Moments after their 14-7 win last November against Miami Ferguson, veteran football coach Tim Wood and his Miami Coral Reef Barracudas looked ahead to 2025.

The victory in the Greater Miami Athletic Conference (GMAC) Independent championship was indeed a great way to cap a 9-1 season.

What that win did was shine a spotlight on this program and gave them something to build on as they looked toward 2025.

When they take on Hialeah Gardens and veteran (37 years) head coach Greg Magner this evening (7:00) at Tropical Park, this program, which has posted an 8-2 record, will look to repeat and set the tone for the off-season.

While the Barracudas have won 17 of the past 19 games, the Gladiators also come in on a roll – and despite being 4-6, they have been able to put together three straight wins. They have also played four teams who are in the FHSAA state playoffs this week.

HIALEAH GARDENS GLADIATORS (4-6)

Miami Coral Park, L 29-8

Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, L 52-0

Miami St. Brendan, L 35-0

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman, L 35-0

Westland Hialeah, W 40-0

Doral Ronald Reagan, L 12-8

Miami Varela, L 28-6

Miami Braddock, W 28-14

Hialeah-Miami Lakes, W 20-0

Miami Braddock, W 22-20

11/12 – Miami Coral Reef

PROSPECTS TO WATCH

2026 - Ethan Fernandez, RB/DB, 5’9, 165

2028 - Issaac Forment, TE/LB, 5’10, 175

2027 - Luke Fraga, OL/DL, 6’0, 255

2026 - Samuel Gonzalez, OL/DL, 5’8, 250

2026 - Peter Kane, QB/LB, 6’1, 190

2026 - Alex Orozco, RB/LB, 5’6, 155

2026 - Luke Ortiz, WR/LB, 6’2, 190

2026 - Matthew Perez, RB/DB, 5’11, 165

2028 - Danziel Santana, WR/DB, 5'11, 160

2026 - Dylan Santana, FB/LB, 6’0, 205

MIAMI CORAL REEF BARRACUDAS (8-2)

South Miami, W 54-0

Miami Sunset, W 23-0

Miami High, W 35-0

Miami Braddock, L 31-28

Doral Ronald Regan, W 14-0

Miami Varela, W 30-0

Hialeah-Miami Lakes, W 50-0

Miami Edison, L 51-0

Miami Ferguson, W 28-0

Doral Ronald Reagan, W 19-14

11/12 – Hialeah Gardens

PROSPECTS TO WATCH

2026 – Dillon Bethell, WR, 6’1, 160. 2-year starter. Ball hawk/Makes tough catches. Very productive in the red zone.

2026 – Richel Gercilus, OT, 6’3, 230. 2-year starter. Very physical run blocker.

2028 – Amari Germain, RB, 5’10, 160. First-year starter. Combination of speed and tremendous blocking ability.

2026 – Adrian Lopez, FS, 5’9, 160. Great range in the middle-of-the-field. Great ball skills when ball is in the air. Explosive tackler.

2027 – Javier Peralta, LB, 5’9, 185. Extremely smart/instinctual. Always around the ball.

2026 – Dylan Perez, DE, 6’1, 190. Great leader. Explosive get-off and relentless to the ball.

2027 – Sebastian Reglado, RB, 5’8, 175. 2-year starter. Extremely tough runner!!! Very hard to bring down!!!

2026 – Izaiah Roque, QB, 5’8, 165. 3-year starter. Great leader due to steady/even demeanor. Strength - running ability/playmaker. Also throws the deep ball well.

2026 – Devin Villalobos, LB, 5’10, 175. Extremely smart/instinctual. Always around the ball.

2026 – Kaleb Wells, CB, 5’9, 160. Great man coverage skills.

In addition to this evening’s game, here is a look at this week’s state playoff schedule for Miami-Dade and Broward teams:

THURSDAY

REGION 4-7A

8. Coral Springs Coral Glades (6-4) at 1. Palmetto (8-2), 7, Thursday, Tropical.

REGION 4-3A

8. Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (4-6) at 1. Northwestern (9-0), 7:30, Thursday, Traz.

REGION 4-2A

8. Miami Somerset Silver Palms (7-3) at 1. Miami La Salle (10-0), 7, Thursday.

7A-4A FIT first round: Fort Pierce Westwood at Miramar, 7, Thursday

3A-1A FIT first round: Melbourne Palm Bay at Hallandale, 7, Thursday

FRIDAY

REGION 4-7A

No. 5 Miami Christopher Columbus (3-7) at No. 4 Lantana Santaluces (6-3), 7:30, Friday

No. 7 Davie Western (4-6) at No. 2 Boca Raton Spanish River (6-4), 7:30, Friday

REGION 4-6A

No. 8. Davie Nova (5-5) at No. 1. Miami Southridge (9-1), 7:30, Friday.

No. 5. Doral Academy (5-4) at No. 4. Coconut Creek Monarch (6-4), 7:30, Friday, Coconut Creek.

No. 7. South Plantation (6-4) at No. 2. Pembroke Pines West Broward (8-2), 7:30, Friday, Cypress Bay

No. 6. Sunrise Piper (6-4) at No. 3 Pembroke Pines Flanagan (8-2), 7:30, Friday.

REGION 4-5A

No. 8. Palm Bay Heritage (4-6) at No. 1. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (9-1), 7:30, Friday.

No. 4. Coconut Creek (8-2) at No. 5. Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (8-2), 7, Milander

No. 7. North Miami (7-3) at No. 2. Delray Beach Atlantic (9-1), 7:30, Friday.

No. 6. Hollywood McArthur (8-2) at No. 3. Stuart Martin County (8-2), 7:30, Friday.

REGION 4-4A

No. 8. Hialeah (7-3) at No. 1. Archbishop McCarthy (8-2), 7:30, Friday.

No. 4. Miami Norland (5-5) at No. 5. Jensen Beach (8-2), 7:30, Friday.

No. 7. Fort Pierce John Carroll (8-2) at No. 2. Plantation American Heritage (4-5), 7:30, Friday.

No. 6. Plantation (6-4) at No. 3. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (10-0), 7:30, Friday.

REGION 4-3A

No. 4. Key West (6-4) at No. 5. Fort Myers Cypress Lake (7-3), 7:30, Friday.

No. 7. Miami St. Brendan (4-6) at No. 2. Central (8-1) 7, Friday, Traz.

No. 6. Estero (7-3) at No. 3. Naples Lely (7-3), 7:30, Friday.

REGION 3-2A

No. 8. Coconut Creek North Broward Prep (5-5) at No. 1. Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (9-1), 7:30, Friday.

No. 5. Fort Myers Bishop Verot (4-6) at No. 4. Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (7-2), 7:30, Friday.

No. 7. Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons (5-5) at No. 2. St. Petersburg Lakewood (9-1), 7:30, Friday.

No. 6. West Palm Beach King’s Academy (5-5) at No. 3. Belle Glade Glades Central (9-1), 7:30, Friday.

REGION 4-2A

No. 5. Miami Ransom Everglades (6-4) at No. 4. Miami Gulliver Prep (6-4), 2:30, Friday

No. 7. Miami Monsignor Pace (4-6) at No. 2. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (7-3), 7:30, Friday.

No. 3. Miami Killian (7-3) vs. No. 6. Miami Carol City (6-4), 7:30, Betty Ferguson

REGION 4-1A

No. 8. Boca Raton St. John Paul II (3-5) at No. 1. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (7-2), 7:30, Friday.

No. 5. Miami Westminster Christian (8-2) at No. 4. Miami Edison (5-4), 3:30, Friday, Traz

No. 7. Miami Palmer Trinity (7-2) at No. 2. Miami True North (8-2), 7:30, Friday, Tropical

No. 6. Miami Archbishop Carroll (7-2-1) at No. 3. Boca Raton St. Andrews (9-1), 7:30, Friday.

SSAC SEMIFINAL

NSU University School at Jupiter Christian, 7

SATURDAY

REGION 4-7A

No. 6. Homestead South Dade (5-5) vs. No. 3. Hialeah Goleman (6-4), 7:30, Traz

3A-1A FIT first round: Dunedin vs. North Miami Beach (Traz), 4, Saturday 

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

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 Tuesday 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 c

Here is a look at the way Tuesday went:

The state football playoffs get started this week across Florida and there are some quality matchups over the next few weeks. Florida High School Athletic Association Executive Director Craig Damon talked about the second season.

CRAIG DAMON ON TUESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/craig-damon-fhsaa-executive-director-604e6

The University of Miami is ranked No. 15 in the recent ranking with three weeks left in the regular season as their final home game against North Carolina State comes up this Saturday. Jazz Santana from The Sixth Ring Canes talked about the team and what lies ahead.

JAZZ SANTANA ON TUESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/jazz-santana-the-sixth-ring-canes-podcast-ea11e

Jasen Lopez is one of the top athletes in the state of Florida. The senior receiver has been a major force for the 1A Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna Lions. Headed to FSU for football and basketball, he talked about the playoffs and more.

JASEN LOPEZ ON TUESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/jasen-lopez-hollywood-chaminade-madonna-football-and-basketball-standout-d70b7

Over the next four weeks, hundreds of football teams across the state of Florida will compete to play for a state title at Pitbull Stadium on the campus of FIU in the second week of December. Andre Fernandez from the Miami Herald stopped by to look at some of the local programs who have a chance to make it to that title game.

ANDRE FERNANDEZ ON TUESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/andre-fernandez-miami-herald-81c19

For only the third time in school history, the Coral Spring Coral Glades Jaguars will play in the post season when they travel to take on the No. 1 seed Miami Palmetto Panthers in a 7A matchup Thursday. Head Coach Rocco Casullo talked about his team and how they advanced to the state playoffs.

COACH ROCCO CASULLO ON TUESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-rocco-casullo-of-coral-glades-503bd

For decades, Miami Carol City’s football team was one of the premier programs in the state. While they haven’t been a power in a few years, head coach George Stubbs and his staff have helped to turn things around this year as this team will host a first round state championship game on Friday against Miami Killian.

COACH GEORGE STUBBS ON TUESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-george-stubbs-of-miami-carol-city-baf0e

When the season started back in the third week of August, there were a number of “experts” who believed they had the upcoming season figured out.

As the 2025 state playoffs get started this week there are a number of teams who are still alive and have the opportunity to continue playing on the biggest stage in the state.

Many teams have played up to their potential while others have caught many by surprise and have exceeded expectations.

It all begins on Thursday as the Race For Pitbull Stadium (FIU) begins.

As we continue to look for the top teams in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, here is a look at this week’s Top 20 teams, which could be cut in half over the next two weeks:

1. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A, 9-1). THIS WEEK: Palm Bay Heritage (4-6). NEXT WEEK: No. 14 Coconut Creek (8-2) or No. 17 Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (8-2). 

2. Miami Northwestern (3A, 9-0). THIS WEEK: Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (4-6). NEXT WEEK: Key West (6-4) or Fort Myers Cypress Lake (7-3).

3. Miami Central (3A, 7-1). THIS WEEK: Miami St. Brendan (4-6). NEXT WEEK: Estero (7-3) or Naples Lely (7-3).

4. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1A, 7-2). THIS WEEK: Boca Raton St. John Paul II (3-5). NEXT WEEK: Miami Edison (5-4) or Miami Westminster Christian (8-2).

5. Miami Southridge (6A, 9-1). THIS WEEK: Davie Nova (5-5). NEXT WEEK: Doral Academy (5-4) or No. 15 Coconut Creek Monarch (6-4).

6. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (4A, 10-0). THIS WEEK: No. 19 Plantation (6-4). NEXT WEEK: Fort Pierce John Carroll (8-2) or No. 18 Plantation American Heritage (4-5).

7. Pembroke Pines West Broward (6A, 8-2). THIS WEEK: South Plantation (6-4). NEXT WEEK: Sunrise Piper (6-4) or Pembroke Pines Flanagan (8-2).

8. Hollywood McArthur (5A, 8-2). THIS WEEK: Stuart Martin County (8-2). NEXT WEEK: North Miami (7-3) or Delray Beach Atlantic (9-1).

9. Miami True North Classical Academy (1A, 8-2). THIS WEEK: Miami Palmer Trinity (7-2). NEXT WEEK: Miami Archbishop Carroll (7-2-1) or Boca Raton St. Andrews (9-1).

10. Miami Palmetto (7A, 8-2). THIS WEEK: Coral Springs Coral Glades (6-4). NEXT WEEK: Miami Christopher Columbus (3-7) or Lantana Santaluces (6-3).

11. Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (4A, 8-2). THIS WEEK: Hialeah (7-3). NEXT WEEK: No. 13 Miami Norland (5-5) or Jensen Beach (8-2).

12. Miami Immaculata LaSalle (2A, 10-0). THIS WEEK: Homestead Somerset Silver Palms (7-3). NEXT WEEK: Miami Ransom Everglades (6-4) or Miami Gulliver Prep (6-4).

13. Miami Norland (4A, 5-5). THIS WEEK: Jensen Beach (8-2). NEXT WEEK: Hialeah (7-3) or No. 11 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (8-2).

14. Coconut Creek (5A, 8-2). THIS WEEK: No. 17 Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (8-2). NEXT WEEK: Palm Bay Heritage (4-6) or No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (9-1).

15. Coconut Creek Monarch (6A, 6-4). THIS WEEK: Doral Academy (5-4). NEXT WEEK: Davie Nova (5-5) or No. 5 Miami Southridge (9-1).

16. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2A, 7-3). THIS WEEK: Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (4-6). NEXT WEEK: No. 20 Miami Killian (7-3) or Miami Carol City (6-4).

17. Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (5A, 8-2). THIS WEEK: No. 14 Coconut Creek (8-2). NEXT WEEK: Palm Bay Heritage (4-6) or No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (9-1).

18. Plantation American Heritage (4A, 4-5). THIS WEEK: Fort Pierce John Carroll (8-2). NEXT WEEK: No. 19 Plantation (6-4) or No. 6 Fort Lauderdale Dillard (10-0).

19. Plantation (4A, 6-4). THIS WEEK: No. 6 Fort Lauderdale Dillard (10-0). NEXT WEEK: Fort Pierce John Carroll (8-2) or No. 18 Plantation American Heritage (4-5).

20. Miami Killian (2A, 7-2). THIS WEEK: Miami Carol City (6-4). NEXT WEEK: Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (4-6) or No. 16 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (7-3).

Here are some other programs who worked hard this year:

INDEPENDENT

Doral Ronald Reagan (7-2). SEASON OVER

Coral Springs Charter (5-6). SEASON OVER

Fort Lauderdale University School (8-4)

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (8-3). SEASON OVER

Hialeah Gardens (4-6)

Miami Braddock (4-6). SEASON OVER

Miami Coral Reef Football (8-2)

Miami Ferguson (5-3). SEASON OVER

Miami Florida Christian (7-2-1). SEASON OVER

Miami Varela (6-4). SEASON OVER

CLASS 1A

Miami Archbishop Carroll (8-2)

Miami Edison (5-4)

Miami Palmer Trinity (7-2)

Miami Westminster Christian (8-2)

CLASS 2A

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy (7-3)

Miami Booker T. Washington (2-8)

Miami Carol City (6-4)

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (4-6)

Miami Gulliver Prep (6-3)

Miami Ransom Everglades (6-4)

North Miami Beach (4-6)

CLASS 3A

Miami St. Brendan (4-6)

Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (4-6)

CLASS 4A

Hialeah (6-4)

CLASS 5A

Miramar (4-6)

North Miami (7-3)

CLASS 6A

Davie Nova (5-5)

Doral Academy (5-4)

Pembroke Pines Flanagan (8-2)

South Plantation (6-4)

Sunrise Piper (6-4)

CLASS 7A

Coral Gables (4-5). SEASON OVER

Coral Springs Coral Glades (6-4)

Davie Western (4-6)

Homestead South Dade (5-5)

Miami Christopher Columbus (3-7)

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (6-4)

Weston Cypress Bay (5-5). SEASON OVER

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD TOP 20

WEEK 1. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-1-top-20-miami-dade-broward-loaded-with-talent

WEEK 2. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-2-top-20-st-thomas-aquinas-moves-to-no-1

WEEK 3. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-3-local-teams-are-starting-to-emerge

WEEK 4. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-4-huge-games-will-test-local-teams

WEEK 5. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-5-new-teams-enter-an-elite-group

WEEK 6. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-6-district-games-will-put-distance-between-teams

WEEK 7. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-7-things-are-beginning-to-get-interesting-for-area-programs

WEEK 8. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-8-it-s-all-about-the-state-playoffs-now

WEEK 9. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-9-playoff-slots-still-up-for-grabs

WEEK 10. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-10-playoff-spots-up-for-grabs

WEEK 11.  https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-11-teams-getting-ready-for-the-post-season

WEEK 12. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-12-the-playoff-waiting-game-begins

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

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..

When play begins on Thursday across the state of Florida, there will be several programs who have high hopes of ending up at Pitbull Stadium in the second week of December.

While there are certainly the favorites that many fans already know about, there are also several that are not so well known across the Sunshine State.

Because many will tell you that every team is 0-0 at this point, that is basically something that coaches and media will use to keep the interest going. But if you know football, there are teams who are long shots to even with a game – let alone make it to FIU for championship weekend.

As we know, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (8-2) is searching for a state record ninth consecutive state title appearance, there are other local programs in Class 1A who can only dream of knocking off the national powerhouse Lions.

Among the other programs from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties who will have the opportunity to compete this week include No. 2 Miami True North (8-2), No. 4 Miami Edison (5-4), No. 5 Miami Westminster Christian (8-2), No. 6 Miami Archbishop Carroll (7-2-1) and No. 7 Miami Palmer Trinity (7-2).

Class 2A is certainly up for grabs in Region 3 – with No. 4 Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (7-2) and No. 8 Coconut Creek North Broward Prep (5-5) headed to first round game.

In Region 4, No. 1 Miami Immaculata La Salle (10-0), No. 2 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (7-3), No. 3 Miami Killian (7-3), No. 4 Miami Gulliver Prep (6-4), No. 5 Miami Ransom Everglades (6-4), No. 6 Miami Carol City (6-4) and No. 7 Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (4-6) all coming into the first round searching for a win.

With defending state champion Miami Northwestern (9-0) coming into the opening round as a huge favorite, it will be up to the other programs in Class 3A to make some noise. No. 2 Miami Central (8-1) is a program that figures to have a shot of the two teams rematch in a few weeks.

Other programs from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties included at No. 7 Miami St. Brendan (4-6) and No. 8 Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (4-6).

Perhaps the most competitive local region will be in 4A – where defending state champion Plantation American Heritage is a No. 2 seed at 4-5.

Keep an eye on No. 1 seed Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (8-2), No. 3 Fort Lauderdale Dillard (10-0), No. 4 Miami Norland (5-5), No. 6 Plantation (6-4) and No. 8 Hialeah (7-3).

As six-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (9-1) is an overwhelming favorite to win 5A as the top seed, there are other talented programs in the region as well.

Keep an eye on No. 4 Coconut Creek (8-2), No. 5 Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (8-2), No. 6 Hollywood McArthur (8-2) and No. 7 North Miami (7-3).

Another of the very competitive regions will be in 6A where Miami Southridge (9-1) goes in as the No. 1 seed, but the Spartans will have some company.

Keep an eye on No. 2 Pembroke Pines West Broward (8-2), No. 3 Pembroke Pines Flanagan (8-2), No. 4 Coconut Creek Monarch (6-4), No. 5 Doral Academy (5-4), No. 6 Sunrise Piper (6-4), No. 7 South Plantation (6-4) and No. 8 Davie Nova (5-5).

If you asked any football “expert” what classification that would be the hardest to predict the answer would easily be 7A.

With powerhouse Miami Christopher Columbus falling to 3-7 and being a No. 5 seed, the race appears to be wide open, but counting out the Explorers could be a mistake.

Miami Palmetto (8-2) comes in as the No. 1 seed after the Panthers won the district. Other programs to keep an eye on include No. 3 Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (6-4), No. 6. Homestead South Dade (5-5), No. 7 Davie Western (4-6) and No. 8 Coral Springs Coral Glades (6-4).

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

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..