After last week’s Jacksonville Mandarin win over Hollywood McArthur – and the two games played yesterday, the 2026 Broward County National High School Football Showcase now moves to Friday with four competitive games.

Highlighted by a Miami-Dade vs. BrowaArd matchup and two teams from the state of Florida, this is a day that will offer up eight programs who will indeed share the spotlight with some quality teams.

“We are excited about the four games played today,” said co-founder of this prestigious showcase, Dr. Kevin Perry. “To bring in teams from Illinois and Colorado along with our Florida schools only makes this event so impressive.”

East St. Louis (1-0) at Plantation American Heritage (0-1), 7. For the fifth straight year, the Patriots and head coach Mike Smith are stepping up to play an elite team in the showcase. The two-time defending state champions had numerous injuries in last week’s loss at home to West Boca Raton.

The Flyers come in with an opening-night win against Chicago Mt. Carmel and are loaded and nationally tested through the years.

EAST ST. LOUIS FLYERS

Chicago Mt. Carmel, Illinois, W 42-23

8/28 - @Plantation American Heritage

9/4 – Gainesville, Georgia

9/11 – O’Fallon

9/18 – Belleview East

9/25 - @Edwardsville

10/2 - @Belleville West

10/9 – Alton

10/16 - @Naperville North

PLANTATION AMERICAN HERITAGE PATRIOTS

West Boca Raton, L 24-7

8/28 – East St. Louis, Illinois

9/4 - @Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

9/11 - @Jacksonville Trinity Christian

9/18 - @Lakeland

9/25 – Miramar

10/9 – Miami Norland

10/16 – Miami True North Classical Academy

10/23 - @Hollywood McArthur

Miami True North Classical Academy (0-0) at Coconut Creek (1-0), 7. Here is a classic Miami-Dade vs. Broward matchup between two programs that have high hopes this season.

The Titans, a 1A program, is coming off a 10-win season and are loaded with talent and confidence on both sides of the ball as head coach Greg Laferre and his staff continue to build a strong program in southern Miami. Their schedule is one of the most challenging in the state of Florida.

For head coach Chris Yeargin and his football team, there is a sense that this team has the talent and coaching to make a strong run in 2026.

MIAMI TRUE NORTH CLASSIC ACADEMY TITANS

8/28 - @Coconut Creek

9/4 – Sarasota Cardinal Mooney

9/10 - @Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

9/17 - @Miami Southridge

9/25 - @Key West

10/2 - @Miami Norland

10/9 - @Fort Pierce John Carroll

10/16 - @Plantation American Heritage

10/30 – Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy

COCONUT CREEK COUGARS

Plantation, W 41-0

8/28 – Miami True North Classical Academy

9/4 - @Fort Lauderdale Dillard

9/10 - @Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

9/18 - @Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson

10/2 – Coconut Creek Monarch

10/9 - @Pembroke Pines Flanagan

10/16 – Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy

10/24 – Sunrise Piper

10/30 – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

Jacksonville Bolles (0-1) at Archbishop McCarthy (0-0), 7. Last year, the Bulldogs played in the Broward Showcase and rolled to a win against Coconut Creek Monarch on the way to the 2A state title game, which they lost to Sarasota Cardinal Mooney. While they return some quality talent, they also must replace some linemen. They lost their opener against Lake City Columbia.

After losing to Miami Palmetto in the kickoff classic without six starters, the Mavericks and head coach Jake Pew had their season-opener against Royal Palm Beach called off because of bad weather, so this will be their first game of the season as they look to take things one step further. They won the district title a year ago before losing a tough rematch with eventual state champion Plantation American Heritage.

JACKSONVILLE BOLLES BULLDOGS

Lake City Columbia, L 20-19

8/28 - @Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy

9/11 – Jacksonville Bishop Kenny

9/18 – Orange Park Oakleaf

9/25 – Baldwin

10/9 – Jacksonville KIPP Bold City

10/16 - @Jacksonville Trinity Christian

10/23 - @Jaksonville Andrew Jackson

10/30 – Gainesville Buchholz

SOUTHWEST RANCHES ARCHBISHOP MCCARTHY MAVERICKS

8/28 – Jacksonville Bolles

9/4 – Pembroke Pines West Broward

9/11 – Community School of Naples

9/18 – Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

10/2 - @Pembroke Pines Flanagan

10/9 - @Orlando The First Academy

10/16 - @Coconut Creek

10/23 - @Miami Norland

10/30 - @Miami True North Classical Academy

Colorado Springs Pine Creek, Colorado (0-0) vs. Davie Western (1-0), McArthur, 7. The Wildcats and veteran head coach Adam Ratkevich return to the Broward Showcase after being a part of this impressive event for the first three years. After dropping their opener to powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas, they now look toward making the post season.

The Eagles head to south Florida for the first time after a 7-4 season and a first-round state playoff loss. They return several players from last year after a second-place district finish. Starting the season in Florida is something that they have been looking forward to since this matchup was made.

DAVIE WESTERN WILDCATS

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 42-0

8/28 – Colorado Springs Pine Creek

9/4 - @Pembroke Pines Flanagan

9/10 – Pembroke Pines West Broward

9/25 - @Weston Cypress Bay

10/2 - @Miami High

10/8 - @Doral Academy

10/16 – Sunrise Piper

10/23 – Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman

10/30 – Hollywood McArthur

COLORADO SPRINGS PINE CREEK EAGLES

8/28 - @Davie Western

9/4 – Northfield

9/11 – Arvada West

9/17 - @Castle View

9/25 – Fountain-Fort Carson

10/1 – Regis Jesuit

10/9 – @Eaglecrest

10/15 – Valor Christian

10/22 - @Legend

10/30 - @Heritage

In addition to those four games here is the rest of the schedule in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties for Friday:

Coral Gables vs. Miami Springs (Ives), 7

Coral Springs Coral Glades at Coconut Creek North Broward Prep, 7

Fort Lauderdale at Hollywood South Broward, 6:30

Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest at Miami Florida Christian, 7

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy at Tavernier Coral Shores, 7

Hallandale at Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, 7

Hialeah at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, 7:30

Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy vs. Miami Palmetto (Tropical), 7:30

Hollywood McArthur at Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, 7

Homestead Somerset Silver Palms at Delray American Heritage, 7

Miami Belen Jesuit at Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons, 6:30

Miami Booker T. Washington vs. Hialeah American (Milander), 7

Miami Braddock at Miami Varela, 3:30

Miami Carol City at Lee County, Georgia 7:30

Miami Dr. Krop at Miami Ferguson, 3:30 

Miami Gulliver Prep at Miami Ransom Everglades, 7

Miami High at Miami Edison, 3:30

Miami Norland at Ocala Vanguard, 7:30

Miami Palmer Trinity at Miami Westminster Christian, 4

Miami Southridge vs. Homestead (Harris), 7:30

Miami St. Brendan vs. Miami Beach (Memorial), 7

Miami Sunset at Hialeah Gardens, 3:30

Miramar Everglades at Hollywood Hills, 4

Naples St. John Neumann at Miami Immaculata La Salle, 7

North Miami Beach vs. North Miami (Traz Powell), 7:30

Pembroke Pines Flanagan at Weston Cypress Bay, 7

Plantation at Sunrise Piper, 7

Tampa Berkeley Prep at Miami Archbishop Carroll, 3:30

THURSDAY SCORES

Boca Raton Spanish River 43, South Plantation 0

Chatsworth Sierra Canyon, California 24, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 7

Coconut Creek Monarch 48, Miramar 41

Cooper City 42, Parkland Douglas 6

Coral Springs Taravella 19, Oakland Park Northeast 6

Deerfield Beach 35, Davie Nova 21

Fort Lauderdale 32, Hollywood South Broward 20

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian 35, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School 18

Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson 28, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan 12

Miami Killian 34, Homestead South Dade 29

Miami Lakes Goleman 49, Miami Coral Reef 0

Miami Northwestern 42, Miami Jackson 0

North Lauderdale Somerset Prep 40, Pompano Beach 16

Pembroke Pines Charter 53, Coral Springs Charter 35

Pompano Beach NEXTGEN Prep 20, Riviera Beach Inlet Grove 12

Powder Spring McEachern, Georgia 20, Pembroke Pines West Broward 13

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29^TH

Broward Showcase: Miami Christopher Columbus vs Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, 2

Broward Showcase: DeSoto, Texas vs Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 6

St. Peter’s Prep at Fort Lauderdale Dillard, 7

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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..

Broward County National Football Showcase Kicks Off Tonight With Two Game. https://larryblustein.com/news/broward-county-national-football-showcase-kicks-off-tonight-with-two-game

Over the past four years, the Broward County National High School Football Showcase has established itself as an event that has captured the attention of fans across the country.

With teams coming from as far away as California, Nevada, Utah, Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and throughout the state of Florida.

The brainchild of Dr. Kevin Perry and Shawn Cerra, who had an idea of powerhouses visiting Florida instead of the Sunshine State’s elite having to go on the road all the time, this is now a premier football gathering that has ESPN and other media outlets from across the country flocking to see the games that now number nine – over two weeks.

With in state power Jacksonville Mandarin kicking things off last Friday with a win over Hollywood McArthur, Week 2 starts tonight at two locations with two out of state programs battling a pair of Broward teams.

Friday will see four games, eight teams and Saturday’s doubleheader at Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas on national television will bring to an end another banner year for top-flight high school football.

Here is a look at tonight’s games:

Chatsworth Sierra Canyon, California vs. Hollywood Chaminade (McArthur), 7. After falling short in their 10^th consecutive trip to the state finals, head coach Dameon Jones and the Lions are hungry to jump back into the elite – and the opponent they are lining up against this evening can certainly help them do that.

Chaminade-Madonna is coming off an impressive offensive attack against Coconut Creek Monarch on opening night in a game shortened by lightning.

The Trailblazers also started the season last week and won convincingly, setting up the cross country trip to also make a statement.

While programs such as Saint John Bosco, Mater Dei and Santa Margarita have dominated the landscape in southern California, this team can truly put their name in that elite group with a win on the road.

CHATSWORTH SIERRA CANYON TRAILBLAZERS (1-0)

JSerra Catholic, W 42-21

8/27 - @Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

9/10 – Honolulu St. Louis

9/18 – Orange Lutheran

9/25 – Pacifica

10/2 – Loyola

10/9 - @Sierra

10/16 - @Chaminade

10/23 - @Notre Dame

10/30 – Bishop Amat

HOLLYWOOD CHAMINADE-MADONNA LIONS (1-0)

Coconut Creek Monarch, W 49-22

10/27 – Chatsworth Sierra Canyon

9/4 – Plantation American Heritage

9/10 – Miami True North Classical Academy

9/18 - @Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

9/25 – Boca Raton Saint 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

Powder Springs McEachern, Georgia vs. Pembroke Pines West Broward Bobcats (Miramar), 7. While we know that head coach Brian McCartney and his team lost heavily from the team that stunned everyone by reaching the 6A state title game, this evening’s matchup with a very solid Georgia program will truly be a test.

While this is the first trip to south Florida for McEachern, the area is not strange to their head coach Kareem Reid, who attended school in Broward and was a successful coach before heading north.

The Indians are young but loaded with elite talent and will look to put themselves in a position to head back north 2-0.

The experts doubted the Bobcats last year against Miami Southridge and at Gainesville Buchholz and they came through. Different time and year, but this is a program that is looking to shock some of those who believe they know it all!  

POWDER SPRINGS MCEACHERN INDIANS (1-0)

Kell, W 40-10

8/27 - @Pembroke Pines West Broward

9/4 – Marietta

9/11 - @Gainesville

9/18 – North Atlanta

10/2 - @ Hillgrove

10/9 – Campbell

10/16 – @Pebblebrook

10/30 – Harrison

11/6 - @Kennesaw Mountain

PEMBROKE PINES WEST BROWARD BOBCATS (0-0)

8/27 – Powder Springs McEachern

9/4 - @Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy

9/10 - @Davie Western

9/17 – Doral Academy

9/25 - @Camden County, Georgia

10/2 – Weston Cypress Bay

10/9 - @Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman

10/16 - @West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman

10/22 – Miami High

10/30 – Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

In addition to those two games here is the rest of the schedule in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties for Thursday:

Boca Spanish River at South Plantation, 7

Cooper City at Parkland Douglas, 6

Coral Springs Taravella at Oakland Park Northeast, 6:30

Deerfield Beach at Davie Nova, 7

Fort Lauderdale at Hollywood South Broward, 6:30

Fort Lauderdale NSU University School at Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, 7

Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest at Miami Florida Christian, 7

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan at Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, 7

Hialeah-Miami Lakes at Miami Coral Park, 3:30

Miami Killian vs. Homestead South Dade (Harris), 7

Miami Lakes Goleman vs. Miami Coral Reef (Southridge), 7

Miami Northwestern vs. Miami Jackson (Traz Powell), 7

Miramar vs. Coconut Creek Monarch (Coconut Creek), 7

North Lauderdale Somerset Prep at Pompano Beach, 7

South Miami at Doral Ronald Reagan, 3:30

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28^TH

Broward Showcase: East St. Louis at Plantation American Heritage, 7

Broward Showcase: Miami True North at Coconut Creek, 7

Broward Showcase: Jacksonville Bolles at Archbishop McCarthy, 7

Broward Showcase: Pine Creek (Colo.) vs. Davie Western (McArthur), 7

Coral Gables vs. Miami Springs (Ives), 7

Coral Springs Coral Glades at Coconut Creek North Broward Prep, 7

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy at Tavernier Coral Shores, 7

Hallandale at Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, 7

Hialeah at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, 7:30

Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy vs. Miami Palmetto (Tropical), 7:30

Hollywood McArthur at Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, 7

Homestead Somerset Silver Palms at Delray American Heritage, 7

Miami Belen Jesuit at Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons, 6:30

Miami Booker T. Washington vs. Hialeah American (Milander), 7

Miami Braddock at Miami Varela, 3:30

Miami Carol City at Lee County, Georgia 7:30

Miami Dr. Krop at Miami Ferguson, 3:30 

Miami Gulliver Prep at Miami Ransom Everglades, 7

Miami High at Miami Edison, 3:30

Miami Norland at Ocala Vanguard, 7:30

Miami Palmer Trinity at Miami Westminster Christian, 4

Miami Southridge vs. Homestead (Harris), 7:30

Miami St. Brendan vs. Miami Beach (Memorial), 7

Miami Sunset at Hialeah Gardens, 3:30

Miramar Everglades at Hollywood Hills, 4

Naples St. John Neumann at Miami Immaculata La Salle, 7

North Miami Beach vs. North Miami (Traz Powell), 7:30

Pembroke Pines Flanagan at Weston Cypress Bay, 7

Plantation at Sunrise Piper, 7

Tampa Berkeley Prep at Miami Archbishop Carroll, 3:30

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29^TH

Broward Showcase: Miami Christopher Columbus vs Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, 2

Broward Showcase: DeSoto, Texas vs Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 6

St. Peter’s Prep at Fort Lauderdale Dillard, 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..

When you talk about the success of St. Thomas Aquinas football through the many decades, there are dozens of names that you can point to as being a reason why the Raiders have been so successful.

For all the high school All-Americans, collegiate and professional stars this program has produced with all the state and national titles they have won, the student/athletes that have competed at every position, there is one group that may not get the recognition they truly deserve.

From coaches Marty Poplar to Dave Sheppard, Tim Conrad, Matt Helmerich and Mike Crissy, special teams have been coached and taught as well as any high school program in the country.

No matter what year, this program – under the legendary head coaches George Smith, Mike Spencer, Rocco Casullo and Roger Harriott – have always had a quality long snapper, kicker and punter.

In all the winning that this team has done, the focus has been on the quarterbacks, running backs, receivers and linemen on offense – and linemen, linebackers and in the secondary on defense, for good reason, but those special teams performers could easily be listed among the reason why the Raiders have been regarded nationally for decades.

THE 2026 VERSION OF STA CARRY ON THE TRADITION

As the Raiders head into Saturday’s national matchup with DeSoto, Texas as the No. 2 team in the nation, there is a new group of special teams standouts to keep an on under the direction of Coach Crissy, who graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas in 1991, briefly went to Ohio State before finishing his career at the University of Miami as a punter.

2027 - Kyle Infante. Starting kicker – field goals, point after attempts, kickoffs. Lefty with tremendous leg whip and accuracy. On the year (including week zero) 10 kickoffs with 8 Touchbacks, 2/2 field goals (42, 29), 8/8 point after attempts.

2027 - Chris Kern. Starting punter but has also kicked PAT’s and kickoffs. Ideal punting frame with tremendous extension. 5 kickoffs with 4 Touchbacks, 1/1 point after attempts, 2 punts 48.5 Net Average.

2027 - Tommy Panza. Starting long snapper, great speed, and accuracy. Transferred from Pompano Beach High School for his senior year.

2028 - Massimo Riggio. Another lefty kicker/punter who will see a lot of action this year as we like to get reps for next year’s projected starter. He got his first varsity point after attempt against Western in the season opener.

2028 - Luis Riquezez. A first-year kicker (soccer background) but has quickly grasped the position and also got his first rep and executed during the Western game (1/1).

2029 - Billy Burpee. Long snapper, dual sport baseball/football. Billy has a bright future and has seen action in the first two games as a sophomore.

STARS HAVE BEEN REMEMBERED

Over the years, there have been some memorable special teams performers at the school.

ALL TIME BEST STA KICKERS

#1 - Michael Palardy All American- Tennessee 4 year starter at BOTH kicker / punter; played NFL 7 years

#2 - Brett Swenson - Michigan State - 4 yr starter, became all time leading scorer

#3 - Richie Andrews (STA 1987) - FSU - 4-year starter (dual guy)

#4 - Wes Byrum  All-American - Auburn - became all time leading scorer; 4 year starter; kicked NC winning fg

#5 - Greg Cox (STA 1984) - Miami - 4-year starter; won 2 national championships

#6 - James McCourt - Illinois - 3-year starter, record holder for most 50+ field goals

#7 - Joe Surgan - Duke - 4-year starter

#8 - Pat Moons - (STA 1983) - UMichigan - 1st STA kicker to sign a 4 year scholarship

#9 - Nolan Bieck (STA 2010) - Princeton - 4-year starter there

#10 - Danny Nolan (STA 1983) - Starter at Wake Forest

ALL TIME BEST PUNTERS

#1 - Michael Palardy - 4-year starter at punter and kicker at Tennessee; 7 years in NFL

#2 - Mickey Groody - All American - 4-year starter at FAU

#3 - Ritchie Andrews - 4-year starter at FSU 

#4 - Ben Turk (STA 2008) - 4-year starter at Notre Dame

#5 - Justin DuVernois - (STA 2010) - 4-year starter at Illinois

#6 - Michael Kern (STA 2023) - Signed with Texas, starting for New Mexico now)

#7 – Mike Crissy (1991), who we mentioned and is the current special teams coach.

ALL TIME BEST SNAPPERS

#1 - Jordan Cowart (2008) all american - four-year starter at Notre Dame

#2 - Danny Adams (2010) #1 snapper in the US - Started for Eastern Kentucky and FSU

#3 - Matt Wilkinson (2011) - snapped at Alabama

Coach Conrad, a huge part of the program made a major contribution along with Coach Crissy to this article with his list of elite special teams performers. For 18 years, he had numerous prospects recruited – an impressive eight kickers signed D1 at a time when it was tough to get scholarships:

1990 John Benestad - Rutgers

2000 Chris Balseiro - Arkansas 

2003 Scott Svarney - Tulane

2004 Joe Surgan - Duke

2005 Brett Swenson - Michigan State

2006 Wes Byrum - Auburn

2007-2009 Michael Palardy Tennessee (dual kicker / punter)

2014 - Chris Kirtley - Old Dominion

2015 James McCourt - Illinois (dual kicker / punter) 

2019 Logan Lupo – FAU

2024 – Nick Romero – New Mexico

Also…….
2021 - Max Larson – Louisiana Lafayette

2023 - Francesco Pileggi – Union

2025 – Johnny DiSalvatore - Wagner

They had 4 punters sign DI Scholarships:

2001-2002  Jay Ottovegio - Stanford (dual punter / kicker)

2006-2007 Mickey Groody - FAU

2008 - Ben Turk Notre Dame

2010 - Justin Duvernois - Illinois 

Also….

1991 – Mike Crissy, Miami

1993 - Rob Deigman – Purdue

1996 – Barry Cantrell – Fordham

2025 – Conrad Telerico  – FIU

They had 2 snappers sign a full DI scholarship:

2007 -2008 Jordan Cowart - Notre Dame

2010 - Danny Adams - Eastern Kentucky

Also…..

1999 - Jeremy Cain – U Mass 10-Year NFL career

2020 - Cade Wehby – Alabama

2022 - Dom Diaz – Air Force

2023 - Chase Ortiz – Marshall

2025 - Holden Harkins – FIU

In a 15 year period, the Raiders, under Conrad, had 14 Special Teams guys signed D-1 college scholarships coming out of one school!

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 there were several surprises in the opening week of the Florida high school football season, the one thing that held true were the top programs did what they had to.

As the season rolls into the second week you can expect those powers to start facing off against some elite competition that will certainly shift the powers in the state.

With the focus on being nationally ranked, there will be several matchups in the coming weeks that will change the state rankings around.

Here is a look at the Top 30 programs for Week 2 – 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, 1-0). The Raiders rolled to a 42-0 opener on the road against Davie Western. THIS WEEK: DeSoto, Texas in the Broward National Showcase (9/29). NEXT WEEK: No. 15 Miami Christopher Columbus at home (9/4).

2. Bradenton IMG Academy (Independent, 1-0). The Ascenders opened the season on the road with a convincing 59-3 win against Lone Peak, Utah. THIS WEEK: San Antonio Cornerstone Christian (9/28). NEXT WEEK: Honolulu St. Louis at home (9/5).

3. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (2A, 1-0). The Lions opened the season with a rain-shortened 49-21 win against Coconut Creek Monarch. THIS WEEK: Sierra Canyon, California in the Broward County National Showcase at Hollywood McArthur (9/27). NEXT WEEK: A home game against No. 29 Plantation American Heritage.

4. Miami Central (3A, 1-0). The Rockets won a huge road game in California against Orange Lutheran, 23-22. THIS WEEK: Off. NEXT WEEK: Home game against Miami St. Brendan (9/3).

5. Miami Carol City (2A, 1-0). The Chiefs flexed some muscle on the road with a big win against Daytona Beach Mainland, 38-3. THIS WEEK: At Lee County, Georgia (8/28). NEXT WEEK: First home game of the season against rival Miami Norland (9/4).

6. West Boca Raton (5A, 1-0). The two-time defending state champions opened with a big road win against No. 30 Plantation American Heritage, 24-7. THIS WEEK: Off. NEXT WEEK: A road contest at Boca Raton Spanish River (9/4).

7. Vero Beach (6A, 1-0). The Indians opened the season with a dominating 34-0 win against Jensen Beach. THIS WEEK: Another home game against Delray Beach Atlantic (8/28). NEXT WEEK: They stay at home and welcome national power Baltimore St. Frances Academy (9/4).

8. Venice (6A, 1-0). The Indians went on the road to Georgia and came away with a thrilling 42-40 victory against Rabun Gap-Nacoochee. THIS WEEK: A home game against Miami SmartEn Sports Academy (8/28). NEXT WEEK: The biggest game of the year – on the road against No. 12 Lakeland (9/4).

9. DeLand (6A, 1-0). It wasn’t pretty, but a 35-34 road opener against No. 24 Lake Wales is a win that you will take any day! THIS WEEK: It’s national powerhouse St. Frances Academy, Maryland at home (8/28). NEXT WEEK: Off.

10. Gainesville Buchholz (5A, 1-0). Going on the road against a top program like Ocala Vanguard is never easy, but the Bobcats came away with a 34-28 overtime thriller. THIS WEEK: Home game against longtime rival Gainesville (8/28). NEXT WEEK: Another road trip across town to play Gainesville Eastside (9/4).

11. Seffner Armwood (5A, 1-0). The Hawks won another season opener against a competitive Ruskin Lennard squad, 17-7. THIS WEEK: A road trip to Ramsey, New Jersey to take on the always competitive Don Bosco Prep squad (8/28). NEXT WEEK: They will stay on the road to play at nearby Plant City (9/4).

12. Lakeland (5A, 1-0). The Dreadnaughts opened the season on the road with a 47-0 win against longtime rival Lakeland Kathleen. THIS WEEK: Off. NEXT WEEK: The home opener will be a huge one against No. 8 Venice (9/4).

13. Jacksonville Raines (3A, 1-0). The defending state champions opened with a big road win against Orange Park Oakleaf, 21-7. THIS WEEK: The Vikings have their home opener against Baldwin (8/28). NEXT WEEK: The first key contest of the season will come on the road against No. 28 Jacksonville Ed White (9/4).

14. Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (3A, 0-0). The defending state champions opened the season at home with a big victory against Tampa Berkeley Prep, 39-21. THIS WEEK: Defending state champion No. 18 West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman at home (8/28). NEXT WEEK: A trip to south Florida to play against Miami True North Classical Academy (9/4).

15. Miami Christopher Columbus (6A, 1-0). The new look Explorers rolled to a 45-7 win against Miami Southridge. THIS WEEK: National power Las Vegas Bishop Gorman in the Broward County National Showcase who will come in as the No. 1 team in the country (8/29). NEXT WEEK: A road game against No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (9/4).

16. Miami Palmetto (6A, 1-0). The Panthers opened the season in the “Big Cat” contest with a win against longtime rival Miami Killian, 35-0. THIS WEEK: A home game against Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (8/28). NEXT WEEK: On the road to play against Miami Southridge (9/4).

17. Orlando Edgewater (6A, 1-0). The Eagles made a bid to grab the top spot in central Florida with a convincing 34-6 win against Ocoee. THIS WEEK: The home opener against a dangerous Orlando The First Academy (8/28). NEXT WEEK: Another home game against Windermere (9/4).

18. West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (2A, 1-0). The defending state champion Crusaders opened the season with a 37-7 win against the Community School of Naples. THIS WEEK: At No. 14 Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (9/4). NEXT WEEK: (9/11) At Fort Pierce John Carroll.

19. Jacksonville Mandarin (5A, 1-0). The Mustangs opened the season with a 38-21 win over Hollywood McArthur in the Broward County National Football Showcase. THIS WEEK: At Jacksonville Atlantic Coast (8/28). NEXT WEEK: Off.

20. Port Charlotte (4A, 1-0). The Pirates flexed some muscle as one of the top 4A programs with a 63-26 win against Cape Coral. THIS WEEK: At No. 23 Clearwater Central Catholic (8/28). NEXT WEEK: Orlando The First Academy (9/4).

21. St. Augustine (4A, 1-0). The Yellow Jackets looked sharp in an opening-night win against Palatka, 49-0. THIS WEEK: Ponte Vedra Nease (8/28). NEXT WEEK: At St. Augustine Menendez (9/4).

22. Miami Northwestern (4A, 1-0). The Bulls went on the road to play a tough St. Petersburg Lakewood team and came away with a 20-18 win. THIS WEEK: It’s the “Soul Bowl” and a date with Miami Jackson (8/27). NEXT WEEK: At Hialeah (9/4).

23. Clearwater Central Catholic (2A, 1-0). It wasn’t easy, but the Marauders came away with 28-24 decision against a solid No. 30 Palmetto team. THIS WEEK: No. 20 Port Charlotte (8/28). NEXT WEEK: Off.

24. Lake Wales (4A, 0-1). Even though they lost to No. 9 DeLand, 35-34, you can guarantee that the Highlanders will still be one of the top programs in the state. THIS WEEK: At Sebring (8/28). NEXT WEEK: At Winter Haven (9/4).

25. Tampa Carrollwood Day (1A, 1-0). The Patriots may have had the most impressive opening night game in the state, knocking off previous Top 30 program Eau Gallie, 41-7. THIS WEEK: At New Port Richey River Ridge (8/28). NEXT WEEK: St. Petersburg Northside Christian (9/4).

26. Fort Myers Dunbar (4A, 1-0). The Fightin’ Tigers, after an impressive off season, rolled to a 70-0 win in their season-opener against Fort Myers Cypress Lake. THIS WEEK: At North Fort Myers (8/28). NEXT WEEK: Cape Coral (9/3).

27. Tampa Bay Tech (5A, 1-0). The Titans opened the season with a convincing 27-6 win against Lakeland Lake Gibson. THIS WEEK: At Riverview Sumner (8/28). NEXT WEEK: Tampa Jefferson (9/4).

28. Jacksonville Ed White (4A, 1-0). The Commanders jumped into the spotlight with an exciting 42-40 overtime win against previously ranked Top 30 team Jacksonville Trinity Christian. THIS WEEK: Off. NEXT WEEK: A big one against No. 13 defending state champion Jacksonville Raines (9/4).

29. Plantation American Heritage (4A, 0-1). The two-time defending state champions got off to rough start at home, losing to No. 6 West Boca Raton, 24-7. THIS WEEK: A huge contest at home in the Broward County National Football Showcase against East St. Louis, Illinois (8/28). NEXT WEEK: Another battle with No. 3 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (9/4).

(TIE) 30. Lake City Columbia (4A, 1-0). The Tigers went on the road and stunned previous Top 30 defending state runner up Jacksonville Bolles, 20-19. THIS WEEK: A home game against a very competitive St. Petersburg Lakewood (8/28). NEXT WEEK: Another home game against the always dangerous Madison County Cowboys (9/4).

Palmetto (5A, 0-1). The Tigers dropped a tough opening-night contest against a very competitive No. 23 Clearwater Central Catholic squad, 28-24. THIS WEEK: A trip down to the Conch Republic to take on Key West (8/28). NEXT WEEK: A home game against an impressive Sarasota Riverview (9/4).

KEEP AN EYE ON:
1A

Blountstown (1-0)

Community School of Naples (0-1)

Fort Pierce John Carroll (1-0)

Hawthorne (1-0)

Jacksonville Trinity Christian (0-1)

Lakeland Christian (1-0)

Madison County (1-0)

Miami True North (0-0)

Naples St. John Neumann (1-0)

Pahokee (1-0)

St. Petersburg Catholic (1-0)

Jacksonville University Christian (1-0)

2A   

Boca Raton Saint Andrew’s (0-1)

Cocoa (0-1)

Jacksonville Bolles (0-1)

Miami Immaculata LaSalle (1-0)

North Miami Beach (1-0)

Orlando The First Academy (1-0)

Pensacola Catholic (1-0)

Starke Bradford County (1-0)

St. Petersburg Lakewood (0-1)

Tallahassee Florida High (1-0)

Tampa Berkeley Prep (0-1)

3A

Belle Glade Glades Central (0-1)

Brooksville Nature Coast Tech (1-0)

Crawfordville Wakulla (1-0)

Eau Gallie (0-1)

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (1-0)

Fort Lauderdale Dillard (1-0)

Gainesville Eastside (0-1)

Jacksonville Bishop Kenny (1-0)

Merritt Island (1-0)

Santa Rosa Beach South Walton (1-0)

Tampa Chamberlain (0-1)   

Tampa Jefferson (0-1)

The Villages Charter (1-0)   

Titusville (1-0)

4A

Delray Beach Atlantic (1-0)

Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee (0-1)

Hollywood McArthur (0-1)

Jensen Beach (0-1)

Lynn Haven Mosley (1-0)

Miami Norland (1-0)

Middleburg (1-0)  

Milton (0-1)

Naples (0-1)

Ocala Vanguard (0-1)

Orlando Bishop Moore (0-1)

Orlando Jones (0-1)

Tallahassee Godby (1-0)

Tallahassee Lincoln (1-0)

Tallahassee Rickards (0-1)

Tampa Jesuit (1-0)

Zephyrhills (0-1)  

5A

Auburndale (0-0)

Bradenton Manatee (0-1)

Clermont East Ridge (1-0)             

Coconut Creek (1-0)

Coconut Creek Monarch (0-1)

Fort Myers Riverdale (1-0)

Groveland South Lake (0-1)

Kissimmee Osceola (0-1)

Melbourne (1-0)                        

Miami Southridge (0-1)

Niceville (0-1)

Orlando Evans (0-1)      

Oviedo (0-1)

Pace (1-0)

Ponte Vedra (0-1)

Ponte Vedra Nease (0-1)

Riverview Sumner (1-0)

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (0-0)

Orange Park Oakleaf (0-1)

Tampa Gaither (1-0)

Trinity Mitchell (1-0)            

Wesley Chapel Wiregrass Ranch (0-1)

6A

Daytona Beach Mainland (0-1)

Fort Pierce Central (1-0)      

Lake Mary (0-0)

Orlando Lake Nona (1-0)

Pembroke Pines West Broward (0-0)

Port Orange Spruce Creek (1-0)

Ruskin Lennard (0-1)

Sanford Seminole (1-0)

Sarasota Riverview (1-0)

St. Cloud (1-0)

Wellington Palm Beach Central (1-0)  

Weston Cypress Bay (1-0)

Winter Garden West Orange (1-0)   

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..

Week 1 Florida State Football Rankings: St. Thomas Aquinas Is The One. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-1-state-football-rankings-st-thomas-aquinas-is-the-one