As we head toward the seventh week of the 2023 high school football season, you can see things starting to take shape.
With state playoff positions at stake, each week uncovers new matchups that determine what teams will advance and which ones will look toward next year.
Over the next few weeks, there will be key district and regional games that will be worth checking out in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
Here is how Week 7 shapes up:
1. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1M, 6-0). LAST WEEK: The Lions won a competitive 35-27 game against No. 10 Coconut Creek. THIS WEEK: A road game against Fort Lauderdale Dillard. NEXT WEEK: Bye.
2. Miami Central (2M, 2-2). LAST WEEK: The Rockets won a district game against North Miami Beach, 54-0. THIS WEEK: A home game against rival Miami Northwestern. NEXT WEEK: A huge district matchup at No. 6 Miami Norland.
3. Miami Christopher Columbus (4M, 6-0). LAST WEEK: The Explorers continued to roll along with a 44-0 win against Miami High. THIS WEEK: A huge Saturday home game against No. 6 Homestead. NEXT WEEK: A home game against Doral Academy.
4. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (3M, 5-1). LAST WEEK: The Raiders continued to make a statement with a 38-6 win against Miramar. THIS WEEK: A home game against Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson. NEXT WEEK: An way district game against Fort Lauderdale.
5. Miami Norland (2M, 5-0). LAST WEEK: The Vikings had the week off. THIS WEEK: A big Thursday home game against No. 9 Miami Booker T. Washington. NEXT WEEK: A huge district contest against No. 3 Miami Central.
6. Homestead (3M, 3-1). LAST WEEK: A game against South Miami was cancelled. THIS WEEK: A Saturday away contest against No. 3 Miami Christopher Columbus. NEXT WEEK: A home district game against No. 14 Miami Southridge.
7. Plantation American Heritage (2M, 3-1). LAST WEEK: The Patriots won a district game against rival Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, 48-7. THIS WEEK: An away matchup against No. 16 Davie Western. NEXT WEEK: A home game against Fort Lauderdale Stranahan.
8. Miami Palmetto (4M, 4-1). LAST WEEK: The Panthers beat Corak Gables, 35-0. THIS WEEK: A home game against No. 17 Miami Edison. NEXT WEEK: A home district game against Homestead South Dade.
9. Miami Booker T. Washington (2M, 3-1). LAST WEEK: Beat rival Miami Jackson 37-0 in a game that was shortened. THIS WEEK: A Thursday away game against No. 5 Miami Norland. NEXT WEEK: A key district contest against Miami Northwestern.
10. Coconut Creek (3M, 4-2). LAST WEEK: Dropped a competitive 35-27 game to No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. THIS WEEK: A home game against Fort Lauderdale. NEXT WEEK: A district home game against West Boca Raton.
11. Plantation (3M, 4-1). LAST WEEK: The Colonels scored early and often in beating rival South Plantation, 72-0. THIS WEEK: A Thursday home game against Davie Nova. NEXT WEEK: A competitive road game against Fort Lauderdale Dillard.
12. Coconut Creek Monarch (4M, 5-1). LAST WEEK: The Knights rolled to a district win against Boca Raton Olympic Heights, 45-0. THIS WEEK: A home game against Hollywood McArthur. NEXT WEEK: Bye.
13. Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (3M, 3-1). LAST WEEK: The Tigers rebounded with a 39-17 win against Fort Lauderdale. THIS WEEK: A home game against Fort Lauderdale Stranahan. NEXT WEEK: A home game against Deerfield Beach.
14. Miami Southridge (3M, 4-1). LAST WEEK: Bye. THIS WEEK: A game at St. Petersburg Lakewood. NEXT WEEK: A major away district matchup with No. 6 Homestead.
15. Hollywood South Broward (3M, 5-0). LAST WEEK: The Bulldogs were off. THIS WEEK: A home game against Pembroke Pines West Broward. NEXT WEEK: A Thursday away contest at Parkland Douglas.
16. Davie Western (4M, 3-2). LAST WEEK: Posted a second straight shutout with a 49-0 win against Sunrise Piper. THIS WEEK: A big non district home matchup with No. 7 Plantation American Heritage. NEXT WEEK: The annual district battle on the road against No. 18 Weston Cypress Bay.
17. Miami Edison (2M, 4-1). LAST WEEK: The Red Raiders bounced back with a 28-0 win against Miami Immaculata LaSalle. THIS WEEK: A big game at No. 8 Miami Palmetto. NEXT WEEK: Bye.
18. Weston Cypress Bay (4M, 5-1). LAST WEEK: The Lightning came up with their second straight shutout, 35-0, against Coral Springs Coral Glades. THIS WEEK: An away contest at Coral Springs Taravella. NEXT WEEK: A big district matchup against No. 16 Davie Western.
19. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2M, 3-2). LAST WEEK: Lost a district game against No. 7 Plantation American Heritage, 48-7. THIS WEEK: An away game at Miami Belen Jesuit. NEXT WEEK: A home district game against Hallandale next Thursday.
20. Miami True North Classical Academy (1M, 5-0). LAST WEEK: The Titans were off. THIS WEEK: An away game against Miami St. Brendan. NEXT WEEK: A huge home game against 2S powerhouse Starke Bradford County.
OTHER TEAMS TO WATCH: Coconut Creek North Broward Prep (2M, 2-3), Cooper City (4M, 0-5), Coral Gables (4M, 3-2), Coral Springs (4M, 2-3), Coral Springs Coral Glades (4M, 0-5), Coral Springs Taravella (4M, 1-5), Davie Nova (3M, 2-4), Deerfield Beach (3M, 2-4), Doral Academy (4M, 3-2), Doral Reagan (Independent, 3-1-1), Fort Lauderdale (3M, 1-3), Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (2M, 5-1), Lauderdale Dillard (3M, 3-2), Fort Lauderdale NSU University School (Independent, 5-0), Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest (2M, 1-5), Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (2M, 3-2), Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (1M, 5-0), Hallandale (2M, 0-5), Goulds Palm Glades (1M, 0-6), Hialeah (3M, 4-1), Hialeah American (2M, 3-2), Hialeah Gardens (Independent, 1-3-1), Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (3M, 0-5), Hialeah Miami-Lakes (Independent, 0-5), Hollywood Avant Garde (1M, 3-2), Hollywood Hills (3M, 1-3), Hollywood McArthur (3M, 2-2-1), Homestead Everglades Prep (1M, 2-3), Homestead South Dade (4M, 4-1), Miami Archbishop Carroll (1M, 4-1), Miami Beach (3M, 0-5), Miami Belen Jesuit (3M, 3-3), Miami Braddock (Independent, 4-1), Miami Carol City (2M, 0-5), Miami Coral Park (Independent, 1-4), Miami Coral Reef (GMAC Independent, 3-2), Miami Dr. Krop (3M, 3-2), Miami Ferguson (Independent, 4-1), Miami Florida Christian (Independent, 1-5), Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (2M, 3-3), Miami Gulliver Prep (2M, 4-2), Miami High (4M, 2-3), Miami Immaculata LaSalle (2M, 2-3), Miami Jackson (2M, 1-5), Miami Killian (2M, 0-6), Miami Northwestern (2M, 2-4), Miami Ransom Everglades, (Independent, 6-0), Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (4M, 2-2), Miami Palmer Trinity (1M, 4-1), Miami Springs (2M, 4-2), Miami St. Brendan (2M, 5-1), Miami Varela, Independent, 3-2), Miami Westminster Christian (1M, 3-3), Miramar (3M, 2-3), Miramar Everglades (3M, 3-2), North Miami (3M, 2-4), North Miami Mourning (Independent, 3-1), North Miami Beach (2M, 1-5), Oakland Park Northeast (2M, 1-5), Parkland Douglas (1-4, 4M), Pembroke Pines Charter (3M, 4-1), Pembroke Pines Flanagan (4M, 1-3-1), Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (4M, 0-6), Pembroke Pines West Broward (4M, 3-2), Pompano Beach (Independent, 1-4), Somerset Academy South Homestead (Independent, 3-3), Somerset Silver Palms (2M, 2-3), South Miami (2M, 1-4), South Plantation (3M, 3-1), Southwest Miami (3M, 1-5), Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (Independent, 5-0), Sunrise Piper (3M, 2-3), Westland Hialeah (2M, 0-4).
TRACKING WEEKLY RANKINGS:
Week 1. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-south-broward-week-1-top-2
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
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UP TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: October 3, 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..
Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward
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..
As we finished the sixth week of the 2023 season, there is one thing that is evident: the games are getting more exciting.
As district and regional playoffs seeding on the line, you are now seeing the best of the best in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, and as you take a look at overall state rankings, the teams in this area are very much among the best.
Over the next few weeks, the games that will take place will border on epic as the Race For Tallahassee will be fully under way.
This past week, there were a few games locally that grabbed the spotlight.
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 35, Coconut Creek 27. The nation’s No. 3 rated Lions were back on the road again, and this time against a program that nobody had a clue about.
What head coach Johnny Sloan and his Cougars have done this season is turn heads and proving that every team on their schedule need to open their eyes and put egos away.
This 3M team gave Chaminade-Madonna all they could handle before falling.
The Lions, who had a few players out for the game, saw the 4-2 Coconut Creek team continue to make plays in what could be the final test that the Lions will face this season.
Head Coach Dameon Jones and his team will be at least four touchdown favorites in every game the rest of the way – including the 1M state championship.
The Cougars still have a few key games left in the regular season but have to feel confident heading into the state playoffs in the next month.
Miami Braddock 29, Miami Ferguson 26. Who would believe that two independent teams from west Miami would not only play one of the most exciting games of the season, but easily one of the most well attended.
The Bulldogs (4-1) scored with less than two minutes left and came away with an impressive win in this rivalry that dates back over the past 20 years.
Head Coach J.T. Torres and Braddock continued to fight their way back against a talent Falcon team that had started off 4-0 under the school’s only coach ever, Gene Chew.
This game saw Ferguson senior running back Manuel “Manny” Rodriguez go over the 200-yard mark in a losing effort.
Miami Northwestern 7, West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman 2. How do you come up with your biggest win of the season against a top 10 rated Florida school? DEFENSE! The Bulls raced to their second win of the season under first year head coach Michaelee Harris as they continued to make life on the Crusaders, who had won 14 consecutive regular season games.
Northwestern, who lost a key district game to Miami Edison, still has a chance to make the playoffs, but must beat Booker T. Washington and Miami Immaculata LaSalle in district play, and the rivalry game against Miami Central this week.
THERE WERE MORE GAMES THAT MEANT A LOT
In addition to those exciting games, there were others that took place – involving Miami-Dade and Broward schools:
Coconut Creek Monarch 45, Boca Raton Olympic Heights 0
Coral Springs Charter 50, Coral Springs Taravella 36
Davie Western 49, Sunrise Piper 0
Doral Academy 21, Miami Lakes Goleman 16
Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian 53, Riviera Beach Inlet Grove 13
Fort Lauderdale Dillard 7, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson 0
Fort Lauderdale NSU University School 35, West Palm Beach Oxbridge 0
Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest 36, Oakland Park Northeast 8
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 38. Miramar 6
Fort Lauderdale Stranahan 34, Hallandale 0
Hialeah 51, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy 7
Hialeah American 20, Miramar Everglades 10
Hialeah Gardens 32, Westland Hialeah 14
Hollywood Avant Garde 35, Lake Worth Dr. Joaquin Garcia 0
Hollywood McArthur 41, Hollywood Hills 13
Marathon 14, Miami Florida Christian 12
Miami Archbishop Carroll 49, Homestead Everglades Prep 0
Miami Belen Jesuit 44, Southwest Miami 0
Miami Booker T. Washington 37, Miami Jackson 0
Miami Central 54, North Miami Beach 0
Miami Christopher Columbus 44, Miami High 0
Miami Edison 28, Miami Immaculata LaSalle 0
Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace 48, Miami Carol City 0
Miami Gulliver Prep 20, Miami Killian 14
Miami Palmer Trinity 39, Somerset South Homestead 32
Miami Palmetto 35, Coral Gables 0
Miami Ransom Everglades 27, Tavernier Coral Shores 22
Miami Westminster Christian 42, Goulds Palm Glades 0
North Miami 48, Miami Beach 0
Parkland Douglas 23, Coral Springs 14
Pembroke Pines Flanagan 40, Cooper City 0
Pembroke Pines West Broward 56, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy 0
Plantation 72, South Plantation 0
Plantation American Heritage 48, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 7
Pompano Beach Blanche Ely 39, Fort Lauderdale 17
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy 37, Pompano Beach 6
West Boca Raton 36, Deerfield Beach 0
West Palm Beach Forest Hill 48, Wellington 14
Weston Cypress Bay 35, Coral Springs Coral Glades 0
TOP PROSPECTS SHINE IN WEEK 6
As Week 6 finished up, there were some locals who came up with some quality performances.
Coconut Creek Monarch, with starting QB A.J. Harrison out of action, looked to a trio of freshmen to win this past week. Jack Spaeder, Jaeden Phillips and Mason Hall combined for 5 touchdowns.
Coconut Creek put their program on the map in a loss to national power Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna as Martin Montero had 10 tackles 5 TFL 3 sacks 4 QB pressures and a force fumble.
Manny Rodriguez, Miami Ferguson RB ran for 215 yards and 2 scores in a tough loss to rival Miami Braddock.
Miami Westminster Christian Edge Daniel Fernandez had 4 solo tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble and a sack.
Tyler Godfrey, Miramar, had a huge game in a loss to Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. He ended with 8 catches for 151 yards.
In a loss to Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, 2026 QB Jayden Chico from Fort Lauderdale completed 16 passes for 191 yards and a TD.
Shane Martinez, 2027 Fort Lauderdale NSU University School OL had 7 pancakes and 3 drive blocks.
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: October 2, 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..
Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward
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..
No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade at No. 10 Coconut Creek, 7. Over the past decade plus, Hollywood’s Chaminade-Madonna has played in so many huge football games on the way to several state championships and even a national title.
The Lions have been in the spotlight on a national level and have had their share of elite games – home and away.
Coming off a nationally televised win against Miami Central last Thursday, they head into this evening’s game just looking to come out healthy as they are now an overwhelming choice to not only win the 1M state title game, but keep themselves relevant in the race for a national crown.
Over the past decade, head coach Dameon Jones and his football team have compiled a 90-18 record and have remained as one of the top programs nationally.
In games such as tonight, against Fort Lauderdale Dillard, Boca Raton Saint John Paul II and St. Petersburg Lakewood, they will be three to four touchdown favorites. Even in the state playoffs, this team will NOT be pushed – boasting as many elite athletes and quality coaches as any high school program in the country.
THIS IS VERY NEW TO COCONUT CREEK
On the other side of the field tonight are head coach Johnnie Sloan and the Cougars.
This is a football program that has had moderate success over the past four decades, boasting some talent, but truthfully never enough to make a serious post season run.
What this team faces tonight is the biggest matchup this school has ever had on the football field. No game has ever meant more to a team, student body and administration like this one. Having the No. 1 team in the state and top three nationally on campus is something that is beyond words for the Cougars.
For this program, it is the culmination of a four-year build – when Gerald Cox passed the torch on to this next group of coaches.
No matter what happens this evening, this year has already been a major success for this team who has run a gauntlet against Georgia power Gainesville and three other teams who many picked – before the season – to be heavily in the state playoff mix.
Wins against Western (20-15), longtime rival Plantation (36-6) and a Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (26-7) team that had won 13 straight regular season games is a calling card that this team is proud of.
In their wildest dreams, this team could never have predicted that this game tonight would attract a spotlight, and while nobody is giving them any chance at all, they have already won – being in a game of this magnitude!
HOLLYWOOD CHAMINADE LIONS (1M, 5-0)
Baltimore St. Frances Academy, W 35-14
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, W 41-4
Bergen Catholic, New Jersey, W 61-21
Plantation American Heritage, W 28-16
Miami Central, W 31-28
9/29 – Coconut Creek
10/7 – at Fort Lauderdale Dillard
10/28 – at Boca Raton Saint John Paul II
11/3 – at St. Petersburg Lakewood
5 LIONS TO WATCH
2025 – Chris Ewald, CB, 6-1, 170
2024 – Davion Gause, RB, 5-11, 200
2024 – Zaquan Patterson, S, 6-1, 190
2024 – Jeremiah Smith, WR, 6-3, 200
2024 – Joshisa Trader, WR, 6-2, 180
COCONUT CREEK COUGARS (3M, 4-1)
Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, W (forfeit)
Gainesville, Georgia, L 30-22
Western, W 20-15
Plantation, W 36-6
Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, W 26-7
9/29 – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna
10/6 – Fort Lauderdale
10/13 – West Boca Raton
10/20 – at Hollywood McArthur
10/27 – Deerfield Beach
5 COUGARS TO WATCH
2025 – Nimari Brantley, DT, 6-2, 270
2024 – James Hayes, QB, 6-4, 230
2024 – Jamarie Hostzclaw, RB, 5-9, 165
2024 – Hyajah Miller, CB, 6-2, 160
2024 – Martin Montero Jr., DE, 6-0, 220
In addition to that matchup, here is a look at the Miami-Dade and Broward schedule for Week 6:
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Coral Springs at Parkland Stoneman Douglas, 7
Coral Springs Charter at Coral Springs Taravella, 4
Deerfield Beach at West Boca Raton, 6:30
No. 11 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons at No. 7 Plantation American Heritage, 7:30
Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest at Oakland Park Northeast, 7
Fort Lauderdale Stranahan at Hallandale, 7
Homestead Everglades Prep at Miami Archbishop Carroll, 3:30
Homestead South Dade at Homestead Somerset Silver Palms, 7:30
Miami Carol City at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, 7
Miami Florida Christian at Marathon, 7
Miami Killian at Miami Gulliver, 4
Miami Northwestern at West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman, 7
Miami Palmer Trinity at Somerset South Homestead, 7
No. 8 Miami Palmetto at Coral Gables (Tropical), 3:30
Miami Ransom Everglades at Coral Shores, 7
Miami St. Brendan at Miami Springs (Curtis), 7:30
Miami Varela at Miami Sunset (Tropical), 7:30
Miami Westminster Christian at Goulds Palm Glades Prep, 4
Miramar at No. 4 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 7
Miramar Everglades vs. Hialeah American (Milander), 7
North Miami Beach at No. 2 Miami Central (Traz Powell), 7:30
Pembroke Pines Flanagan at Cooper City, 7
Pembroke Pines West Broward at Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, 7
No. 12 Plantation at South Plantation, 7
No. 14 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely vs. Fort Lauderdale (Lockhart), 7
Riviera Beach Inlet Grove at Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, 7
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy at Pompano Beach, 7
Weston Cypress Bay at Coral Springs Coral Glades, 7
THURSDAY SCOREBOARD
Coconut Creek Monarch 45, Boca Raton Olympic Heights 0
Davie Western 49, Sunrise Piper 0
Doral Ronald Reagan 21, Miami Coral Park 18
Fort Lauderdale NSU University School 35, West Palm Beach Oxbridge 0
Hialeah 51, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy 7
Hialeah Gardens 32, Westland Hialeah 14
Hollywood McArthur 41, Hollywood Hills 13
Miami Booker T. Washington 37, Miami Jackson 0
Miami Braddock 29, Miami Ferguson 26
Miami Christopher Columbus 44, Miami High 0
Miami Edison 28, Miami Immaculata LaSalle 0
North Miami Mourning 30, Hialeah-Miami Lakes 0
WEDNESDAY SCOREBOARD
Doral Academy 21, Miami Lakes Goleman 16
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
Fort Lauderdale Dillard at Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, 7
Miami Belen Jesuit at Southwest Miami (Tropical), 7
Miami Beach at North Miami (Milander), 7
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: September 29, 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..
Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward
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..
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, Miami Central, Miami Christopher Columbus, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, Miami Norland. Just the mention of those football programs brings along with it recognition and familiarity.
The high profile schools in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties seem to get plenty of the spotlight. It happens every year.
But what about those schools who do get their share of the publicity and attention? Those programs who may be independent but work hard and put in the hours in season and throughout the off-season.
Sharing the spotlight with those high-profile programs is never easy, and that’s why we take this Thursday to shine that spotlight directly on two rivals.
Miami Braddock at Miami Ferguson (Tropical), 7:30. If you do not live in the western reaches of Miami-Dade County, there is little publicity for these two programs, but they are rivals – much like Northwestern and Central or Columbus and Miami Palmetto.
Their matchup this season is two independent programs who have combined to win seven of eight games so far in 2023, and that is why the attention has shifted for their game this evening.
Veteran coach Gene Chew is the only head coach Ferguson has had. He has been able to string winning seasons together and attract talent. His program is unbeaten this year and takes this matchup seriously. The Falcons are one of those programs who work hard year-round.
For the Bulldogs, they have seriously upgraded their program through the years with quality athletes and tremendous coaching. Only a 24-21 setback to 3-1 Coral Gables has stood in the way of this being the battle of West Miami-Dade unbeatens.
Head Coach J.T. Torres continues to add players every year – and compete against some quality teams. This is a game that is more than just a game. This is two rivals in everything. Not just football!
MIAMI BRADDOCK (3-1)
North Miami Mourning, W 24-14
Southwest Miami, W 34-28
Miami Coral Reef, W 28-0
Coral Gables, L 24-21
9/28 – at Miami Ferguson
10/5 – at Miami Coral Park
10/12 – at Miami Varela
10/20 – GMAC WEEK
10/26 – Miami Sunset
BULLDOGS TO WATCH
2024 – Guillermo Ibarra, DE/OL, 6-3, 230
2024 – Christian Lopez, PK/DB, 5-7, 155
2024 – Giancarlo Martinez, WR, 6-0, 165
2025 – Alex Medro, RB, 5-8, 150
2024 – Dorian Perez, DE, 6-2, 225
MIAMI FERGUSON (4-0)
Hialeah Gardens, W 47-0
Miami Sunset, W 22-14
Miami Beach, W 28-14
Miami Varela, W 30-0
9/28 – Miami Braddock
10/5 – Hialeah Miami-Lakes
10/13 – Southwest Miami
10/20 – GMAC Week
10/26 – Coral Reef
FALCONS TO WATCH
2024 - Gabriel Cifuentes, LB, 5-9, 170
2024 - Nicholas Estrada, OLB/DE, 5-10, 175
2024 - C.J. Frias, RB/SL, 5-9, 175
2024 - Brandon Lopez, OL, 5-10, 225
2024 - Manuel Rodriguez, RB, 5-6, 165
In addition to that matchup, here is a look at the Miami-Dade and Broward schedule for Week 6:
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
No. 13 Coconut Creek Monarch at Boca Raton Olympic Heights, 6:30
Fort Lauderdale NSU University School at West Palm Beach Oxbridge, 7
Hialeah at Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (Milander), 7
Hollywood Hills at Hollywood McArthur, 7
No. 9 Miami Booker T. Washington at Miami Jackson (Curtis), 7
Miami Coral Park at Doral Ronald Reagan (Doral Legacy), 3:30
Miami Country Day at West Palm Beach Berean Christian, 7
Miami Edison at Miami Immaculata La Salle (Tropical), 3:30
Miami High at No. 3 Miami Christopher Columbus, 6
North Miami Mourning at Hialeah-Miami Lakes, 3:30
Sunrise Piper at Davie Western, 7
Westland Hialeah at Hialeah Gardens, 3:30
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Coral Springs at Parkland Stoneman Douglas, 7
Coral Springs Charter at Coral Springs Taravella, 4
Deerfield Beach at West Boca Raton, 6:30
No. 11 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons at No. 7 Plantation American Heritage, 7:30
Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest at Oakland Park Northeast, 7
Fort Lauderdale Stranahan at Hallandale, 7
No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade at No. 10 Coconut Creek, 7
Homestead Everglades Prep at Miami Archbishop Carroll, 3:30
Homestead South Dade at Homestead Somerset Silver Palms, 7:30
Miami Carol City at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, 7
Miami Florida Christian at Marathon, 7
Miami Killian at Miami Gulliver, 4
Miami Northwestern at West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman, 7
Miami Palmer Trinity at Somerset South Homestead, 7
No. 8 Miami Palmetto at Coral Gables (Tropical), 3:30
Miami Ransom Everglades at Coral Shores, 7
Miami St. Brendan at Miami Springs (Curtis), 7:30
Miami Varela at Miami Sunset (Tropical), 7:30
Miami Westminster Christian at Goulds Palm Glades Prep, 4
Miramar at No. 4 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 7
Miramar Everglades vs. Hialeah American (Milander), 7
North Miami Beach at No. 2 Miami Central (Traz Powell), 7:30
Pembroke Pines Flanagan at Cooper City, 7
Pembroke Pines West Broward at Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, 7
No. 12 Plantation at South Plantation, 7
No. 14 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely vs. Fort Lauderdale (Lockhart), 7
Riviera Beach Inlet Grove at Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, 7
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy at Pompano Beach, 7
Weston Cypress Bay at Coral Springs Coral Glades, 7
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
Fort Lauderdale Dillard at Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, 7
Miami Belen Jesuit at Southwest Miami (Tropical), 7
Miami Beach at North Miami (Milander), 7
WEDNESDAY SCORE
Doral Academy 21, Barbara Goleman 16
PHOTO COURTESY OF HOMESTEAD FOOTBALL
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: September 28, 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..
Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward
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..
It’s hard to believe that this season is moving so fast, but it’s like that every year.
You wait nearly nine months for a season that moves along quickly and is finished before you know it.
When two games are played tonight in Miami-Dade County, it will begin the sixth week of the season – the halfway point in the 2023 season.
The final weeks of the season will truly be exciting with district and regional standing at stake – and that will certainly bring out the best in all players and teams.
HOMESTEAD BACK IN ACTION
No. 6 Homestead at South Miami (Tropical), 7. When the Homestead Broncos and Coach Ronnie Thornton Jr. take the field this evening against the Cobras, they will come in as huge favorites, but that is something that the Broncos need to forget about and play the football that got them to the 3M state finals last year.
For head coach Arties Knight and South Miami, it is a learning process as several of his players are trying to get the program back on track and move into the future with more optimism.
HOMESTEAD BRONCOS (3M, 3-1)
Miami Palmetto, L 13-12
Homestead South Dade, W 35-0
St. Petersburg Lakewood, W 35-7
Southwest Miami, W 55-0
9/27 – at South Miami
10/7 – at Miami Christopher Columbus
10/13 – Miami Southridge
10/20 – GMAC Week
10/27 – at Miami Belen Jesuit
BRONCOS TO WATCH
2024 – Jameel Carter, OL, 6-2, 290
2025 – Kevin Cascudo, WR, 5-9, 155
2025 – Michael Dean, OL, 6-5, 301
2024 - Eduardo Nunez, OLB, 6-1, 210
2024 - Joshua Townsend, QB, 6-0, 205
SOUTH MIAMI COBRAS (2M, 1-4)
Coral Reef, W 28-6
Hialeah American, L 47-0
Coral Gables, L 36-6
Somerset Silver Palms, L 35-6
Miami High, L 47-0
9/27 – Homestead
10/5 - at Miami Springs
10/19 – GMAC Week
10/27 – Miami Gulliver Prep
COBRAS TO WATCH
2024 – Vincent Blanding, OL, 6-3, 245
2024 – Tony Jones Jr., Athlete, 5-8, 220
2024 – Jalin Mack, WR/DB, 5-8, 145
2024 – Tareek Nunnally, FB, 5-8, 185
2024 – Julian Ortiz, SS/RB, 5-9, 175
2024 – Raheem Prince, DB/RB/WR
2024 – Sean Reyes, DB/WR, 5-10, 160
GOLEMAN AND DORAL ACADEMY LOOK FOR MOMENTUM
Doral Academy at Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (Milander), 7. With this season winding down head coach Eddie Delgado and his Firebirds are looking to get things rolling as Doral Academy is ready to make a solid run at a playoff position that they have held the past few seasons.
While Doral Academy is trying to get that magic back, head coach Ariel Cribeiro and his Gators believe they can play against anyone when healthy. They have gotten off to a solid start and look to keep things going this evening.
DORAL ACADEMY FIREBIRDS (4M, 2-2)
Hollywood South Broward, L 46-0
Goulds Palm Glades Prep, W 40-0
Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, W 35-7
Miami Southridge, L 40-0
9/27 – Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman
10/7 – at North Miami
10/13 – at Miami Christopher Columbus
10/27 – at Miami High
11/2 – at Miami Edison
FIREBIRDS TO WATCH
2025 – Marcos Antelo, WR, 6-1, 175
2025 – Isaac Forbes, RB, 5-9, 175
2025 – Nicholas Garcia, RB, 5-8, 195
2025 – Luca Guerra, K/P, 5-10, 160
2024 – Darian Martinez, LB, 6-1, 215
MIAMI LAKES BARBARA GOLEMAN GATORS (4M, 2-1)
Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, W 47-0
Hialeah American, W 18-14
Miami Archbishop Carroll, L 28-26
9/27 – Doral Academy
10/5 – Hialeah Gardens
10/14 – Miami High
10/20 – GMAC Week
10/26 – at Miami Christopher Columbus
11/3 – at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace
GATORS TO WATCH
2026 – R.J. Alphonse, DE, 6-2, 220
2024 – Dylan Celeide, LB, 5-11, 200
2024 – Malik Clarke, DB/WR, 6-1, 185
2025 – Trevor Darling, DE
2024 – Dukenson Henry, RB, 5-7, 165
In addition to those two games, here is a look at the Miami-Dade and Broward schedule for Week 6:
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
No. 13 Coconut Creek Monarch at Boca Raton Olympic Heights, 6:30
Fort Lauderdale NSU University School at West Palm Beach Oxbridge, 7
Hialeah at Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (Milander), 7
Hollywood Hills at Hollywood McArthur, 7
No. 9 Miami Booker T. Washington at Miami Jackson (Curtis), 7
Miami Braddock at Miami Ferguson (Tropical), 7:30
Miami Coral Park at Doral Ronald Reagan (Doral Legacy), 3:30
Miami Country Day at West Palm Beach Berean Christian, 7
Miami Edison at Miami Immaculata La Salle (Tropical), 3:30
Miami High at No. 3 Miami Christopher Columbus, 6
North Miami Mourning at Hialeah-Miami Lakes, 3:30
Sunrise Piper at Davie Western, 7
Westland Hialeah at Hialeah Gardens, 3:30
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Coral Springs at Parkland Stoneman Douglas, 7
Coral Springs Charter at Coral Springs Taravella, 4
Deerfield Beach at West Boca Raton, 6:30
No. 11 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons at No. 7 Plantation American Heritage, 7:30
Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest at Oakland Park Northeast, 7
Fort Lauderdale Stranahan at Hallandale, 7
No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade at No. 10 Coconut Creek, 7
Homestead Everglades Prep at Miami Archbishop Carroll, 3:30
Homestead South Dade at Homestead Somerset Silver Palms, 7:30
Miami Carol City at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, 7
Miami Florida Christian at Marathon, 7
Miami Killian at Miami Gulliver, 4
Miami Northwestern at West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman, 7
Miami Palmer Trinity at Somerset South Homestead, 7
No. 8 Miami Palmetto at Coral Gables (Tropical), 3:30
Miami Ransom Everglades at Coral Shores, 7
Miami St. Brendan at Miami Springs (Curtis), 7:30
Miami Varela at Miami Sunset (Tropical), 7:30
Miami Westminster Christian at Goulds Palm Glades Prep, 4
Miramar at No. 4 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 7
Miramar Everglades vs. Hialeah American (Milander), 7
North Miami Beach at No. 2 Miami Central (Traz Powell), 7:30
Pembroke Pines Flanagan at Cooper City, 7
Pembroke Pines West Broward at Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, 7
No. 12 Plantation at South Plantation, 7
No. 14 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely vs. Fort Lauderdale (Lockhart), 7
Riviera Beach Inlet Grove at Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, 7
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy at Pompano Beach, 7
Weston Cypress Bay at Coral Springs Coral Glades, 7
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
Fort Lauderdale Dillard at Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, 7
Miami Belen Jesuit at Southwest Miami (Tropical), 7
Miami Beach at North Miami (Milander), 7
PHOTO COURTESY OF HOMESTEAD FOOTBALL
TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: September 27, 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..
Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward
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.