For the second time in as many years, some of the best high school 7-on-7 teams had the opportunity to showcase some elite talent.

With spring football getting started next week, 32 Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County teams headed to Cardinal Gibbons, Coral Glades and St. Thomas Aquinas on Saturday, playing some very competitive games.

On Sunday all the teams headed to St. Thomas Aquinas in search of the 754 and 954 titles – and when the dust settled, the Fort Lauderdale Panthers and the Chaminade-Madonna Lions came away with titles.

The event, which was hosted by the Broward County Officials Association was another first class and well-run production by Jeff Pratt and his amazing group of men and women.

DILLARD FOR THR SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR

Last season, in the first year of the event, the Dillard Panthers came away with the 754-team championship, and while they had a tough Saturday at Cardinal Gibbons, they more than made up for it on championship Sunday at St. Thomas Aquinas.

Dillard opened the second day with a 22-1 win over Miramar Everglades, staying alive with a matchup against Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy. After falling behind, 14-0, the Panthers reeled off 28 straight points and beat the Mavericks, 39-24, and moving into the semifinals.

The semifinal contest against Sunrise Piper saw them showcase plenty of talent in a 36-25 win and moved into the finals of the 754 Division.

The title game against Coconut Creek proved to be one of the most exciting in a contest that went back and forth.

In the end, it was the Panthers and head coach Demitris Mincey that came away with a 22-20 victory.

“The kids came to play on Sunday after a tough Saturday,” Mincey explained. “Now it’s time to get ready for spring.”

On Saturday, Dillard lost to Chaminade-Madonna, beat Boca Raton and Boca Raton Spanish River.

CHAMINADE-MADONNA STAYS STRONG TO WIN 954 CROWN

Coming into Sunday as the No. 3 seed in the 954 Division, head coach Dameon Jones and Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna went a perfect 5-0 and came away with a win against No. 1 seed Davie Western.

The talented Lions began the day with a 35-16 win against Lantana Santaluces, followed that up with a 29-15 victory over Wellington Palm Beach Central and moved into the semifinals.

In that semifinal contest against West Boca Raton, they came up big with a 29-15 decision and set up the No. 1 vs. No. 3 contest.

Chaminade-Madonna had beaten Dillard (29-7), Boca Raton Spanish River (31-6) and Coconut Creek (44-19) on Saturday.

Rising senior receiver Kyle Washington was dselected as MVP.

In addition to Dillard and Chaminade-Madonna, other programs who competed over the two days included Oakland Park Northeast, Delray Atlantic, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan, Boca Raton Spanish River, Somerset Academy Key Charter, Coral Springs Coral Glades, Coconut Creek Monarch, Pembroke Pines West Broward, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas at South Plantation, Hollywood South Broward, Pembroke Pines Flanagan, Miami Norland, Pembroke Pines Charter, Hollywood Hills, Wellington, Miramar, Weston Cypress Bay and Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace.

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For the past 54 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

There are two ways to look at the 2023 season for Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman’s football team.

While the year ended 5-6 with a four-game losing streak, the Gators and head coach Ariel Cribeiro did begin 5-2 and played well enough to reach the state playoffs.

With a first-round setback to 4M state champion Miami Christopher Columbus, this program headed into the off-season with a feeling that a solid spring and summer could give them enough momentum and another post season appearance.

If you have followed this program over the past five seasons, you know that while winning is important, it’s about the development, teaching and coaching that has kept impressive players at the school – while bringing in other difference makers.

With an eye on the Class of 2025 rising seniors, there is plenty to be excited about.

Here are some of those prospects who figure to make an impact:

Trevor Darling, DE, 6-2, 240.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18600492/6564d333bd6a5f11fcad7afc

Brando Gudino, DE, 6-0, 200.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2MXHXB

Ja’Montay Parks, Athlete, 6-1, 180.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2MYLLh

Kyjuan Taylor, RB, 5-11, 190.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2N1pAk

Ashley Thomas, DL, 6-0, 250 – 3.1 GPA.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2MhuaU

THE FUTURE LOOKS REALLY GOOD

As much as the rising senior class will be where the experience and leadership come from, there is simply no shortage of talent in the underclasses.

Here is a look at some rising juniors and sophomores:

CLASS OF 2026

Adesegun Adewoye, OL, 6-4, 240 – 3.4 GPA.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2M921S

Darryl Bell, Athlete, 6-0, 190.

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2LmS07  3.2 GPA.

Adrian Morales, TE/DL, 6-3, 200

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2MiaXn

Julian Prieto, WR, 6-3, 170

TAPE: http://www.hudl.com/v/2MWwng

CLASS OF 2027

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Tristan Barnett, Athlete, 6-2, 150

Jayden Perera, Athlete, 6-1, 170

Christian Rust, Athlete, 6-0, 170

Kingston Rust, QB, 6-2, 220

Rah’Saan Williams, DL, 6-1, 220

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For the past 54 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MIAMI HERALD

When coaching icon Steve Davis stepped down at Plantation, the void was large and the vast knowledge he taught his fellow coaches and athletes moved on to the next step of his life.

Respected as one of the best, most loyal and classiest football minds we have had in south Florida, Davis leaves behind a legacy that will be tough to follow.

But this is Steve Davis. You know even though he is not in charge, he is not far behind to ease in first year head coach Darel Strong, who like Davis, knows the community, players and understands what lies ahead.

With close ties to the youth programs and younger players, Strong is respected as someone who has played the game at a high level and has prepared himself for this position.

Strong is not taking over a program that doesn’t know how to win. He is also not having to start from scratch. He is anxious and ready to start his era of a program that has indeed been a force on the local football landscape.

For much of the past two decades – with Davis and Frank Hepler, the Colonels have remained in the spotlight.

As they come off a tough season, where they finished 6-5 – with a state playoff appearance – the returning players and coaches would much rather play on the 5-1 start than dwell on the final half of the season.

As spring is now less than two weeks away, the emphasis will be on the rising senior (2025) class. Here is a look at some of those prospects:

Andre Barrington, WR, 5-10, 165.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17660650/Andre-Barrington

Taurus Damon Jr., CB, 5-11, 155.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17684478/Taurus-Damon-Jr

Ashton Jackson, DE, 6-2, 260.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15990990/Ashton-Jackson

AWAITING SPRING VIDEO

Jaden James, OL/DL, 6-3, 300.

Moses Jenkins Jr., OL/DL, 6-5, 315 – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16418302/Moses-Jenkins

Jace Williams, S/LB, 6-0, 185 – 4.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18607213/jace-williams

PLENTY WILL BE EXPECTED FROM THE UNDERCLASSMEN

If this program is going to continue building, the underclassmen will be essential. The Colonels have some impressive young prospects that they will use this coming season.

CLASS OF 2026

Naijah Arnasalam, S/WR, 6-1, 180.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18032221/Naijah-Arnasalam

Jayden Chico, QB, 6-1, 205 – 4.98 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14791400/654938fe2347520e802972cc

Ja’Kari Johnson, S/WR, 5-11, 165.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20082475/Jakari-Johnson

CLASS OF 2027

Jemari Foreman, CB, 5-11, 160.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20704528/Jemari-Foreman

Larry Morgan, CB, 5-11, 155.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20036644/Larry-Morgan

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For the past 54 years, we have spent more time on football fields than anyone in the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we get to as many events as possible to see the athletes LIVE. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

When it was held last year, it was a popular event – and now it is coming back for year 2 – bigger and better.

This Saturday and Sunday, the 2nd Annual Battle 4 Broward 7 on 7 Team Tournament and Referee Training will take place at three (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons and Coral Springs Coral Glades) locations, and the competition will be impressive with nearly 40 teams from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties playing at three locations.

“When we had this last year, the teams that took part were impressed with what we hosted,” said Jeff Pratt. “There were a number of schools who didn’t take part wanted to compete this year.”

This year, they have several impressive schools – including four-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 2A state runner up Miami Norland and Palm Beach Central, who has been in the state playoff mix the past few years.

The objective once again this year is not only to get the high school teams together with their coaches and fellow players, but also give officials a chance to get some extra work before the start of spring.

Here is a look at the schedule for Saturday:

SATURDAY – POOL PLAY.

FORT LAUDERDALE CARDINAL GIBBONS

9 A.M. – 1:50 P.M.

Oakland Park Northeast at Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, 9 a.m. (Field A)

Delray Atlantic at Deerfield Beach, 9 a.m. (Field B)

Deerfield Beach at Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, 9:40 (Field A)

Oakland Park Northeast at Delray Beach Atlantic, 9:40 (Field B)

Delray Beach Atlantic at Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, 10:20 a.m. (Field A)

Oakland Park Northeast at Deerfield Beach, 10:20 a.m. (Field B)

Boca Raton at Coconut Creek, 11:10 a.m. (Field A)

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna at Fort Lauderdale Dillard, 11:10 a.m. (Field B)

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan at Coconut Creek, 11:40 a.m. (Field A)

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna at Boca Raton Spanish River, 11:40 a.m. (Field B)

Coconut Creek at Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, 12:30 p.m. (Field A)

Boca Raton at Fort Lauderdale Dillard, 12:30 p.m. (Field B)

Boca Raton at Fort Lauderdale Stranahan, 1:10 p.m. (Field A)

Boca Raton Spanish River at Fort Lauderdale Dillard, 1:10 p.m. (Field B)

Boca Raton Spanish River at Fort Lauderdale Stranahan, 1:50 (Field A)

CORAL SPRINGS CORAL GLADES

9 A.M. TO 2:40 P.M.

Davie Western at Somerset Academy Key Charter, 9 a.m. (Field A)

Lantana Santaluces at Miramar Everglades, 9 a.m. (Field B)

Davie Western at Miramar Everglades, 9:40 (Field A)

Lantana Santaluces at Somerset Academy Key Charter, 9:40 a.m. (Field B)

Lantana Santaluces at Davie Western, 10:20 (Field A)

Miramar Everglades at Somerset Academy Key Charter, 10:20 (Field B)

Coral Springs Coral Glades at Coconut Creek Monarch, 11:10 a.m. (Field A)

Parkland Douglas at Palm Beach Central, 11:10 (Field B)

Parkland Douglas at Coconut Creek Monarch, 11:50 (Field A)

Coral Springs Coral Glades at Palm Beach Central, 11:50 a.m. (Field B)

Palm Beach Central vs. Coconut Creek Monarch, 12:30 (Field A)

Parkland Douglas at Coral Springs Coral Glades), 12:30 (Field B)

West Boca Raton at Coral Springs, 1:20 (Field A)

Sunrise Piper at Pembroke Pines West Broward, 1:20 (Field B)

Sunrise Piper at West Boca Raton, 2 p.m. (Field A)

Coral Springs at Pembroke Pines West Boward, 2 p.m. (Field B)

West Boca Raton at Pembroke Pines West Broward, 2:40 p.m. (Field A)

Sunrise Piper at Coral Springs, 2:40 p.m. (Field B)

FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

9 A.M. TO 2:40 P.M.

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas at South Plantation, 9 a.m. (Field A)

Hollywood South Broward at Pembroke Pines Flanagan, 9 a.m. (Field B)

Hollywood South Broward at Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 10:20 a.m. (Field A)

South Plantation at Pembroke Pines Flanagan, 10:20 a.m. (Field B)

Miami Norland at Pembroke Pines Charter, 11:10 (Field A)

Hollywood Hills at Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, 11:10 (Field B)

Miami Norland at Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, 11:50 (Field A)

Hollywood Hills at Pembroke Pines Charter, 11:50 a.m. (Field B)

Hollywood Hills at Miami Norland, 12:30 p.m. (Field A)

Pembroke Pines Charter at Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, 12:30 p.m. (Field B)

Wellington at Miramar, 1:20 p.m. (Field A)

Weston Cypress Bay at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, 1:20 p.m. (Field B)

Weston Cypress Bay at Miramar, 2 p.m. (Field A)

Wellington at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, 2 p.m. (Field B)

Miramar at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, 2:40 p.m. (Field A)

Wellington at Weston Cypress Bay, 2:40 p.m. (Field B)

SUNDAY (SINGLE ELIMINATION TOURNAMENT BRACKETS).

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.

Game Times:

754 Bracket:  First Game – 9 A.M.

Championship Game - 12:30 P.M.

954 Bracket:  First game – 12 P.M.

Championship game – 4 P.M.

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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..