEXT WEEK: A road district contest against Tampa Hillsborough (10/23).

27. Miami Palmetto (6A, 6-1). The Panthers rolled to a district win against Homestead, 48-8. THIS WEEK: It’s GMAC Week and a matchup with Miami Carol (10/15). NEXT WEEK: The final district game – on the road – against Homestead South Dade (10/22).

28. Merritt Island (3A, 7-0). What a great year it’s been for the Mustangs – knocking off pre-season district favorite Eau Gallie, 36-35, in overtime. THIS WEEK: Another district road game against Palm Bay (10/16). NEXT WEEK: A home game against Rockledge (10/23).

29. Starke Bradford County (2A, 8-0). The Tornadoes continued to turn heads with a big district win against Newberry, 34-17. THIS WEEK: A home game against Jacksonville University Christian (10/16). NEXT WEEK: After a great start, this team will enjoy the week off.

30. Clearwater Central Catholic (2A, 5-2). The Marauders were upended by Tampa Berkeley Prep, 20-19 in overtime in a huge district game. THIS WEEK: A road game against Gulfport Boca Ciega (10/16). NEXT WEEK: Will be off.

KEEP AN EYE ON:

1A

Blountstown (5-1)

Fort Pierce John Carroll (5-2)

Hawthorne (8-0)

Jacksonville Trinity Christian (3-4)

Jacksonville University Christian (5-2)

Lakeland Christian (7-0)

Madison County (4-4)

Melbourne Central Catholic (5-1)

Miami True North Classical Academy (4-3)

Naples First Baptist (6-0)

Naples St. John Neumann (7-1)

Pahokee (4-3)

St. Petersburg Catholic (4-3)

Wildwood (6-1)

2A

Boca Raton Saint Andrew’s (4-3)

DeFuniak Springs Walton (5-1)

Jacksonville Bolles (5-1)

Miami Carol City (4-3)

Miami Immaculata LaSalle (7-0)

Miami Killian (6-1)

Miami Westminster Christian (6-2)

Pensacola Catholic (6-1)

Tallahassee Florida High (5-1)

Tampa Berkeley Prep (4-2)

Tampa Catholic (5-2)

3A

Alachua Santa Fe (3A, 6-1)

Bradenton Braden River (5-1)

Brooksville Nature Coast Tech (5-1)

Bushnell South Sumter (5-2)

Crawfordville Wakulla (5-2)

Eau Gallie (4-3)

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (5-2)

Fort Lauderdale Dillard (4-3)

Miami Springs (5-2)

North Miami Beach (5-2)

Santa Rosa Beach South Walton (6-1)

The Villages Charter (7-0)

Titusville (5-2)

4A

Plantation American Heritage (4-3)

Clearwater (7-0)

Delray Beach Atlantic (4-1)

Fort Myers Dunbar (6-2)

Fort Pierce Westwood (4-2)

Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee (4-2)

Hialeah American (5-3)

Jacksonville Ed White (5-1)

Jensen Beach (4-2)

Miami Norland (3-4)

Miami Northwestern (5-3)

Middleburg (4-2)

New Smyrna Beach (4-2)

Ocala Lake Weir (6-0)

Ocala Vanguard (5-2)

Orlando Bishop Moore (5-2)

Orlando Jones (4-2)

Pensacola Washington (5-1)

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (5-2)

South Fort Myers (5-1)

Tallahassee Godby (5-2)

Tallahassee Leon (6-0)

Zephyrhills (5-2)

5A

Auburndale (4-2)

Bradenton Manatee (4-4)

Clermont East Ridge (5-2)

Coconut Creek (6-1)

Coconut Creek Monarch (3-3)

Fort Myers Riverdale (3-3)

Immokalee (5-1)

Melbourne (4-2)

Niceville (4-3)

Ocala Forest (6-1)

Orange Park Oakleaf (3-3)

Orlando Evans (4-3)

Oviedo (4-2)

Pace (4-2)

Palmetto (5-1)

Riverview Sumner (4-3)

Royal Palm Beach (5-1)

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (3-4)

St. John Bartram Trail (6-1)

Stuart Martin County (3-3)

Stuart South Fork (5-2)

Tampa Gaither (4-3)

Trinity Mitchell (4-2)

Viera (3-3)

6A

Davie Western (5-2)

Daytona Beach Mainland (2-3)

Flagler Palm Coast (5-1)

Fort Pierce Central (4-1)

Jupiter (5-1)

Kissimmee Gateway (5-1)

Lantana Santaluces (4-2)

Orlando Edgewater (4-2)

Orlando Lake Nona (5-1)

Palm Beach Lakes (4-2)

Port Orange Spruce Creek (4-2)

Ruskin Lennard (5-2)

Sarasota Riverview (5-1)

St. Cloud (4-2)

Tampa Alonso (6-0)

Wellington (4-2)

Wellington Palm Beach Central (5-1)

Weston Cypress Bay (7-0)

Winter Garden West Orange (5-1)

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

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

For the past 56 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein), Instagram (OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

By Dave Brousseau

FORT LAUDERDALE – The common denominator for the Fort Lauderdale High football team through its first six games has been the play of senior quarterback Marquise Russ.

His strong play had the Flying L’s undefeated entering Thursday’s home game against Douglas.

With no alterations to his effectiveness to date, Russ shined again with three more touchdown passes and one rushing score for a 27-7 victory at Lockhart Stadium.

Not only did Fort Lauderdale improve to 7-0 on the season, but they have also won nine consecutive games dating back to last year.

“This is all a learning experience and all about growing and developing your roster,” said Fort Lauderdale coach Richard Dunbar. “We were slopy at time, but I’ll take the win.’

As for Russ, he’s thrown at least one touchdown each game this season and a minimum of three scoring passes five times.

“Marquise has always been great for us,” said Dunbar. “I love his poise and love the way he has shown a maturity over the last nine months here.”

Russ had 10 completions for 227 yards. He had a pair scoring passes to junior wide receiver Antwan Jackson for 50 and 24 yards. The other scoring toss was 33 yards to Isaiah Mabson that gave the Flying L’s a 14-7 lead with 4:39 left in the second quarter.

“There were many ups and downs in the game, but we were able to stay poised,” said Russ. “I was able to overcome some things, but we found a way to win.”

Russ added his second rushing touchdown of the season on a one-yard sneak with 5:03 left in the fourth quarter.  

The Eagles (1-6) lone score came with 5:26 left in the second quarter when junior quarterback Sampsen Orlinsky threw a 59-yard scoring pass to Anthony Diaz tying the game 7-7.

Fort Lauderdale will host Coral Springs on Friday, Oct. 16, where they hope to improve to 8-0. Douglas will play Forest Hill at home on Thursday.

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.