When it comes to football, if you are going to be successful, you need to be fundamentally sound.

Whether it’s blocking, catching or throwing, if you do things right, often you will come out on top.

From the very first time you play the sport, your coaches are all about making plays and being that team player. Everyone has a role to play and that is something that is drummed into your head from the first time you put on a helmet and shoulder pads.

When it comes to making tackles, it is proven over and over again that games are won by how many times you make a play on defense.

Today, we salute some of the top tacklers in Miami-Dade and Broward as the regular season comes to an end. These prospects have proven that they are not only in a position to make the plays, but because of what they do on a consistent basis, they help to win games.

2026 - Tommy Barcinas Jr., OLB, 5’10, 160, Miami Palmer Trinity. 109 tackles.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14136977/Tommy-Barcinas-Jr

2027 - Carter Bonilla, OLB/ DE, 6’1, 180, Miami Gulliver Prep – 4.2 GPA. 93 tackles.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19476408/Carter-Bonilla

2028 - Ricky Carter, LB, 6’2, 200, Miami True North Classical Academy. 96 tackles.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22328895/Ricky-Cater

2028 - Chanavis Chance Jr., LB, 6-0, 190, Plantation. 107 tackles.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22769095/Chanavis-Chance-Jr

2029 - Noah Finkelstein, LB, 5’9, 165, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep. 141 tackles.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26293095/Noah-Finkelstein

2027- Trey Hollandsworth, MLB, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy. 126 tackles.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/6362144/Trey-Hollandsworth

2027 - Charvis Hood, LB, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School – 3.4 GPA. 102 tackles. Track & Field.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18208556/Charvis-Hood

2026 - Duane Johnson, LB, 6’1, 200, Miami True North Classical Academy. 90 tackles.

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

2026 - Jonah Lenamon, LB, 6’1, 215, Parkland Douglas – 4.4 GPA. 103 tackles.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18604157/Jonah-Lenamon

2026 - Peter McLaughlin, OLB, SS, 6’1, 200, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep. 89 tackles.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22518934/Peter-Mclaughlin

2026 - Demitris Mincey Jr., OLB, 6’1, 205, Fort Lauderdale Dillard – 3.6 GPA. 96 tackles. FIU commitment.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17969385/Demitris-Mincey-Jr

2028 - Ahziah Murphy, LB, 5’10, 185, Miami Norland. 109 tackles.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23033189/Ahziah-Murphy

2026 - Joey Novelli, OLB, 5’11, 185, NSU University School. 104 tackles.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17690473/Joey-Novelli

2026 - Rubier Oliva, MLB, OLB, 5’10, 190, Miami Varela. 127 tackles.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19066547/Rubier-Oliva

2026 - Demonte Oliver, DE, 6’3, 204, Miami Norland – 3.3 GPA. 91 tackles.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21037392/Demonte-Oliver

2026 - Scott Walker, MLB, 5’11, 215, Parkland Douglas. 103 tackles. Wrestling.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17844177/Scott-Walker

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..

As we head toward the state playoffs, there will be several players who will be expected to lift their respective teams.

While seniors (2026) are winding down their careers and juniors (2027) are set to step up and put themselves on the recruiting clock – there will be sophomores (2028) who will also make a major contribution.

While 10 or 15 years ago, the emphasis on using incoming freshmen was not so great – especially in south Florida (Miami-Dade & Broward Counties) because of the abundance of talent – things have started to change.

With youth football now producing elite prospects that are ready for the high school level – earlier than ever before – incoming freshmen are making an immediate impact.

Because of the 7-on-7 season where incoming freshmen can play a role during the summer before they actually get to high school, there is a confidence that they can compete at the varsity level – and many continue to leave their mark as 14 and 15-year-olds.

Having an opportunity to not only watch these young men emerge during the summer, but as key playmakers during the season, we have had the pleasure of seeing these prospects before they take their first snap at the high school varsity level.

From attending camps, combines and other events during the off-season, we have been fortunate to see these players perform before any of the recruiting services, media or the “experts” who are not attending events across the state of Florida.

Today, we take a look at some of the Class of 2029 prospects that have turned heads this year – and will be the talent that Miami-Dade and Broward County fans will watch for at least the next three seasons.

CLASS OF 2029

Marcus Boynton, DL, 6'3, 295, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/25278595/Marcus-Boynton

Javaris Cason, Athlete, 5’9, 160, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy – 3.7 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23168927/Javaris-Cason

Christopher Coleman, WR, 5’10, 180, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 4.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26929247/Christopher-Coleman

Will Duncan, RB, 5’10, 175, Miami Ransom Everglades – 3.31 GPA. 

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20522100/Will-Duncan

Richard Guilbaud, RB, 5’10, 210, Hialeah – 3.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26913286/Richard-Guilbaud

Malik Leonard, QB, 6’0, 170, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna – 4.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/25428037/Malik-Jeremiah-Leonard

Darius Little, OL, 6’3, 270, Davie Western – 4.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23405273/Darius-Little

Javian “Champ” Norwood, WR/Athlete, 5’10, 160, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons – 4.1 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22058225/Javian-Norwood

Deangelo Plese, QB, 5’7, 150, Davie Nova – 4.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26649810/deangelo-plese

Adrian “Ace Boogie” Reynolds, WR, 6’2, 155, Fort Lauderdale – 3.8 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/27035693/Adrian-Reynolds

Emerson Walker, TE/DE, 6’6, 210, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep. 

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/25535746/Emerson-Walker

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..

Well, the results are in. The regular season has come to an end – and now the teams in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties play the waiting game.

When the brackets for the 2025 high school playoffs are released on Friday, every team will have an idea what their path will be to reach the state championship games right here at Pitbull Stadium on the Campus of Florida International University.

Programs such as defending state champions Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1A), Miami Northwestern (3A), Plantation American Heritage (4A), and six-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A) – along with Palm Beach County power West Boca Raton (6A) will see what they need to do to repeat.

From the pre-season right through until the final game of state, we will continue to rank and promote teams throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties to give them the spotlight they deserve.

While this is the end of the regular season, we will certainly follow and rank these teams until the final weekend of the season in December at Pitbull Stadium in Miami.

Here is a look at this week’s Top 20 area programs:

1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A, 9-1). The Raiders beat No. 4 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna in a battle of two defending state champions, 27-21. NEXT WEEK: State Playoffs, TBA.

2. Miami Northwestern (3A, 9-0). The Bulls were off for the final week of the regular season. NEXT WEEK: State Playoffs, TBA.

3. Miami Central (3A, 7-1). The Rockets came alive in the fourth quarter to beat longtime rival Miami Carol City, 23-6. NEXT WEEK: State Playoffs, TBA.

4. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1A, 7-2). The Lions dropped a 27-21 decision to No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas to end the regular season and get ready for a state record ninth trip to the state championship game. NEXT WEEK: State Playoffs, TBA.

5. Miami Southridge (6A, 9-1). The Spartans ended the regular season with a 48-3 victory against Homestead South Dade. NEXT WEEK: State Playoffs, TBA.

6. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (4A, 10-0). The Panthers finished the regular season unbeaten with their seventh shutout of the year, 56-0, against Deerfield Beach. NEXT WEEK: State Playoffs, TBA.

7. Pembroke Pines West Broward (6A, 8-2). The Bobcats ended the regular season with a 35-7 win against Davie Western. NEXT WEEK: State Playoffs, TBA.

8. Hollywood McArthur (5A, 8-2). The Mustangs won their sixth straight game, 69-0, over Miramar Everglades. It was their fifth shutout of the year as they outscored the opposition, 397-85. NEXT WEEK: State Playoffs, TBA.

9. Miami True North Classical Academy (1A, 8-2). The Titans won twice this past week, 35-6, over Miami Westminster Christian and 49-20 against Miami Archbishop Carroll to wrap up the district title. NEXT WEEK: State Playoffs, TBA.

10. Miami Palmetto (7A, 8-2). The Panthers ended the regular season with a 20-10 win against Fort Myers Bishop Verot. NEXT WEEK: State Playoffs, TBA.

11. Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (4A, 8-2). The Mavericks finished the regular season with a convincing 48-7 win against West Palm Beach The King’s Academy. NEXT WEEK: State Playoffs, TBA.

12. Miami Immaculata LaSalle (2A, 10-0). The Royal Lions posted their sixth shutout of the season in finishing the regular season perfect with a 31-0 win against Miami Dr. Krop. NEXT WEEK: State Playoffs, TBA.

13. Miami Norland (4A, 5-5). The Vikings were off for the final week of the regular season, getting ready for the state playoffs. NEXT WEEK: State Playoffs, TBA.

14. Coconut Creek (5A, 8-2). The Cougars ended the regular season with a 34-6 win against Parkland Douglas. NEXT WEEK: State Playoffs, TBA.

15. Coconut Creek Monarch (6A, 6-4). After a very challenging season, the Knights finished strong with a 34-0 win against Pompano Beach Blanche Ely. NEXT WEEK: State Playoffs, TBA.

16. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2A, 7-3). The Chiefs ended the regular season with a bounce back victory against Miramar, 35-28. NEXT WEEK: State Playoffs, TBA.

17. Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (5A, 8-2). The Lions got back on the winning track to end the regular season with a 45-0 win against Miami Jackson. NEXT WEEK: State Playoffs, TBA.

18. Plantation American Heritage (4A, 4-5). The defending 4A state champion had the final week of the regular season off – preparing to defend their title in the state playoffs. NEXT WEEK: State Playoffs, TBA.

19. Plantation (4A, 6-4). The Colonels had a bounce back win against longtime rival South Plantation, 49-0. NEXT WEEK: State Playoffs, TBA.

20. Miami Killian (2A, 7-2). The Cougars ended the regular season with four straight wins – beating Miami Belen Jesuit, 44-0. NEXT WEEK: State Playoffs, TBA.

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 (7-4)

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (8-2)

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 (6-1)

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). SEASON OVER

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). SEASON OVER

CLASS 3A

Miami St. Brendan (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)

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)

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

 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 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 c

Here is a look at the way Monday went:

Last year, Miami Coral Reef brought home the Greater Miami Athletic Conference (GMAC) Independent football title with a 9-1 record, beating Miami Ferguson. This year the Barracudas are back and will once again play for the title next Wednesday against Hialeah Gardens and head coach Tim Wood talked about it.

TIM WOOD ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-football-coach-tim-wood-miami-coral-reef-fde8b

When it comes to the NIL and how to get the most out of it, Dan LaForest and his team at the Influencer Council will break down every twist and turn and he talked about it.

DAN LAFOREST ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/dan-laforest-influencer-council-6ceb3

When it comes to making an impact on the football field, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas two-way (DB/WR) standout Justice Fitzpatrick stands alone. The University of Georgia commit talked about winning a seventh straight state title and more.

JUSTICE FITZPATRICK ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/two-way-star-justice-fitzpatrick-st-thomas-aquinas-85ed0

When the University of Miami lost to SMU last weekend, it all but ended the Hurricanes chances of winning the ACC title and perhaps making the national playoffs. Geo Millian stopped by to talk about it.

GEO MILLIAN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/geo-millian-south-florida-sports-analyst-4d587

When it comes to developing kickers, punters and long snappers, Brandon Kornblue knows all about what it takes. With showcases and exposure events year-round, Kornblue Kicking continues to provide the forum for future specialists. Brandon Kornblue talked about his upcoming events.

BRANDON KORNBLUE ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/brandon-kornblue-founder-of-kornblue-kicking-bbd41

For the second year, NSU University School is alive in the second round of the Sunshine State Athletic Conference playoffs as the Sharks will host Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy on Friday night. Head Coach Mike Norman talked about the game and the path to a second straight title game.

MIKE NORMAN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/mike-norman-football-coach-university-school-6dd76

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..