We have all waited for the football season to arrive – and with so many covid and pandemic restrictions over the past year, it was great to see the football programs in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties finally get on that playing field.

What this past week revealed was there were many things we got right – and of course several things that went wrong.

Here is a look at 5 stories that unfolded:

1. If you really watched the Miami Central-St. John Bosco game, you know that the score was not what the game was all about. A few mistakes and questionable calls kept the Rockets from winning the game, but we all saw what head coach Roland Smith and this team is all about.

They schedule is tough – in the first few games – and then they can play and develop. Moving down to 5A, Central will now keep an eye on Plantation American Heritage, which is really the only team that can stand in the way of a third consecutive trip to the state finals.

2. Speaking of American Heritage, this is a program that lived up to its pre-season billing in a loss to national powerhouse IMG. The Patriots and head coach Pat Surtain stood toe-to-toe with some of the best in the nation, and a very deep team – which usually is the difference vs. the opposition.

They are certainly talented on both sides of the ball and that will continue to surface in the coming weeks.

3. With Miami Northwestern fans being talked off the ledge last Friday night at Traz Powell Stadium.

The Bulls gave up 56 points against 8A power Venice, and while there were many negatives, this game was a lot closer, Northwestern put up points and made mistakes.

We will see how good this team is moving forward. Head Coach Max Edwards is a defensive mind – and he and his staff will be working on that all week.

4. Speaking of Venice, the season-opener for the Indians will see defending 4A state champion Cardinal Gibbons, who got by Miami Palmetto in the kickoff classic.

Head Coach Matt Dubuc knows that his work will be cut out for his team, but it was last season when they beat unbeaten Miami Gulliver Prep and Cocoa on the road on the way to a second title in three years.

5. Along with Hialeah Champagnat Catholic, the Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna Lions hope to continue history this season. Both teams are looking for unheard of six straight trips to the state championship game. Coach Dameon Jones and Coach Hector Clavijo have their programs ready to roll.

Chaminade-Madonna started off with a convincing 16-0 win against Fort Lauderdale Dillard, a program under second year head coach Tyler Tate.

TRACKING POSITIONS: Keeping An Eye On The Football Talent In Miami-Dade & Broward Counties Year Round. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects

PHOTO COURESTY OF ST. JOHN BOSCO FOOTBALL

For the past 51 years, we have spent plenty of 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..