There is no getting around the fact that Florida has become the epicenter for high school football so far this season.
From the opening week to the elite Broward County National Showcase to this past week where the spotlight was directly on several matchups that not only made a difference here in the Sunshine State, but certainly got the attention of teams, analysts and media nationally.
With No. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas and No. 6 Miami Christopher Columbus the spotlight game of the week nationally, and the double overtime battle between No. 5 Venice and No. 13 Lakeland, Florida was certainly the place for championship-caliber football.
Here is a look at the Top 30 programs for Week 4 – 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, 3-0). The nation’s No. 1 team was tested at home against No. 6 Miami Christopher Columbus before holding on to win, 31-24. THIS WEEK: @Fort Lauderdale Dillard (9/10). NEXT WEEK: @Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (9/18).
2. Bradenton IMG Academy (Independent, 3-0). The Ascenders continued to dominate -with a 41-0 win against Honolulu St. Louis. THIS WEEK: Off. NEXT WEEK: A showdown with No. 18 Orlando The First Academy.
3. Miami Central (3A, 2-0). The Rockets had no problem beating Miami St. Brendan, 43-7, in a historic on campus home game. THIS WEEK: It’s on the road against Georgia power Buford (9/10). NEXT GAME: A home game against Miami Jackson (9/19).
4. West Boca Raton (5A, 2-0). The Bulls, after a week off, came back and shut down Boca Raton Spanish River, 37-0. THIS WEEK: Another huge early season home matchup with No. 16 West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (9/10). NEXT WEEK: The schedule continues to get tougher with a home game against St. John’s Prep of Washington D.C. (9/18).
5. Venice (6A, 3-0). The Indians remained unbeaten with a thrilling double overtime win on the road against No. 13 Lakeland, 32-25. THIS WEEK: A home game against Lehigh (9/10). NEXT WEEK: A home game against an unpredictable Cape Coral team (9/18).
6. Miami Christopher Columbus (6A, 2-1). A week after knocking off No. 1 Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, the Explorers were back at it against – against No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, but coming up short in an exciting contest, 31-24. THIS WEEK: It doesn’t get any easier as the district season begins on the road against No. 15 Miami Palmetto (9/10). NEXT WEEK: The team stays on the road for another district game against Homestead South Dade (9/18).
7. Gainesville Buchholz (5A, 3-0). The Bobcats remained unbeaten with a convincing 49-7 win against Gainesville Eastside. THIS WEEK: A trip south to play Ocala West Port (9/10). NEXT WEEK: It will be another road test against Tampa Jesuit (9/18).
8. Jacksonville Raines (3A, 3-0). The defending state champions had their hands full with a talented Jacksonville Ed White team before pulling away for a 21-12 victory. THIS WEEK: Another road game – a district opener against Jacksonville Terry Parker (9/11). NEXT WEEK: A Top 30 matchup at home against No. 17 Jacksonville Mandarin (9/18).
9. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (2A, 2-1). After dropping a decision to national power Chatsworth Sierra Canyon team, losing 24-7, in the Broward National Showcase, the Lions rebounded with a convincing 46-27 win against No. 26 Plantation American Heritage. THIS WEEK: A home game against a competitive Miami True North Classical Academy (9/10). NEXT WEEK: A trip to Fort Lauderdale to take on Cardinal Gibbons (9/18).
10. Miami Carol City (2A, 2-1). The Chiefs finally played a home game when they rolled to a 43-0 win against rival Miami Norland. THIS WEEK: They will enjoy the week off. NEXT WEEK: A home game against Miami Edison (9/17).
11. DeLand (6A, 1-1). The Bulldogs enjoyed the week off after two challenging games to start the season. THIS WEEK: A big home game against defending state champion Lake Mary (9/11). NEXT WEEK: A home game against a competitive Deltona team (9/18).
12. Vero Beach (6A, 2-1). The Indians were overmatched at home against national powerhouse Baltimore St. Frances Academy, Maryland, 38-6. THIS WEEK: A road game against Port St. Lucie Centennial (9/10). NEXT WEEK: A home contest against Boca Raton Spanish River (9/18).
13. Lakeland (5A, 1-1). The Dreadnaughts dropped their first game of the season – a tough double overtime contest at home against No. 5 Venice, 32-25. THIS WEEK: A district opener on the road against Kissimmee Osceola (9/11). NEXT WEEK: A home game against two-time defending state champion No. 26 Plantation American Heritage (9/18).
14. Seffner Armwood (5A, 2-1). The Hawks rebounded from their loss to national power Ramsey Don Bosco Prep with a 35-0 win against Plant City. THIS WEEK: A home game against Riverview Spoto (9/10). NEXT WEEK: A big matchup at home against Riverview Sumner (9/18).
15. Miami Palmetto (6A, 3-0). The Panthers have remained quiet while rolling through their first three games – the latest a 28-6 decision against Miami Southridge. THIS WEEK: A huge home game against No. 6 Miami Christopher Columbus (9/10). NEXT WEEK: Another district game – at home – against Coral Gables (9/18).
16. West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (2A, 3-0). The Crusaders remained unbeaten with a convincing 45-7 victory over previously unbeaten Fort Pierce John Carroll. THIS WEEK: A huge road game, and another test, against two-time defending state champion No. 4 West Boca Raton (9/10). NEXT WEEK: A home game against a competitive Jensen Beach team (9/18).
17. Jacksonville Mandarin (5A, 2-0). The Mustangs enjoyed the week off to prepare for a tough stretch. THIS WEEK: A trip to Ponte Vedra to play Nease (9/11). NEXT WEEK: The game of the year when they travel to play No. 8 Jacksonville Raines (9/18).
18. Orlando The First Academy (2A, 3-0). The Royals continued to win big games as they knocked off No. 27 Port Charlotte on the road, 23-20. THIS WEEK: They will stay on the road to play against Groveland South Lake (9/11). NEXT WEEK: A huge home game against No. 2 Bradenton IMG Academy.
19. Clearwater Central Catholic (2A, 2-0). After two wins to start the season, the Marauders had the week off. THIS WEEK: A home game against Clearwater Calvary Christian (9/11). NEXT WEEK: A trip to St. Petersburg Catholic (9/18).
20. Tampa Carrollwood Day (1A, 3-0). One of the hottest teams in the state remained that way with a 76-0 win against St. Petersburg Northside Christian. They have outscored their three opponents, 162-7. THIS WEEK: On the road against Lutz Steinbrenner (9/10). NEXT WEEK: A home game against Tampa Chamberlain (9/18).
21. Tampa Bay Tech (5A, 3-0). The Titans continued to show that they will be a force with a 38-0 win against Tampa Jefferson. THIS WEEK: It’s a road game against Tampa Plant (9/10). NEXT WEEK: A competitive matchup against Tampa Gaither (9/18).
22. Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (3A, 2-1). The Cougars rebounded from a tough loss to West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman with a road win against Miami True North Classical Academy, 56-34. THIS WEEK: A home game against Venice Wellen Park (9/10). NEXT WEEK: After a challenging start, they will enjoy the week off.
23. Orlando Edgewater (6A, 2-1). The Eagles rebounded from their first loss of the season with a 42-28 victory over Windermere. THIS WEEK: A key road contest against Orlando Lake Nona (9/10). NEXT WEEK: A huge game on the road against Orlando Jones (9/18).
24. St. Augustine (4A, 3-0). The Yellow Jackets remained unbeaten with a 38-7 win against St. Augustine Menendez. THIS WEEK: Another road trip to play against Middleburg (9/11). NEXT WEEK: A home game against a dangerous Orlando Evans squad (9/18).
25. Miami Northwestern (4A, 3-0). The Bulls had no problem in staying perfect on the season with a 51-0 win against Hialeah. THIS WEEK: A rare road game to north Florida to play 1A power Hawthorne (9/10). NEXT WEEK: A home district matchup with North Miami (9/18).
26. Plantation American Heritage (4A, 1-2). The two-time defending state champions lost to No. 9 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna for the fifth straight time, 46-27, to fall under .500 with some tough games coming up. THIS WEEK: A road trip to Jacksonville to play 1A power Trinity Christian (9/11). NEXT WEEK: They stay on the road to play No. 13 Lakeland (9/18).
27. Port Charlotte (4A, 1-2). The Pirates, playing one of the top schedules in the state early on, dropped a 23-20 decision to No. 18 Orlando The First Academy. THIS WEEK: They will host a Fort Myers Dunbar team that was upset last week (9/11). NEXT WEEK: Off.
28. Lake Wales (4A, 2-1). The Highlanders took care of business against Winter Haven, 41-14. THIS WEEK: A trip to Eagle Lake to play Lake Region. NEXT WEEK: A big home game against Kissimmee Osceola (9/18).
29. Lake City Columbia (4A, 3-0). The Tigers remained unbeaten with another home win against 1A power Madison County, 27-13. THIS WEEK: A trip to Jacksonville to play Ribault (9/11). NEXT WEEK: Another huge trip to Jacksonville to play Trinity Christian (9/18).
30. Lynn Haven Mosley (4A, 3-0). The Dolphins make their debut in the Top 30 after a big Panhandle win against Niceville, 28-9. THIS WEEK: A trip east to Tallahassee to play Chiles (9-11). NEXT WEEK: A home game against Havana Gadsden County (9/17).
(Tie) - Sanford Seminole (3-0). The Seminoles make their debut in the Top 30 after three consecutive victories to start the season – including last week’s 27-13 win over Eau Gallie. THIS WEEK: A home game against Orange City University (9/10). NEXT WEEK: A trip to play Daytona Beach Mainland (9/18).
KEEP AN EYE ON:
1A
Blountstown (2-1)
Community School of Naples (1-2)
Fort Pierce John Carroll (2-1)
Hawthorne (3-0)
Jacksonville Trinity Christian (2-1)
Jacksonville University Christian (2-1)
Lakeland Christian (3-0)
Madison County (2-1)
Melbourne Central Catholic (2-1)
Miami True North (0-2)
Miami Westminster Christian (3-0)
Naples First Baptist (3-0)
Naples St. John Neumann (2-1)
Pahokee (3-0)
St. Petersburg Catholic (1-2)
Wildwood (3-0)
2A
Boca Raton Saint Andrew’s (2-1)
Cocoa (0-2)
Jacksonville Bolles (1-1)
Miami Immaculata LaSalle (3-0)
North Miami Beach (2-1)
Pensacola Catholic (2-1)
Starke Bradford County (3-0)
St. Petersburg Lakewood (0-2)
Tallahassee Florida High (3-0)
Tampa Berkeley Prep (2-1)
3A
Belle Glade Glades Central (1-2)
Bradenton Braden River (3-0)
Brooksville Nature Coast Tech (2-1)
Bushnell South Sumter (2-1)
Crawfordville Wakulla (3-0)
Eau Gallie (2-1)
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2-1)
Fort Lauderdale Dillard (2-1)
Jacksonville Bishop Kenny (1-1)
Merritt Island (3-0)
Miami Springs (3-0)
North Miami Beach (2-1)
Santa Rosa Beach South Walton (2-1)
The Villages Charter (2-0)
Titusville (2-1)
4A
Clearwater (3-0)
Delray Beach Atlantic (2-1)
Fort Myers Dunbar (2-1)
Fort Pierce Westwood (2-1)
Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee (1-2)
Hialeah American (3-0)
Hollywood McArthur (1-2)
Jacksonville Ed White (1-1)
Jensen Beach (2-1)
Miami Norland (1-2)
Middleburg (2-1)
Milton (1-2)
Naples (1-2)
Ocala Vanguard (1-2)
Orlando Bishop Moore (1-2)
Orlando Jones (1-1)
Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (2-1)
South Fort Myers (3-0)
Tallahassee Godby (2-1)
Tallahassee Lincoln (1-2)
Tallahassee Rickards (1-1)
Tampa Jesuit (2-0)
Zephyrhills (1-2)
5A
Auburndale (2-0)
Bradenton Manatee (2-1)
Clermont East Ridge (3-0)
Coconut Creek (2-1)
Coconut Creek Monarch (2-1)
Fort Myers Riverdale (1-2)
Groveland South Lake (0-2)
Immokalee (3-0)
Kissimmee Osceola (2-1)
Melbourne (2-1)
Miami Southridge (1-2)
Niceville (1-2)
Orange Park Oakleaf (2-1)
Orlando Evans (1-2)
Oviedo (1-2)
Pace (1-2)
Palmetto (1-2)
Ponte Vedra Nease (1-2)
Riverview Sumner (2-1)
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (1-1)
St. John Bartram Trail (3-0)
Stuart Martin County (2-1)
Tampa Gaither (2-1)
Trinity Mitchell (3-0)
Wesley Chapel Wiregrass Ranch (0-2)
6A
Daytona Beach Mainland (0-2)
Flagler Palm Coast (3-0)
Fort Pierce Central (2-0)
Jupiter (2-0)
Lake Mary (1-1)
Lantana Santaluces (2-1)
Orlando Lake Nona (2-1)
Palm Beach Lakes (2-0)
Pembroke Pines West Broward (0-2)
Port Orange Spruce Creek (2-0)
Ruskin Lennard (2-1)
Sarasota Riverview (2-1)
St. Cloud (2-1)
Tampa Alonso (3-0)
Wellington (3-0)
Wellington Palm Beach Central (3-0)
Weston Cypress Bay (3-0)
Winter Garden West Orange (3-0)
Winter Park (2-1)
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..