A little bit of news for 7A schools who may have felt that their path to the Florida High School state championships at Pitbull Stadium at FIU would be clear to see, you may want to put on your glasses.
While they had games stripped for rules violations, head coach Adam Ratkevich and his Davie Western Wildcats sent a message.
When they beat Pembroke Pines West Broward 35-10 in the regular season finale at Miramar Everglades High School, they finished 4-6 and perhaps a No. 8 seed when the state playoffs begin next week.
Remember that two of those losses came via forfeit after they were found in violation of rules and were stripped of a district title that they won on the field.
This has been a crazy season for this football team that was one of the favorites in the race for a 7A state title. The season started with losses to Hoover, Alabama (8-2), Plantation American Heritage (Florida’s No. 1 overall seed in 4A), five-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas and national power Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna.
The Wildcats were stripped of a non-district win against 10-0 West Boca Raton and Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman in a district game that they originally won 31-6.
As the final week will unfold, which was added in wake of the two hurricanes that devastated parts of Florida, Western will find out exactly what their path will be.
In addition to that win, here is a look at the way Week 11 went in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties:
Cape Coral Oasis 19, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy 7
Coconut Creek 42, Parkland Douglas 7
Coconut Creek Monarch 52, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely 42
Coral Springs 40, Coral Springs Taravella 7
Davie Nova 22, Hollywood Hills 14
Deerfield Beach Somerset Academy Key 1, Homestead Everglades Prep 0 (Forfeit)
Fort Lauderdale 17, Fort Lauderdale 0
Fort Lauderdale Dillard 39, Deerfield Beach 7
Fort Lauderdale NSU University School 42, Vero Beach St. Edward’s 6
Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest 6, Marathon 3
Fort Myers Bishop Verot 19, Miami Palmetto 14
Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy 33, Miami Beach 22
Hollywood Avant Garde 12, Hialeah ABF 8
Miami Carol City 35, North Lauderdale Somerset Prep 0
Miami Coral Reef 35, North Miami Mourning 14
Miami Ferguson 37, Hialeah Gardens 14
Miami Florida Christian 31, Miami Palmer Trinity 0
Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace 28, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman 27
Miami Immaculata LaSalle 35, Miami Dr. Krop 6
Miami Killian 33, Miami Belen Jesuit 15
Miami Southridge 33, Homestead South Dade 7
Miami St. Brendan 24, Miami Gulliver Prep 21
Miami True North Classical Academy 28, Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons 17
Miami Westminster Christian 56, Somerset South Homestead 8
Miramar 42, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 28
Miramar Everglades 32, Hollywood McArthur 26
North Miami 40, Hialeah American 22
Oakland Park Northeast 14, Pompano Beach 6
Plantation 38, South Plantation 0
Weston Cypress Bay 37, Hallandale 30
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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
PLANTATION – In the previous 51 meetings between the Plantation and South Plantation football teams, only 15 times has the outcome been decided fewer than 10 points.
Thursday at the PAL Field this wasn’t one of those competitive results.
Led by running backs Andre Barrington and Rayshawn Cunningham, the Colonels rolled to a 38-0 victory and 11th straight win over the Paladins.
The shutout was the second consecutive for Plantation (6-4) over its rival and was the first back-to-back shutout since the 1990-91 seasons.
“This definitely a game that you always want to take home,” said Plantation coach Darrell Strong said. “Regardless of the records on each side, both teams want to come out and play.”
While the Plantation defense stymied the South Plantation offense until the final whistle sounded, the Colonels run game proved too much for their opponent.
Barrington rushed for 157 yards on 15 carries three touchdowns, including the final score and play of the game with 2:44 remaining putting the Colonels up 38. With the running clock underway, the was no need for the following kickoff as time expired.
“Cunningham, who has no carries in the opening quarter, had 84 of his 140 yards on the night in the second quarter, that also included a 30-yard scoring run that led to a 19-0 half time lead.
Senior defender Ashton Jackson also added a second half touchdown after recovering a fumble in the endzone late in the third quarter.
“We know we want to keep the trophy at Plantation,” said Strong. “It’s always a game we want to win. It’s always the most important game of the season.”
South Plantation (4-6) had several scoring chances and got within three yards of the goal line in the fourth quarter, but penalties and a pair of sacks ended the threat.
South Plantation won the inaugural meeting between the teams in 1972 and led the series 13-5 after a 23-21 victory in 1989. Since then, the Colonels have only lost six times and now leads the series 33-19 and having outscored the Paladins 1309-654. The shutout win was only the ninth overall shutout of the series.
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.
Before the season began if you asked any football fan which teams would have a chance to reach the state title game, many of the usual programs would be part of the conversation.
One of those teams that many felt had perhaps the best chance they ever had of perhaps playing for a state title was Davie Western.
The Wildcats and veteran head coach Adam Ratkevich had the talent, coaching and were among the top 7A teams in south Florida.
After losing to Hoover, Alabama in the Broward National Showcase, the Wildcats would then drop three of the next four.
But October arrived and this team started to play like everyone thought they would, winning four straight.
But just as the sun started to shine, dark clouds surfaced and the thought of a district title and a strong run in the playoffs were dashed when using ineligible players cost this team a district championship, and two wins they worked hard to achieve.
Instead of being a top four seed, No. 20 Western now falls to the eight seed for the upcoming state playoffs and perhaps a trip to Miami to take on No. 1 seed and two-time defending state champion Miami Chistopher Columbus – instead of that much-anticipated second or third round game.
This evening, the Wildcats are on the road for a non-district contest with 15-6A district champions in No. 10 Pembroke Pines West Broward (7-2) and head coach Brian McCartney, who have reeled off six straight wins.
The 7:00 contest at Miramar Everglades High is indeed one of the premier contests in south Florida in the next to last week of the regular season. A win will send this team into the playoffs with some momentum as they accept the sanctions and move on.
DAVIE WESTERN WILDCATS
Hoover, Alabama, L 17-14
Plantation American Heritage, L 51-12
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 23-15
Coral Springs Taravella, W 8-0 (Game Called)
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 26-9
West Boca Raton, Forfeit Loss
Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman, Forfeit Loss’
Weston Cypress Bay, W 46-0
Deerfield Beach, W 36-0
11/1 - @Pembroke Pines West Broward
PEMBROKE PINES WEST BROWARD
Hollywood South Broward, W 57-14
Camden County, Georgia, L 52-29
Plantation, L 25-21
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, W 43-39
Pembroke Pines Flanagan, W 35-0
Miramar Everglades, W 48-0
Naples Gulf Coast, W 63-19
Miami Beach, W 37-6
Miami Dr. Krop, W 48-7
11/1 – Davie Western
In addition to this game, here is a look at some of the other Week 11 matchups:
THURSDAY, October 31
Deerfield Beach Somerset Academy Key 1, Homestead Everglades Prep 0 (Forfeit)
Fort Lauderdale NSU University School 42, Vero Beach St. Edward’s 6
Miami Carol City 35, North Lauderdale Somerset Prep 0
Plantation 38, South Plantation 0
Weston Cypress Bay 37, Hallandale 30
WEDNESDAY, October 30
Miami Springs 14, Westland Hialeah 12
FRIDAY, November 1
GMAC Independent Semifinal: Miami Ferguson at Hialeah Gardens, 3:30
GMAC Independent Semifinal: North Miami Mourning vs. Miami Coral Reef (Southridge), 7
Coconut Creek at Parkland Stoneman Douglas, 7
No. 13 Coconut Creek Monarch at No. 11 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, 7
Cooper City at Pembroke Pines Flanagan, 7
Coral Springs at Coral Springs Taravella (Coral Springs), 7
Coral Springs Coral Glades at Boca Raton, 6:30
Davie Nova at Hollywood Hills, 4
Deerfield Beach at No. 19 Fort Lauderdale Dillard, 7
Deerfield Beach Somerset Key at Delray American Heritage, 7
Fort Lauderdale vs. Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (Lockhart), 7
No. 18 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons at Miramar, 7
Goulds Palm Glades Prep at Somerset Silver Palms, 7
Hialeah ABF Academy at Hollywood Avant Garde (Ansin Park, Miramar), 7
Hialeah American vs. North Miami (Traz), 7:30
Marathon at Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest, 7
Miami Beach vs. Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (Milander), 3
Miami Dr. Krop at Miami Immaculata La Salle, 7
Miami Florida Christian at Miami Palmer Trinity, 4
No. 15 Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace at Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (Milander), 7:30
Miami Gulliver Prep at Miami St. Brendan, 7
Miami Killian at Miami Belen Jesuit, 7
No. 7 Miami Palmetto at Fort Myers Bishop Verot, 7
No. 9 Miami Southridge at Homestead South Dade (Harris), 7:30
Miami True North Classical Academy at Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons, 7
Miramar Everglades at Hollywood McArthur, 7
North Miami Beach at Lake City Columbia, 7
Oakland Park Northeast at Pompano Beach, 7
Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy at Naples St. John Neumann, 7
Somerset South Homestead at Miami Westminster Christian, 4
Southwest Miami vs. Coral Gables (Tropical), 7:30
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy at West Palm Beach The Kings Academy, 6:30
Sunrise Piper at Hollywood South Broward, 7
Tavernier Coral Shores at Key West, 7
Weston Cypress Bay at Hallandale, 7
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..
While many have called tonight’s (7:00) Plantation and South Plantation game a rivalry at PAL Field in Plantation, the 15-5 advantage that the Colonels (5-3) hold over the Paladins (4-5) in the past 20 meetings and a 10-game winning streak says otherwise.
This annual “Mayor’s Cup” game has watched Plantation dominate, and as they are headed toward the 4A playoffs, this is a game that is indeed very important to get a win.
Placed in a district with state-rated Miami Norland and Plantation American Heritage, first year head coach Darrell Strong has put together a solid year with a mix of veteran and youth players.
For the Paladins, it has been a much different story with Ronald Jackson taking over the team late in the off-season.
While they have won four times, two of the losses came in district play against Hollywood South Broward and Davie Nova.
SOUTH PLANTATION PALADINS
Coral Springs Coral Glades, W 16-0
Sunrise Piper, L 35-0
Davie Nova, L 33-22
Coral Springs, W 42-12
Oakland Park Northeast, W 53-12
Fort Lauderdale Stranahan, L 40-21
Hollywood South Broward, L 31-6
Cooper City, W 22-6
Hollywood McArthur, L 23-21
10/31 – @Plantation
PLANTATION COLONELS
Fort Lauderdale Dillard, W 27-21
Miramar, W 2-0
Pembroke Pines West Broward, W 25-21
Hollywood South Broward, W 29-0
Plantation American Heritage, L 35-0
Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (TO BE FINISHED)
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, W 18-3
Sunrise Piper, L 14-7
Miami Norland, L 37-20
10/31 - South Plantation
2024 PLANTATION-SOUTH PLANTATION FOOTBALL SERIES
All-time Series: Plantation leads 32-19
YEAR WINNER LOSER SCORE
2023 - Plantation - South Plantation 72-0
2022 - Plantation - South Plantation 48-14
2021 - Plantation - South Plantation 60-0
2020 - Plantation - South Plantation 55-13
2019 - Plantation - South Plantation 61-7
2018 - Plantation - South Plantation 52-0
2017 - Plantation - South Plantation 50-14
2016 - Plantation - South Plantation 18-16
2015 - Plantation - South Plantation 52-7
2014 - Plantation - South Plantation 46-7
2013 – NO GAME
2012 - South Plantation - Plantation 10-0
2011 - Plantation - South Plantation 18-12
2010 - Plantation - South Plantation 27-13
2009 - South Plantation - Plantation 20-7
2008 - Plantation - South Plantation 10-9
2007 - South Plantation - Plantation 27-21
2006 - South Plantation - Plantation 42-20
2005 - South Plantation - Plantation 33-6
2004 - Plantation - South Plantation 30-0
2003 - Plantation - South Plantation 26-7
2002 - Plantation - South Plantation 41-3
2001 - Plantation - South Plantation 42-0
2000 - Plantation - South Plantation 28-7
1999 Plantation South Plantation 21-7
1998 - Plantation - South Plantation 54-27
1997 - Plantation - South Plantation 10-7
1996 - South Plantation - Plantation 18-13
1995 - Plantation - South Plantation 24-13
1994 - Plantation - South Plantation 27-19
1993 - Plantation - South Plantation 10-7
1992 - Plantation - South Plantation 21-7
1991 - Plantation - South Plantation 47-0
1990 - Plantation - South Plantation 49-0
1989 - South Plantation - Plantation 23-21
1988 - Plantation - South Plantation 7-5
1987 - South Plantation - Plantation 24-17
1986 - Plantation - South Plantation No score
1985 - South Plantation - Plantation 17-3
1984 - Plantation - South Plantation 10-3
1983 - South Plantation - Plantation 17-14
1982 - South Plantation - Plantation 26-9
1981 - South Plantation - Plantation 16-6
1980 - South Planation - Plantation 6-3 (OT)
1979 - Plantation - South Plantation 17-7
1978 - South Plantation - Plantation 14-3
1977 - South Plantation - Plantation 21-17
1976 - South Plantation - Plantation 29-13
1975 - South Plantation - Plantation 25-6
1974 - South Plantation - Plantation 20-19
1973 - Plantation - South Plantation 26-6
1972 - South Plantation - Plantation 29-8
# Researched By Dave Brousseau.
In addition to the Plantation-South Plantation, the only other game in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties today will be North Lauderdale Somerset Prep at No. 17 Miami Carol City (Traz Powell), 3:30.
FRIDAY, November 1
GMAC Independent Semifinal: Miami Ferguson at Hialeah Gardens, 3:30
GMAC Independent Semifinal: North Miami Mourning vs. Miami Coral Reef (Southridge), 7
Coconut Creek at Parkland Stoneman Douglas, 7
No. 13 Coconut Creek Monarch at No. 11 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, 7
Cooper City at Pembroke Pines Flanagan, 7
Coral Springs at Coral Springs Taravella (Coral Springs), 7
Coral Springs Coral Glades at Boca Raton, 6:30
Davie Nova at Hollywood Hills, 4
No. 20 Davie Western at No. 10 Pembroke Pines West Broward (Miramar Everglades), 7
Deerfield Beach at No. 19 Fort Lauderdale Dillard, 7
Deerfield Beach Somerset Key at Delray American Heritage, 7
Fort Lauderdale vs. Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (Lockhart), 7
No. 18 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons at Miramar, 7
Goulds Palm Glades Prep at Somerset Silver Palms, 7
Hialeah ABF Academyt at Hollywood Avant Garde (Ansin Park, Miramar), 7
Hialeah American vs. North Miami (Traz), 7:30
Marathon at Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest, 7
Miami Beach vs. Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (Milander), 3
Miami Dr. Krop at Miami Immaculata La Salle, 7
Miami Florida Christian at Miami Palmer Trinity, 4
No. 15 Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace at Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (Milander), 7:30
Miami Gulliver Prep at Miami St. Brendan, 7
Miami Killian at Miami Belen Jesuit, 7
No. 7 Miami Palmetto at Fort Myers Bishop Verot, 7
No. 9 Miami Southridge at Homestead South Dade (Harris), 7:30
Miami True North Classical Academy at Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons, 7
Miramar Everglades at Hollywood McArthur, 7
North Miami Beach at Lake City Columbia, 7
Oakland Park Northeast at Pompano Beach, 7
Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy at Naples St. John Neumann, 7
Somerset South Homestead at Miami Westminster Christian, 4
Southwest Miami vs. Coral Gables (Tropical), 7:30
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy at West Palm Beach The Kings Academy, 6:30
Sunrise Piper at Hollywood South Broward, 7
Tavernier Coral Shores at Key West, 7
Weston Cypress Bay at Hallandale, 7
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..
There was a time when you played Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, you knew that the Cobras were going to give you four solid quarters.
Over the past decade, this once dominating football program has not been a force among south Florida programs. But that is changing.
Enter Kevin Claxton. A one-time all-state performer for the Cobras, he came back home to get this team back to where they were before he left to play and eventually coach at the University of Wisconsin.
What has happened this season may not be big news for some. But for the players, coaches, fans and administrators the 4-6 record was good enough for a second-place finish and a spot in the post season, which begins in two weeks.
The hard work put in has added up, turning around a 1-9 season.
Among the prospects who have helped point the Cobras in a positive direction include:
2026 - Deshawn Blair, who had a three Interception and a three touchdown game (2 pick 6’s) with over 220 yards in interception return yardage.
2027 - Tylin Brown is a playmaking linebacker/running back that will certainly make huge strides in the off season.
2027 - Demarcus Deroche is a big and fast athlete who has the potential to be a top 10 recruit. He is a three-sport athlete that will blow up this spring. He came over from Key West and is a two-way starter.
2027 - Devon Germielle has been the Cobras’ top pass rusher, coming up with 11 quarterback sacks, two interceptions and always around the ball.
2026 – A versatile (3 position) line prospect, the 6-foot-7 Dametrius Hixson is already getting P4 attention.
2027 – If you are looking for a versatile (LB/Hybrid Safety), Jeth McKinnis is going to be that type of a player. He is long and athletic.
2028 – Another freshman, Wendel Ostral could be one of the next top defensive backs in south Florida – with speed and athleticism. In middle school, he had one of the fastest times in the 100 meters.
2026 – One of the leaders this past season, quarterback Arron Power finished the year with 1,500 yards in his initial varsity year as a starter.
2027 - Semajay Robinson is a long ball hawking cornerback. He has five interceptions, two sacks and a “Pick 6” in his first full year at the varsity level. He moved down from Tallahassee this past summer and will be the next top secondary performer.
2028 – If the future is going to be bright for this program, prospects like Elijah Stitt will play a huge role. A unique athlete who can line up at multiple positions.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUDERDALE LAKES BOYD ANDERSON
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..