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..

We will see it each and every week here in south Florida (Miami-Dade & Broward).

Because of the competition that is on display weekly, and the teams are playing each other – being the top program in this loaded region of the country will not be defined until the state championships are played in December.

The great thing about these two counties is that all the top teams will square off against one another, leaving no doubt which team is better than the other.

With the second week of the season now in the books, we are getting a better idea of which programs are moving toward the top, and that makes for great season ahead.

As we race toward the third week of the regular season, here are some of the team to continue watching and keep an eye on:

1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A, 1-1). The Raiders jumped into the win column with a convincing 72-6 win against Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson. THIS WEEK: 9/5 - @ No. 7 Miami Christopher Columbus. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 – Davie Western.

2. Plantation American Heritage (4A, 1-0). The defending 4A state champion Patriots were off during Week 2. THIS WEEK: 9/5 – No. 5 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 - @New Orleans Edna Karr, Louisiana.

3. Miami Northwestern (3A, 0-1). The Bulls’ game with Venice was postponed due to lightning and bad weather. THIS WEEK: 9/4 – Miami Carol City. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 – No. 8 Miami Norland.

4. Miami Central (3A, 1-0). The Rockets finally played a game – beating Miami Edison, 50-12, and showing that the rumors of them being down were seriously overblown. THIS WEEK: 9/5 - @Miami Booker T. Washington. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 – Pompano Beach.

5. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1A, 1-1). The Lions registered their first win of the season – on the road against No. 18 Hollywood McArthur, 28-14. THIS WEEK: 9/5 - @No. 2 Plantation American Heritage. NEXT WEEK: @Miami Edison.

6. Miami Southridge (6A, 1-0). After several lightning delays against Miami Christopher Columbus to open the season, the Spartans had no problem with Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman, 63-22. THIS WEEK: 9/4 - @No. 10 Miami Palmetto. NEXT WEEK: 9/13 - @Hialeah.

7. Miami Christopher Columbus (7A, 0-1). After having their game with Miami Southridge stopped several times because of the weather, the Explorers traveled to Maryland to play Olney Our Lady of Good Counsel, losing a tough 14-7 decision. THIS WEEK: 9/5 – No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 – No. 10 Miami Palmetto.

8. Miami Norland (4A, 1-1). The Vikings rebounded from an opening night loss with a dominating 42-13 win against Miami Carol City. THIS WEEK: 9/5 - @ Homestead South Dade. NEXT GAME: 9/12 - @ No. 3 Miami Northwestern.

9. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (4A, 2-0). The Panthers registered their second win of the young season, beating Fort Lauderdale Stranahan, 44-6. THIS WEEK: Fort Lauderdale Northeast. NEXT GAME: @Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson.

10. Miami Palmetto (7A, 1-0). The Panthers opened the season with a convincing 35-0 win against Miami Booker T. Washington. THIS WEEK: 9/4 – No. 6 Miami Southridge. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 - @No. 7 Miami Christopher Columbus.

11. Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (4A, 2-0). The Mavericks continued to impress with a hard-fought win against the Community School of Naples, 14-10. THIS WEEK: 9/4 - @Miami St. Brendan. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 – Miami True North Classical Academy.

12. Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (5A, 2-0). The Lions continued to show why they will be one of the top teams in south Florida with a 36-6 win against Doral Academy. THIS WEEK: 9/5 – Hialeah Gardens. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 – No. 19 Miramar.

13. Coconut Creek Monarch (6A, 1-1). The Knights jumped into the win column with a 48-10 win against Deerfield Beach. THIS WEEK: 9/5 - @Ramsey John Bosco, New Jersey. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 - @Sanford Seminole.

14. North Miami (5A, 2-0). The Pioneers captured the Inter-City trophy with a 20-13 win against North Miami Beach before nearly 4,000 fans. THIS WEEK: 9/5 - @Dr. Krop. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 - @Pembroke Pines Charter.

15. Coconut Creek (5A, 1-0). The Cougars won for the second straight week, beating Sunrise Piper, 33-6. THIS WEEK: 9/5 - @Davie Western. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 – Deerfield Beach.

16. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2A, 0-1). The Chiefs had their contest against Hollywood South Broward called off and pushed back because of poor weather. THIS WEEK: 9/5 - @Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian. NEXT WEEK: 9/11 – No. 17 Pembroke Pines West Broward.

17. Pembroke Pines West Broward (6A, 0-2). The Bobcats traveled to Georgia to play in against power Camden County and came up short, 32-13. THIS WEEK: 8/29 - @Camden County, Georgia. NEXT WEEK: 9/4 – No. 20 Plantation. NEXT WEEK: 9/11 - @No. 16 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons.

18. Hollywood McArthur (5A, 0-1). The Mustangs made their 2025 debut at home against No. 5 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna and dropped a tough 28-14 decision. THIS WEEK: 9/5 - @No. 19 Miramar. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 - @Weston Cypress Bay.

19. Miramar (5A, 1-1). The Patriots broke through with a 13-12 win against No. 20 Plantation. THIS WEEK: 9/5 – No. 18 Hollywood McArthur. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 - @ No. 12 Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy.

20. Plantation (4A, 1-1). The Colonels lost for the first time this season to No. 19 Miramar, 13-12. THIS WEEK: 9/4 - @ No. 17 Pembroke Pines West Broward. NEXT WEEK: 9/12 – Sunrise Piper.

Here are some other programs that you will be hearing from this coming season:

Independent

Fort Lauderdale University School (1-2)

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (1-1)

Miami Coral Reef Football (2-0)

1A

Miami Archbishop Carroll (0-0-1)

Miami Edison (1-1)

Miami True North Classical Academy (0-2)

Miami Westminster Christian (2-0)

2A

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (2-0)

Miami Booker T. Washington (0-2)

Miami Carol City (1-1)

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (1-0)

Miami Gulliver Prep (0-1)

Miami Immaculata LaSalle (2-0)

Miami Killian (1-0)

North Miami Beach (0-2)

3A

Miami St. Brendan (1-0)

4A

Hialeah (1-1)

Miami Belen Jesuit (0-2)

5A

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (0-0)

6A

Davie Nova (1-1)

Doral Academy (0-1)

Miami Dr. Krop (0-1)

Pembroke Pines Flanagan (1-0)

Sunrise Piper (0-2)

7A

Davie Western (0-1)

Homestead South Dade (2-0)

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (1-1).

Weston Cypress Bay (1-1)

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..