As we said all pre-season, this would be a season that many will look back on as a year that watched south Florida (Miami-Dade and Broward Counties) jump into the national spotlight by playing each other.
No matter what anyone will tell you, this region of the country has more competition that anywhere else, and when programs are playing one another, it makes it that much more exciting.
The understanding that if you are going to be considered as a national power who wants to win a mythical national championship, your schedule has to be stepped up. Enter Chaminade-Madonna.
What head coach Dameon Jones and the Lions have done this season is play a schedule that is second to none, and if they go through 2022 unbeaten, this program will have every right to claim a title – with several underclassmen leading the way.
When people are ranking teams and never watch them perform, there is always a problem. That’s why the state of Florida does not listen to what the outside is saying, they know the score. Just look at collegiate and NFL rosters and you will see Miami-Dade and Broward County prospects all over.
When the Lions hosted power Fort Lauderdale Dillard last Friday night at home, it was to be a game for the ages, and when the Panthers raced out to a 14-0 lead, many felt that the experts were wrong about this program that has been to five consecutive state championship games – winning four. But things changed, and the Lions proved to everyone why they are underrated nationally.
The 49-28 win was just another step in a huge climb to the top as senior defensive lineman Wayne Peart (5 sacks) and Edwin Joseph lifted this team to yet another win.
One week after a huge game in the Broward County Football Showcase – a thrilling 35-28 win over Washington D.C. national power St. John’s College Prep, last Friday was another major game for this program.
While many programs in the state would kick back and relax after two big games, Chaminade-Madonna is not stopping – with one of the most challenging schedules in the country.
The road continues this Thursday night at unbeaten Miami Northwestern, unbeaten Plantation American Heritage the week after, Miami Gulliver Prep, Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast, defending 8A state champion Venice and impressive district opponent Avant Garde Academy.
While the Lions were wrapping things up at home, there were a few other quality matchups taking place – like:
Booker T. Washington (Miami) 28, Miami Edison 20. The Red Raiders fell behind 28-6 and made a furious comeback against Coach Tim “Ice” Harris and his Tornadoes, who moved to 2-0 as they prepare for No. 1 Miami Central.
Miami Norland 31, Carol City 12. Leading just 10-6 at the half, the Vikings exploded in their season-opener in the annual Miami Gardens Bowl. Coach Daryle Heidelburg and his football team has plenty of talent and are well coached.
WEEK 2 WAS ACTION PACKED
In addition to those three games, high school football was very much alive in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties last week. Check these scores out:
American Heritage (Plantation) 42, Lake Gibson 14
Belen Jesuit (Miami) 42, True North 14
Boca Raton Christian 17, Somerset Academy Key 0
Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) 33, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian 0
Clearwater Academy International 26, Miami Palmetto 0
Christopher Columbus (Miami) 42, Killian 0
Coconut Creek 35, Boyd Anderson 0
Coral Gables 20, Coral Park 6
Deerfield Beach 34, Coral Glades 7
Ferguson (Miami) 27, Sunset 14
Fort Lauderdale 31, Hallandale 6
Goleman (Hialeah) 48, Archbishop Carroll 10
Hialeah 21, Miami Springs 14
Hialeah Gardens 14, Reagan 7
Hollywood Hills 24, Spanish River 0
Homestead 47, South Dade 0
Island Coast (Cape Coral) 24, Miramar Everglades 7
LaSalle (Miami) 21, Somerset Pembroke Pines 17
Lowndes County (Valdosta, Georgia) 43, North Miami Beach 18
Marathon 35, Miami Country Day 13
McArthur (Hollywood) 33, Flanagan 6
Miami Coral Reef 56, Varela 0
Miami High 19, Miami Beach 16
Miami Northwestern 44, Jackson 0
Monsignor Pace (Miami) 41, Somerset Silver Palms 0
Nova (Davie) 26, Cooper City 6
Palmer Trinity (Miami) 19, Coral Shores 14
Palm Glades (Miami) 20, Mourning 17
Pembroke Pines Charter 40, Coral Springs Charter 35
Piper 27, Coral Springs 6
Plantation 41, Stranahan 19
Pompano Beach 21, Oakland Park Northeast 14
Somerset Academy South Homestead 44, BridgePrep Village Green 0
South Miami 48, American 0
Southridge (Miami) 40, Dr. Krop 0
South Plantation 35, Taravella 0
St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) 42, Fort Myers 0
Westland Hialeah 22, Mater Academy 9
Westminster Academy (Fort Lauderdale) 23, Bradenton Christian 0
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects
MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD TRANSFERS. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-continues-in-miami-dade-broward
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA FOOTBALL TEAMS. https://larryblustein.com/news/tracking-south-florida-2022
For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of 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..