While August is still eight long months away, and there are plenty of off-season for teams to get better and reload, on this first day of the new year, we will take an early look at what teams figure to be in the mix again in 2025.

As Chaminade-Madonna left the season as the No. 1 team in Florida for the Dameon Jones and his Lions have eyes on an amazing 10^th straight trip to the state finals.

Class 1A will once again be run by the Lions, but who else in south Florida figures to try and close the gap?

Miami True North Classical Academy (7-4) has added some pieces and will continue to bring in some players, but as head coach Greg Leffere returns, it will be an uphill climb.

Miami Archbishop Carroll (6-5) and Miami Edison (7-5) are both payoff teams with a dream.

Advancing to the 2A state semifinals when very few expected veteran head coach Tim “Ice” Harris and his Miami Booker T. Washington Tornadoes (10-3) to make it that far, you have to figure that this team will be right back in the spotlight and make another serious run in 2025.

Other teams that will once again build to improve what happened this past year include Miami Immaculata LaSalle (11-2), Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (8-3), Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (7-5), Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (7-3), Miami Carol City (7-4), Miami Ransom Everglades (6-4), Miami Springs (3-7), and North Miami Beach (3-7).

A lot of things fell into place for first year head coach Teddy Bridgewater and his 3A state champion Miami Northwestern Bulls.

Perhaps the biggest thing to happen was archrival Miami Central had to forfeit nine games – including a win early in the season against Northwestern.

The Bulls (12-2) will come in as a favorite to win it all – with numerous returnees but counting head coach Jube Joseph and the Rockets out would be a mistake.

Northwestern are the clear favorites, but programs such as Key West (7-4), Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (5-5), Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (7-4),  and Miami Jackson (4-7).

This was indeed a special year for head coach Mike Smith and Plantation American Heritage as the Patriots won a thrilling 4A title game over Orlando Jones in a very trying season for this 12-2 program.

While several key pieces have departed there is a feeling that this team can make another serious run.

Before the Patriots order those buses to Pitbull Stadium in the second week of December, realize that Miami Norland (9-3) and Fort Lauderdale Dillard (9-3) remain hungry. So do Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (7-4), Plantation (6-5) and Hialeah (8-3).

After winning six straight state titles, you can never, ever count out veteran head coach Roger Harriott and his Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (12-3) Raiders who know just when to play their best.

Even though this wasn’t the total domination this program was used to – especially in the playoffs – they put it all together when it counted.

The Raiders will once again come in as huge favorites as they will add the right pieces. Look for Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (8-4), Miramar (7-5, 5A), Coconut Creek (4-5), North Miami (6-5), and Pembroke Pines Charter (6-4) to continue getting better.

Before the 2024 season began, head coach Pierre Senatus and his Miami Southridge Spartans (11-3) had high hopes of being in the 6A state finals. But a tough loss to eventual state champion West Boca Raton in the state semifinal ended that lofty goal.

While Southridge figures to continue building, there are other programs that are coming on quickly – such as Pembroke Pines West Broward (9-4), Coconut Creek Monarch (7-4), and surprising Sunrise Piper (10-2).

The class also has district champion Hollywood South Broward (4-7), Davie Nova (7-3), Doral Academy (5-5), Fort Lauderdale (4-5), Homestead (4-5), and Pembroke Pines Flanagan (7-4).

When you looked at 7A this year it was supposed to be one of the strongest classes and most competitive in south Florida – with two-time defending state champion Miami Christopher Columbus leading the way.

As things turned out, while veteran head coach Dave Dunn and his Explorers (8-4) didn’t have their best team, they did come within a touchdown of getting back to defend their crown, losing to eventual state champion Venice.

Teams such as Davie Western (6-7) and Miami Palmetto (6-4) were disappointing. So were Homestead South Dade (6-6), Coral Gables (5-4), Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (5-6), and Weston Cypress Bay (6-4).

Other teams also made a splash and will be back – with Greater Miami Athletic Independent champion Miami Coral Reef (9-2) and head coach Tim Wood coming up big. So did Fort Lauderdale NSU University School (9-2), Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (5-4), and Miami Florida Christian (9-1).

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

When it comes to special teams, we have always understood the importance of having a kicker, punter and long snapper and so do colleges and universities.

Through the years, when it comes to shining a spotlight on these specialists, we have always made sure that we get these young men out for all to follow.

While it’s easy to follow those kickers and punters who are in the spotlight, our objective is to attend as many showcases as possible to uncover some of these rising stars of the gridiron.

In the course of a year, we will shine that spotlight on those kickers, punters and long snappers that get them that much needed recognition.

With the off-season under way, we start our special teams look with kickers and punters in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. We will have a look at long snappers after the winter showcase in January.

CLASS OF 2026 RISING SENIORS ARE IMPRESSIVE

As this 2025 group of kickers and punters are still searching for a home, the Class of 2026 rising seniors are starting to jump on the radar.

Remember, special teams’ exposure has become paramount, so underclassmen are no longer a surprise.

This 2026 class has some stellar difference makers – starting with Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna nationally ranked kicker Noah Sidan (4.0 GPA).

Sidan, who began at Miami Norland last season, made his way north and was part of the 1A state championship team.  

While Sidan will bring in plenty of attention, he is certainly not alone.

Among those prospects to keep an eye on in 2025 will be John Allen (K/P, Miami Christopher Columbus), Matisse Bullrich (K, Miami Gulliver Prep – 3.54 GPA), Justin Cassini (P, Plantation American Heritage – 4.6 GPA), Hector Castillo (K/P, Miami Archbishop Carroll), Dominic Celli (K, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons – 3.9 GPA), Caysen Chevannes (K, Pembroke Pines Charter – 4.5 GPA), Johnny DiSalvatore (K/P, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 4.1 GPA), Miguel Farinas (K/P, Deerfield Beach Somerset Key), Jacob Fernandiz (K, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman), and Rodrigo Franco (K/P, North Miami Beach).

Other 2026 prospects to watch this off-season include Christopher Green (K/P, Miami Palmetto), Brandon Guerrero (K, Fort Lauderdale), Jordan Hechler (K/P, Miami Christopher Columbus), Njonte Henry (P/K, Davie Nova), Carlos Lavernia (K, Miami Ransom Everglades), Thomas Lopez (K/P, Miami Booker T. Washington), Mateus Lucena (K/P, Weston Cypress Bay), Alan Lopez-Ortiz (K/P, South Miami), Juan Marmolejo (K, Coconut Creek Monarch), and Christian Martinez (K/P, Cooper City).

The class is deep with Emilio Mollinedo (K, Homestead South Dade – 3.3 GPA), nationally rated Francisco Moscoso (K/P, Miami Belen Jesuit – 5.67 GPA), Trace Poncev (K, Pembroke Pines West Broward – 4.0 GPA), Cody Rawda (K, Parkland Douglas), Jonathan Rivera (K, Miami High), Jorge Rivera (K/P, Miami Dr. Krop), Stephen Cook-Roberts (P/K, Miami Palmer Trinity), Gabriel Suarez (K, Miami Westminster Christian), Javier Suarez (P, Miami Westminster Christian), Conrad Tolerico (P, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 3.6 GPA), and Damir Wright (K/P, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson).

CLASS OF 2027 CONTINUES THE TALENT TRAIN

As good as the 2026 class will be, the future certainly looks bright with some gifted kickers and punters.

Among those will be Ayden Dimmitt-Modest (K/P, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson), Gabriel Gonzalez (K, Doral Academy), Jonathan Hernanez (K, Coconut Creek), Christopher Macias (K/P, Miami True North Classical Academy), Alec Martinez-Bolivar (K/P, Miami Ransom Everglades), Nathan Maza (K/P, Miami Christopher Columbus), Nicholas Minthorpe (K/P, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Krystian Nacier (K/P, Miami Florida Christian), John Potts (K, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace), Michael Quinones (K, Miami Southridge), elite Cole Rodriguez (K, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy - 3.5 GPA), Mykel Sam (K/P, Homestead South Dade – 3.1 GPA), and Mason Vogt (K/P, Miami Christopher Columbus).

The 2028 prospects are also going to be special – with Fox Ehrlich (K/P, Coral Springs Taravella), Osdiel Perez (K, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman), Sebastian Raga (K, Southwest Miami), and Dylan Semmartin (K/P, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy).

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

When it comes to football talent in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties through the years, there have been plenty of offensive stars that not only made an impact in high school, but also got it done at the college and NFL levels.

But when you look back at the talent throughout the decades in this region, there have been defensive playmakers who have turned heads and made an impact.

As we closed the book on the 2024 season and look back at some of the key performers, a number of defensive players stepped up to make those plays to ignite their respective teams.

Today, we give some of the spotlight to those defensive players who sparked their teams and made an impact.

Here are some players we salute for stepping up their game:

Seniors (2025) such as Roderick (R.J.) Boynton (DB, Miami Gulliver Prep), Sebastien-Olivier Lacrete (DB, Miami Gulliver Prep), Shawn Garcon (LB, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School), Justin St-Ange (LB, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy), Julian Mendez (OLB, Davie Western), Hector Chavez (LB, Miami Christopher Columbus), Cory Waters (MLB, Miami Southridge), Joshua McDowell (MLB, Miami Southridge)

There were some quality juniors (2026) who also Dylan Bennett (LB, Plantation American Heritage), Kymani Morales (DE, Plantation American Heritage), Tyrel Snelling (LB, Miami High), Tommy Barcinas (OLB, Miami Palmer Trinity), Demarcus Greene (SS, Hollywood South Broward), Kamron Wilson (DE, Miami Southridge), Louisdens Paul (LB, Miami Dr. Krop), Uryah McCartney (LB, Pembroke Pines West Broward), and Joey Novelli (OLB, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School).

There was an eye on quality 2027 (sophomores) as well – with Debonaire Johnson (LB, Hollywood South Broward), Maurice Gage (DB, Miami Gulliver Prep), Jayden Gummer (OLB, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace), and linebacker 191 Amir Sameem (Coral Springs Taravella).

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

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 (@PrepRedzoneFL). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

MIAMI – South Florida Tournament of Champions, Inc. is excited to announce the list of student-athletes selected for the 27th Annual South Florida High School Athletic Awards & Player of the Year ceremony.

These 20 outstanding football players from the Class of 2025 have been invited to represent their schools, counties, and communities in this prestigious event, which will take place on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at the Warren Henry Automotive Headquarters in Miami, FL.  2300 NE 151st St, North Miami, FL 33181

The following student-athletes will be honored for their exceptional achievements on the football field:

Lincoln Graf – Delray Atlantic

Yohan Li Louis – Calvary Christian

Malachi Toney – American Heritage

Cameron Sapp – Miami Palmetto

Jerrmyll Ray – Belle Glade Central

Ben Diaz – Plantation American Heritage

Hector Chavez – Christopher Columbus

Randy Adrika – Miami Central

Darryll Desir – Miami Norland

Davion Dixon – Miami Palmetto

Ezekiel Marcelin – Central

Joshua McDowell – Miami Southridge

Lewenski Ydore – North Miami Senior

Jerrad Smith – Miami Norland

Bryce Fitzgerald – Christopher Columbus

Chris Ewald – Hollywood Chaminade Madonna

Antonio Branch – Miami Northwestern

Camari Hall – Hollywood Chaminade Madonna

Byron Louis – Plantation American Heritage

Teddy Hoffman – Delray Atlantic

The South Florida Athletic Awards has long been known for honoring top talent, with past honorees including NFL stars such as Brandon Harris, Roscoe Parrish, Asante Samuel, Geno Smith, Tutu Atwell, Ruben Bain, Wesley Bassainte, Jordan Battle, Leonard Taylor, Jeremiah Smith, and Dalvin Cook.

Presenting this award is of special importance to the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Warren Henry Zinn, as he places high value on giving back to his community. Warren has always been a supporter of student athletes. Being raised in an inner-city community, Zinn knows firsthand how hard student-athletes work to perform at the exceptional level they do while balancing their other responsibilities. Having Warren Henry Auto Group honor their hard work is just one of the various ways Zinn lends his support.

The event will also feature community outreach initiatives, including a hospital visit to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital on January 7, 2025, at 3 p.m. Players will engage with patients and share their inspiring stories. After the visit, the athletes will participate in an Academic and Human Development Symposium, providing them with insights alike the NFL Rookie Orientation process. Additionally, Publix Supermarkets will recognize the Academic Athlete of the Year, and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital will honor the South Florida Coaches of the Year, Legon Fodiman Sudduth P.A. Community Service Award. The event will end with the selection of the Warren Zinn South Florida Player of Year Presentation. 

About Warren Henry Auto Group

Established in 1976, Warren Henry Auto Group is one of the longest-standing, private, family-owned dealership groups in Florida. The company comprises nearly 500 employees, 6 different retail locations, and 17 luxury and premium brands including Jaguar, Land Rover, INFINITI, Audi, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Hennessey, Koenigsegg, Toyota, Ford, Lincoln, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, Icon, and Vespa.

Grounded in its original core values and vision, the company prides itself on providing exceptional customer service, creating a superior work environment for its employees, and supporting local causes in the communities it serves. Warren Henry Auto Group has received numerous awards and accolades including being named Best Dealership to Work for by Automotive News, honored by J.D. Power for Dealer of Excellence, and recognized by the South Florida Business Journal Philanthropy List. The company’s headquarters is located at 2300 NE 151st Street in North Miami. For more information, call (305) 690-6006 or visit www.warrenhenryauto.com.