When it comes to watching, evaluating and seeing prospects and teams throughout the course of a year, there are very few sources who put in the time to come up with accurate information like we do.

Player and team rankings are often subjective, and everyone has their opinion – which is fine – but it’s usually those who see very little that have the loudest voice on who should be higher or lower.

If you follow what we do over the course of a season is each week we adjust the rankings, and while many focus on pre-season and each week during the season, the only ranking that truly counts is the one that comes out in late December.

Our Pre Summer Top 20 is based on a number of things – and with so many transfers taking place – our opinion varies and changes. This is only a starting point and will change several times.

This is in no way a definitive ranking. Just an opinion based on seeing teams throughout the state and having a valid ground to compare.

Here is a look at 20 Miami-Dade Broward teams:

1. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (14-1, 5A). Five-time defending state champions reload with high level talent. They are still among the best in the country and will have a tougher schedule to contend with this coming season.

2. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (14-0, 1A). The loss of seven Power 4 prospects would shake most teams to the core, but this program, second nationally, is prepared for an amazing ninth consecutive state title appearance.

3. Miami Central (8-3, 3A). Missing out on the state finals for the first time in five years only motivated the Rockets to rebuild in the off-season. They have some elite prospects and coaching.

4. Plantation American Heritage (10-2, 4A). Missing out on another state title appearance in 2023 only motivated this talented program to add more pieces. Do not sleep on the Patriots because they are ready for a state championship run.

5. Miami Christopher Columbus (13-2, 7A). The loss of several key pieces from two straight state championship teams would shake most programs, but counting out the Explorers would be a huge mistake. When the bell rings they will be right there.

6. Homestead (12-2, 6A). Having two consecutive state runner-up teams usually takes a toll on many schools, but the Broncos are much more talented than anyone realizes. They have plenty in the tank and a line that can dominate.

7. Miami Norland (14-1, 4A). A disappointing loss in the 2M state title game has haunted the Vikings all off-season, but they have a solid offense and a stingy defense that could end up in a repeat of ’23.

8. Davie Western (9-4, 7A). Here is a team that has come close in the past few seasons, but if the Wildcats put it all together, they will have as much talent as anyone in the state and are more than motivated.

9. Miami Booker T. Washington (9-3, 2A). Never, ever doubt a Tim “Ice” Harris coached team, and despite several key players moving on to the next level, the Tornadoes continue to develop players and will be a major obstacle.

10. Coconut Creek Monarch (11-3, 6A). A fourth quarter breakdown in the 4M state semifinals stood in the way of getting to a first ever state football finals. But nobody reloaded more than the Knights and they will not go down without a fight.

11. Miami Palmetto (9-2, 7A). The Panthers continue to come close, and while they come up short the past few seasons, there is a strong feeling that this could be the year that things fall into place.

12. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (9-4, 2A). While it’s a rebuild season for the Chiefs, with a number of gifted players moving on, there is also a feeling that there is enough talent on hand to cause some problems.

13. Miami Northwestern (5-6, 3A). Teddy Bridgewater returns to his alma mater and has made a huge impact – with several elite players. The only question is do the Bulls have enough depth to make a serious run?

14. Homestead South Dade (6-4, 7A). There is no getting around the fact that the Bucs are on their way back, advancing to the state playoffs and winning a first-round game. They are loading up with quality talent.

15. Coconut Creek (10-3, 5A). After an amazing run last year, the Cougars are back and ready to show that what happened in 2023 was certainly no fluke. Can they take things one step further? Players and coaches believe so.

16. Miami Southridge (7-5, 6A). Many continue to preach that everyone is sleeping on the Spartans – as they have been building and adding the right pieces. Homestead remains a major obstacle to getting out of south Florida.

17. Miramar (8-5, 5A). You can’t argue with the success that the Patriots have had the past two years – advancing three rounds in the state playoffs before losing to Homestead. They have talent, but will it be enough?

18. Hialeah (9-2, 4A). Posting one of the best records the T-Breds have had in many years, this is a team that had a very successful spring and has added some key prospects to an already talented team.

19. Hollywood South Broward (8-3, 6A). The Bulldogs have proven that you can lose a ton of elite talent and remain in contention. This is a team that can certainly have the last laugh.

20. Plantation (6-4, 4A). New head coach – same objective for the Colonels who have enjoyed a productive off-season with several young prospects who are buying into a bright future. Definitely a team to watch.

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For the past 54 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..