As the first week of the 2026 high school football season is now in the books, we look back at what teams got out of the gate fast.
After eight months of the off season, there was so much that took place – with players changing schools and some new coaches moving in to a new environment.
This season will certainly see some major changes with the newly formed “Open Division” that will bring the eight best teams in the state together to play and see just who is the best team in the state – no matter what classification that they play in.
The first week brought some attention to schools and games as fans and those who cover high school football wanted some early answers.
Here are some games that many were watching closely:
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 42, Davie Western 0. The seven-time defending state champions are elite, and while they came out sluggish, they will be more than fine. They will play their toughest game of the year on Saturday at home in the Broward County National Showcase in DeSoto, Texas.
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 49, Coconut Creek Monarch 21. The rumors of the demise of the Lions is not true at all. They still have elite talent on both sides of the ball. The 10-time consecutive state finalists are ready for the challenge.
Jacksonville Mandarin 38, Hollywood McArthur 21. The Mustangs have some work to do. Playing in the Broward National Football showcase helped them prepare for the next few weeks.
Miami Carol City 38, Daytona Beach Mainland 3. The Chiefs are for real and will be tough to beat. They have depth on both sides of the ball. They are only going to get better!
Miami Central 23, Orange Lutheran, California 22. Great last-minute win for the Rockets on the road. They have a schedule that is manageable and are finding that they have depth at several positions. Like Carol City, they are a favorite to make a long run in the playoffs.
Miami Christopher Columbus 45, Miami Southridge 7. Like Carol City, everyone was anxious to get a look at what the Explorers have – and after a kickoff classic win against Miramar and this past week against a Southridge team that lost plenty of firepower, the next three weeks (Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, St. Thomas Aquinas and Miami Palmetto) will tell us a lot about where this program is in the race for a state championship run.
Miami Northwestern 20, St. Petersburg Lakewood 18. The Bulls looked good in their kickoff classic and came from behind to beat a good 2A program on the road. Depth will be a problem against top competition. They are still searching for big play offensive performers.
Miami Springs 47, Miami Edison 0. The T.Y. Hilton era is under way, and from what happened during the spring and off season, the Golden Hawks have an opportunity to be a playoff team. Like many programs, they will lack depth in some areas.
West Boca Raton 24, Plantation American Heritage 7. Missing three offensive line starters and a few others who are not ready, the two-time defending state champions better get healthy quickly. Their schedule is NOT friendly at all.
Weston Cypress Bay 28, South Plantation 21. With numerous transfers, the Lightning was coming off a huge kickoff classic win at Merritt Island. Their schedule is friendly and several of their players continue to mature. Do not sleep on South Plantation, who has talent and will make a strong push for a playoff spot.
In addition to those teams, here is a look at some of the other programs in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties:
Coconut Creek 48, Plantation 0
Cooper City 48, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep 21
Coral Gables 26, Miami Senior 14
Davie Nova 49, Hallandale 0
Deerfield Beach 49, Pembroke Pines Charter 7
Delray Beach American Heritage 49, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy 12
Doral Academy 41, Naples Golden Gate 20
Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian 66, Oakland Park Northeast 0
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 14, Miramar 7
Fort Lauderdale Dillard 44, Sunrise Piper 21
Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy 55, North Lauderdale Somerset Prep 28
Hialeah American 29, Homestead 0
Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy 66, Hialeah 0
Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson 33, Hollywood Hills 12
Miami Archbishop Carroll 14, Miami Coral Reef 0
Miami Beach 47, Tavernier Coral Shores 0
Miami Florida Christian 42, Miami Braddock 0
Miami Immaculata LaSalle 33, Miami Booker T. Washington 14
Miami Norland 20, Homestead South Dade 0
Miami Palmer Trinity 7, Miami SmartEn Sports Academy 0
Miami Palmetto 35, Miami Killian 0
Miami Ransom Everglades 13, Somerset Charter Silver Palms 7
Miami Westminster Christian 49, Miami St. Brendan 7
Mount Dora Christian Academy 49, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School 35
Naples St. John Neumann 24, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace 14
North Miami Beach 61, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman 3
Pompano Beach 41, Coral Springs Parkside Christian 0
Pompano Beach Blanche Ely 38, Coral Springs Coral Glades 10
Pompano Beach Next Gen Prep 19, Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons 14
South Miami 12, Miami Sunset 6
Wildwood 50, Marathon 7
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For the past 56 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..