As we take time out to celebrate Thanksgiving and enjoy our football, we honor all the student/athletes who have made this far in the state playoffs.

The players do deserve so much credit and receive it from many sources. But the real heroes on this day are the coaching staffs at every high school that remains here in the Regin Finals.

Coaches who are in it 365 days a year to ensure that their programs would be able to reach this day and celebrate the success of their programs.

Congratulations to each and every coach who makes the ultimate sacrifice for little – if any money at all. They are the reason for just about everything.

CLASS 1M

No. 2 West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (9-1) at No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (11-0)

No. 2 Miami Archbishop Carroll (10-1) at No. 1 Miami True North Classical Academy (9-2)

Everyone knows the success that the Lions and head coach Dameon Jones have enjoyed over this past decade. He and his assistant coaches have helped to keep south Florida in the national spotlight.

For head coach Greg Laferre and his Titans, they have hit the ground running since fielding a football program, and along with a quality staff, brings this program into the Region Final for th4 second straight year.

Jorge Zagales is perhaps one of the most respected and successful head football coaches in south Florida. As his Bulldogs get ready for a key game on Friday, it’s important that he and his staff get that piece of the spotlight.

CLASS 2M

No. 2 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (9-3) at No. 1 Plantation American Heritage (9-1)

No. 2 Miami Central (8-3) at No. 1 Miami Norland (12-0)

When it comes to the Chiefs and head coach Matt Dubuc, there is no getting around that this team – winners of three of the past five state titles – has benefitted from having a staff with many, many years of coaching and teaching.

If you are Mike Smith and his Patriots’ staff, there is little doubt that what you have done is simply amazing – reaching the state title game last year – and on the verge of capturing another Region title.

What else can you say about the Rockets that hasn’t been said over and over again. Along with St. Thomas Aquinas, no other program has kept south Florida in the elite national picture. No team has been known for a complete staff like head coach Jube Joseph and this amazing group.

The proof what Vikings’ head coach Daryle Heidelburg has done over the last two decades is something that often doesn’t get the accolades it deserves. The second longest tenured head coach in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, he and his hard-working assistants have taken the state by storm in 2023.

CLASS 3M

No. 3 Coconut Creek (10-2) at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (11-1)

No. 3 Miramar (8-4) at No. 1 Homestead (10-1)

What Cougars’ head coach Johnnie Sloan and his football team has accomplished this season is something that has created conversation around the state. Over the past four years, this is a complete family that has put their program on the map.

When you talk Raiders, it is always something that football fans across the country refer to as one of the most successful programs in the country – year after year. Winners of four straight state titles. Head coach Roger Harriott and his impressive staff continue to raise the bar – higher and higher each season.

Known for their “Darkside Defense”, the Patriots and head coach A.J. Scott seem to be the party crashers every year – with a team that travels more in the off-season than anyone. His staff is close and the players respect what is being done.

While it’s tough to come in and take over a program that had its best season in school history, Ronnie Thornton and his assistant coaches have continued the success that the Broncos started in 2022!

CLASS 4M

No. 2 Wellington Palm Beach Central (10-2) at No. 1 Coconut Creek Monarch (10-2)

No. 3 Davie Western (9-3) at No. 1 Miami Christopher Columbus (10-2)

One of the coaches and staffs that may get the least recognition, but has continued to elevate the program, head coach Calvin Davis and his Knights are a No. 1 seed for a reason and has a true chance to continue this journey to Tallahassee.

For the past three years, head coach Adam Ratkevich and his Wildcats have come up short of what many predicted. After last week’s huge win at Miami Palmetto, this is a program that has relied on a veteran staff with plenty of knowledge.

Regarded as one of the best coaching staffs in the state, veteran head coach Dave Dunn and the Explorers have become a fixture in the run for a state title. Despite key injuries and having to replace several important starters, they are on the verge of defending their 4M state title.

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: November 23, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

While we bring you thousands of football prospects during the course of a year in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, it’s the post season where the spotlight is watched by everyone.

From colleges and universities to recruiting analysts and services, this is the time of year where athletes are validated for their contributions. Get it done against elite playoff competition and you are proving that the evaluations are indeed for real.

As we head into the Region Final this week across the state and in the two counties, there are some Class of 2025 prospects who have certainly stepped up to the next level.

Here are five football players who have helped to get their respective programs to this level:

Nimari Brantley, DT, 6-2, 270, Coconut Creek. From his early years as a linebacker to what he has grown into, this is one of the best linemen in south Florida – and five head coaches who played against him this season – all agree that when you play the Cougars, this is one of the prospects that you had better account for or it will be a long night. Had outstanding games against national power Chaminade-Madonna and Plantation where he registered 10 first-quarter tackles and 2 sacks. Already holding Power 5 offers, look for his stock to rise even more during the off-season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16068496/Nimari-Brantley

Kevin Cascudo, WR, 5-8, 155, Homestead. While the Broncos are loaded with talent all over their roster, this gifted junior has helped to lift the team to a top seed and a Region Final appearance. Another prospect who will have a huge off-season. His ability to be that ultimate team player has been huge for the defending 3M state runner up.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14848120/Kevin-Cascudo

Hector Chavez, LB, 5-10, 205, Miami Christopher Columbus. What else can you say about this amazing playmaker that hasn’t been said. From his play during his sophomore season on the 4M state championship team to this year where he has helped the Explorers into the Region Final, his ability to make tackles and come up with key plays has not gone without notice. He is indeed the real deal!

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16109597/Hector-Chavez

Andrew Indorf, QB, 6-0, 190, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. Before the start of the 2023 season, there were those who never gave this prospect any respect. They felt that the Raiders were sure to drop off with an inexperienced signal caller running the offense. Well, they were all wrong. All he did this year was make plays and give this No. 1 seed and four-time defending state champions a place in the Region Final. His 2,200 yards and 31 touchdowns have been among the best in south Florida as well as throughout the state. He has only thrown two interceptions.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16347331/Andrew-Indorf

Sinorice Moss Jr., RB, 5-9, 190, Davie Western. 4.21 GPA. When you happen to be the son of a superior athlete, there is often a lot of pressure that goes along with it, but this young man worked hard and has been instrumental in helping the Wildcats get to the Region Finals. He is a tough runner who combines so much talent with impressive size. He has picked up the program at a position of need.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16787213/616a33f9bd6b0e0b9cf679a0

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: November 22, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Destination Tallahassee continues this week in south Florida with Round 3 of the state football playoffs.

The state playoffs will showcase which programs paid the dues in May, June and July for the fruits that are paying off here in November.

The entire season, we have given you the top teams in Miami-Dade and Broward, and we will continue to bring you rankings right through the state championship games.

Here is a look at how the teams stack up in week three of the state playoffs:

1. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1M, 11-0). LAST WEEK: The Lions rolled 67-0. THIS WEEK: Home game against No. 2 West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (9-1). NEXT WEEK: To Be Determined.

2. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (3M, 11-1). LAST WEEK: The Raiders shut out Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, 40-0. THIS WEEK: Home against No. 3 Coconut Creek (10-2). NEXT GAME: To Be Determined.

3. Miami Norland (2M, 12-0). LAST WEEK: The Vikings stayed unbeaten with a 52-27 win against Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace. THIS WEEK: A key home game against No. 2 Miami Central (8-3). NEXT WEEK: To Be Determined.

4. Miami Central (2M, 8-3). LAST WEEK: The Rockets stayed hot with a 35-15 victory against Miami Booker T. Washington. THIS WEEK: A rematch with No. 1 Miami Norland (12-0). NEXT GAME: To Be Determined.

5. Homestead (3M, 10-1). LAST WEEK: The Broncos won a tight district rematch with Miami Southridge, 35-33. THIS WEEK: A home game against No. 3 Miramar (8-4). NEXT GAME: To Be Determined.

6. Plantation American Heritage (2M, 9-1). LAST WEEK: The Patriots continued to dominate the competition with a 49-7 win against West Palm Beach The King’s Academy. THIS WEEK: A home rematch with No. 2 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (9-3). NEXT GAME: To Be Determined.

7. Miami Christopher Columbus (4M, 10-2). LAST WEEK: The Explorers played four quarters to beat Homestead South Dade, 34-20. THIS WEEK: A home game against No. 3 Davie Western (9-3). NEXT GAME: To Be Determined.

8. Coconut Creek (3M, 10-2). LAST WEEK: The Cougars won a thriller against West Boca Raton, 24-17. THIS WEEK: At No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (10-1). NEXT GAME: To Be Determined.

9. Davie Western (4M, 9-3). LAST WEEK: The Wildcats played defense and scored when needed against Miami Palmetto, 19-9. THIS WEEK: At No. 1 Miami Christopher Columbus (10-2). NEXT WEEK: To Be Determined.

10. Coconut Creek Monarch (4M, 10-2). LAST WEEK: The Knights scored early and often in a 52-27 win against Lantana Santaluces. THIS WEEK: A home game against No. 2 Wellington Palm Beach Central (9-2). NEXT WEEK: To Be Determined.

11. Miami Palmetto (4M, 9-2). LAST WEEK: The Panthers dropped a home game against No. 3 Davie Western, 19-9. THIS WEEK: SEASON OVER.

12. Miramar (3M, 8-4). LAST WEEK: The Patriots moved on to the next round with a 31-7 win against Miami Belen Jesuit. THIS WEEK: A 5:00 Friday trip to play No. 1 Homestead (10-1). NEXT WEEK: To Be Determined.

13. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2M, 9-3). LAST WEEK: The Chiefs had to go on the road to play a home game – beating Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian 34-9. THIS WEEK: It’s a rematch against No. 1 Plantation American Heritage (9-1). NEXT WEEK: To Be Determined.

14. Miami Booker T. Washington (2M, 9-3). LAST WEEK: The Tornadoes were knocked off against four-time defending state champion Miami Central, 35-13. SEASON OVER.

15. Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (3M, 9-3). LAST WEEK: The Tigers saw their season come to an end with a loss to No. 1 St. Thomas Aquinas, 40-0. THIS WEEK: SEASON OVER.

16. Homestead South Dade (4M, 6-4). LAST WEEK: The Bucs watched this impressive season come to an end with a 34-20 loss to No. 1 Miami Christoper Columbus. THIS WEEK: SEASON OVER.

17. Miami Southridge (3M, 7-5). LAST WEEK: The Spartans saw their year come to an end with an exciting 35-33 setback to top seed Homestead. THIS WEEK: SEASON OVER.

18. Miami True North Classical Academy (1M, 9-2). LAST WEEK: The Titans continued to roll along with a 48-16 win against Miami Westminster Christian. THIS WEEK: A home game against No. 2 Miami Archbishop Carroll. NEXT WEEK: To Be Determined.

19. Miami Archbishop Carroll (1M, 10-1). LAST WEEK: The Bulldogs came up big against Miami Palmer Trinity, 35-6. THIS WEEK: A road game against No. 1 Miami True North Classical Academy. NEXT WEEK: To Be Deternined.

20. Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (1M, 8-4). LAST WEEK: The Eagles dropped a 34-9 decision to No. 2 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. THIS WEEK: SEASON OVER.

OTHER PLAYOFF TEAMS

1M

REGION 3

Hollywood Avant Garde (5-7) SEASON OVER.

2M

REGION 3

Coconut Creek North Broward Prep (5-5) SEASON OVER.

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (4-6) SEASON OVER.

REGION 4

Hialeah (9-2) SEASON OVER.

Miami Edison (6-4) SEASON OVER.

Miami Monsignor Pace (7-5) SEASON OVER.

Miami St. Brendan (7-3) SEASON OVER.

North Miami Beach (4-6) SEASON OVER.

Pinecrest Gulliver Prep (7-3) SEASON OVER.

3M

REGION 3

Fort Lauderdale Dillard (5-5) SEASON OVER.

Plantation (6-4) SEASON OVER.

Sunrise Piper (6-4) SEASON OVER.

REGION 4

Hialeah American (6-4) SEASON OVER.

Hollywood McArthur (5-4) SEASON OVER.

Miami Belen Jesuit (4-6). SEASON OVER.

Hollywood South Broward (8-3) SEASON OVER.

4M

REGION 3

Parkland Stoneman Douglas (4-6) SEASON OVER.

REGION 4

Doral Academy (5-4) SEASON OVER.

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (5-4) SEASON OVER.

Pembroke Pines West Broward (7-3) SEASON OVER.

Weston Cypress Bay (8-2) SEASON OVER.

TRACKING WEEKLY RANKINGS:

Week 1. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-south-broward-week-1-top-20

Week 2. https://larryblustein.com/news/here-is-a-look-at-week-2-miami-dade-broward-top-20

Week 3. https://larryblustein.com/news/chaminade-madonna-moves-into-the-top-spot-in-south-florida

Week 4. https://larryblustein.com/news/head-to-head-matchups-highlight-week-4

Week 5. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-5-district-games-taking-center-stage

Week 6. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-6-battles-are-starting-to-take-place

Week 7. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-7-things-are-starting-to-take-shape-in-miami-dade-broward-counties

Week 8. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-8-plenty-at-stake-once-again-this-week

Week 9. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-9-the-final-three-weeks

Week 10. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-10-exciting-final-two-weeks-in-miami-dade-and-broward

Week 11. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-11-final-week-of-the-regular-season

Week 12 – Playoff Week 1. https://larryblustein.com/news/top-teams-head-to-state-playoffs

Week 13 – Playoff Week 2. https://larryblustein.com/news/important-matchups-in-this-week-s-local-regional-semifinals

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: November 21, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Say what you want about teams who have been in the state playoffs before, but you have to understand why experience counts.

Programs like four-time defending state champions Miami Central (2M), Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (3M) and Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1M) have been fixtures in the state playoffs for many years.

The Raiders, who are bidding for their fifth consecutive trip to state to defend all those titles, moved on step closer with a region semifinal 40-0 win against Pompano Beach Blanche Ely.

Head Coach Roger Harriott and his team won for the 11^th straight time and now move on to the region final this Friday once again.

The Lions and head coach Dameon Jones are getting ready to do something no other Florida football program has ever done.

After starting the playoffs off with a convincing 1M win against Hollywood Avant Garde Academy, 67-0, this team is only two wins away from heading to their amazing eighth consecutive trip to the state finals. They have won their last five games, 258-0!

DOUTB MIAMI CENTRAL? THAT COULD BE A HUGE MISTAKE!

While those two programs set the table for future weeks with easier wins, the Miami Central Rockets answered doubters with a win against rival Miami Booker T. Washington, 35-13.

There is just something about head coach Jube Joseph and his football team in November. This program turns it up to a different level.

This week is a region final matchup with unbeaten Miami Norland, who happened to beat Central earlier this season, and while many feel that the Rocket’s run may be over – others understand what this time of year is all about.

With a strangling defense and an opportunistic offense, they pulled away and beat the talented Tornadoes.

Here is a look at the way this past week stacked up locally:

REGION SEMIFINALS

REGION 4

Miami True North Classical Academy 48, Miami Westminster Christian 16

Miami Archbishop Carroll 35, Miami Palmer Trinty 6

CLASS 2M

REGION 3

REGION SEMIFINAL

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 34, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian 9

Plantation American Heritage 49, West Palm Beach The King’s Academy 7

REGION 4

REGION SEMIFINAL

Miami Norland 52, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace 27

CLASS 3M

REGION 3

REGION SEMIFINAL

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 40, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely 0

Coconut Creek 24, West Boca Raton 17

REGION 4

REGION SEMIFINAL

Homestead 35, Miami Southridge 33

Miramar 31, Belen Jesuit 7

CLASS 4M

REGION 3

REGION SEMIFINAL

Coconut Creek Monarch 52, Lantana Santaluces 27

Wellington Palm Beach Central 34, Boca Raton 28

REGION 4

REGION SEMIFINAL

Miami Christopher Columbus 34, Homestead South Dade 20

Davie Western 19, Miami Palmetto 9

You Can Contact Larry Blustein with prospect or team information at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

DID YOU MISS ANYTHING MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD? Check This Out! https://larryblustein.com/

For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..