In a week when the rest of the state was getting ready for the post season, the Sunshine State Athletic Association’s (SSAA) 11-man division took some of the spotlight this past Friday night.
As Miami Florida Christian and Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace clashed in an independent playoff game, it was time for some of the players and teams to get their piece of the high school football playoff pie.
As the season winds down for Miami-Dade and Broward County football teams, it was time for the Patriots and head coach Gio Montano to make a splash.
Their 17-7 victory over the Spartans moves this program on to the South Semifinals against Jupiter Christian this week.
Led by a strong defense, and over 100 yards and two touchdowns from junior running back Cordell Gibson, Florida Christian continued its climb toward a state title.
“We talk about something inside of us that’s strong,” Montano said. “All Glory to God at the end of the day. “It’s an awesome feeling and I’m proud of these guys, but we’re not done yet. They’re trusting the process and the coaches and they’re balling out right now.”
This is a program that has used a mix of talent all year. Among the seniors include Tavarus Greene (WR/FS), Amir Wright (CB/WR), Esteban LaLuz (RB/SS), Curtis Barley (OLB/FS) and Rylen Zamora (TE/OL).
While Gibson leads the way in the 2028 class, he is not alone. There are also Aiden Perez (WR/DB), Nathaniel Escoto (LB/FB), Isaiah Williams (SS/RB), Gabriel Reina (OLB/TE), Julian Garcia (OLB/TE), Adrian Mora (OL/DL) and Noah Bencid (DL).
Sophomores Izeah Rizo (QB), freshmen Jeremiah Cadavieco (DL/RB) and Brandon Morgan (DB) and versatile eighth grader Alberto Estevez Jr. have also done their job.
MIAMI FLORIDA CHRISTIAN PATRIOTS
West Palm Beach The King’s Academy, L 20-14
Miami Braddock, W 42-0
Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest, W 24-17
Miami Beach, L 23-7
Riviera Beach Inlet Grove, W 47-14
Pompano Beach NextGen Prep, W 41-6
Miami Belen Jesuit, W 28-8
Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy, W 33-15
Tampa Cambridge Christian, W 35-7
Marco Island Academy, W 56-0
Fort Lauderdale NSU University School, W 49-14
11/6 – Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, W 17-7
11/14 – Jupiter Christian
Other action involving south Florida teams this past week were:
Calvary Christian (Fort Lauderdale) 31, Hardee County (Wauchula) 14
Coral Shores (Tavernier) 41, Bayside (Palm Bay) 28
Jupiter Christian 35, Out-of-Door (Sarasota) 12
North Broward Prep (Coconut Creek) 36, Somerset Canyons (Boynton Beach) 16
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 56 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein), Instagram (OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
It was a decision that was made with mixed emotions.
One of south Florida’s longtime football powers, Monsignor Pace, who had been regarded as one of the top programs for decades made the move to become an independent team and a member of the Sunshine State Athletic Association.
A program that has produced more than its share of talented athletes through the years found itself not being able to match up with many of the teams on its schedule – and with the landscape of this region of the state watching players transfer in record numbers, it was time for head coach Anthony Walker Sr. and his program to take a step back and start to compete against teams with rosters that matchup with what they had.
While the move was not one that would be permanent, it was made with plenty of hesitation, but with the understanding that the Spartans would be able to gain some traction and build toward what they have been in the past.
Tonight, this team that had struggled the past few seasons, will be on the road, playing in the post season with an 8-3 record moving on to the second round against a 9-2 Florida Christian team that has been doing what Pace is doing – rebuild and reload.
When they these two teams meet at 7:00 on the campus of Florida Christian, it will be a battle of two very talented and well coached teams, looking to move a step closer to winning an SSAA title, and in the process making a splash on the football field.
For the Spartans, this is a young team with sophomores such as Menage Triana (WR/TE), Hanley Perdomo (RB), Azion Gracia (WR) and La’kayvian Simmons (DT).
The Spartans also boast juniors Mykei Wade (WR/S), Akari Orr (LB) and Jaden Hernandez (QB).
Seniors have also contributed as well – with Jayden Govender (WR/SS), Jordan Fernandez (QB), Jayden Gummer (LB), Legend Walters (DE) and Immanuel Simmons (CB/WR).
MIAMI GARDENS MONSIGNOR PACE SPARTANS
Riviera Beach Inlet Grove, W 63-0
Naples St. John Neumann, L 24-14
Hialeah, W 41-0
North Miami Beach, W 21-7
Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, L 21-7
Doral Academy, W 14-0
North Broward Somerset Prep, W 48-0
Miami Booker T. Washington, W 20-12
Naples Lely, W 44-7
Miami Immaculata LaSalle, L 41-9
Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy, W 42-3
11/6 - @ Miami Florida Christian
THE PATRIOTS ARE STACKED WITH PROSPECTS AS WELL
Check the season for Florida Christian and you will see playmakers on both sides of the ball for head coach Gio Montano and his team.
Among the seniors include Tavarus Greene (WR/FS), Amir Wright (CB/WR), Esteban LaLuz (RB/SS), Curtis Barley (OLB/FS) and Rylen Zamora (TE/OL).
The junior class is led by standout Codell Gibson (RB/LB), but also features Aiden Perez (WR/DB), Nathaniel Escoto (LB/FB), Isaiah Williams (SS/RB), Gabriel Reina (OLB/TE), Julian Garcia (OLB/TE), Adrian Mora (OL/DL) and Noah Bencid (DL).
Sophomore Izeah Rizo (QB), freshmen Jeremiah Cadavieco (DL/RB) and Brandon Morgan (DB) and versatile eighth grader Alberto Estevez Jr. have also done their job.
MIAMI FLORIDA CHRISTIAN PATRIOTS
West Palm Beach The King’s Academy, L 20-14
Miami Braddock, W 42-0
Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest, W 24-17
Miami Beach, L 23-7
Riviera Beach Inlet Grove, W 47-14
Pompano Beach NextGen Prep, W 41-6
Miami Belen Jesuit, W 28-8
Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy, W 33-15
Tampa Cambridge Christian, W 35-7
Marco Island Academy, W 56-0
Fort Lauderdale NSU University School, W 49-14
11/6 – Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace
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..
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 to Wednesday night this week - brought to you courtesy of University of Miami Health Sports Medicine.
Each week, the program attracts the newsmakers in high school sports, recruiting college sports – not only locally, but throughout the country.
The show gives listeners an opportunity to hear about college football programs statewide from the media that cover them. It also focuses on the coaches who use the state of Florida – Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in particular.
The program, which has been run for nearly two decades and has been rated as one of the top programs of its kind has become a popular listen for recruiting fans as well as high school sports purists, focusing on high sports and the newsmakers.
Here is a look at the way Wednesday night went:
When the Crib Classic All-Star Game is held on December 20th at McArthur High School, it will include players from Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast. It will also feature some of the top 8th graders and girls’ flag football prospects. Jose Duasso, one of the founders of the event talked about how this year-round organization impacts south Florida communities.
JOSE DUASSO ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/raw-ceo-jose-duasso-2bf0a
Jordan Budwig has played the game of football at a high level and as a lineman, who spends time teaching and building character and faith, his 5 Star Studs organization has found it important to add youngsters 9-15 to the 5v5 competition. This coming January and February, there will be four regular season events plus a championship across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Polk Counties will compete.
JORDAN BUDWIG ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT.
When Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace takes to the field on Friday at Florida Christian in Miami, the Spartans will be after their second playoff win in the Sunshine State Athletic Association. Head Coach Anthony Walker Sr. talked about the opportunity as an independent team to play in the post season.
COACH ANTHONY WALKER ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/football-head-coach-anthony-walker-miami-monsignor-pace-d0a07
When the No. 1 University of Miami football team heads to South Bend, Indiana on Saturday night to take on Notre Dame, the Hurricanes will be without the best offensive player in the country, Malachi Toney, who is out for the season with an injury. But this is a team with a lot of playmakers and will have to step up. Alex Donno from the Locked On Canes Podcast talked about the contest and the potential life without their biggest offensive threat.
ALEX DONNO ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/alex-donno-host-of-locked-on-canes-podcast-32590
The inaugural “Open Division” final eight teams will not be final until Friday, but with the Max Preps computer calling the shots, there is a feeling about the teams who will be expected to compete for the grand prize. Andy Villamarzo from Rivals.com/On3 and has talked about this and the state playoffs for quite some time and shared his thoughts.
ANDY VILLAMARZO ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/rivalscom-national-high-school-sports-reporter-andy-villamarzo-e50d3
Trying to navigate the waters of south Florida high school football is never easy – and this year will not be any easier as the brackets are set to be revealed this Friday. Andre Fernandez has been around long enough to know that everything has to play out and he broke things down.
ANDRE FERNANDEZ ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/high-school-football-analyst-andre-fernandez-64ad5
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..
For much of the past five decades, we have catered to college coaches and football fans by offering up a weekly scoreboard.
This is a service we have long provided – contacting coaching and athletic directors to bring you the most accurate scoreboard possible.
Because we understand that there is a need to follow teams and players to see how they are doing, we continue to give you scores – in alphabetical order so they are easier to follow.
Remember, we continue to be a source for football prospects and teams YEAR-ROUND – unlike other places who take months away from their total coverage.
If you have scores that we may not list – or changes – please contact us via e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Our objective is to get the scores right – and not necessarily first!
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6
Bell Creek (Riverview) 16, Riverview Academy 10
Calvary Christian (Fort Lauderdale) 31, Hardee County (Wauchula) 14
City of Life (Kissimmee) 26, Geneva Classical (Lakeland) 8
Coral Shores (Tavernier) 41, Bayside (Palm Bay) 28
Duval Charter (Jacksonville) 35, Bishop Snyder (Jacksonville) 7
Episcopal (Jacksonville) 34, Seffner Christian 24
Florida Christian (Miami) 17, Monsignor Pace (Miami Gardens) 7
Interlachen 35, Dixie County (Cross City) 14
Jupiter Christian 35, Out-of-Door (Sarasota) 12
Keswick Christian (St. Petersburg) 37, Seven Rivers Christian (Lecanto) 6
Liberty County (Bristol) 48, Branford 9
Merritt Island Christian 51, Bradenton Christian 50
Maclay (Tallahassee) 80, Christ’s Church (Jacksonville) 42
North Broward Prep (Coconut Creek) 36, Somerset Canyons (Boynton Beach) 16
Oxbridge Academy (West Palm Beach) 22, Glades Day (Belle Glade) 21
SLAM Tampa 39, First Academy (Leesburg) 21
St. Francis Catholic (Gainesville) 41, Lakeside Christian (Clearwater) 7
St. Stephen’s (Bradenton) 29, St. Edward’s (Vero Beach) 6
The King’s Academy (West Palm Beach) 37, Satellite 0
Union County (Lake Butler) 28, Paxon (Jacksonville) 21
West Nassau (Callahan) 41, Fernandina Beach 15
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4
Baker 42, Port St. Joe 7
Blountstown 34, Northview (Century) 6
Choctawhatchee (Fort Walton Beach) 49, Fort Walton Beach 13
Crystal River 44, Central (Brooksville) 14
Davenport 26, Ridge Community (Davenport) 6
Dunnellon 26, Belleview 20
Father Lopez (Daytona Beach) 25, Lake Highland Prep (Orlando) 16
Holmes County (Bonifay) 26, Bozeman (Panama City) 6
Lecanto 37, Leesburg 8
Marianna 24, Jay 20
Mosley (Lynn Haven) 48, Arnold (Panama City Beach) 7
North Bay Haven (Pensacola) 34, Rutherford (Panama City) 27
Pahokee 34, Melbourne Central Catholic 22
Pace 30, Niceville 25
Palmetto 38, Winter Park 20
Park Vista (Lake Worth) 51, Nova (Davie) 17
Rickards (Tallahassee) 41, Leon (Tallahassee) 7
Walton (DeFuniak Springs) 52, Destin 16
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3
Apopka 48, Timber Creek (Orlando) 14
Benjamin (North Palm Beach) 7, Somerset Prep (North Lauderdale) 0
Clay (Green Cove Springs) 28, Fleming Island 5
Escambia (Pensacola) 30, Gulf Breeze 0
Evans (Orlando) 6, Edgewater (Orlando) 3
Foundation Academy (Winter Garden) 28, Cornerstone Charter (Orlando) 15
Hagerty (Oviedo) 20, New Smyrna Beach 15
Middleburg 15, Orange Park 13
Milton 14, Booker T. Washington (Pensacola) 12
Nature Coast (Brooksville) 40, Citrus (Inverness) 6
Ocoee 21, Boone (Orlando) 13
Pine Forest (Pensacola) 40, Pensacola 0
South Walton (Santa Rosa Beach) 28, West Florida (Pensacola) 0
Tate (Cantonment) 55, Navarre 7
MONDAY, OCTOBER 2
Cardinal Newman (West Palm Beach) 13, West Broward (Pembroke Pines) 0
Week 1 Scoreboard. https://larryblustein.com/news/florida-state-high-school-football-scoreboard-week-1
Week 2 Scoreboard. https://larryblustein.com/news/florida-state-high-school-football-scoreboard-week-2
Week 3 Scoreboard. https://larryblustein.com/news/florida-state-high-school-football-scoreboard-week-3
Week 4 Scoreboard. https://larryblustein.com/news/florida-state-high-school-football-scoreboard-week-4
Week 5 Scoreboard. https://larryblustein.com/news/florida-state-high-school-football-scoreboard-week-5
Week 6 Scoreboard. https://larryblustein.com/news/florida-state-high-school-football-scoreboard-week-6
Week 7. Scoreboard. https://larryblustein.com/news/florida-state-high-school-football-scoreboard-week-7
Week 8 Scoreboard. https://larryblustein.com/news/florida-state-high-school-football-scoreboard-week-8
Week 9 Scoreboard. https://larryblustein.com/news/florida-state-high-school-football-scoreboard-week-10
Week 10 Scoreboard. https://larryblustein.com/news/florida-state-high-school-football-scoreboard-week-11
Week 11 Scoreboard. https://larryblustein.com/news/florida-state-high-school-football-scoreboard-week-12
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 it comes to producing edge rushers and outside linebackers who are known to get after quarterbacks, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties have long been home to some elite players.
Look on collegiate and NFL rosters for decades and you will see difference makers who started on youth fields across the two counties and then went on to impact high school teams.
When college coaches head south for the spring, they have long looked for receivers and defensive backs, but that is all changing and other positions are being added – including defensive ends and edge rushers.
As the regular season comes to an end and we start the state playoffs, several prospects from the #305 and #954 are among the top sack leaders in the state.
Here is a look at the players that college coaches are watching in 2026:
2027 - Dashaun Collins, DE, Miami Killian – 22 sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/25521640/6a900f5fe945d1cb43dfedf8
2028 - Tristen Bennett, DE, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely – 17 sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/30596419/Tristen-Bennett
2027 - Reginald “R.J.” Wayne, Davie Western – 16 sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22496309/RJ-Wayne
2028 - Dwayne Davis, DE/LB, Hollywood South Broward – 15.5 sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/27017659/Dwayne-Davis
2027 - Thor Hwasta, OLB, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep – 15 sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26283973/Thor-Hwasta
2027 - Wyatt Smith, DE, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 14 sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20133523/Wyatt-Smith
2028 - Meshi Dobson, DE, Weston Cypress Bay – 13 sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/25526973/Meshi-Dobson
2028 - Malik Quattara, DE, Coral Gables – 13 sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19956003/Malick-Ouattara
2027 - Edwardo Thompson, DT, Miami Central 13 sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19747559/691909021e12c59908cd1d47
2027 - Devon Germeille, DE, Weston Cypress Bay – 13 sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20795020/Devon-Germeille
2028 - Zaid Tovio-Garcia, DE, Miami Killian – 13 sacks.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26477948/Zaid-Tovio-Garcia
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: Floridakids1@aol.com.