From the first day of spring football practice last April, this is the week that every football player and coach pointed toward.
The start of the 2024 state playoffs was a destination that everyone wanted to be a part of – and we are here.
Several Miami-Dade and Broward County prospects will be on display starting this week.
Even though the regular season has ended, it doesn’t mean that we stop our team rankings. Our objective is to keep players and teams in the spotlight for fans and colleges to see.
Here is a look at the Top 20 as Round 1 of the state playoffs begin:
1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (8-2, 1A). THIS WEEK: 11/15 – Boca Raton St. John Paul. NEXT GAME: No. 5 Miami Archbishop Carroll or No. 4 Boca Raton St. Andrew’s Academy.
2. Miami Norland (7-2, 4A). THIS WEEK: 11/15 – at Hialeah. NEXT GAME: No. 6 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy at No. 3 Plantation.
3. Plantation American Heritage (7-2, 4A). THIS WEEK: 11/15 - Jensen Beach. NEXT GAME: No. 5 Fort Lauderdale Dillard or No. 4 Fort Pierce John Carroll.
4. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (7-3, 5A). THIS WEEK: - 11/15 – North Miami. NEXT GAME: No. 6 Coconut Creek or No. 3 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely.
5. Miami Northwestern (7-2, 3A). THIS WEEK: 11/15 – The Bulls host Naples Barron Collier. NEXT GAME: No. 5 Miami Jackson or No. 4 Naples Lely.
6. Miami Booker T. Washington (7-2, 2A). LAST WEEK: The Tornadoes finished off the regular season with a 21-16 win against Miami Palmetto. THIS WEEK: 11/14 – North Miami Beach. NEXT GAME: No. 5 Miami Carol City or No. 4 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons.
7. Miami Southridge (8-2, 6A). THIS WEEK: 11/15 - The Spartans open the state playoffs at home against Hollywood South Broward. NEXT GAME: No. 5 Homestead or No. 4 Coconut Creek Monarch.
8. Miami Christopher Columbus (6-3, 7A). THIS WEEK: 11/14 - The Explorers open the state playoffs at home against Boca Raton Spanish River. NEXT GAME: No. 5 Homestead South Dade or No. 4 Lantana Santaluces.
9. Davie Western (4-6, 7A). THIS WEEK: 11/15 - The Wildcats will be on the road for the first round of the state playoffs against Miami Palmetto. NEXT GAME: No. 6 Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman or No. 3 Boca Raton.
10. Coconut Creek Monarch (6-3, 6A). THIS WEEK: 11/15 - The Knights will be at home for the first round of the state playoffs against Homestead. NEXT GAME: No. 8 Hollywood South Broward or No. 1 Miami Southridge.
11. Sunrise Piper (9-1, 6A). THIS WEEK: 11/15 - The Bengals open the first round of the state playoffs at home against Doral Academy. NEXT GAME: No. 6 Pembroke Pines Flanagan or No. 3 Pembroke Pines West Broward.
12. Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (7-2, 2A). THIS WEEK: 11/15 - The Spartans get a first-round state playoff game at home against Miami Ransom Everglades. NEXT GAME: No. 2 Miami Immaculata LaSalle at No. 7 Miami Gulliver Prep.
13. Hialeah (8-2, 4A). THIS WEEK: 11/15 - The Thoroughbreds start the state playoffs at home against powerhouse Miami Norland. NEXT GAME: No. 6 Southwest Ranches Archbishop Carroll at No. 3 Plantation.
14. Miami Carol City (7-3, 2A). THIS WEEK: 11/15 - The Chiefs are back in the state playoffs and will hit the road against Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. NEXT GAME: No. 8 North Miami Beach or No. 1 Miami Booker T. Washington.
15. Pembroke Pines West Broward (7-3, 6A). THIS WEEK: 11/15 - The Bobcats will be at home for the second straight year in the opening round of the state playoffs against Pembroke Pines Flanagan. NEXT GAME: No. 7 Doral Academy at No. 2 Sunrise Piper.
16. Miami Palmetto (6-3, 7A). LAST WEEK: The Panthers dropped the continuation of the contest against Miami Booker T. Washington, 21-16. THIS WEEK: 11/15 – A home game as the No. 3 seed against Davie Western. NEXT GAME: No. 6 Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman or No. 3 Boca Raton.
17. Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (7-3, 5A). THIS WEEK: 11/15 -The Tigers will be at home for a rematch against Coconut Creek. NEXT GAME: No. 6 Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman or No. 3 Boca Raton.
18. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (7-2, 4A). THIS WEEK: 11/15 - The Panthers start the state playoffs on the road against unbeaten Fort Pierce John Carroll. NEXT GAME: No. 8 Jensen Beach or No. 1 Plantation American Heritage.
19. Miramar (6-4, 5A). THIS WEEK: 11/15 - The Patriots will open the state playoffs at home against Palm Bay Heritage. NEXT GAME: No. 8 Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy or No. 1 Delray Atlantic.
20. Miami Immaculata LaSalle (9-1, 2A). LAST WEEK: The Royal Lions ended the regular season with a 43-31 win against Miami Ransom Everglades. THIS WEEK: 11/15 – Miami Gulliver Prep on the road. NEXT GAME: No. 6 Miami Ransom Everglades or No. 3 Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace.
KEEP AN EYE ON: Coconut Creek (4-4, 5A), Coral Gables (5-4, 7A), Davie Nova (7-3, 6A – SEASON OVER), Doral Academy (5-4, 6A), Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (7-3, 2A – SEASON OVER), Fort Lauderdale NSU University School (9-2, Independent), Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (6-4, 2A), Fort Lauderdale (4-5, 6A – SEASON OVER), Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (5-5, 3A – SEASON OVER), Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (5-4, Independent – SEASON OVER), Hollywood South Broward (4-6, 6A), Homestead (4-4, 6A). Homestead South Dade (5-5, 7A), Miami Archbishop Carroll (6-4, 1A), Miami Florida Christian (9-1, Independent – SEASON OVER), Miami Edison (5-5, 1A), Miami Jackson (4-6, 3A), Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (4-6, 7A), Miami Ransom Everglades (6-3, 2A), Miami Springs (3-7, 2A – SEASON OVER), Miami True North Classical Academy (7-3, 1A), North Miami (6-4, 5A), North Miami Beach (3-6, 2A), Pembroke Pines Charter (6-4, 5A – SEASON OVER), Pembroke Pines Flanagan (7-3, 6A), Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (7-3, 3A), Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (6-3, 4A), Plantation (6-4, 4A). Weston Cypress Bay (6-4, 7A – SEASON OVER).
WEEKLY RANKINGS
PRE-SEASON. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-pre-season-top-20-st-thomas-begins-at-no-1
Week 2. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-2-top-20-st-thomas-remains-on-top
Week 3. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-3-top-20-surprises-shake-things-up
WEEK 4. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-4-things-are-getting-very-interesting
WEEK 5. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-5-local-rankings-change-from-week-to-week
WEEK 6. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-6-district-play-has-started-in-miami-dade-broward
WEEK 7. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-7-st-thomas-aquinas-miami-central-hollywood-chaminade-madonna-remain-at-the-top
WEEK 8. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-8-head-to-head-matchups-are-key
WEEK 9. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-9-chaminade-madonna-moves-back-on-top
WEEK 10. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-10-highlights-some-crucial-miami-dade-broward-games
WEEK 11. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-11-playoff-spots-are-now-filled-for-miami-dade-broward-county-teams
WEEK 12. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-12-local-teams-getting-ready-for-the-state-playoffs
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.
With this week starting the state playoffs and several Miami-Dade and Broward County Schools having an opportunity to realize a dream, for others it’s time to put the equipment away for another year.
When the off-season begins the objective for every player, coach and fan is to reach the post season. The hard work that is put in during the spring and summer often adds to what will unfold this week across the state.
As many get ready to practice this week to extend their season, several other schools can only think about the what ifs.
For underclassmen, it is time to start planning the workouts, camps, combines, spring and summer to ensure that what happened this year will not repeat itself in 2025.
As the spotlight will certainly shine on those teams that advanced to the “second season” there are others who worked hard and came up short.
Among the schools who are looking toward next season include Coconut Creek North Broward Prep (4-6, 2A), Cooper City (2-8, 6A), Coral Gables (5-4, 7A), Coral Springs (1-8, 6A), Coral Springs Coral Glades (3-7, 7A), Coral Springs Taravella (0-10, 7A), Davie Nova (7-3, 6A), Deerfield Beach (1-8, 5A), Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (7-3, 2A), Fort Lauderdale (4-5, 6A), Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (5-5, 3A), Hallandale (3-6, 2A), Goulds Plam Glades Prep (2-8, 1A), Hialeah American (3-7, 5A), Hollywood Avant Garde (2-8, 1A), Hollywood Hills (5-5, 5A), Hollywood McArthur (2-8, 5A), Homestead Everglades Prep (2-8, 1A), Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson (4-6, 5A), Miami Beach (5-5, 6A), Miami Belen Jesuit (2-8, 4A), Miami Dr. Krop (3-7, 6A), Miami High (3-7, 7A), Miami Killian (3-7, 2A), Miami Springs (3-7, 2A), Miami St. Brendan (4-6, 3A), Miami Westminster Christian (2-8, 1A), Miramar Everglades (4-6, 5A), North Lauderdale Somerset Prep (2-7, 1A), Oakland Park Northeast (2-8, 4A), Parkland Stoneman Douglas (1-9, 7A), Pompano Beach (3-7, 3A), Somerset Academy South Homestead (1-9, 1A), South Miami (1-9, 4A), South Plantation (4-6, 6A), Southwest Miami (3-7, 6A), Westland Hialeah (0-8-1, 2A), and Weston Cypress Bay (6-4, 7A).
FINAL WEEK RESULTS
With the state granting an extra week, south Florida teams took advantage of the chance. Here is a look at the scoreboard from Week 12:
Boynton Beach 44, Oakland Park Northeast 14
Delray Atlantic 34, Coconut Creek 25
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 48, Deerfield Beach 6
Fort Lauderdale Dillard 30, Lake Worth Dr. Joaquin Garcia 0
Melbourne Central Catholic 51, Miami True North Classical Academy 44
Miami Booker T. Washington 21, Miami Palmetto 16
Pembroke Pines Flanagan 23, Miami Dr. Krop 7
SSAC SEMIFINAL – Fort Lauderdale NSU University School 21, Cape Coral Oasis 10
Boca Raton Spanish River 48, Parkland Douglas 0
Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy 49, Pembroke Pines Charter 7
Weston Cypress Bay 30, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan 28
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..
By Dave Brousseau - BCAA Writer
FORT LAUDERDALE – To earn a District 14-4A title the Dillard football team was required to play and win a pair of games in four days.
Led by a stellar defensive effort and a pair of interceptions by senior defensive back Javier Frazier, the Panthers were dominant in a 30-0 victory over Joaquin Garcia at home on Thursday.
With the win, the Panthers earned a No. 5 seed and will head to Fort Pierce to play one-time Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas standout Mickey Groody and No. 4 John Carroll (10-0) on Friday night.
“I told the teams we had a lot of guys out and needed to step up,” said Dillard coach Demitris Mincey. “That’s the name of the game. Nobody’s going to feel sorry for you. We had to protect home field advantage.
Got to win at home and execute. If we do that would come out on top.”
The Panthers (8-2, 4-0 in district) successfully did what was needed to complete regular season play.
Last time the Panthers ended the regular season with back-to-back shutouts was the 2018 season defeating Boynton Beach 41-0 and Blanche Ely 77-0.
Already up 7-0 following a Frazier 40-yard interception return in the first quarter, Dillard began dominating the trenches that helped gain momentum with the run game.
“Coach made a statement before the game, it’s win or go home,” said Frazier. “As a senior this wasn’t going to be the last game for me.”
The Panthers ran eight consecutive plays after a Bulldogs (7-3) punt on a drive the began at the Dillard 35 with 7:27 left in the second quarter. The ninth play from scrimmage resulted in a six-yard scoring pass from junior Andrew Stickney to Pierce Kinch-Young for a 14-0 lead with
After forcing the Bulldogs to punt, Dillard ate up the remaining 1:58 again using the run game. Eight plays later MJ Mincey 1-yard push into the endzone as the half concluded giving Dillard a comfortable 21-0 at the half.
The Panthers sealed the eventual victory when Stickney tossed a pitch and ran 76-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Anthony Jennings on the second play of the second half. Despite the missed extra point, Dillard led 27-0.
Kyle Aller added a 26-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter for the Panthers.
Dave Brousseau can be reached on X at @dbrouss76 – or via e-mail at:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If you have followed high school football long enough and watched some of the talent that emerges from the #305 and #954.
Much of that talent that goes on to college and into the NFL happens to be quality pass defenders. Whether it’s cornerbacks, safety or even linebackers, you know that if you are going to throw into a loaded defense, often times the results will not be good.
When former Miami Northwestern and University of Miami safety Cam Kinchens came up with two interceptions – one for a touchdown on Sunday for the Rams, the spotlight fell on south Florida.
As the playoffs are right around the corner, we bring you some of those defensive prospects who made it tough for the opposition to throw this season.
Among those are seniors (2025) George Valdovinos (CB, Deerfield Beach Somerset Key), Jabori Walton (CB, Miramar Everglades), John Hendrikse (DB, Miami Westminster Christian), Dante Alexander (FS, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace), Kamari Alexander (S, Southwest Miami), Shavar Lambkin (DB, Deerfield Beach Somerset Key), and Willie White (CB/FS, Homestead South Dade).
Juniors (2026) have made it difficult as well - with Deshawn Blair (DB, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson), Ronald Thomas (S, Weston Cypress Bay), Marc Naranjo (S/OLB, Miami St. Brendan), Karmelo McCrea (FS/CB, Doral Academy), Champ Smith (DB, Miami Gulliver Prep), Adrian Lopez (S, Miami Coral Reef), and Robert Donald (DE, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy).
The sophomore (2027) class is also responsible for making plays as Tavarus Greene (FS, Miami Florida Christian), Charvis Hood (OLB/DB, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School), D.J. Gaines (DB, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy), Omari Colbourne (CB, Pembroke Pines Charter), and Semajay Robinson (FS, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson).
Also, keep an eye on freshman (2028) Britton Bayag (FS, Miami Westminster Christian) and Blake Mitchell (DB, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan).
WE WILL CONTINUE TO ADD TO THIS LIST - If you do not see a score and have those results, please send us a note at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., so college coaches across the nation can keep track of prospects and teams.
WEEK 12 SOUTH FLORIDA SCOREBOARD
THURSDAY, November 7
Boca Raton Spanish River 48, Parkland Douglas 0
Boynton Beach 44, Oakland Park Northeast 14
Delray Atlantic 34, Coconut Creek 25
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 48, Deerfield Beach 6
Fort Lauderdale Dillard 30, Lake Worth Dr. Joaquin Garcia 0
Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy 49, Pembroke Pines Charter 7
Miami Booker T. Washington 21, Miami Palmetto 16
Pembroke Pines Flanagan 23, Miami Dr. Krop 7
SSAC SEMIFINAL – Fort Lauderdale NSU University School 21, Cape Coral Oasis 10
Weston Cypress Bay 30, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan 28
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 Cape Coral Oasis (7-1) takes on Fort Lauderdale NSU University School (8-2) tonight (6:00), the post season will take center stage as the Sunshine State Athletic Conference Semifinals will take place.
With defending state champion Oviedo The Master’s Academy hosting Jacksonville’s Christ’s Church Academy in the other semifinal, the stage will be set for the championship game on Nov. 16th at The Villages.
In the battle of the Sharks, University School and head coach Michael Norman has been impressive this season with offensive prospects Carlos Avila-Lopez, Devin Mila, Kobe Conway, Jacques Dixson Jr., Collin Francis and Jayden Miller leading the way on offense.
Defensively, Joey Novelli, Shawn Garcon, Justice Martin, Darwin Brooks, Charvis Hood, Jaidyne Dixson, and Kai Starks making an impact on defense.
For first year head coach Brice Bearman and his Oasis football team, it has been an impressive season – with Gavin Wittmer, Tommy Murphy, Branden Overbaugh, Frederick Harley Jr., Parker Smith, and Dallas Scott making an impression on the offensive side of the ball – while Mason Sargis, Collin Anderson, Kevin Cisneros, Sean McFee, Rex Williams, Kalen Stengel and James Griffin sparked the defense.
CAPE CORAL OASIS SHARKS
Bradenton St. Stephen’s Episcopal, W 27-0
Fort Myers Gateway Charter, W 40-15
St. Petersburg Catholic, W 22-7
Naples St. John Neumann, L 29-16
Southwest Florida Christian, W 24-21
Fort Myers Evangelical Christian, W 24-14
Cape Coral Ida Baker, W 42-13
Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy, W 19-7
11/7 - @Fort Lauderdale NSU University School
FORT LAUDERDALE NSU UNIVERSITY SCHOOL SHARKS
Jupiter Christian, W 14-7
Coral Springs Charter, W 51-7
Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, L 42-34
Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, W 21-7
Boca Raton Saint Andrew’s, W 16-14
Orlando Lake Highland Prep, W 46-10
Miami Ransom Everglades, W 17-16 (OT)
Hialeah ABF, W 52-6
Miami Gulliver Prep, L 34-17
Vero Beach St. Edward’s, W 42-6
11/7 – Cape Coral Oasis
WEDNESDAY SCORES
Boca Raton Spanish River 48, Parkland Douglas 0
Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy 49, Pembroke Pines Charter 7
Weston Cypress Bay 30, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan 28
OTHER GAMES ON TAP TODAY
In addition to the playoff game, the final week of the regular season will also have some quality matchups:
Boynton Beach (4-5) at Oakland Park Northeast (2-7), 6
Coconut Creek (4-4) at Delray Atlantic (8-1), 6:30
Deerfield Beach (1-7) at Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (5-4), 6
Goulds Palm Glades Prep (2-7) at Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons (3-6), 6:30
Lake Worth Dr. Joaquin Garcia (7-2) at No. 18 Fort Lauderdale Dillard (7-2), 7
Melbourne Central Catholic (6-3) at Miami True North Classical Academy (7-2), Tropical, 7
Miami Dr. Krop (3-6) at Pembroke Pines Flanagan (6-3), 6
No. 15 Miami Palmetto (6-3) at No. 6 Miami Booker T. Washington (6-2), Traz Powell, 6:30. Game resumes in the third quarter with the Panthers ahead.
Miami Ransom Everglades (6-2) at No 20 Miami Immaculata La Salle (8-1), 7
Pompano Beach (3-6) at Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (6-3), Ansin, 7
PHOTO COURTESY OF NSU UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
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..