If there was ever a time where the entire country was checking out what was happening in the state of Florida, this past week was indeed that week.
With the Broward County National High School Football Showcase dominating the news – along with some other quality matchups – the Sunshine State was certainly being viewed in ever corner of the country.
With programs from California, Colorado, Texas, New Jersey, Maryland, Illinois, Nevada, Alabama and Georgia all competing against the Sunshine State, this was a time when those who follow recruiting were at home with all the talent that was in action.
All those key matchups – along with the ones that featured state programs competing against each other made for some great football, and of course, shook up the rankings once again.
Once again, we respect those who rank the teams in this state, but we have a HUGE advantage of being able to watch these programs live at camps, combines, 7-on-7 events, spring games and numerous practices.
We also mention as many programs as we can each week to give every team the respect that they deserve.
Here is a look at the Top 30 programs for Week 3 – with additional teams that have a chance to be special in a year that will feature the “Open Division” along with Class 1A-6A playing for a state title:
1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A, 2-0). The Raiders stayed unbeaten with a convincing 38-14 win against DeSoto, Texas in the Broward National Showcase. THIS WEEK: No. 5 Miami Christopher Columbus at home (9/4). NEXT WEEK: @Fort Lauderdale Dillard (9/10).
2. Bradenton IMG Academy (Independent, 2-0). The Ascenders rolled to a 59-10 win against San Antonio Cornerstone Christian. THIS WEEK: Honolulu St. Louis at home (9/5). NEXT WEEK: Off.
3. Miami Central (3A, 1-0). The Rockets, after an opening-night win on the road in California against Orange Lutheran, were off. THIS WEEK: Home game against Miami St. Brendan (9/3). NEXT WEEK: It’s on the road against Georgia power Buford (9/10).
4. Miami Christopher Columbus (6A, 2-0). The Explorers stunned the nation’s No. 1 team Las Vegas Bishop Gorman in the Broward County National Showcase, 33-28. THIS WEEK: The new No. 1 team in the nation and No. 1 team in Florida, St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale (9/4). NEXT WEEK: Another road game – a key 6A contest at No. 15 Miami Palmetto (9/10).
5. Vero Beach (6A, 2-0). The Indians rolled to their second straight win of the season, 45-30, against Delray Beach Atlantic. opened the season with a dominating 34-0 win against Jensen Beach. THIS WEEK: They stay at home and welcome national power Baltimore St. Frances Academy (9/4). NEXT WEEK: A road game against Port St. Lucie Centennial (9/10).
6. West Boca Raton (5A, 1-0). The two-time defending state champions were off after beating Plantation American Heritage on opening night. THIS WEEK: A road contest at Boca Raton Spanish River (9/4). NEXT WEEK: A huge early season home matchup with No. 17 West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (9/10).
7. Venice (6A, 2-0). The Indians rolled to their second win of the season at home against Miami SmartEn Sports Academy, 64-8. THIS WEEK: The biggest game of the year – on the road against No. 9 Lakeland (9/4). NEXT WEEK: A home game against Lehigh (9/10).
8. Gainesville Buchholz (5A, 2-0). The Bobcats had no problem with longtime rival Gainesville, 43-6. THIS WEEK: Another road trip across town to play Gainesville Eastside (9/4). NEXT WEEK: A trip south to play Ocala West Port (9/10).
9. Lakeland (5A, 1-0). After an opening night win against Lakeland Kathleen, the Dreadnaughts were off this past week. THIS WEEK: The home opener will be a huge one against No. 7 Venice (9/4). NEXT WEEK: A district opener on the road against Kissimmee Osceola (9/11).
10. Jacksonville Raines (3A, 2-0). The defending state champions had no problem with Baldwin, 52-14. THIS WEEK: The first key contest of the season will come on the road against No. 28 Jacksonville Ed White (9/4). NEXT WEEK: Another road game – a district opener against Jacksonville Terry Parker (9/11).
11. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (2A, 1-1). The Lions made too many mistakes against an elite Chatsworth Sierra Canyon team, losing 24-7, in the Broward National Showcase. THIS WEEK: A home game against No. 16 Plantation American Heritage. NEXT WEEK: A home game against a competitive Miami True North Classical Academy (9/10).
12. Miami Carol City (2A, 1-1). The Chiefs went on the road again to play a competitive Lee County, Georgia team and came up short, 23-20. THIS WEEK: First home game of the season against rival Miami Norland (9/4). NEXT WEEK: Off.
13. DeLand (6A, 1-1). The Bulldogs battled national power Baltimore St. Frances Academy, Maryland, losing 49-35. THIS WEEK: Off. NEXT WEEK: A big home game against defending state champion Lake Mary (9/11).
14. Seffner Armwood (5A, 1-1). The Hawks went on the road to play national power Ramsey Don Bosco Prep and dropped a 38-14 decision. THIS WEEK: They will stay on the road to play at nearby Plant City (9/4). NEXT WEEK: A home game against Riverview Spoto (9/10).
15. Miami Palmetto (6A, 2-0). The Panthers rolled to their second straight win of the season against Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, 42-7. THIS WEEK: On the road to play against Miami Southridge (9/4). NEXT WEEK: A huge home game against No. 4 Miami Christopher Columbus (9/10).
16. Plantation American Heritage (4A, 1-1). The two-time defending state champions rebounded from an opening-night loss and beat national power East St. Louis, Illinois in overtime as part of the Broward County National Showcase, 35-28. THIS WEEK: Another battle with No. 11 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (9/4). NEXT WEEK: A road trip to Jacksonville to play 1A power Trinity Christian (9/11).
17. West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (2A, 2-0). The Crusaders won an exciting battle of defending state champions, beating No. 24 Sarasota Cardinal Mooney, 47-46. THIS WEEK: A home game against unbeaten Fort Pierce John Carroll (9/4). NEXT WEEK: A huge road game against two-time defending state champion No. 6 West Boca Raton.
18. Jacksonville Mandarin (5A, 2-0). The Mustangs rolled to their second win of the season, beating Jacksonville Atlantic Coast, 50-0. THIS WEEK: Off. NEXT WEEK: A trip to Ponte Vedra to play Nease (9/11).
19. Orlando The First Academy (2A, 2-0). The Royals enter the Top 30 for the first time this season after beating No. 25 Orlando Edgewater, 21-14. THIS WEEK: It’s on the road to play against No. 29 Port Charlotte (9/4). NEXT WEEK: They will stay on the road to play against Groveland South Lake (9/11).
20. Clearwater Central Catholic (2A, 2-0). The Marauders flexed some muscle in a 43-24 win against No. 29. Palmetto. THIS WEEK: Off. NEXT WEEK: A home game against Clearwater Calvary Christian (9/11).
21. Tampa Carrollwood Day (1A, 2-0). In two games this season, the Patriots have outscored the opposition, 86-7, and are a dominating team – beating New Port Richey River Ridge, 45-0. THIS WEEK: St. Petersburg Northside Christian (9/4). NEXT WEEK: On the road against Lutz Steinbrenner (9/10).
22. Fort Myers Dunbar (4A, 2-0). The Fighting Tigers continued to dominate as the highest scoring program in the state after two games, beating North Fort Myers, 50-13. THIS WEEK: Cape Coral (9/3). NEXT WEEK: It’s a key road game against No. 29 Port Charlotte. (9/10).
23. Tampa Bay Tech (5A, 2-0). The Titans moved to 2-0 with a big win against Riverview Sumner, 35-10. THIS WEEK: Tampa Jefferson (9/4). NEXT WEEK: It’s a road game against Tampa Plant (9/10).
24. Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (3A, 1-1). After winning on opening night, the defending state champions lost a tough 47-46 decision to another defending state champion, No. 17 West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman. THIS WEEK: A trip to south Florida to play against Miami True North Classical Academy (9/4). NEXT WEEK: A home game against Venice Wellen Park (9/10).
25. Orlando Edgewater (6A, 1-1). The Eagles dropped a close 21-14 decision to No. 19 Orlando The First Academy for their first regular season setback in two years. THIS WEEK: Another home game against Windermere (9/4). NEXT WEEK: A key road contest against Orlando Lake Nona (9/10).
26. St. Augustine (4A, 2-0). The Yellow Jackets won a close contest against Ponte Vedra Nease, 28-22. THIS WEEK: A road game against city rival St. Augustine Menendez (9/4). NEXT WEEK: Another road trip to play against Middleburg (9-11).
27. Miami Northwestern (4A, 2-0). The Bulls remained unbeaten with a convincing “Soul Bowl” victory against Miami Jackson, 42-0. THIS WEEK: A road game to nearby Hialeah (9/4). NEXT WEEK: A rare road game to north Florida to play 1A power Hawthorne (9/10).
28. Jacksonville Ed White (4A, 1-0). The Commanders, after a huge opening night 42-40 overtime win against Jacksonville Trinity Christian, were off. THIS WEEK: One of their biggest games in years against No. 10 defending state champion Jacksonville Raines (9/4). NEXT WEEK: A road game against Jacksonville Riverside (9/11).
29. Port Charlotte (4A, 1-1). The Pirates dropped a 43-24 decision to No. 20 Clearwater Central Catholic after beating Cape Coral on opening night, 63-26. THIS WEEK: No. 19 Orlando The First Academy on the road (9/4). NEXT WEEK: It gets no easier when they will host No. 22 (9/11).
30. Lake Wales (4A, 1-1). The Highlanders bounced back after losing to power DeLand with a 35-0 win against Sebring. THIS WEEK: A road trip to Winter Haven (9/4). NEXT WEEK: A trip to Eagle Lake to play Lake Region.
(Tie) - Lake City Columbia (4A, 2-0). The Tigers remained unbeaten with a home win against St. Petersburg Lakewood, 24-6. THIS WEEK: Another home game against the always dangerous Madison County Cowboys (9/4). NEXT WEEK: A trip to Jacksonville to play Ribault (9/11).
KEEP AN EYE ON:
1A
Blountstown (1-1)
Community School of Naples (0-2)
Fort Pierce John Carroll (2-0)
Hawthorne (2-0)
Jacksonville Trinity Christian (1-1)
Jacksonville University Christian (1-1)
Lakeland Christian (2-0)
Madison County (2-0)
Melbourne Central Catholic (2-0)
Miami True North (0-1)
Miami Westminster Christian (2-0)
Naples First Baptist (2-0)
Naples St. John Neumann (1-1)
Pahokee (2-0)
St. Petersburg Catholic (1-1)
Wildwood (2-0)
2A
Boca Raton Saint Andrew’s (1-1)
Cocoa (0-1)
Jacksonville Bolles (1-1)
Miami Immaculata LaSalle (2-0)
North Miami Beach (2-0)
Pensacola Catholic (2-0)
Starke Bradford County (2-0)
St. Petersburg Lakewood (0-2)
Tallahassee Florida High (1-1)
Tampa Berkeley Prep (1-1)
3A
Belle Glade Glades Central (0-2)
Brooksville Nature Coast Tech (2-0)
Bushnell South Sumter (2-0)
Crawfordville Wakulla (2-0)
Eau Gallie (1-1)
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2-0)
Fort Lauderdale Dillard (1-0)
Gainesville Eastside (0-2)
Jacksonville Bishop Kenny (2-0)
Merritt Island (2-0)
North Miami Beach (2-0)
Santa Rosa Beach South Walton (2-0)
Tampa Chamberlain (0-2)
Tampa Jefferson (0-2)
The Villages Charter (1-0)
Titusville (2-0)
4A
Delray Beach Atlantic (1-1)
Fort Pierce Westwood (2-0)
Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee (0-2)
Hollywood McArthur (0-2)
Jensen Beach (1-1)
Lynn Haven Mosley (2-0)
Miami Norland (1-1)
Middleburg (1-1)
Milton (0-2)
Naples (0-2)
Ocala Vanguard (1-1)
Orlando Bishop Moore (0-2)
Orlando Jones (0-1)
Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (2-0)
South Fort Myers (2-0)
Tallahassee Godby (1-1)
Tallahassee Lincoln (1-1)
Tallahassee Rickards (1-1)
Tampa Jesuit (1-0)
Zephyrhills (1-1)
5A
Auburndale (1-0)
Bradenton Manatee (1-1)
Clermont East Ridge (2-0)
Coconut Creek (2-0)
Coconut Creek Monarch (1-1)
Fort Myers Riverdale (1-1)
Groveland South Lake (0-1)
Kissimmee Osceola (1-1)
Melbourne (1-1)
Miami Southridge (1-1)
Niceville (1-1)
Orange Park Oakleaf (1-1)
Orlando Evans (1-1)
Oviedo (0-2)
Pace (1-1)
Palmetto (0-2)
Ponte Vedra (0-2)
Ponte Vedra Nease (0-2)
Riverview Sumner (1-1)
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (0-1)
St. John Bartram Trail (2-0)
Stuart Martin County (2-0)
Tampa Gaither (2-0)
Trinity Mitchell (2-0)
Wesley Chapel Wiregrass Ranch (0-1)
6A
Daytona Beach Mainland (0-1)
Flagler Palm Coast (2-0)
Fort Pierce Central (1-0)
Jupiter (2-0)
Lake Mary (1-0)
Orlando Lake Nona (2-0)
Palm Beach Lakes (2-0)
Pembroke Pines West Broward (0-1)
Port Orange Spruce Creek (1-0)
Ruskin Lennard (1-1)
Sanford Seminole (2-0)
Sarasota Riverview (2-0)
St. Cloud (1-1)
Wellington (2-0)
Wellington Palm Beach Central (2-0)
Weston Cypress Bay (2-0)
Winter Garden West Orange (2-0)
Week 1 State Football Rankings: St. Thomas Aquinas Is The One. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-1-state-football-rankings-st-thomas-aquinas-is-the-one
Week 2 State Football Rankings: Top Teams Get Off To A Fast Start. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-2-state-football-rankings-top-teams-get-off-to-a-fast-start
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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..