While we have just a few weeks left in the 2026 season for some programs in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, there are still gifted prospects doing their thing on the football field.
With so many talented players who are competing every week, it is not easy to shine a spotlight on all of them.
While we are fortunate to see more prospects live than most – during the course of a year – even we don’t have the chance to watch every player in this impressive two-county area.
Because we post more player information – year-round in every class – at least we give some exposure to prospects that normally wouldn’t have that chance to make an impact.
Whether it’s a camp, combine, practice, game or one of the many 7-on-7 events that are held, we have long provided that forum for these young man to shine.
Each week, we bring you several players that deserve the attention, and while we have the pleasure of doing this statewide, many prospects are put out there for colleges – as well as fans – to see.
Today, we have five players that we are helping to promote – as hundreds of colleges view what we post each day.
2027 – Deandre Leonard, WR/DB, 6’0, 170, Miami Gulliver Prep. One of the versatile prospects that we watched and talked about in the off season and he has certainly delivered as one of the top pass catchers and athletes. College coaches we talked with had been impressed with everything he brought to the table. His 3.5 grade point average in the classroom coupled with what he did as a prospect on the football field has been a winning combination.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19594334/Deandre-Leonard
2028 – Malick Ouattara, DE/DL, 6’2, 250, Coral Gables. After watching him perform early in the season, here was a player that we have followed all season. A solid underclass defensive line prospect who is talented, strong and has emerged as one of the top tacklers and sack specialists in Florida. His high school coaches spoke highly about his potential and college coaches who had the chance to watch his film were indeed impressed. Expect him to become one of the top players this off season.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19956003/Malick-Ouattara
2028 - Keion Thomas, LB, 6’1, 205, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna – 3.4 GPA. Track & Field. While he started out at Miami Central and his the brother of former Rocket and current NFL standout Keir Thomas, this is a gifted player who is making a name for himself. A talented playmaker who is part of a Lions’ squad that continues to improve on the defensive side of the ball. Look back at this season so far and you will see that this is someone who continues to make a major contribution. Another player who is getting college interest and will see it pickup during the post season. Has a very high ceiling and will continue to improve as he grows and matures.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26930433/Keion-Thomas
2027 – Reginald “R.J.” Wayne, Edge/OLB, 6’0, 210, Davie Western. Here is a gifted prospect that we started to watch in the off season as he took part in several events, followed him throughout the spring and into this season where his game has taken off. The son of former University of Miami and NFL standout receiver Reggie Wayne, this impressive young man is carving out his own success as a sack and tackling leader for a Wildcats’ team that has surprised everyone as a force in the competitive 6A classification.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22496309/RJ-Wayne
2027 - Volodymyr Yankevych, DT, 6’4, 265, Fort Lauderdale – 2.6 GPA. For someone who has not played the sport of football for that long, this is someone that does have a solid future. A super athletic two-way line performer, he has been a huge catalyst for the unbeaten Flying Ls. College coaches who have watched his tape – along with recruiting analysts that have watched him play live believe that this is someone who will play at the next level, continue to mature and learn and will one day blow up into an athletic big man who is quick, agile and very talented. Here is a name, while tougher to pronounce, that you will want to keep an eye on.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/30574429/Volodymyr-Yankevych
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..
We have reached the final two weeks of the regular season with more at stake than ever before.
As key district games will take place this week, the slotting for the inaugural Open Division are still up for grabs – with the elite programs already showing why they belong – with others right on the end of getting in.
No matter what the outcome of many games will be this coming week, there are so many contests that will keep fans busy in every corner of the state.
This has indeed been a very exciting season that has flown along fast.
With that said, we move into Week 10 – with key district games taking center stage and dictating where teams stand.
Here is a look at the Top 30 programs for Week 10 – with additional teams that have a chance to be special this year:
1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A, 8-0). The nation’s No. 1 team put it all together with a 71-20 win against Coconut Creek Monarch. THIS WEEK: A district contest against Pembroke Pines Flanagan. NEXT WEEK: The regular season comes to an end with a road game against Pembroke Pines West Broward (10/30).
2. Bradenton IMG Academy (Independent, 8-0). It wasn’t easy, and the game could have gone either way, but the Ascenders held on for a 42-40 win against NFL Academy. THIS WEEK: They will enjoy the week off. NEXT WEEK: A home game against Princeton, New Jersey’s Hun School.
3. Miami Christopher Columbus (6A, 8-1). The Explorers had little problem with No. 10 Miami Central in the Greater Miami Athletic Conference title game, 28-3. THIS WEEK: Another trip back to Traz Powell Stadium for a contest against Miami Northwestern. NEXT WEEK: The team will be off.
4. Jacksonville Raines (3A, 8-0). The defending state champions continue to roll along with a 48-0 win against Jacksonville Riverside. THIS WEEK: A road game at Cocoa (10/23). NEXT WEEK: Their annual regular season finale against longtime rival Jacksonville Ribault (10/31).
5. West Boca Raton (5A, 6-1). The Bulls and No. 17 Orlando The First Academy never finished their game and is scheduled to be finished on 11/3. THIS WEEK: The final district game of the year against Coconut Creek Monarch (10/22). NEXT WEEK: A home game against Delray Beach Atlantic (10/30).
6. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (2A, 6-2). The Lions had no problem with nearby Hollywood McArthur, 47-12. THIS WEEK: A makeup contest against Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (10/22). NEXT WEEK: A regular season finale on the road against Coconut Creek (10/30).
7. DeLand (6A, 7-1). The Bulldogs scored early and often in rolling over Tavares, 73-0. THIS WEEK: A road game against Daytona Beach Mainland (10/23). NEXT WEEK: A regular season finale at home against Boca Raton Spanish River (10/30).
8. Tampa Carrollwood Day (1A, 8-0). Despite not getting any respect statewide, the highest scoring team in the state had no problem with the Community School of Naples, 63-6. had the week off. THIS WEEK: A home district game against St. Petersburg Catholic (10/23). NEXT WEEK: The regular season comes to an end with a road game against No. 21 West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman in their toughest game of the season. (10/30).
9. Venice (6A, 8-1). The Indians wrapped up another district title with a 41-32 win against Sarasota Riverview. THIS WEEK: The regular season comes to an end with a home district game against North Port (10/23).
10. Miami Central (3A, 6-2). The Rockets were soundly beaten by No. 3 Miami Christopher Columbus, 28-3, in a game that was shortened due to weather. THIS WEEK: The final district game of the year, North Miami Beach (10/22). NEXT WEEK: The regular season comes to an end with a road game against Miami Carol City 10/30).
11. Seffner Armwood (5A, 7-1). The Hawks remained in the Open Division conversation with a 38-3 win against Valrico Bloomingdale. THIS WEEK: A home district game against Tampa Leto (10/23). NEXT WEEK: A road game against Tampa Jefferson (10/30).
12. Lake City Columbia (4A, 8-0). The Tigers continue to make believers with big wins against top competition – while other teams are resting on their record against lesser opponents. They had no problem with Jacksonville Ed White, 42-22. THIS WEEK: A home district contest against Yulee. NEXT WEEK: The regular season comes to an end with their annual matchup – at home – against Live Oak Suwannee (10/30).
13. Gainesville Buchholz (5A, 8-0). The Bobcats had this past week off. THIS WEEK: A home district game against Orange Park Oakleaf (10/23). NEXT WEEK: The regular season comes to an end – on the road against Jacksonville Bolles (10/30).
14. Lakeland (5A, 7-1). The Dreadnaughts continued to keep their slim “Open Division” hopes alive with a 40-7 district win against Bartow. THIS WEEK: They return home for their annual battle with Lake Gibson (10/22). NEXT WEEK: Another key home game against No. 17 Orlando The First Academy (10/30).
15. Vero Beach (6A, 7-1). The Indians had a well-deserved week off as they make a push for a post season playoff spot. THIS WEEK: A road district matchup in Port St. Lucie against Treasure Coast (10/23). NEXT WEEK: The regular season comes to an end with a road game against Eau Gallie (10/30).
16. Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (3A, 7-1). The defending state champions continue to pick up momentum with a 48-12 district road win against Bradenton Southeast. THIS WEEK: A road non-district game against Wellington Palm Beach Central (10/23). NEXT WEEK: The regular season comes to an end with a home game against Miami SmartEn Sports Academy (10/30).
17. Orlando The First Academy (2A, 6-1). The Royals and state-rated West Boca never finished their game due to bad weather but are scheduled to finish on 11/3. THIS WEEK: A home game against Ambassador Christian of Huntersville, North Carolina (10/23). NEXT WEEK: It’s on the road for a matchup with No. 14 Lakeland.
18. Lake Wales (4A, 6-1). The Highlanders enjoyed the week off to get ready for a stretch run. THIS WEEK: A home district contest against Lakeland Kathleen. (10/22). NEXT WEEK: A regular season finale at home against Bartow (10/30).
19. Jacksonville Mandarin (5A, 7-1). The Mustangs rolled to a 47-6 district win against St. Johns Beachside. THIS WEEK: A district showdown at home against St. Johns Bartram Trail (10/23). NEXT WEEK: A huge non district home contest against No. 20 St. Augustine (10/30).
20. St. Augustine (4A, 8-0). The Yellow Jackets had no problem with Orange Park in a district contest, 52-8. THIS WEEK: A home district contest against Fleming Island (10/23). NEXT WEEK: A big non district game against No. 19 Jacksonville Mandarin to close out the regular season (10/30).
21. West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (2A, 5-2). The defending 1A state champions had their game moved with Pembroke Pines West Broward to 11/2. THIS WEEK: A road district game against Boca Raton Saint Andrew’s. NEXT WEEK: A non-district home game against unbeaten 1A power No. 8 Tampa Carrollwood Day (10/30).
22. Tampa Bay Tech (5A, 8-1). The Titans had no problem with Tampa Leto in a district contest, 57-0. THIS WEEK: The regular season comes to an end with a road district game against Riverview Spoto.
23. Port Charlotte (4A, 5-2). The Pirates had a convincing district win against Cape Coral Mariner, 62-6. THIS WEEK: A district road game against Fort Myers (10/23). NEXT WEEK: A non-district rivalry game against Punte Gorda Charlotte (10/30).
24. Lynn Haven Mosley (4A, 7-0). The Dolphins stayed hot with a 49-14 win against Tallahassee Rickards. THIS WEEK: Another road district game against unbeaten Tallahassee Leon (10/23). NEXT WEEK: A road non-district contest against Panama City Bay (10/30).
25. Sanford Seminole (6A, 8-0). The Seminoles stayed unbeaten with a 43-0 win against Port Orange Spruce Creek. THIS WEEK: Another district road game against Altamonte Springs Lake Brantley (10/23). NEXT WEEK: A non-district contest against Oviedo (10/30).
26. Tampa Jesuit (4A, 6-1). The Tigers rolled to a district win against Tampa Freedom, 77-0. THIS WEEK: A road district contest against Tampa Hillsborough (10/23). NEXT WEEK: The regular season comes to an end with a non-district road game against Tampa Catholic (10/30).
27. Merritt Island (3A, 8-0). The Mustangs remained unbeaten with a convincing district win against Palm Bay, 56-12. THIS WEEK: A home district game against Rockledge (10/23). NEXT WEEK: The regular season comes to an end with a home non-district contest against Viera (10/30).
28. Starke Bradford County (2A, 9-0). The Tornadoes won a close contest against Jacksonville University Christian, 27-24. THIS WEEK: The regular season comes to an end with a home non-district matchup with Jacksonville Ed White (10/23).
29. Clearwater Central Catholic (2A, 6-2). The Marauders rebounded with a 31-0 win against Gulfport Boca Ciega, 31-0. THIS WEEK: A key district road game against St. Petersburg Lakewood (10/23). NEXT WEEK: The regular season comes to an end with a competitive matchup at home against Clearwater (10/30).
30. Weston Cypress Bay (6A, 8-0). The Lightening enters the top 30 after having the week off, but have a good chance of being a top seed when the start playoffs begin. THIS WEEK: A district home game against Doral Academy should clinch a title. NEXT WEEK: The regular season comes to an end with a home non-district against Oakland Park Northeast (10/30).
KEEP AN EYE ON:
1A
Blountstown (6-1)
Fort Pierce John Carroll (6-2)
Hawthorne (9-0)
Jacksonville Trinity Christian (4-4)
Jacksonville University Christian (5-3)
Lakeland Christian (7-0-1)
Madison County (4-4)
Melbourne Central Catholic (5-1)
Miami True North Classical Academy (4-3)
Naples First Baptist (6-1)
Naples St. John Neumann (7-1)
Pahokee (4-3)
St. Petersburg Catholic (5-3)
Wildwood (7-1)
2A
Boca Raton Saint Andrew’s (4-3)
DeFuniak Springs Walton (5-1)
Jacksonville Bolles (5-2)
Miami Carol City (5-3)
Miami Immaculata LaSalle (8-0)
Miami Killian (7-1)
Miami Westminster Christian (6-2)
Pensacola Catholic (6-1)
Tallahassee Florida High (8-1)
Tampa Berkeley Prep (5-2)
Tampa Catholic (6-2)
3A
Alachua Santa Fe (3A, 6-2)
Bradenton Braden River (6-1)
Brooksville Nature Coast Tech (6-1)
Bushnell South Sumter (6-2)
Crawfordville Wakulla (6-2)
Eau Gallie (5-3)
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (6-2)
Fort Lauderdale Dillard (4-3)
Miami Springs (6-2)
North Miami Beach (6-2)
Santa Rosa Beach South Walton (6-1)
Tampa Robinson (6-2)
The Villages Charter (8-0)
Titusville (6-3)
4A
Plantation American Heritage (5-3)
Clearwater (8-0)
Delray Beach Atlantic (6-2)
Fort Myers Dunbar (7-2)
Fort Pierce Westwood (5-3)
Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee (4-2)
Hialeah American (5-3)
Jacksonville Ed White (6-2)
Jensen Beach (6-2)
Miami Norland (3-5)
Miami Northwestern (6-3)
Middleburg (5-3)
New Smyrna Beach (5-2)
Ocala Lake Weir (7-0)
Ocala Vanguard (6-2)
Orlando Bishop Moore (6-2)
Orlando Jones (6-2)
Pensacola Washington (5-1)
Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (5-3)
South Fort Myers (6-2
Tallahassee Godby (5-3)
Tallahassee Leon (7-0)
Zephyrhills (6-2)
5A
Auburndale (4-4)
Bradenton Manatee (4-4)
Clermont East Ridge (6-2)
Coconut Creek (7-1)
Coconut Creek Monarch (3-4)
Fort Myers Riverdale (5-3)
Immokalee (6-2)
Melbourne (6-2)
Niceville (4-4)
Ocala Forest (7-1)
Orange Park Oakleaf (4-4)
Orlando Evans (5-3)
Oviedo (6-2)
Pace (4-2)
Palmetto (6-1)
Riverview Sumner (5-3)
Royal Palm Beach (6-1)
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (3-5)
St. John Bartram Trail (6-2)
Stuart Martin County (4-4)
Stuart South Fork (6-2)
Tampa Gaither (6-3)
Trinity Mitchell (6-2)
Viera (3-4)
6A
Davie Western (6-2)
Daytona Beach Mainland (4-3)
Flagler Palm Coast (5-2)
Fort Pierce Central (4-3)
Jupiter (6-1)
Kissimmee Gateway (6-2)
Lantana Santaluces (4-3)
Miami Palmetto (6-2)
Orlando Edgewater (4-3)
Orlando Lake Nona (7-1)
Palm Beach Lakes (6-2)
Port Orange Spruce Creek (4-3)
Ruskin Lennard (7-2)
Sarasota Riverview (6-2)
St. Cloud (5-3)
Tampa Alonso (7-1)
Wellington (5-2)
Wellington Palm Beach Central (6-1)
Winter Garden West Orange (6-2)
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
Week 9 Florida State Football Rankings: Results Have Never Been More Important. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-9-florida-state-football-rankings-results-have-never-been-more-important
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 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:
While the attention should be on the football field this high school season in the state of Florida, it’s unfortunately on the rankings that are generated by a computer. With the inaugural OPEN DIVISION being formed, it’s Max Prep – and not a panel of writers and broadcasters who are making the decision, and Andy Villamarzo from Rivals.com stopped by to talk about it.
ANDY VILLAMARZO ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/recruiting-writer-for-rivals-dot-com-andy-villamarzo-02198
For the first time since 2002, the University of Miami football team has been voted as the No. 1 team in the country, and while it has been met with some pushback by fans and the national media, Adam Lichtenstein from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel has his thoughts.
ADAM LICHTENSTEIN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/south-florida-sun-sentinel-reporter-for-the-university-of-miami-football-adam-lichtenstein-241d7
After convincingly beating national NAIA powerhouse Keiser University on Saturday, St. Thomas University (Miami Gardens) remained unbeaten and has established itself as one of the top programs in the country. Senior linebacker Zach Marino talked about what it has taken to achieve what the Bobcats have.
ZACH MARINO ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/st-thomas-university-football-linebacker-zach-marino-fccc2
When it comes to high school football, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties remain in the spotlight when it comes to the teams who you will need to watch when the post season starts in a few weeks. Longtime writer Andre Fernandez broke the playoff scenario down.
ANDRE FERNANDEZ ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/high-school-football-analyst-andre-fernandez-2ac23
When Miami Archbishop Carroll takes on Miami Killian on Friday, it will be a matchup of two teams that many never talked about before the season started. Under the direction of veteran head coach Jorge Zagales, the Bulldogs are 6-1 and have played a challenging schedule.
COACH JORGE ZAGALES ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/miami-archbishop-carroll-head-coach-jorge-zagales-28d13
One of the surprise large football programs in south Florida this year is a familiar face to fans. Head Coach Adam Ratkevich and his Western Wildcats are 6-2 and both losses coming to unbeaten teams.
COACH ADAM RATKEVICH ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/davie-western-football-head-coach-adam-ratkevich-33c67
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 Miami Central and Miami Christopher Columbus squared off on Friday in the Greater Miami Athletic Conference (GMAC) football title game at Traz Powell Stadium, fans and the teams were looking for some answers.
After over two quarters and plenty of rain and lightning, the Explorers stood tall with a convincing 28-3 win, and in the process showed why they will be one very tough program to beat when the state playoffs begin in less than a month.
With the inaugural “Open Division” which will be played and end with the top eight programs in the state, competing against each other, veteran head coach Dave Dunn and his Christopher Columbus team will be one of the programs, along with the Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas team that beat them at the beginning of the season, that could be in the finals in the second week of December at Florida International University.
The Explorers have gotten string every week since upsetting Las Vegas Bishop Gorman and then dropping a 31-24 decision to the Raiders.
As we get closer to the start of the state playoffs, Christopher Columbus and St. Thomas Aquinas are becoming favorites to play for a state title.
While there are detractors of the computer formula that chooses the eight teams, there is no getting around what was decided on before the start of the season by the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) and Max Preps, which is the computer that is used.
In addition to the Christopher Columbus and Central game, this past week saw some competitive matchups between Miami-Dade and Broward County schools:
American Heritage (Plantation) 52, True North Classical Academy (Miami) 42. When the dust had settled in this game between one of the top 1A teams and the two-time defending 4A state champs and you had ab explosion of offense as the Patriots are holding on to slim hopes of making the Open Division – with the Titans, who have had a tough schedule – are looking at a 1A title.
Carol City (Miami) 41, Palmetto (Miami) 21. While the post season will not exist for the Chiefs due to the ban by the state, this is a program that is still very talented and will spend the remainder of the season trying to spoil things for those with post season plans. They are stacked with elite talent – and while their exposure will stop after their game on October 30th against Miami Central, they continue to get the job done like they did against a Panther team that had big plans in 6A, and even though they won’t play in the Open Division, their own classification will be loaded around the state.
Fort Lauderdale 42, Coral Springs 0. Say what you want about this program, but the Flying Ls remained unbeaten with another shutout and complete game. Head coach Richard Dunbar and his team, playing as an independent, have two games left to finish off a season to remember.
In addition to those games, here is a look back at Week 9 in Miami-Dade and Broward:
Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) 51, Flanagan (Fort Lauderdale) 18
Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood) 47, McArthur (Hollywood) 12
Christopher Columbus (Miami) 28, Central (Miami) 3
Coconut Creek 27, Archbishop McCarthy (Southwest Ranches) 17
Coral Gables 13, Booker T. Washington (Miami) 12
Coral Park (Miami) 16, Sunset (Miami) 12
Florida Christian (Miami) 35, Cambridge Christian (Tampa) 7
Gulliver Prep (Miami) 28, Belen Jesuit (Miami) 7
Hialeah 30, Varela (Miami) 28
Hialeah Gardens 38, Edison (Miami) 0
Hollywood Hills 34, Taravella (Coral Springs) 14
Homestead 24, Braddock (Miami) 13
Jackson (Miami) 35, Ronald Reagan (Doral) 7
Killian (Miami) 46, Miami Beach 7
Mater Academy (Hialeah Gardens) 41, Doral Academy 6
Miami High 28, Coral Reef (Miami) 13
Miami Springs 42, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman 0
North Broward Prep (Coconut Creek) 41, Coral Springs Charter 26
North Miami 39, Ferguson (Miami) 12
North Miami Beach 14, American (Hialeah) 7
Miami Northwestern 30, Homestead South Dade 17
Miramar 27, Plantation 7
North Palm Beach Benjamin 7, Somerset Prep (North Lauderdale) 0
Pembroke Pines Charter 36, Everglades (Miramar) 8
Pine Crest (Fort Lauderdale) 35, Parkridge Christian 0
Pompano Beach 23, Northeast (Oakland Park) 6
Ransom Everglades (Miami) 38, NSU University School (Fort Lauderdale) 15
South Broward (Hollywood) 28, Cooper City 21
Southridge (Miami) 38, Norland (Miami) 10
Southwest Miami 25, South Miami 12
St. Andrews (Boca Raton) 27, Calvary Christian (Fort Lauderdale) 7
St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) 71, Monarch (Coconut Creek) 20
Western (Davie) 30, Piper (Sunrise) 20
Westminster Academy (Fort Lauderdale) 35, SmartEn Sports Academy (Miami) 12
Westminster Christian (Miami) 51, Palmetto Ridge (Naples) 21
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARCUS BENJAMIN - https://dontforgetaboutdre.substack.com/p/columbus-crushes-central-in-rain?r=96ad7j&utm_medium=ios
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 – Five seconds was all it took for the St. Thomas Aquinas football team to tighten its grip on Monarch.
Senior defensive back Zayden Gamble’s 13-yard interception return for a touchdown on the game’s first play from scrimmage proved to be the prescription to a lopsided Aquinas victory.
Nine touchdowns later, the Raiders would cruise to a 71-20 victory over the Knights in a non-district game on Friday.
The victory was the 22nd consecutive for Aquinas (8-0), the fourth longest in team history. The final score was also eighth time the Raiders put up at least 70 points. The combined 91 points was the second most since a 77-20 win over South Dade in 2018 in program history.
Through the first eight games this season, the No. 1 ranked high school football team in the country, has outscored their opponents 340-85.
“Our games were emotion because it was senior night and wanted to play hard for their parents,” said Aquinas’ coach Roger Harriott. “Emotions were running high early and we were able to channel that into the right direction.”
First half interceptions by Gamble, Andre Jones and Tenilleus Bellot all led touchdowns.
“You can’t make mistakes against really good teams early and expect to stay in the game,” said Monarch coach Calvin Davis. “Against them you almost need to play a perfect game for four quarters.”
Aquinas took advantage of the Knights (4-4) turnovers for a 57-6 halftime lead. Those 57 points were the highest scored in the Raiders’ previous seven games this season.
Among the eight Raiders running backs that played Friday, six scored touchdowns, two coming from junior Collin Francis with runs of 13 and 43 yards.
The other backs that found the endzone on rushing plays were Tyler Reid, Ryan Mathis, Jacquez Burley, Shamar Sampson and Pharrell Woodside.
Aquinas senior quarterback Jase Watkins led the Raiders to two second half touchdowns to complete their scoring.
St. Thomas will host Flanagan next Friday. The Raiders are 5-0 all-time against the Falcons, outscoring them 199-47. Monarch plays the two-time state champion West Boca on Friday.
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.