There is no good news, bad news scenario for Miami’s Archbishop Carroll’s football program this year.

When the Bulldogs square off with national power Chaminade-Madonna in the state semifinals on Friday night in Hollywood, it will be the best news that this football program has enjoyed in a long time.

No matter what happens against the unbeaten Lions, just the opportunity to be playing in a game that will produce one of the teams for next week’s 1M title game in Tallahassee is what this sport is all about.

When veteran head coach Jorge Zagales and his team upended favorite Miami True North Classical Academy in the Region Finals, players and coaches were off to a place they had never been before.

As we have said before, while so many south Florida head coaches have the spotlight and reputation in their favor, it would be hard to find coaches and players who have played for him to say anything but positive things.

Zagales is indeed a throwback to the days of hard work and dedication to religion, work in the classroom and what his student/athletes accomplish h on the playing field.

Even down to his “old school” Wing-T offense, Zagales approaches the game with the passion and energy that he has done for over two decades.

Even though they come into Friday’s games as overwhelming underdogs, there will be no losers on this team. The experience of getting out what you put in is all he has ever asked for, and the Bulldogs have gotten so much out of the 2023 season.

MIAMI ARCHBISHOP CARROLL BULLDOGS (11-1)

Somerset Academy Silver Palms, W 42-21

Miami Palmer Trinity, L 23-14

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman, W 28-26

Goulds Palm Glades Academy, W 58-6

Homestead Everglades Prep, W 49-0

Somerset Academy South Homestead, W 49-14

Tavernier Coral Shores, W 35-26

Miami Westminster Christian, W 42-14

Miami Ransom Everglades, W 35-13

Miami Palmer Trinity, W 42-7

Miami Palmer Trinity, W 35-6

Miami True North Classical Academy, W 38-35

12/1 – at Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

Here is a look at some of the Bulldogs who have stepped up this season:

CLASS OF 2024

Ryan Castro, QB

Ryan Gonzalez, RB

Alejandro Isaza, RB

Jorge Matias, OLB

Carlos Millan, OG

Kenneth Pembleton, FS

Ivan Quesada, OT

Gio Reyes, OL

Jorge Sanchez, QB

Sylus Villanueva, RB

CLASS OF 2025

Jacob Acosta, OL

Sebastian De La Pava, CB

Daniel Diaz, DL

Jesse Hinojosa, DT

Jaden Ledo, OL

Anthony Pazmino, NG

Erick Rodriguez, SS

Jake Santovenia, OT

Ethan Silva, PK

Roger Soca, TE

CLASS OF 2026

Kelcey Parrish, FB

Kendrick Pembleton, DE

Joshua Velez, DE

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MIAMI HERALD

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. 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..