Before the start of the 2025 high school football season began and fans looked at the schedules, it was a given that every week in Miami-Dade and Broward County would find elite matchups.

From the very first week of the season – when the nation had the chance to see the impressive talent and teams that call the #305 and #954 – this season is certainly filled with games that will test every power and give them bragging rights and some validation.

Tonight will once again shine a rather bright spotlight in the two counties when four of the top 10 teams will square off.

No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (1-1) will travel to Tropical Park to take on No. 7 Miami Christopher Columbus (0-1), and the annual rivalry in Broward will see No. 5 Hollywood Chaminade (1-1) at No. 2 Plantation American Heritage (1-0) at 7:30.

These games will not only grab the attention of fans here in south Florida but will have implications statewide and nationally – where Florida is always in the spotlight with the talent level among the best anywhere in the country.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS RAIDERS

HEAD COACH: Roger Harriott

DISTRICT: 15-5A

2024 RECORD: 12-3 (5A State Champions)

2025 SCHEDULE

Santa Ana Mater Dei, California, L 26-23

Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, W 72-6

9/5 - @ Miami Christopher Columbus

9/12 - Davie Western

9/19 - @ Hollywood McArthur

10/3 - Hollywood Hills

10/8 - @ NFL Academy, London

10/17 - @ Coconut Creek Monarch

10/24 - @ Plantation American Heritage

10/31 - Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

MIAMI CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS EXPLORERS

HEAD COACH: Dave Dunn

DISTRICT: 16-7A

2024 RECORD: 12-4 (7A State Semifinalist)

2025 SCHEDULE

Our Lady of Good Counsel, L 14-7

9/5 – Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

9/12 – Miami Palmetto

9/19 – Miami Northwestern

9/25 – Homestead South Dade

10/2 - @Miami High

10/6 – Miami Southridge (Continuation of game started on opening day. Explorers lead 14-7 in the third quarter).

10/9 – Coral Gables

10/17 – GMAC WEEK

10/24 – Miami True North Classical Academy

CHAMINADE-MADONNA LIONS

HEAD COACH: Dameon Jones

DISTRICT: 14-1A

2024 RECORD: 13-2 (State Champions)

2025 SCHEDULE

Baltimore St. Francis Academy, Maryland, L 42-13

Hollywood McArthur, W 28-14

9/5 - @ Plantation American Heritage

9/12 - @ Miami Edison

9/26 - Davie Western

10/3 - Coconut Creek Monarch

10/10 - Pompano Beach Blanche Ely

10/17 - @ Hollywood Avant Garde

10/24 - @ Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

10/31 - @ Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

AMERICAN HERITAGE PATRIOTS

HEAD COACH: Mike Smith

DISTRICT: 15-4A

2024 RECORD: 12-2 (State Champions)

2025 SCHEDULE

Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep, Pennsylvania, W 31-28

9/5 - Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

9/12 - @ New Orleans Edna Karr, Louisiana

9/19 - Miami Central

9/26 - @ Plantation

10/3 - @ Pembroke Pines Flanagan

10/10 - Miami Norland

10/17 - @ Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy

10/25 - @ Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

In addition to the Miami Christopher Columbus-Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, and Plantation American Heritage and Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna games, here are some other Thursday contests in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties:

No. 15 Coconut Creek at Davie Western, 7

No. 13 Coconut Creek Monarch at Ramsey Don Bosco Prep, New Jersey, 7

Coral Gables at Miami Beach, 3:30

Coral Springs Coral Glades at Coral Springs, 7

Doral Academy vs. Hialeah (Pace), 7

No. 16 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons at Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, 7

Fort Lauderdale NSU University School at Davie Nova, 7

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan at Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, 7

Hialeah Gardens at No. 12 Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (Ansin), 7 

Hialeah Miami Lakes at Miami Sunset, 3:30

No. 18 Hollywood McArthur at No. 19 Miramar, 7

Miami Braddock at Doral Reagan, 3:30

No. 4 Miami Central vs. Miami Booker T. (Traz), 7:30

Miami Country Day at Miami Palmer Trinity, 4

Miami Edison vs. Miami Killian (Southridge), 7:30

Miami Immaculata La Salle at Miami Belen Jesuit, 7

Miami Jackson at Somerset Silver Palms, 7:30

Miami Norland vs. Homestead South Dade (Harris), 7:30

Miami Ransom Everglades at New Smyrna Beach, 7

Miami SmartEn Academy at Miami Archbishop Carroll, 3:30

Miami Westminster Christian at Marathon, 7

Naples St. John Neuman at Coral Springs Charter, 7

North Lauderdale Somerset Prep at Westminster Academy, 7

No. 14 North Miami vs. Miami Krop (Ives), 7

Oakland Park Northeast at No. 9 Fort Lauderdale Dillard, 7

Pembroke Pines Flanagan at Miramar Everglades, 7

Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy at Hallandale, 7

No. 20 Plantation vs. No. 17 Pembroke Pines West Broward (Flanagan), 7

Sunrise Piper at South Plantation, 7

Tavernier Coral Shores at Miami BridgePrep Village Green, 4

Westland Hialeah at Miami Ferguson, 3:30

WEDNESDAY GAME

Southwest Miami 35, South Miami 12

THURSDAY GAMES

Coconut Creek North Broward Prep 24, Pembroke Pines Charter 12

Coral Springs Taravella 23, Pompano Beach 6

Delray American Heritage 42, Miami Florida Christian 6

Fort Lauderdale 35, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson 0

Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest 15, Vero Beach St. Edward’s 12

Fort Pierce Central 76, Hollywood Hills 6

Hollywood South Broward 39, Cooper City 6

Miami Coral Reef 35, Miami High 0

Miami Gulliver Prep 14, West Palm Beach The King’s Academy 10

Miami Northwestern 37, Miami Carol City 6

Miami Southridge 34, Miami Palmetto 24

Pembroke Pines West Broward 31, Plantation 6

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy 56, Miami St. Brendan’s 0

Saturday, Sept. 6

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace vs. Miami True North Classical Academy  (Tropical), 7

Monday, September 8

Deerfield Beach at Parkland Stoneman Douglas, 5

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

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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 the 2025 high school football season started, many had told those who follow that every week there would be some quality matchups.

As we start the third week of the season, one of the top games of the week will highlight a competitive Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

When No. 6 Miami Southridge (1-0) and No. 10 Miami Palmetto (1-0) clash this evening (7:00) at Tropical Park, it will bring together two of the top programs in south Florida.

For head coach Pierre Senatus and his 6A Spartans, the objective has been to finish off the business that ended when eventual state champion West Boca Raton won a state semifinal contest late in the fourth quarter. That setback has stayed with this program since last December and has made this team one of the favorites to battle in a very competitive classification.

For the Panthers and head coach Mike Manasco, it has been frustration year after year as their quest to reach the 7A state finals has been met with a roadblock – last year by Davie Western, but usually Miami Christopher Columbus, one of the elite teams in the state.

While the talent has been there in the past, the Panthers headed into this season believing that they have the players – on both sides of the ball, but to get over the hump, it has to be done on the field and not on potential.

This evening’s matchup is one of several in the area this week.

Miami Southridge Spartans

HEAD COACH: Pierre Senatus

DISTRICT: 16-6A

2024 RECORD: 12-3

2025 SCHEDULE:

Miami Christopher Columbus (Game Will Be Resumed, Oct. 6)

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman, W 63-22

9/4 - @Miami Palmetto

9/13 - @Hialeah

9/18 – Doral Academy

9/26 – Homestead

10/3 – Miami Edison

10/10 – Southwest Miami

10/17 – GMAC WEEK

10/31 – Homestead South Dade

Miami Palmetto Panthers

HEAD COACH: Mike Manasco

DISTRICT: 16-7A

2024 RECORD: 6-6

2025 SCHEDULE:

Miami Booker T. Washington, W 35-0

9/4 – Miami Southridge

9/12 - @Miami Christopher Columbus

9/18 – Miami Killian

9/25 - @Coral Gables

10/3 – Homestead South Dade

10/17 – GMAC WEEK

10/24 - @Miami High

10/30 – Fort Myers Bishop Verot

In addition to the Palmetto-Miami Southridge game, here are some other Thursday contests in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties:

Coconut Creek North Broward Prep at Pembroke Pines Charter, 6

Coral Springs Taravella at Pompano Beach, 7

Deerfield Beach at Parkland Stoneman Douglas, 7

Deerfield Beach Somerset Key at Riviera Beach Inlet Grove, 7

Hialeah Miami Lakes at Miami Sunset, 3:30

Hollywood Hills at Palm Beach Central, 6:30

Hollywood South Broward at Cooper City, 7

Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson at Fort Lauderdale, 7

Miami Carol City vs. No. 3 Miami Northwestern (Traz), 7

Miami Florida Christian at Delray American Heritage, 6

Miami Gulliver Prep at West Palm Beach The Kings Academy, 7:30

Miami High vs. Miami Coral Reef (Southridge), 7

Miami Lakes Goleman vs. Hialeah American (Monsignor Pace), 7

No. 11 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy at Miami St. Brendan, 7

Vero Beach St. Edwards at Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest, 6

FRIDAY, SEPT. 5

No. 15 Coconut Creek at Davie Western, 7

No. 13 Coconut Creek Monarch at Ramsey Don Bosco Prep, New Jersey, 7

Coral Gables at Miami Beach, 3:30

Coral Springs Coral Glades at Coral Springs, 7

Doral Academy vs. Hialeah (Pace), 7

No. 16 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons at Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, 7

Fort Lauderdale NSU University School at Davie Nova, 7

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan at Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, 7

No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas vs. No. 7 Miami Christopher Columbus (Tropical), 7

Hialeah Gardens at No. 12 Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (Ansin), 7 

No. 5 Hollywood Chaminade at No. 2 Plantation American Heritage, 7:30

No. 18 Hollywood McArthur at No. 19 Miramar, 7

Miami Braddock at Doral Reagan, 3:30

No. 4 Miami Central vs. Miami Booker T. (Traz), 7:30

Miami Country Day at Miami Palmer Trinity, 4

Miami Edison vs. Miami Killian (Southridge), 7:30

Miami Immaculata La Salle at Miami Belen Jesuit, 7

Miami Jackson at Somerset Silver Palms, 7:30

Miami Norland vs. Homestead South Dade (Harris), 7:30

Miami Ransom Everglades at New Smyrna Beach, 7

Miami SmartEn Academy at Miami Archbishop Carroll, 3:30

Miami Westminster Christian at Marathon, 7

Naples St. John Neuman at Coral Springs Charter, 7

North Lauderdale Somerset Prep at Westminster Academy, 7

No. 14 North Miami vs. Miami Krop (Ives), 7

Oakland Park Northeast at No. 9 Fort Lauderdale Dillard, 7

Pembroke Pines Flanagan at Miramar Everglades, 7

Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy at Hallandale, 7

No. 20 Plantation vs. No. 17 Pembroke Pines West Broward (Flanagan), 7

Sunrise Piper at South Plantation, 7

Tavernier Coral Shores at Miami BridgePrep Village Green, 4

Westland Hialeah at Miami Ferguson, 3:30

WEDNESDAY SCORE

Southwest Miami 35, South Miami 12

Saturday, Sept. 6

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace vs. Miami True North Classical Academy  (Tropical), 7

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

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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 Wednesday 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 coaches and players in all sports.

Here is a look at the way Wednesday went:

The Florida Gators came up with a big opening night win against Long Island University and now they will host a feisty USF team. Corey Bender from Gators Online talked about it all.

COREY BENDER ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/florida-gators-reporter-corey-bender-for-gator-online-f2bc7

The Willie Simmons era got off to a great start with a win over Bethune Cookman University. Kevin Barral talked about FIU’s first game and looked ahead to No. 2 Penn State this Saturday in State College, Pennsylvania.

KEVIN BARRAL ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/kevin-barrall-fiu-sports-fbb05

The University of Miami showed the country on Sunday night that they will indeed have one of the top teams in the country after beating defending national runners up Notre Dame. Adam Lichtenstein from the South Florida Sun Sentinel spoke about the Hurricanes.

ADAM LICHTENSTEIN ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/miami-hurricanes-beat-reporter-adam-lichtenstein-for-the-south-florida-sun-sentinel-15802

How about the FSU Seminoles! After a 2-10 season in 2024, their huge upset win against Alabama on Saturday was indeed something that vaulted this program from No. 40 to No. 14. Chris Nee from 247 Noles joined the program to break down the win and look ahead to the rest of the season.

CHRIS NEE ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/noles-247-reporter-chris-nee-1822f

The Homestead South Dade Bucs are off to a 2-0 start as first year head coach Patrick Burrows talked about the team so far – and what lies ahead during the 2025 season.

PATRICK BURROWS ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/south-dade-high-school-head-coach-patrick-burrow-99bdb

After losing in the 4A state semifinals a year ago, the Fort Lauderdale Dillard Panthers are out to show that they have the talent to make a serious run at a state title game. Off to a 2-0 start, head coach Demitris Mincey Sr. talked about the team and season.

DEMITRIS MINCEY ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/dillard-head-coach-demetris-mincey-fa174

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

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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..

Miami-Dade/Broward Class of 2028 Prospects Being Recognized

When it comes to football talent in south Florida, it doesn’t matter what class they are in. They are all gifted.

As the Class of 2026 is directly on the clock, and the 2027 juniors are being looked at by colleges and universities across the country, a growing group of sophomores are taking their place in the spotlight as well.

With so many Class of 2028 players stepping up last year and during the off-season, there are more that are starting to make a statement already this season.

As we spotlight hundreds and hundreds of prospects – many before fans and recruiting analysts ever watch them perform, our list continues to grow every week, and while we aren’t going to list every player in this talented class today, we welcome your input on prospects that we need to highlight.

Here are some of those players:

Noah Alce, RB/FS, 5’11, 172, Miami Ransom Everglades – 3.6 GPA. Basketball.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20553361/Noah-Alce

Chanavis Chance Jr., LB, 6’0, 185, Plantation.

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

Zion Davis, CB, 6’0, 170, Miami Killian.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19062824/Zion-Davis

Jeremy Douglass, RB, 5’10, 165, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22920702/68a8847afc0d8dd46acc1230

Jacob Fernandez, K/P, 5’8, 150, Miami Christopher Columbus – 3.0 GPA. 

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22590028/Jacob-Fernandez

Damien Harvey, DT, 6-1, 250, Miami Central – 3.7 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22980313/Damien-Harvey

Tromon Isaac, WR, 5’10, 170, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19498576/Tromon-Isaac-Jr

Aden Johnson, Athlete, 6’5, 200, Hollywood McArthur.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22947332/Aden-Johnson

Kadon Johnson, DT, 5-10, 245, Pembroke Pines Flanagan – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23078812/Kadon-Johnson

Za'Kari Johnson, WR, 6’1, 175, Plantation.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24237216/Zakari-Johnson

Neimann Lawrence, QB, 6’0, 202, Miami Northwestern.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19349836/Neimann-Lawrence

Quartavius Lyons Jr., CB/Athlete, 6’1. 170, Miami Central.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19062829/Quartavius-Lyons-Jr

Michael McDuffie, RB/DB, 5-11, 185, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20291948/Michael-Mcduffie

Ryan McPhun Jr., Athlete, 6-1, 208, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 4.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20173668/Ryan-Mcphun-Jr

Steven Moore, LB, 6-1, 215, Miami Central – 3.2 GPA. Wrestler.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19498770/Steven-Moore

Jordan Murray, OL, 6-2, 290, Coconut Creek Monarch – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23518672/Jordan-Murray/about

Peter Pierrre, WR/Athlete, 6’4, 210, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23299239/Peter-Pierre

John Rhoden, WR, 5’11, 165, Pembroke Pines Charter – 3.7 GPA. 

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23108362/68a9f23d61298adcbfcded5c

A'mir Sears, Athlete, 6’1, 175, Pembroke Pines West Broward.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18445689/Amir-Sears

Armani Strong, WR, 6'2, 185, Miami Norland.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24638961/Armani-Strong

Nijal Thigpen, OL, 6’6, 280, Miami Carol City – 3.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/9288079/nijal-thigpen

Antonio Wilcher, DL, 6-2, 280, Miami Southridge.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19062885/Antonio-Wilcher-Jr

Xavier Wright, DT, 5-10, 230, Pembroke Pines Charter – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22950465/Xavier-Wright

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

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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..