Over the past 10 years when Miami Killian and Miami Palmetto got together for their annual “Big Cat” Trophy game, the Panthers have held the upper hand, winning seven of the past 10 meetings.
This is a game that has been played for decades – with many contests that decided districts and state playoff slotting with several elite prospects and coaches who have lined up for a contest that has been for something much more than bragging rights.
While No. 12 Palmetto (7A) and No. 19 Killian (2A) are no longer in the same classification, this game still means more than ever as these two teams will be in action tonight (7:00) at Tropical Park.
For head coach Mike Manasco and his 2-1 Panthers, they are coming off a huge district win over Miami Christopher Columbus and have set their sights on being one of the top seeds when the state playoffs begin in November.
The Cougars and head coach Rudy Trevino come into this evening’s game perfect at 3-0, beating South Dade last week, preparing for this huge matchup.
This is a team that has thrust itself into the spotlight among 2A schools and has built this program back into a contender.
Offensive weapons so far this season include senior receivers Anton Smith, Willie Scott and Corey Swint. Junior Kayron Bryant has led the way on the ground.
The Cougars have also received a plus from senior quarterback Kymani Corbett and freshman Jerimiah Lee.
Defensively, the Cougars have watched seniors Pedro Rivera, Jamie Freeney, Ezekiel Herring, Julius Daniels and Marlow Hiddo step up along with junior Davon Dericho, and sophomores Jaylen Franklin and Zion Davis to mention just a few.
For the Panthers, Class of 2026 offensive prospects Andre Bailey (QB), Varian Terry (RB), C.J. Miller (WR), Willie Wilson (WR), Anthony Brown (OL), Matthew Marsh (OL) and kicker Chris Green.
There are also Class of 2027 performers Aiden Butler (RB), Kaden Howard (WR) and Rashad Fuller (OL).
Defensively, Class of 2026 standouts Jaiden Henry (OLB), Prince Smith (LB), and defensive backs Braylen Green, Kevin White and Wynton Jones are all solid.
Class of 2027 linebackers Brandon Howard, Denzley Balthazar and Bomani Francis are playing at a different level.
MIAMI KILLIAN COUGARS
Miami Dr. Krop, W 44-6
Miami Edison, W 24-18
Homestead South Dade, W 34-10
9/18 - @Miami Palmetto
9/26 - @Miami Gulliver Prep
10/3 - @Tampa Catholic
10/16 – GMAC WEEK
10/24 – Homestead Somerset Silver Palms
10/30 – Miami Belen Jesuit
MIAMI PALMETTO PANTHERS
Miami Booker T. Washington, W 35-0
Miami Southridge, L 34-24
Miami Christopher Columbus, W 24-21
9/18 – Miami Killian
9/25 - @Coral Gables
10/3 – Homestead South Dade
10/6 – Homestead
10/17 – GMAC Week
10/24 – Miami High
10/30 – Fort Myers Bishop Verot
LAST 10 BIG CAT TROPHY GAMES
2024 – Palmetto 28, Killian 0
2023 – Palmetto 38, Killian 0
2022 – Palmetto 33, Killian 13
2021 – Killian 35, Palmetto 21
2019 – Palmetto 41, Killian 7
2018 – Palmetto 30, Killian 17
2017 – Palmetto 35, Killian 6
2016 – Palmetto 20, Killian 19
2015 – Killian 25, Palmetto 12
2014 – Killian 43, Palmetto 7
In addition to this evening’s game, here is a look at some of the other Thursday contests for Week 5:
Coral Springs Coral Glades at Hallandale, 7
Deerfield Beach Somerset Key at Boca Raton Olympic Heights, 7
Doral at Miami Southridge, 7
Fort Lauderdale at No. 14 Coconut Creek Monarch (Coconut Creek), 7
Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian vs. No. 10 North Miami (Curtis), 7
Miami Braddock at Miami Coral Park, 3:30
Miami BridgePrep Village Green at Miami Belen Jesuit, 7
Miami Coral Reef at Doral Reagan (Doral Legacy), 3:30
Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace vs. Miami Edison (Traz), 7
No. 8 Miami Norland at Delray Beach Atlantic, 6:30
Southwest Miami at Miami Ferguson, 3:30
South Miami at Westland Hialeah (Hialeah Gardens), 3:30
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons at Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, 7
Coconut Creek North Broward Prep at Boca Raton St. Andrews, 6:30
Coral Springs at South Plantation, 7
Coral Springs Charter at Pompano Beach, 7
Coral Springs Taravella at Davie Western, 7
Fort Lauderdale Stranahan at Weston Cypress Bay, 7
No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas at No. 17 McArthur, 7
Hialeah ABF Academy at Miami Archbishop Carroll, 3:30
No. 9 Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy at Miramar Everglades, 7
Hollywood South Broward vs. Plantation (PAL), 7
Homestead at Fort Myers Bishop Verot, 7
Homestead Somerset Silver Palms at Miami Springs, 3:30
Key West at Miami Gulliver, 4
Lakeland vs. Miami Booker T. Washington (Traz), 7:30
Marathon at Miami Palmer Trinity, 4
No. 3 Miami Central at No. 7 Plantation American Heritage, 7:30
Miami High vs. Hialeah (Pace), 7
Miami Jackson vs. Miami St. Brendan (Curtis), 7:30
No. 2 Miami Northwestern vs. No. 13 Miami Christopher Columbus (Tropical), 7
Miami SmartEn Academy at Miami Florida Christian, 7
Miami Westminster Christian at Miami Ransom Everglades, 7
Miramar at No. 6 Fort Lauderdale Dillard, 7
North Lauderdale Somerset Prep at Boca Raton St. John Paul II, 6:30
Parkland Douglas at Lauderdale Boyd Anderson, 7
Pembroke Pines Charter at Cooper City, 7
No. 16 Pembroke Pines West Broward at No. 18 Pembroke Pines Flanagan, 7
Pompano Beach Blanche Ely at Sunrise Piper, 7
Somerset South Homestead at Riviera Beach Inlet Grove, 7
West Palm Beach Oxbridge Academy at Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest, 7
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
No. 15 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons at No. 11 Coconut Creek, 7
North Miami Beach vs. Hialeah American (Milander), 7
WEDNESDAY GAME
Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman 35, Hialeah Gardens0
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHUCK BETHEL & FOOTBALL HOTBED
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..