When it comes to watching, evaluating and seeing prospects and teams throughout the course of a year, there are very few sources who put in the time to come up with accurate information like we do.
Player and team rankings are often subjective, and everyone has their opinion – which is fine – but it’s usually those who see very little that have the loudest voice on who should be higher or lower.
If you follow what we do over the course of a season, each week we adjust the rankings, and while many focus on pre-season and each week during the season, the only ranking that truly counts is the one that comes out in late December.
Our Pre-Season Top 20 is based on several things – and with so many transfers taking place – our opinion varies and changes. This is only a starting point and will change several times.
This is in no way a definitive ranking. Just an opinion based on seeing teams throughout the state and having a valid ground to compare.
Here is a look at 20 Miami-Dade Broward Pre-Season teams:
1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (14-1, 5A). THIS WEEK: 8/24 – Las Vegas Bishop Gorman. NEXT GAME: 8/30 – Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson.
2. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (14-0, 1A). THIS WEEK: 8/24 – Bellflower St. John Bosco, California. NEXT GAME: 8/30 - @Pompano Beach Blanche Ely.
3. Miami Central (8-3, 3A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 – Lakeland. NEXT GAME: 8/31 – No. 20 Miami Edison.
4. Plantation American Heritage (10-2, 4A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 – Milton, Georgia. NEXT GAME: 8/30 – No. 6 Davie Western.
5. Homestead (12-2, 6A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 - @ No. 14 Miami Palmetto. NEXT GAME: 8/30 – No. 16 Homestead South Dade.
6. Davie Western (9-4, 7A). THIS WEEK: 8/24 – Hoover, Alabama. NEXT GAME: 8/30 - @ No. 4 Plantation American Heritage.
7. Miami Christopher Columbus (13-2, 7A). THIS WEEK: 8/22 - @ No. 15 Miami Southridge. NEXT GAME: 8/30 – Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maryland
8. Miami Norland (14-1, 4A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 - @ No. 19 Miramar. NEXT GAME: 8/30 – Miami Carol City.
9. Miami Northwestern (5-6, 3A). THIS WEEK: 8/22 - @ No. 18 Coconut Creek, NEXT GAME: 8/30 - @Venice.
10. Coconut Creek Monarch (11-3, 6A). THIS WEEK: Peachtree Ridge, Georgia. NEXT GAME: 8/29 – Deerfield Beach.
11. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (9-4, 2A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 – Lake Mary. NEXT GAME: 8/30 – Hollywood South Broward.
12. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (5-6, 4A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 - @No. 20 Plantation. NEXT GAME: 8/30 @Fort Lauderdale Stranahan.
13. Miami Booker T. Washington (9-3, 2A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 – No. 16 Homestead South Dade. NEXT GAME: 8/29 – No. 13 Miami Palmetto.
14. Miami Palmetto (9-2, 7A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 - @ No. 12 Miami Booker T. Washington. NEXT GAME:
15. Miami Southridge (7-5, 6A). THIS WEEK: 8/22 – No. 7 Miami Christopher Columbus. NEXT GAME: 8/30 – Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman.
16. Homestead South Dade (8-4, 7A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 - @ No. 13 Miami Booker T. Washington. NEXT GAME:
17. Pembroke Pines West Broward (6-4, 6A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 – Hollywood South Broward. NEXT GAME: 8/30 - @Camden County, Georgia.
18. Coconut Creek (10-3, 5A). THIS WEEK: 8/22 - No. 9 Miami Northwestern. NEXT GAME: 9/6 - @Baylor, Tennessee.
19. Miramar (8-5, 5A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 – No. 8 Miami Norland. NEXT GAME: 8/30 - @ No. 20 Plantation.
20. Plantation (6-4, 4A). THIS WEEK: 8/23 – No. 12 Fort Lauderdale Dillard. NEXT GAME: 8/30 – No. 19 Miramar.
(TIE) Miami Edison (6-5, 1A). THIS WEEK: 8/22 – Hialeah American, NEXT GAME: 8/31 - @ No. 3 Miami Central.
KEEP AN EYE ON: Deerfield Beach (2-8, 5A), Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (8-4, 2A), Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (5-6, 3A), Doral Academy (5-5, 6A), Hialeah (9-2, 4A), Hollywood South Broward (8-3, 6A), Miami Carol City (1-8, 2A), Miami Archbishop Carroll (11-2, 1A), Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (6-5, 1A), Miami Immaculata LaSalle (5-6, 2A), Miami Jackson (3-7, 3A), Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (5-6, 7A), Miami Ransom Everglades (8-1, 2A) Miami True North Classical Academy (9-3, 1A), Pembroke Pines Charter (6-4, 5A), Pembroke Pines Flanagan (5-6-1, 6A), Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (9-3, 5A), Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (9-0, 4A), Sunrise Piper (5-4, 6A), Weston Cypress Bay (8-3, 7A).
Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
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..
Now that the first ever Miami Super Showdown Pre-Season High School Football Classic is finished, it’s time to look back and ahead at the same time.
With the amazing success that the Broward National Football Showcase has achieved over just three years – with football fans coast-to-coast believing it is indeed the premier event anywhere, maybe it’s time that Friday and Saturdays amazing games this year take the PRE-SEASON out of its title.
With so many football fans hanging on every game and getting so much statewide attention, having the six games over three days in the second or third week of the season is the perfect way to take this event to that next level.
The games played were exciting – and having a few Florida schools from outside the area was truly something that gave this showcase some statewide appeal.
From the very first game between Miramar and Miami Edison – with the game going on in overtime – this was truly something special.
It gave programs such as Miami Central, Seffner Armwood, Homestead, Carol City and Miami Northwestern an opportunity to show what these team have for the upcoming season.
The Dade-Broward matchups will always draw fans and plenty of interest. In this day and age, nobody can “duck” anyone if their want to get some national attention.
In Homestead, Armwood, Central and Northwestern, you have teams who will be in the mix for a state title this coming season, and while the results of Friday and Saturday didn’t count, it planted a seed in the collective heads of organizers moving forward.
While the first year has been completed – and things moved along very well, it is time to think about 2025 and making this a regular season contest – featuring local favorites along with teams that are being recognized across Florida.
Thursday and Friday’s two games should showcase local teams – and Saturday’s doubleheader can attract those out of area schools like West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman and Armwood.
RESULTS
Miramar 36, Miami Edison 28 (OT)
Miami Central 32, Ocala Vanguard 0
Homestead 22, West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman 0
Seffner Armwood 51, Miami Norland 20
Miami Carol City 28, Miami Jackson 20
Miami Northwestern 42, Miami Palmetto 7
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
Miami-Dade/Broward Summer Top 20. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-summer-top-20
Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
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..
The second day of the first Miami Super Showdown Classic at Traz Powell Stadium not only brings the kickoff classic week to a close, but also will feature some impressive football teams.
Four games on one day will showcase highly-recruited prospects and teams that will be in the mix for the state playoffs this year – and it all starts at 10 a.m.
As the 2024 high school football season is less than a week away, things have been busy in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. As many have long view the kickoff classics as a tune-up for the first week, there are others who have taken this “Week 0” as a unique opportunity to showcase players and team that will be on display this coming season.
Here is a look at today’s matchups:
Homestead vs. West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (Traz Powell, 10 a.m.). What a start to the day as two-time defending state runner-up Homestead and a Crusader program that has put themselves in a position to contend over the past few years.
Miami Norland vs. Seffner Armwood (Traz Powell, 1 p.m.). If there was any game that people wanted to see this kickoff classic season will watch the defending state runner-up Vikings hosting a program that has long been one of Florida’s powers, and fans in this area know the Hawks very well.
Jackson vs. Carol City (Traz Powell, 5:30). Welcome back two traditional powers to center stage as both programs have found their coaching staffs and talent to embark toward the top. This is certainly one of those throwbacks to when the #305 was about the Generals and Chiefs.
Miami Palmetto vs. Northwestern (Traz Powell, 8:30). The official debut of first-year head coach Teddy Bridgewater will put the Bulls in focus as they prepare for next week’s National Broward Showcase. But while paying attention to that longtime iconic program, keep in mind that the Panthers are coming into the final tune up – loaded and one of the favorites in their region.
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
Miami-Dade/Broward Summer Top 20. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-summer-top-20
Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
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..
As the 2024 high school football season is less than a week away, things have been busy in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties.
As many view the kickoff classics as a tune-up for the first week, there are others who have taken this “Week 0” as a unique opportunity to showcase players and team that will be on display this coming season.
As we head to Friday, there are some impressive matchups that fans will certainly one to be a part of – seeing talent that they may not have the opportunity to in 2024.
Here is a look at some of the games today:
Miami Edison vs. Miramar (Traz Powell, 5:30). The first game in the Miami Super Showdown Classic that will match two teams that have high hopes this season as they each have plenty of talent that should provide a tremendous game.
Central vs. Ocala Vanguard (Traz Powell, 8:30). Last year in Ocala these two teams played a defensive battle. Both the Rockets and Knights have a number of new players they are anxious to see.
Dillard vs. Booker T. Washington (Dillard, 7). Another game that has a pair of tradition-rich programs who have a chip on their collective shoulders as both have not been mentioned with some of the other powers. Well coached and loaded with quality football talent.
Coconut Creek vs. Monarch (Coconut Creek, 7). Okay. Here we go. Even though this is a kickoff classic, do not tell the players and coaches who are playing for the City of Coconut Creek. Huge bragging rights are at stake as neither team has an advantage – both using this field for their homes.
Here are some other games to keep an eye on:
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
Friday, August 16th
Hialeah Gardens vs. South Miami (Hialeah Gardens, 3:30)
Ferguson vs. HML (Ferguson, 3:30)
Varela vs. Coral Shores (Varela, 3:30)
Coral Reef vs. Ransom Everglades (Ransom Everglades, 7)
Hialeah vs. Flanagan (Milander, 7:30)
Southridge vs. Killian (Southridge, 7:30)
Southwest vs. Florida Christian (Florida Christian, 7)
Sunset vs. St Brendan (St. Brendan, 7)
Monsignor Pace vs. Lehigh (Pace, 7:30)
Miami Gulliver Prep vs Miami Immaculata LaSalle (LaSalle, 7)
Leesburg vs. Miami Dr. Krop (Ives Park, 7:30)
Saturday, August 17th
Homestead vs. West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (Traz Powell, 10 a.m.)
Norland vs. Armwood (Traz Powell, 1 p.m.)
Jackson vs. Carol City (Traz Powell, 5:30)
Miami Palmetto vs. Northwestern (Traz Powell, 8:30)
Goleman vs. South Broward (Milander Park, 7)
BROWARD COUNTY
Friday, August 16
Miramar Everglades at Naples Golden Gate (7:30)
West Broward vs. South Plantation (West Broward, 5)
Chaminade vs. Archbishop Coleman (Chaminade, 6)
Cypress Bay vs. Doral Academy (Cypress Bay, 7)
Coral Springs vs. Somerset Academy (Coral Springs, 7)
Avante Garde vs. Archbishop McCarthy (Archbishop McCarthy High School, 7)
Somerset Academy vs. Miami High (Ansin Sports Complex, Miramar – 7)
Coral Springs Charter vs. American Heritage Delray (Coral Glades High School, 7)
PALM BEACH
Friday, August 16
West Palm Beach The King’s Academy at Park Vista, 6:30
North Palm Beach Benjamin at Dwyer, 6:30
University School at Jupiter Christian, 7
Martin County at Seminole Ridge, 6:30
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
Miami-Dade/Broward Summer Top 20. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-summer-top-20
Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
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 view kickoff classic week as no more than the final tune-up for the start of the 2024 season. Others are taking it very seriously.
After competing against each other for the past two plus weeks, these classics are indeed more than a dress rehearsal for next week – when the season officially begins.
Years ago, the week before the season brought together a few teams for a pre-season jamboree, but as we saw on Tuesday night when Miami True North Classical Academy and Miami Belen Jesuit got together, the game turned out to be beneficial to work on situations and facets of the game that will be needed when things start for real.
As we head toward Thursday, there are some interesting Miami-Dade and Broward matchups to keep an eye on:
Miami Beach vs. Palmer Trinity (Miami Beach, 3:30). As Wilkie Perez takes over the Hi Tides, this is a contest that will certainly be the first look at his team in game conditions. Palmer is coming off another successful season and want to show that they will be in the mix again this season.
North Miami vs. North Miami Beach (Traz Powell, 3:30). Since 1971, this had been one of the most competitive rivalries in south Florida, but the size of the schools has changed this matchup and the Chargers and Pioneers very rarely play. Both teams have plenty of hopes for the season, and this will be a chance to players to make a statement. Pride is always on the line when these schools get together in anything.
Thursday, August 15
St. Thomas Aquinas vs. Bishop Verot (Fort Myers, 7). While this is a meaningless tune-up for the Raiders, who are five-time defending state champions, this game means everything to a Vikings team that is regarded as a program to keep an eye on – with a convincing spring victory against two-time defending state champion Miami Christopher Columbus.
Cardinal Gibbons vs. Piper (Cardinal Gibbons, 7). Make no mistake, these are two programs that get respect in Broward County. When you need a strong pre-season game to help set the tone for the upcoming season, this is what you ask for. The Bengals are defending district champions – while the Chiefs didn’t finish the way they had planned. Solid game to see.
Coral Glades vs. Silver Palms (Coral Glades, 7). Two more programs that are looking to use this evening’s classic as a springboard to the upcoming season. Both teams continue to make major strides, and yes, this will be a much-needed test for these two schools.
Western vs. Plantation (Western, 7). Interesting matchup here as Plantation rolls out a new coaching staff and several new faces that had a tremendous off-season, competing against some of the top programs in and out of south Florida. On the other side of the ball, the expectations have never been higher for the Wildcats. They have had very good teams in the past, but never this much talent. A huge test for both teams.
Here are some other games coming up this week:
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
Tuesday, August 13th
Miami True North 14, Miami Belen Jesuit 10
Wednesday, August 14th
Coral Gables beat Coral Park
Friday, August 16th
Hialeah Gardens vs. South Miami (Hialeah Gardens, 3:30)
Ferguson vs. HML (Ferguson, 3:30)
Varela vs. Coral Shores (Varela, 3:30)
Coral Reef vs. Ransom Everglades (Ransom Everglades, 7)
Hialeah vs. Flanagan (Milander, 7:30)
Southridge vs. Killian (Southridge, 7:30)
Southwest vs. Florida Christian (Florida Christian, 7)
Sunset vs. St Brendan (St. Brendan, 7)
Monsignor Pace vs. Lehigh (Pace, 7:30)
Miami Edison vs. Miramar (Traz Powell, 5:30)
Central vs. Ocala Vanguard (Traz Powell, 8:30)
Miami Gulliver Prep vs Miami Immaculata LaSalle (LaSalle, 7)
Leesburg vs. Miami Dr. Krop (Ives Park, 7:30)
Saturday, August 17th
Homestead vs. West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (Traz Powell, 10 a.m.)
Norland vs. Armwood (Traz Powell, 1 p.m.)
Jackson vs. Carol City (Traz Powell, 5:30)
Miami Palmetto vs. Northwestern (Traz Powell, 8:30)
Goleman vs. South Broward (Milander Park, 7)
BROWARD COUNTY
Friday, August 16
Miramar Everglades at Naples Golden Gate (7:30)
West Broward vs. South Plantation (West Broward, 5)
Chaminade vs. Archbishop Coleman (Chaminade, 6)
Cypress Bay vs. Doral Academy (Cypress Bay, 7)
Coral Springs vs. Somerset Academy (Coral Springs, 7)
Dillard vs. Booker T. Washington (Dillard, 7)
Coconut Creek vs. Monarch (Coconut Creek, 7)
Avante Garde vs. Archbishop McCarthy (Archbishop McCarthy High School, 7)
Somerset Academy vs. Miami High (Ansin Sports Complex, Miramar – 7)
Coral Springs Charter vs. American Heritage Delray (Coral Glades High School, 7)
PALM BEACH
Thursday, August 15
Jupiter at West Boca Raton, 6:30
Friday, August 16
West Palm Beach The King’s Academy at Park Vista, 6:30
North Palm Beach Benjamin at Dwyer, 6:30
University School at Jupiter Christian, 7
Martin County at Seminole Ridge, 6:30
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
Miami-Dade/Broward Summer Top 20. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-summer-top-20
Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
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..
South Florida Kickoff Classics Starts 2024 Season. https://larryblustein.com/news/south-florida-kickoff-classics-starts-2024-season