When first year head coach Robert Ortega took his team to the Football Hotbed Media Day in Deerfield Beach last Saturday, he knew the questions would come from the reporters and recruiting services on hand.

After years as an assistant at Davie Western, Ortega decided to leave and head back to where it all began as a student/athlete at Hollywood’s McArthur High.

What he has done since leaving high school – where he was a standout defensive lineman - Ortega has indeed blazed a trail that has watched him coach, teach and develop young talent at the youth level and in high school – as well as being a force on the off-season national 7-on-7 circuit.

His return to hi alma mater has watched him surround himself with elite talent that he has been around for several years – including his son, Robert Jr., who has not only made dad proud as a tremendous football talent, who has played at the varsity level since the 8^th grade, but also has gotten it done in the classroom, where Ivy League programs have been looking to get him on campus.

While questions surrounded his players, Saturday was also about how his team stacks up with a challenging schedule and more than competitive Class 5A, which includes six-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.

Hollywood McArthur Mustangs

HEAD COACH: Robert Ortega

DISTRICT: 15-5A

2024 RECORD: 2-8

2025 SCHEDULE

8/29 – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

9/5 - @Miramar

9/12 - @Weston Cypress Bay

9/19 – Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

9/26 – Hollywood Hills

10/3 - @Deerfield Beach

10/11 - @Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson

10/17 – Fort Lauderdale

10/24 – South Plantation

10/31 - @Miramar Everglades

MUSTANGS SHINE AT MEDIA DAY:

With head coach Robert Ortega bringing players to the Football Hotbed Media Day, the Mustangs had the chance to showcase some quality talent. Here is a look at those players that spoke:

2027 – Jaylyn Jones, DB, 6’0, 182 – Top Prospect In The State. University of Miami Commitment. Davie Western Transfer.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19945180/Jaylyn-Jones

2026 - Brandon Lattimore Jr., LB, 6’0, 218 – 4.0 GPA. Miami Jackson Transsfer.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17633760/Brandon-Latimore-Jr

Marek Marcellus, DB, 6’0,185 – 3.5 GPA. Western Transfer.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13059825/Marek-Marcellus

2026 – Robert Ortega Jr., RB/Slot, 5’7, 175 – 4.1 GPA. Will Be A Five-Year Varsity Performer.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18274649/677f01b3002acf25bc553d15

2026 - Troy Smith, OL, 6’4, 270.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22511192/Troy-Smith

2026 - J.T. Turner, DT, 6’2, 297 – 3.0 GPA. Fort Lauderdale Dillard Transfer.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18707262/JT-Turner

2027 - Khamarian Young, WR, 6’0 175. Several major offers. Top junior prospect.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20363038/Khamarian-Young

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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..

It was no secret that the 7-5 season that veteran head coach Matt Dubuc and his Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs put together was indeed a disappointment.

For most programs winning a district title is usually enough, but this program is not your ordinary team that counts moral victories as a success. This coaching staff still has championship pedigree – three state titles in a five year period, and after an off year, this team is back.

Loaded with quality players on both sides of the ball, competing in Class 2A, they are one of the favorites to perhaps reach the state finals in December, and while there are many obstacles along the way, you can see why there is plenty of optimism.

At the recent Football Hotbed Media Day, questions were asked about Miami Booker T. Washington, Miami Carol City, Miami Gardens, Miami Immaculata LaSalle, North Miami Beach, Starke Bradford County, Jacksonville Bolles, Sarasota Cardinal Mooney, Havana Gadsden County and three-time defending state champion Cocoa as teams who are among the best in the class, but when all was said and done, there is a belief that this is the year this program returns to the elite.

With a challenging schedule – highlighted by the Broward County National Showcase opener against competitive 4A Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy – and including 6A Pembroke Pines West Broward, 5A Miramar and national 1A powerhouse Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, this will be an exciting 2025 season. 

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs

HEAD COACH: Matt Dubuc

DISTRICT: 13-2A

2024 RECORD: 7-5

2025 SCHEDULE

8/21 – Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy

8/29 - @Hollywood South Broward

9/5 - @Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian

9/11 – Pembroke Pines West Broward

9/20 - @Coconut Creek

10/3 – Hallandale

10/10 - @Deerfield Beach

10/16 - @Boca Raton

10/24 – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

10/31 – Miramar

MEDIA DAY BRINGS OUT TALENT

With assistant head coach Dave Montiel bringing players to the Football Hotbed Media Day, the Chiefs had the chance to showcase some quality talent. Here is a look at those players that attended:

2026 - Jaylon Ammons, CB/FS, 5’11, 185 – 3.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22593317/Jaylon-Ammons?.

2027 - Joey Cammarata, DT, 6’0, 265 – 3.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20538522/Joseph-Cammarata

2026 - Brandon Clarke, S, 5’11, 180 – 4.8 GPA. National Honor Society. Track & Field.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17975176/Brandon-Clarke

2026 - Landon Martin, TE/MLB, 6’0, 215 – 4.1 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18294497/Landon-Martin

2026 - Andrew MacDonald, DE, 6’5, 230 – 4.8 GPA. 31 ACT.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19248070/Andrew-Macdonald

2026 - Preston Stebbins, FS/CB, 5’9, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18568676/Preston-Stebbins

2026 - Jayden Torres, QB, 6’2, 195. 2,800 Offensive Yards. First Team All-County. One of the best in the state.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17698875/Jayden-Torres

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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 Monday night the South Florida High School Sports Radio Show took center stage with seven impressive guests.

Each and every week, the AM 560 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 coaches and players in all sports.

Here is a look at the way Monday went:

Weston Cypress Bay senior offensive lineman Ben Gula made his decision where he will head off to college next year and the University of Colorado was the winner. He talked about his decision.

BEN GULA ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/ben-gula-cypress-bay-ol-university-of-colorado-commit-072f9

The University of Central Florida opened the second Scott Frost era with plenty of questions as they face another challenging Big 12 season. Brandon Helwig from Rivals.com and @On3sports talked Knights.

BRANDON HELWIG ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/brandon-helwig-ucf-football-for-on-3-sports-rivals-network-aa3b8

Coach Chris Yeargin joined the show to talk about Coconut Creek’s chances this season with a competitive schedule and some key returning players. We found out which Cougars would make an impact.

CHRIS YEARGIN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coconut-creek-football-head-coach-chris-yeargin-0bc0d

So many questions need to be answered this season as the University of Miami revamped the roster and defensive coaching staff. What players are going to make the biggest impact? Geo Millian filled everyone in.

GEO MILLIAN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/geo-millian-miami-hurricanes-football-619d5

Tyronn Johnson is the new head football coach at Miami Norland and he talked about the new faces and what departing head coach Darryl Heidelburg meant to the program over the years.

COACH TYRONN JOHNSON ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/miami-norland-head-coach-tyronn-johnson-398c5

 Can Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, Miami Northwestern, Plantation American Heritage and Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas repeat as state champions? Those are some of the things that veteran Miami Herald journalist Andre Fernandez talked about.

ANDRE FERNANDEZ ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/andre-fernandez-miami-herald-1b34c

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MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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..

DEERFIELD BEACH – Roger Harriott brought his six-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders. Dylan Potts traveled from West Boca Raton with his defending 6A state champion Bulls. Mike Smith came from Plantation with his defending 4A state champion American Heritage Patriots. The Miami Northwestern and the defending 3A state champion Bulls were there.

The Fourth Annual Hotbed Football Media Day attracted some of the best teams and talent in Miami-Dade, Broward & Palm Beach Counties were on hand to kick off the 2025 season.

Media from all over the region came out to talk with players and coaches about the upcoming season – as prospects, who are rated locally, statewide and nationally had the opportunity to tell everyone what they did in the off-season.

“This is a new year,” said Smith about his American Heritage team that returns some quality talent. “Last year was last year, but our schedule is very challenging, and we have some positions to fill.”

With the kickoff classics getting started the week of August 11^th and the 2025 season starting the week after, the champions are out to show that they continue to dominate – while those who came close last year believe that they can finish the job this coming year.

Miami Christopher Columbus and veteran head coach Dave Dunn came close last year, dropping the 7A state semifinal game on the road to eventual champion Venice. While he has several positions to fill, he believes that this team has the chance to be special.

“We have a quality schedule, and the players have worked very hard to give us another shot at reaching the state title game,” Dunn said. “But before we can think about that, we have to worry about the teams we play in the regular season.”

Miami Southridge and head coach Pierre Senatus came ever so close to getting to the 6A state title game after dropping a state semifinal on the road to eventual state champions West Boca Raton. The Spartans have been very busy this off-season and are up to the challenge.

“Our players and coaches still think about that loss, and it has driven them over the past nine months,” he explained. “We have the talent and know that we must take one game at a time.”

Speaking about 6A, Coconut Creek Monarch (Coach Calvin Davis), Pembroke Pines West Broward (Coach Brian McCartney), and Sunrise Piper (Coach Quinten Short) all were in the mix in that competitive classification, and all are ready to make a run.

“We have one of the toughest schedules we have ever had,” said Davis. “Before we start thinking about the post season, we have some impressive opponents to worry about.”

Davis and the Knight, McCartney and his Bobcats and Short and his Bengals are also part of the impressive opening week of the season – the Broward County National Showcase.

Monarch will play Florida 2A power Jacksonville Bolles, West Broward will have national power Corner Canyon of Draper, Utah, and Piper will host Peachtree Ridge of Georgia, who makes a return to the prestigious event.

“Great opportunity for our players and coaches to be a part of this event,” McCartney said. “Our schedule is one of the toughest we have ever had, and that is the way we wanted it to be.”

In addition to Monarch, West Broward and Piper, St. Thomas Aquinas (will play No. 1 Mater Dei, California), American Heritage (national power Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep) and Fort Lauderdale Dillard (Orlando Dr. Phillips) will also take part in the three-day showcase.

“It’s an honor to play in an event like this,” said Short. “After winning 10 games last year, I believe our players and coaches deserved the opportunity.”

Media Day also attracted other schools who have high hopes as the season is set to begin. Programs that are on the rise and have worked very hard over the past seven to eight months.

“We want to bring in the top schools to this media day every year,” said Football Hotbed CEO Brandon Odoi. “We had plenty of media and recruiting sites on hand who had the chance to give these players, coaches and teams plenty of exposure.”

Among the other schools coming from Miami-Dade County were Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (7A), Miami True North (1A), Homestead (5A), Miami Killian (2A), North Miami (5A), Doral Academy (6A), Miami Norland (4A), and Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (2A).

Broward schools that came out were Weston Cypress Bay (7A), Plantation (4A), Coconut Creek (5A), Davie Western (7A), Hollywood McArthur (5A), Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2A), Pembroke Pines Flanagan (6A), and Fort Lauderdale University School (Independent).

Palm Beach was not left out of the mix as Royal Palm Beach and Delray Beach Atlantic joined West Boca Raton.

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

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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..