The opening weekend of the 2025 college football season will certainly shine a spotlight on south Florida.

While Miami and Notre Dame will take center stage on Sunday night, there are two other games locally that will showcase local talent as HBCU schools Bethune Cookman University will head south to play Florida International University on Friday night.

On Saturday at 4 p.m., it will be the annual Orange Blossom Classic at Hard Rock Stadium, featuring Howard University and Florida A&M University in what promises to be a quality matchup.

Howard University head coach Larry Scott (Sebring), a former University of Miami interim head coach and Co-offensive coordinator Brett Kean (NSU University School) lead the way for the Bison with Jason Seraphin (DL, North Miami Beach).

Florida A&M is stacked with local prospects – with head coach James Colzie III and assistant coach Kevin Maurice leading the way.

Among the locals who play for the Rattlers are former Miami Hurricane Thad Franklin Jr. (RB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Jalen Rogers (WR, Miami Northwestern), Simeon Hines (S, Fort Lauderdale Dillard), Caleb McKenzie (DB, Miami Central), Justice Cross (LB, Deerfield Beach), Corey Collier Jr. (DB, Miami Palmetto), JayQuan Reid (WR, Miami Southridge), Ah’Mare Lee (DB, North Miami Beach), T.J. Huggins (DB, Miami Killian), and Jordan Cumberbatch (DB, Miramar).

There are also prospects such as Gabriel Perez (PK, Miami Southridge), Kareem Maycock (LB, Miami Northwestern), Vershod Quinn (RB, Miami Christopher Columbus), Kyjuan Taylor (RB, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman), Malcolm Major (LB, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Samuel Mitchell IV (DL, Davie Western), Caleb Riley (OL, Miami Norland), Michael Marshall (OL, Miami Northwestern), Ricky Taylor (OL, Miami Northwestern), Jeremy Fishkin (OL, Parkland Douglas), and Vinh Quain (LS, Miramar Everglades).

BETHUNE COOKMAN HEADS SOUTH

While Howard and FAMU will play in the Orange Blossom Classic, Friday night will see Bethune Cookman University open the Willie Simmons era at Florida International University of Friday night.

Head Coach Raymond Woodie, no stranger to the state of Florida and Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, brings his Wildcats in to open the season.

The Bethune Cookman coaching staff also has a south Florida flair with Otis Mounds (Fort Lauderdale Dillard), Brandon Washington (Miami Northwestern), and Robert Wimblerley (Miami).

The Wildcats also have players such as Jaden Williams (S, Plantation), Juan Rodriguez (RB, Miami Norland), Willie Anderson (WR, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace), Cameron Anderson (S, Miami Northwestern), Gabriel Cash (LB, Miami Norland), Teko Shoats (OL, Miami Central), William Gedeon (OL, Coconut Creek Monarch), Melvin Puckett (OL, Coconut Creek Monarch), Tarrell Short Jr. (WR, Miami Central), and Jahem Guillaume (WR, Miami Carol City).

Other Wildcats from the area include William Roberts III (TE, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Wistanson Mathurin (TE, Coconut Creek Monarch), Lewon Lurry Jr. (DE, Miami Northwestern), and Dairo Melendez Jr. (Miami Immaculata LaSalle).

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..

For nearly three quarters last Saturday afternoon, it looked like California’s national powerhouse Mater Dei would have its way with Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.

With an ESPN national audience looking on, the No. 1 team in the country – the defending national champion Monarchs – were in total control, but the Raiders refused to quit and came roaring back, eventually losing 26-23, but in the process turned plenty of heads.

The six-time defending state champions showed why they are one of the top teams in the country, and while they came away with a loss and started 0-1 for the second straight year, this team is indeed talented and deserves to be the No. 1 program in south Florida after the first week.

With losses by Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna and Miami Northwestern, this program slid into the top spot.

Here is a look at Week 2 in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties:

1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A, 0-1). Six-time defending state champions dropped a thrilling ESPN contest to the No. 1 team in the country, 26-23. THIS WEEK: 8/29 – Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson. NEXT WEEK: 9/5 - @No. 7 Miami Christopher Columbus.

2. Plantation American Heritage (4A, 1-0). The defending state champion Patriots came from 28-0 down to beat Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep, 31-28 on ESPN 2. THIS WEEK: Bye. NEXT WEEK: 9/5 – No. 4 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna.

3. Miami Northwestern (3A, 0-1). The Bulls dropped their opener at home against California Trinity League power Orange Lutheran, 17-15. THIS WEEK: 8/29 – Venice. NEXT WEEK: 9/4 – Miami Carol City.

4. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1A, 0-1). The Lions were soundly beaten in the Broward National Showcase by powerhouse Baltimore St. Frances Academy, 42-13. THIS WEEK: 8/29 - @Hollywood McArthur. NEXT WEEK: 9/5 - @No. 2 Plantation American Heritage.

5. Miami Central (3A, 0-0). Game against Jacksonville Raines was cancelled. THIS WEEK: 8/29 – No. 18 Miami Edison. NEXT WEEK: 9/5 - @Miami Booker T. Washington.

6. Miami Christopher Columbus (7A, 0-0). After several tries over three days, their season opener against No. 7 Miami Southridge was called with the Explorers winning 14-7 late in the third quarter. They will finish this game before the season is over – with the points being very valuable when playoff time rolls around. THIS WEEK: 8/29 - @Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maryland. NEXT WEEK: 9/5 – No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.

7. Miami Southridge (6A, 0-0). After several tries over three days, their season opener against No. 13 Miami Christipher Columbus was called with the Explorers winning 14-7 late in the third quarter. They will finish this game before the season is over – with the points being very valuable when playoff time rolls around. THIS WEEK: 8/28 - @Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman. NEXT WEEK: 9/4 - @ No. 10 Miami Palmetto.

8. Miami Norland (4A, 0-1). The Vikings blew a large lead on the road against 7A power Lake Mary and lost, 30-29. THIS WEEK: 8/28 - @Miami Carol City. NEXT WEEK: 9/5 - @Homestead South Dade.

9. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (4A, 1-0). The Panthers showed why they will be one of the best teams in the state this year when they shut out Orlando Dr. Phillips in the Broward National Showcase, 39-0. THIS WEEK: Fort Lauderdale Stranahan. NEXT WEEK: Fort Lauderdale Northeast.

10. Miami Palmetto (7A, 0-0). Game against Homestead was postponed due to bad weather and will be made up on Oct. 6. THIS WEEK: 8/29 – Miami Booker T. Washington. NEXT WEEK: 9/4 – No. 7 Miami Southridge.

11. Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (4A, 1-0). If you wanted to know about the Mavericks, maybe you learned something from last week’s 42-35 Broward National Showcase win against Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. THIS WEEK: 8/29 – Community School of Naples. NEXT WEEK: 9/4 - @Miami St. Brendan.

12. Plantation (4A, 1-0). The Colonels started the season off with a huge 18-0 win against Davie Western. THIS WEEK: 8/29 - @Miramar. NEXT WEEK: 9/4 - @ No. 15 Pembroke Pines West Broward.

13. Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (5A, 1-0). The Lions opened the Tim “Ice” Harris era with a 34-12 win against Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy. THIS WEEK: 8/28 - @Doral Academy. NEXT GAME: 9/5 – Hialeah Gardens.

14. Coconut Creek Monarch (6A, 0-1). The Knights started the season in the Broward National Showcase for the second straight year, dropping a 34-15 decision to Jacksonville Bolles, 34-15. THIS WEEK: 8/29 - @Deerfield Beach. NEXT WEEK: 9/5 - @Ramsey John Bosco, New Jersey.

15. Pembroke Pines West Broward (6A, 0-1). Even though they dropped their opener against national power Corner Canyon, Utah in the Broward National Showcase, the Bobcats had some positive moments. THIS WEEK: 8/29 - @Camden County, Georgia. NEXT WEEK: 9/4 – No. 12 Plantation.

16. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2A, 0-1). The Chiefs dropped an exciting Broward National Showcase game to Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, 42-35. THIS WEEK: 8/29 - @Hollywood South Broward. NEXT WEEK: 9/5 - @Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian.

17. Miami Edison (1A, 1-0). The Red Raiders started the season off on a positive note with a 45-0 win against Hialeah American. THIS WEEK: 8/29 – No. 5 Miami Central. NEXT WEEK: 9/5 - @Miami Killian.

18. Sunrise Piper (6A, 0-1). The Bengals began the season with a 31-6 setback in the Broward National Showcase to Peachtree Ridge, Georgia. THIS WEEK: 8/29 - @Coconut Creek. NEXT WEEK: 9/5 - @South Plantation.

19. Hollywood McArthur (5A, 0-0). Head Coach Robert Ortega and his team had the first week of the season off. THIS WEEK: 8/29 – No. 4 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. NEXT WEEK: 9/5 - @Miramar.

20. Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (7A, 1-0). The Gators started off the season with a convincing 62-21 win on the road at Key West. THIS WEEK: 8/28 – No. 7 Miami Southridge. NEXT WEEK: 9/4 - @Hialeah American.

Here are some other programs that you will be hearing from this coming season:

Independent

Fort Lauderdale University School (1-1)

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (1-0)

1A

Miami Archbishop Carroll (0-0)

Miami True North Classical Academy (0-1)

2A

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (1-0)

Miami Booker T. Washington (0-1)

Miami Carol City (1-0)

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (0-0)

Miami Gulliver Prep (0-0)

Miami Immaculata LaSalle (1-0)

North Miami Beach (0-1)

3A

Miami St. Brendan (0-0)

4A

Hialeah (0-1)

Miami Belen Jesuit (0-1)

5A

Coconut Creek (1-0)

Miramar (0-1)

North Miami (1-0)

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (0-0)

6A

Doral Academy (0-0)

Miami Dr. Krop (0-0)

Pembroke Pines Flanagan (0-0)

7A

Davie Western (0-1)

Homestead South Dade (1-0)

Weston Cypress Bay (1-0)

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..

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 FM 104.3 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:

Huge weekend of college football coming up for south Florida and Kendra Bulluck, Executive Director of the Orange Blossom Classic stopped by to break down the FIU-Bethune Cookman and Howard-Florida A&M games.

KENDRA BULLUCK ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/kendra-bulluck-executive-director-of-the-orange-blossom-classic-0202a

Great opening week of the 2025 high school football season and Josh Wilson from Florida High School Football took a look back and ahead at the season.

JOSH WILSON ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/josh-wilson-florida-high-school-football-dcdfb

The FSU Seminoles get ready for their opener on Saturday against national power Alabama and Liam Rooney from the Tallahassee Democrat looked at the game and season.

LIAM ROONEY ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/florida-state-university-football-beat-reporter-liam-rooney-of-the-tallahassee-democrat-1b1bf

The much-anticipated University of Miami and Notre Dame season opener is Sunday and Gaby Urrutia from InsideTheU stopped by to preview the matchup and season ahead.

GABY URRUTIA ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/gabby-urrutia-from-inside-the-u-8ef66

The West Boca Raton Bulls are the defending 6A state champions and will begin the season on Thursday against Palm Beach Central. Head Coach Dylan Potts talked about repeating as champions.

DYLAN POTTS ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-dylan-potts-of-west-boca-raton-72a3c

Plantation American Heritage senior receiver Jamar Denson had a huge opening game as his team rallied from 28-0 to win their nationally televised opener against Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep. He talked about the game and the tough season ahead for the defending state champions.

JAMAR DENSON ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/jamar-denson-wide-receiver-of-american-heritage-plantation-30eae

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..

For decades when it came to getting high school football recognition for south Florida teams, it came down to traveling to California, Texas, Ohio, Nevada and to other areas of the country.

Four years ago when the Broward National High School Football Showcase was started by Shawn Cerra and Dr. Kevin Perry, it opened the flood gates for this region of the country, long one of the most fertile areas for talent, to finally get the spotlight – with area fans finally getting the chance to see some of the elite players from all over the country live.

Over the years, the Showcase has brought in elite competition from Georgia, Alabama, Virginia, Washington DC, California, Nevada and other areas across the nation.

We are indeed an area that takes many things for granted, and while winning is always important, just having the chance to get the No. 1 team in high school over the past decade – Mater Dei from Santa Ana, California, St. Frances Academy out of Baltimore, Maryland, St. Joseph’s Prep (Pennsylvania), Corner Canyon, Utah), Peachtree Ridge, Georgia, Jacksonville Bolles, Orlando Dr. Phillips and even Orange Lutheran that traveled to Miami to play one of our powerhouses Miami Northwestern.

Many have no clue how tough it is to host events like the showcase or bring teams from outside the area in for a few days. It’s life changing and something that other areas across the nation never attempt.

ESPN, Beacon TV and countless national, regional and local media members promoted the teams and players from Thursday right through Saturday night.

Maybe it’s time to say thank you to those who promote, sponsor and organize events that will provide memories that last a lifetime.

At a time when so many local administrators and “decision makers” continue to make it tough for social media and journalists to create avenues for our coaches and athletes, who put in so much time and need that exposure.

To those programs who came in from out of the area, we thank you and your schools for helping to elevate high school football nationally, and to our local schools and fans, we appreciate what you have done to assist in a process that only continues to grow.

As this season starts to unfold, that first week is now in the books and has provided something very positive to look back on.

Here is a look at the results from Miami-Dade and Broward County programs who kicked off the 2025 season:

Baltimore St. Frances Academy 42, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 13

Boca Raton Christian 35, Deerfield Beach Somerset Key 17

Cooper City 10, Coral Springs Coral Glades 7

Coral Springs Charter 20, Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest 13 (OT)

Delray American Heritage 54, North Lauderdale Somerset Prep 0

Draper Corner Canyon, Utah 38, Pembroke Pines West Broward 13

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian 42, Miami Belen Jesuit 11

Fort Lauderdale Dillard 39, Orlando Dr. Phillips 0

Fort Lauderdale NSU University School 30, Lakeland Christian 27

Fort Pierce Central 48, Davie Nova 13

Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy 34, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy 12

Hollywood Hills 14, Coral Springs Taravella 3

Hollywood South Broward 21, Deerfield Beach 14

Homestead South Dade 43, Miami Booker T. Washington 20

Jacksonville Bolles 34, Coconut Creek Monarch 15

Lake Mary 30, Miami Norland 29

Miami Carol City 35, Hialeah 25

Miami Coral Reef 54, South Miami 0

Miami Dr. Krop 56, Miami St. Brendan 0

Miami Edison 46, Hialeah American 0

Miami Lakes Goleman 62, Key West 21

Miami LaSalle Immaculata 1, Miami High 0 (Forfeit)

Miami Ransom Everglades 21, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep 0

Miramar Everglades 20, Fort Lauderdale Northeast 19

North Miami 46, Miami Jackson 6

Orange Lutheran, California 17, Miami Northwestern 13

Peachtree Ridge, Georgia 31, Sunrise Piper 6

Pembroke Pines Charter 51, Oakland Park Northeast 0

Plantation 18, Davie Western 0

Plantation American Heritage 31, Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep 28

Pompano Beach 48, Marathon 33

Santa Ana Mater Dei 26, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 23

Sarasota Cardinal Mooney 41, Miami True North Classical Academy 14

Somerset Silver Palms 19, Miami Braddock 0

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy 42, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 35

Tampa Carrollwood Day 28, North Miami Beach 20

Tavernier Coral Shores 20, Somerset South Homestead 12

Westland Hialeah 35, Hialeah-Miami Lakes 0

Weston Cypress Bay 40, Parkland Douglas 7

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..