When it comes to producing players and teams, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are now dominating the landscape of football in the state of Florida.

With defending state champions in 1A (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), 3A (Miami Northwestern), 4A (Plantation American Heritage) and 5A (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), this area is certainly one that gets everyone’s attention – quickly.

As the first week of the season is upon us, there are so many tremendous programs with a chance to advance to the state playoffs this year – and that is why the rankings will change just about every week.

With teams within the two counties playing each other throughout the season, the only ranking that will count will be the final one in the last week of December.

Today, we bring you the first of many weekly local rankings. Remember, they will change every Tuesday, and just because your favorite team may not be listed or ranked lower than you expected, the best teams will rise to the top by the end of the year.

1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1A). Loaded once again as the Lions look for an amazing ninth state trip to the state finals with talent everywhere. They have a tough schedule but nobody in 1A has been able to beat them. THIS WEEK: 8/23 – Baltimore St. Frances Academy, Maryland. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 - @No. 17 Hollywood McArthur.

are within three touchdowns of them – still!

2. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A). Six-time defending state champions – enough said. May have more talent than anyone not named IMG Academy. Always well coached and loaded with elite talent and will be challenged. THIS WEEK: Santa Ana, California Mater Dei. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 – Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson.

3. Miami Northwestern (3A). Tough to imagine ANYONE in the country with more talent. You have no idea how loaded this program is. NO public school in American has more prospects. Not even up for discussion. They start in the fourth position but will find their way to the top – soon. THIS WEEK: 8/23 – Orange, California Orange Lutheran. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 – Venice.

4. Miami Central (3A). Do not feel sorry for the Rockets. They may have been the best team in Florida on the field last year, but having to forfeit the season tainted some elite prospects. New coach, but very much the same goals. THIS WEEK: Game Postponed. NEXT WEEK: 8/28 – No. 19 Miami Edison.

5. Plantation American Heritage (4A). The defending state champions may have the toughest schedule in the state, but the Patriots like it that way. There is enough talent to make it back, but depth will be a concern. THIS WEEK: 8/22 – Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep, Pennsylvania. NEXT WEEK: Bye.

6. Miami Norland (4A). The Vikings have a tough road but still have amazing talent to compete with anyone on their schedule. New head coach but the same objective with several elite prospects. THIS WEEK: 8/22 - @Lake Mary. NEXT WEEK: 8/28 - @Miami Carol City.

7. Miami Southridge (6A). Here is a team that feels they should have been in the finals last year, and with one of the most athletic programs in Florida, do not sleep on the Spartans. They had quite a spring and summer and are ready with a huge chip on their shoulders. THIS WEEK: 8/21 - @No. 8 Miami Christopher Columbus. NEXT WEEK: @Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman.

8. Miami Christopher Columbus (7A). Never count the Explorers out. Even in a down year, they took Venice down to the final quarter in the state semifinals. This season there is more to work with and there is a good feeling around this program. THIS WEEK: 8/21 – No. 7 Miami Southridge. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 - @Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maryland.

9. Coconut Creek Monarch (6A). Even though spring is never a true indicator of what lies ahead, the Knights looked mighty impressive on both sides of the ball and needed to be taken seriously. But the schedule will test this team each week. THIS WEEK: Jacksonville Bolles. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 - @Deerfield Beach.

10. Pembroke Pines West Broward (6A). Here is a team that may be new to the state powerhouses, but the Bobcats have loaded up and could have some of the most impressive athletes you will find – with an offensive line that is big and physical. Schedule is tough early on. THIS WEEK: 8/22 – Corner Canyon, Utah. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 - @Camden County, Georgia.

11. Miami Palmetto (7A). There is no getting around the fact that the Panthers are loaded and have their best chance to win the district and advance to the post season, but since they haven’t been able to get over the hump, there are doubters. THIS WEEK: 8/22 - @Homestead. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 – Miami Booker T. Washington.

12. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2A). After a few years away from the spotlight, the Chiefs return as one of the favorites in this classification with gifted prospects on board. This is a team that will be among the best in the state of Florida with several key returners. THIS WEEK: 8/21 – No. 14 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 - @Hollywood South Broward.

13. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (4A). The Panthers finished strong last season, and as things open up here in 2025, keep an eye on what they bring to the table with plenty of talent on both sides of the ball and a lot of depth. THIS WEEK: 8/22 – Orlando Dr. Phillips. NEXT WEEK: Bye.

14. Sunrise Piper (6A). Last year the Bengals were certainly a surprise team with a district title. This time around, every opponent will get up for this program – and they come back with some quality prospects and a few players that could continue to elevate this program. Class 6A is loaded and will test this team from start to finish. THIS WEEK: 8/21 – Peachtree Ridge, Georgia. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 - @Coconut Creek.

15. Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (4A). New coach, but the same objective as the Mavericks continue to build on their state playoff appearance and win last season in easily the toughest 4A district in the state of Florida. They are talented and should not be taken lightly. THIS WEEK: 8/21 - @No. 12 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 – Community School of Naples.

16. Plantation (4A). Tough district once again for the Colonels – and even though they made the playoffs – plenty of work will be needed to navigate the many obstacles. The schedule will be challenging, but very few teams worked as hard as they did this past off-season. THIS WEEK: 8/22 – @No. 20 Davie Western. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 - @Miramar.

17. Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (5A). Very few teams enjoyed the success the Lions did this off-season as a new regime is in place to make an impact this coming season and make the playoffs once again. Make sure you don’t take this team for granted. Far too talented and well coached! THIS WEEK: 8/21 – Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy. NEXT WEEK: 8/28 - @Doral Academy.

18. Hollywood McArthur (5A). New coaching staff and numerous player additions will give the Mustangs a running start in 2025, but the road will be filled with challenges and several impressive teams along the way. The objective is indeed the state playoffs. After a successful off-season, you cannot sleep on this program. THIS WEEK: Bye. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 – No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna.

19. Miami True North Classical Academy (1A). Talk about having a new look. The Titans went out in the off-season and added some pieces that will keep them in the mix – with a strong spring and summer. Well coached and loaded with elite playmakers. Another team to keep on your radar. THIS WEEK: 8/22 - @Sarasota Cardinal Mooney. NEXT WEEK: 8/29 - @Fort Myers Bishop Verot.

20. Miami Edison (1A). Like True North did in the off-season, the Red Raiders brought in some impressive and elite prospects, but remember, Chaminade-Madonna is still in the region and will be the overwhelming favorites. Still, this is a program that has a chance to make a solid run and post another productive season. THIS WEEK: 8/21 - @Hialeah American. NEXT WEEK: 8/28 – No. 4 Miami Central.

(Tie) -  Davie Western (7A). While there were many losses from last year’s region final squad, do not sell the Wildcats short. They are still loaded with big time playmakers who are out to prove that they are one of the top 7A programs in the region. The road will be tough for this program. THIS WEEK: 8/22 – No. 15 Plantation. NEXT WEEK: Bye.

Here are some other programs that you will be hearing from this coming season:

Independent

Fort Lauderdale University School

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy

1A

Miami Archbishop Carroll

2A

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian

Miami Booker T. Washington

Miami Carol City

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace

Miami Gulliver Prep

Miami Immaculata LaSalle

3A

Miami St. Brendan

4A

Hialeah

Miami Belen Jesuit

5A

Coconut Creek

North Miami

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely

6A

Doral Academy

Pembroke Pines Flanagan

7A

Homestead South Dade

Miami High

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman

Weston Cypress Bay

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

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

For the past 55 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..

Once again on Monday night the South Florida High School Sports Radio Show took center stage with seven impressive guests.

Each and every week, the FM 104.3 WQAM radio program attracts the newsmakers in high school sports, recruiting college sports – not only locally, but throughout the country.

The show gives listeners an opportunity to hear about college football programs statewide from the media that cover them. It also focuses on the coaches who use the state of Florida – Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in particular.

The show, which has run for nearly two decades, has become a popular listen for recruiting fans as well as high school sports purists, focusing on coaches and players in all sports.

Here is a look at the way Monday went:

The fourth annual Broward County National Football Showcase will take place this Thursday-Saturday and the No. 1 team in the country, Mater Dei from California will be there and head coach Raul Lara about the trip east to play St. Thomas Aquinas.

RAUL LARA ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-raul-lara-mater-dei-high-school-of-santa-ana-california-e13da

Matt Dubuc and his Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons football team will be playing in their fourth Broward Showcase on Thursday night against Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy and he talked about the experience.

MATT DUBUC ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/cardinal-gibbons-head-coach-matt-dubac-fort-lauderdale-fl-bc09b

Two years ago, Baltimore, Maryland’s St. Frances Academy dropped a tough game to Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna in the Broward Showcase. They are back for a rematch and veteran head coach Messay Hailemariam talked about this year’s loaded team.

MESSAY HAILAMARIAN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-messay-hailemarianm-of-st-frances-academy-in-baltimore-maryland-5e005

The University of Miami opens up the season in less than two weeks against Notre Dame and radio pre-game show co-host Brian Monroe broke down the game and season.

BRIAN MONROE ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/miami-hurricanes-pregame-host-former-player-brian-monore-690e3

Two years ago, Philadelphia’s St. Joseph’s Prep lost a tough Broward Showcase contest to St. Thomas Aquinas. This year, head coach Tim Roken brings his team back to play against Plantation American Heritage. They are loaded!

TIM ROKEN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/st-josephs-prep-head-coach-tim-roken-of-philadelphia-pa-cad8f

Since 2017, Corner Canyon, Utah has compiled a 100-8 record with four state titles under head coach Eric Kjar. His team will play Pembroke Pines West Broward on Friday, and he talked about the program and coming to Florida.

ERIC KJAR ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-eric-kjar-of-corner-canyon-high-school-in-draper-utah-b925a

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

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

For the past 55 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..

As the 2025 high school football season is ready to start this week, there are so many prospects who have had the opportunity over the past eight months to put themselves in the spotlight.

From camps to combines, 7-on-7 events and other exposure opportunities, athletes have had that opportunity to showcase their skills for all to see.

While we have been fortunate to watch and promote thousands of prospects throughout the state of Florida, there are always going to be those who may not get the attention they deserve.

Florida being one of the states that produces an amazing among of talent each year, especially here in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, there are often really talented players that may not fully get that spotlight they deserve.

Throughout the off-season, we have had the chance to put many of these young men on the radar, sending to college coaches all over the nation. But like it has been for decades and decades, there are impressive student/athletes who often get left out of the mix and overlooked.

Our job through the year is to expose many of these talented players and we will continue with prospects in every class – as we watch them live and see what they bring to the table.

Today we start with a look at five players for the Class of 2026 – the current seniors:

Jermiyah Douglas, DB, 5'9, 160, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Another of those impressive defensive secondary standouts who continue to mature and has reached a point, heading into his final year where he will be a major force for head coach Roger Harriott and the six-time defending state champion Raiders. Is one of the versatile talents that has played cornerback and safety. Attended several off-season events that showcased his skills while getting better.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17995130/Jermiyah-Douglas

Gary Hadley Jr., WR, 6’2, 185, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. When head football coach Matt Dubuc talked about some of the prospects that the Chiefs had this past spring that would be a difference maker for the upcoming season, this impressive receiver was certainly one of those prospects he mentioned. Headed to Tulane University after the current season, this is someone that has a chance to be very special for a 2A team that is one of the favorites this year.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18430169/Gary-Hadley-Jr

Duane Johnson, LB, 6'2, 200, Miami True North Classical Academy. After a dominating junior season at Homestead, here is the ultimate under-the-radar prospect as he heads to play for head coach Greg Laferre and the Titans. This Temple University commitment is a huge addition to a team that is looking to make waves among 1A teams, hoping to get a shot at national power Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna down the road in the state playoffs. Watch Johnson play and you will be sold with everything he brings to the table.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18235670/Duane-Johnson

Nicsaint Joseph, WR, 6’2, 165, Miami Northwestern. While he isn’t totally under-the-radar, having committed to attend Florida Atlantic University, this is someone who totally took advantage of the depth that first year head coach Jaquatin Victrum and the Bulls have at the position. He is an exceptional route runner that has a knack for getting open and making plays.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17890598/63ead03bf32745014cb7e06a

Derrick “Tre” Nichols III, CB, 6’0, 165, Plantation American Heritage. When talking about the defending 4A state champion Patriots and head coach Mike Smith, there are so many directions you can look when checking out this talented team. One of the bright spots on the defensive side of the ball, as this program is headed toward another challenging year, is the secondary, and this young man is indeed one of the players you will need to keep an eye on. There are a number of colleges who have offered him.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17857111/Derrick-Nichols

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

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

For the past 55 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..

It may be just an exhibition game for many, but tonight’s (7:00) kickoff classic in Vero Beach has everyone’s attention nationally.

Less than a month after the Teddy Bridgewater news spread across the nation, the Miami Northwestern Bulls will take to the field for a matchup against powerhouse Lakeland.

This game, while not counting in the standings, will showcase some of the elite talent in the country – and while the defending 3A state champion Bulls and the 5A state runner up Dreadnaughts are favorites to get back to Miami again in December, it’s this evening on the field at Vero Beach High School is all that matters.

Both teams are loaded and have spent the past few weeks getting ready for this much-anticipated game that has been sold out for weeks.

Bragging rights are definitely on the line as the Bulls are out to show that they are the best team in Florida – and one of the elite in the country – and Lakeland and its loyal fans who feel that they can silence the experts with a solid performance.

Fresh off Friday’s thrilling 30-30 inaugural Treasure Coast Classic tie between 4A Miami Norland and 7A Vero Beach, today we will continue to set the table for next week’s openers across the state.

Miami Northwestern Bulls

HEAD COACH: Jaquatin Victrum

DISTRICT: 16-3A

2024 RECORD: 12-2 (3A State Champions).

2025 SCHEDULE

8/23 – Orange Lutheran, California

8/29 – Venice

9/4 – Miami Carol City

9/12 – Miami Norland

9/19 - @Miami Christopher Columbus

9/26 - @Miami Jackson

10/3 - @MiamiCentral

10/11 – Key West

10/17 – GMAC Week

10/24 - @Miami St. Brendan

Lakeland Dreadnaughts

HEAD COACH: Marvin Frazier

DISTRICT: 6-5A

2024 RECORD: 13-1 (5A State Runner Up).

2025 SCHEDULE

8/21 – Auburndale

8/29 - @Concorde De La Salle, California

9/5 – Lake Mary

9/19 - @Miami Booker T. Washington

9/26 - @Lakeland Lake Gibson

10/3 – Riverview Sumner

10/10 – Sebring

10/17 – Dover Specialty Fit Academy

10/24 – Lakeland Kathleen

10/31 – Orlando The First Academy

LINCOLN AND CAROL CITY GET THE DAY STARTED

While Lakeland and Northwestern are certainly the main event, the Treasure Coast Classic will also pit Miami Carol City and Tallahassee Lincoln for a 3 p.m. kickoff.

Both programs have rich traditions and will be out to get the season off to a fast and promising start!

Tallahassee Lincon Trojans

HEAD COACH: Matt Jackson

DISTRICT: 2-5A

2024 RECORD: 10-3

2025 SCHEDULE

8/22 - Niceville

8/28 – Madison County

9/5 – Ponte Vedra Nease

9/19 - @Ware County, Georgia

9/26 – Tallahassee Leon

10/3 – Havana Gadsden County

10/10 - @Tallahassee Chiles

10/17 - @Jacksonville Trinity Christian

10/24 – Tallahassee Godby

10/31 - @Tallahassee Rickards

Miami Carol City Chiefs

HEAD COACH: George Stubbs Sr.

DISTRICT: 14-2A

2024 RECORD: 7-4

2025 SCHEDULE

8/21 - Hialeah

8/28 – Miami Norland

9/4 - @Miami Northwestern

9/11 – Westland Hialeah

9/26 - @Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace

10/2 – South Miami

10/10 – North Miami Beach

10/16 – GMAC WEEK

10/30 - @Miami Central

FRIDAY GAMES

Bridge Prep at Miami Varela

Coconut Creek at Coconut Creek Monarch

Coral Springs Charter at Delray American Heritage

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan at Davie Nova

Hialeah at Miami True North Classical Academy (Tropical Park)

Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy at Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons

Homestead at Key West

Lehigh at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace

Miami Central at Ocala Vanguard

Miami Christopher Columbus 36, Miramar 0

Miami Ferguson at Hialeah American

Miami LaSalle Immaculata at Miami Gulliver Prep

Miami Norland at Vero Beach

Miami Ransom Everglades at Miami Beach

Miami Springs & Miami Braddock at Miramar Everglades

Naples Barron Collier at Cooper City

Naples Lely at South Plantation

North Miami at Orange City University

Eau Gallie 38, Plantation 24

Plantation American Heritage 23, Hollywood McArthur 14

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 22, Sarasota Cardinal Mooney 14

Somerset South Homestead at Boca Raton Olympic Heights

South Miami at Hialeah Gardens

Southwest Miami at Tavernier Coral Shores

WEDNESDAY

Miami Dr. Krop 0, Coral Gables 0

THURSDAY GAMES

Fort Lauderdale 7, Pembroke Pines Charter 7

Jupiter Christian 42, Fort Lauderdale University School 28

Coral Springs Coral Glades 52, Pompano Beach 0

Davie Western 13, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely 11

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 18, West Boca Raton 10

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman 42, Hollywood South Broward 0

Miami Archbishop Carroll 24, Hialeah Miami Lakes 0

Miami Booker T. Washington 7, Deerfield Beach 6

Miami Southridge 28, Miami Killian 0

Miami Belen Jesuit 23, Miami Palmer Trinity 0

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy 20, Miami Palmetto 13

Miami Edison 28, Pembroke Pines Flanagan 22

Somerset Academy Silver Palms over Miami High

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 31, Sunrise Piper 0

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

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

For the past 55 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..