As we take time out to celebrate Thanksgiving and enjoy our football, we honor all the student/athletes who have made this far in the state playoffs.

The players do deserve so much credit and receive it from many sources. But the real heroes on this day are the coaching staffs at every high school that remains here in the Regin Finals.

Coaches who are in it 365 days a year to ensure that their programs would be able to reach this day and celebrate the success of their programs.

Congratulations to each and every coach who makes the ultimate sacrifice for little – if any money at all. They are the reason for just about everything.

CLASS 1M

No. 2 West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (9-1) at No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (11-0)

No. 2 Miami Archbishop Carroll (10-1) at No. 1 Miami True North Classical Academy (9-2)

Everyone knows the success that the Lions and head coach Dameon Jones have enjoyed over this past decade. He and his assistant coaches have helped to keep south Florida in the national spotlight.

For head coach Greg Laferre and his Titans, they have hit the ground running since fielding a football program, and along with a quality staff, brings this program into the Region Final for th4 second straight year.

Jorge Zagales is perhaps one of the most respected and successful head football coaches in south Florida. As his Bulldogs get ready for a key game on Friday, it’s important that he and his staff get that piece of the spotlight.

CLASS 2M

No. 2 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (9-3) at No. 1 Plantation American Heritage (9-1)

No. 2 Miami Central (8-3) at No. 1 Miami Norland (12-0)

When it comes to the Chiefs and head coach Matt Dubuc, there is no getting around that this team – winners of three of the past five state titles – has benefitted from having a staff with many, many years of coaching and teaching.

If you are Mike Smith and his Patriots’ staff, there is little doubt that what you have done is simply amazing – reaching the state title game last year – and on the verge of capturing another Region title.

What else can you say about the Rockets that hasn’t been said over and over again. Along with St. Thomas Aquinas, no other program has kept south Florida in the elite national picture. No team has been known for a complete staff like head coach Jube Joseph and this amazing group.

The proof what Vikings’ head coach Daryle Heidelburg has done over the last two decades is something that often doesn’t get the accolades it deserves. The second longest tenured head coach in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, he and his hard-working assistants have taken the state by storm in 2023.

CLASS 3M

No. 3 Coconut Creek (10-2) at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (11-1)

No. 3 Miramar (8-4) at No. 1 Homestead (10-1)

What Cougars’ head coach Johnnie Sloan and his football team has accomplished this season is something that has created conversation around the state. Over the past four years, this is a complete family that has put their program on the map.

When you talk Raiders, it is always something that football fans across the country refer to as one of the most successful programs in the country – year after year. Winners of four straight state titles. Head coach Roger Harriott and his impressive staff continue to raise the bar – higher and higher each season.

Known for their “Darkside Defense”, the Patriots and head coach A.J. Scott seem to be the party crashers every year – with a team that travels more in the off-season than anyone. His staff is close and the players respect what is being done.

While it’s tough to come in and take over a program that had its best season in school history, Ronnie Thornton and his assistant coaches have continued the success that the Broncos started in 2022!

CLASS 4M

No. 2 Wellington Palm Beach Central (10-2) at No. 1 Coconut Creek Monarch (10-2)

No. 3 Davie Western (9-3) at No. 1 Miami Christopher Columbus (10-2)

One of the coaches and staffs that may get the least recognition, but has continued to elevate the program, head coach Calvin Davis and his Knights are a No. 1 seed for a reason and has a true chance to continue this journey to Tallahassee.

For the past three years, head coach Adam Ratkevich and his Wildcats have come up short of what many predicted. After last week’s huge win at Miami Palmetto, this is a program that has relied on a veteran staff with plenty of knowledge.

Regarded as one of the best coaching staffs in the state, veteran head coach Dave Dunn and the Explorers have become a fixture in the run for a state title. Despite key injuries and having to replace several important starters, they are on the verge of defending their 4M state title.

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: November 23, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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..