While the 2024 season was played under a cloud of having to forfeit two games – one costing them the district title – the reality for veteran head coach Adam Ratkevich and his Davie Western Wildcats was this could have been one of his most talented teams.

Yes, they lost to Miami Christopher Columbus in the regional finals, 27-25, in the closing minute of the game in heart-breaking fashion, but to reach that point, this was one of Florida’s top 7A programs.

Losses to Alabama power Hoover in the Broward County National Football Showcase, and nationally rated state champions Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas and Plantation American Heritage were expected. But what many didn’t mention is the way this program won seven straight before that setback to Columbus.

They were the only team that beat 6A state champion West Boca Raton (28-27 OT) as well as Barbara Goleman (31-6) on the field, having to forfeit those two victories.

While several players graduated or made their way to other programs, the Wildcats are still a program that could be a factor in 7A once again.

At the recent Hotbed Football Media Day, Ratkevich and his talented team showed up in force – with some quality talent and out to prove that their “demise was greatly exaggerated”.

Davie Western Wildcats

HEAD COACH: Adam Ratkevich

DISTRICT: 13-7A

2024 RECORD: 6-7

2025 SCHEDULE

8/22 – Plantation

9/5 – Coconut Creek

9/12 - @Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

9/19 – Coral Springs Taravella

9/26 - @Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

10/3 - @West Boca Raton

10/10 - @Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman

10/17 - @Weston Cypress Bay

10/24 – Deerfield Beach

10/31 – Pembroke Pines West Broward

THE NEW LOOK WESTERN WILDCATS

With several players and coaches attending the Hotbed Media Day, Western came out with some quality talent, who had the opportunity to meet with the media and answer questions about the upcoming season.

Here are a few of the prospects who figure to make an impact this coming season:

2026 - Damian Dickenson, RB, 5’8, 185. Here is a prospect that many have been talking about after a tremendous off-season. Looks to continue the tradition this program has had at the running back position.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18428773/Damian-Dickenson

2026 - Hunter Ratkevich, TE/WR, 6’5, 212 – 4.5 GPA. This is a huge season for this quality football talent who was injured last season. The one-time Lacrosse standout has an opportunity to thrust himself into the spotlight for his father’s team.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18516170/Hunter-Ratkevich

Kendrick Smith, LB/RB, 6’1, 200 – 3.4 GPA. Here is a versatile talent who can play just about anywhere – on both sides of the ball. Will be a huge factor for this program. Finished with a sack, three tackles for loss and five total tackles in the spring game.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16126480/Kendrick-Smith

2027 - Jack Spaeder, QB, 6’3, 190 – 3.75 GPA. This Coconut Creek Monarch transfer is coming off a solid junior season where he had 1,813 yards passing, 180 yards rushing and 16 total touchdowns.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18342160/Jack-Spaeder

2027 - Bryce Williams, DB, 6’2, 185. When looking at some of the top defensive secondary performers nationally for the Class of 2027, here is a versatile playmaker that is easily one of the best. Like his older brother, he attended Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, where he established himself as a player to keep an eye on. This FSU early commitment will be a force this coming season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20170910/Bryce-Williams

2026 - Caleb Williams, DB/Athlete, 6’0, 180 – 3.4 GPA. Is one of the key pieces in a secondary that could be as good as you get at this level. The older brother of elite 2027 standout Bryce Williams, this is an athlete who can play anywhere that this team needs him. Came to Davie from Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20170960/Caleb-Williams

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHUCK BETHEL

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..