As we come to the end of our local preview of teams by classification, we stop in on one of the most successful programs in the state and nation.
While national power Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A) is going for an amazing seventh straight state football title this coming season, the Lions of Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna are not far behind.
Veteran Head Coach Dameon Jones and his impressive team may be part of the smallest (1A) classification in the state, but that has meant little a program that plays a schedule that could rival anyone.
For the past decade, they have rolled to state title after state title in dominating fashion.
Being a small school has nothing to do with how good a program may be. It is based on enrollment and this school is among the smallest in south Florida.
As they head into the 2025 season, they overwhelming favorites to not only reach their impressive ninth consecutive state title games, but will be one of the best football teams in the country.
Since 2015, this program is a mind-boggling 104-16 and with Clearwater Central Catholic and West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman as teams that will once again try and push them, getting to the state title game at Pitbull Stadium in Miami is expected by everyone.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/23 – Baltimore St. Francis Academy, Maryland
8/29 - @Hollywood McArthur
9/5 - @Plantation American Heritage
9/12 - @Miami Edison
9/26 – Davie Western
10/3 – Coconut Creek Monarch
10/10 – Pompano Beach Blanche Ely
10/24 - @Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons
10/31 - @Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
Miami True North Classical Academy. There are very few programs in south Florida who have added more impact prospects than head coach Greg Laferre and his Titans. This a team that made a huge splash wherever they went this off-season, coming up with a convincing spring win and turning heads at every stop.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/22 - @Sarasota Cardinal Mooney
8/29 - @Fort Myers Bishop Verot
9/6 – Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace
9/12 - @Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy
9/26 - @Miami Archbishop Carroll
10/2 – Jacksonville University Christian
10/10 - @Miami Jackson
10/17 – Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons
10/24 - @Miami Christopher Columbus
10/30 - @Miami Westminster Christian
Miami Edison. It was a busy off season for head coach Luther Campbell and his Red Raiders as they added prospects to give this team a chance to compete against programs such as Chaminade and try to make a strong push in the classification. Did this team add enough talent to make a difference? Only time will tell!
2025 SCHEDULE
8/21 - @Hialeah American
8/28 – Miami Central
9/5 - @Miami Killian
9/12 – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna
9/18 – Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace
9/25 – Kissimmee Victory Charter School
10/3 - @Miami Southridge
10/23 - @Homestead
10/30 - @Doral Academy
Miami Archbishop Carroll. While they ended up 6-5 a year ago, veteran head coach Jorge Zagales and his Bulldogs will be talented and ready to play. They may lack the numbers but their players compete – from start to finish!
2025 SCHEDULE
8/22 – Miami Florida Christian
9/5 – Miami SmartEn Sports Academy
9/11 – West Palm Beach Oxbridge Academy
9/19 – Hialeah ABF Academy
9/26 – Miami True North Classical Academy
10/3 - @Miami Westminster Christian
10/10 - @Coral Shores
10/16 - @Somerset South Homestead
10/24 – Miami Palmer Trinity
10/30 - @Boca Raton Olympic Heights
@ At the writing of this story, not all schedules were complete.
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 Monday night the South Florida High School Sports Radio Show took center stage with seven impressive guests.
Each and every week, the AM 560 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 Monday went:
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy opened fall practice on Monday for their kickoff classic against Miami Palmetto and first year head coach Jake Pew talked about the season ahead.
JAKE PEW ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-jake-pew-of-archbishop-mccarthy-in-southwest-ranches-fl-c2f56
Committed to attend Florida State University next year, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman standout Trey Bell dropped by on the opening day of high school football practice to talk about the upcoming season and his future in Tallahassee.
TRE BELL ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/darryl-tre-bell-of-barbara-goleman-high-florida-state-commit-d371a
After a 6-6 regular season, the Florida Gators are ready for another challenging season in the Southeastern Conference and Corey Bender from Gators Online joined the show to break down the season.
COREY BENDER ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/corey-bender-from-gators-on-line-9a8b2
Coming off a 2-10 season, Florida State University football fans are looking for improvement this coming season and veteran Seminoles’ analyst Chris Nee dropped by to talk about what this program can do this coming season.
CHRIS NEE ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/chris-nee-247-noles-football-3e7a2
On Saturday, several high school football teams will head to the Fourth Annual Hotbed Media Day – as players and coaches from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties will greet the media who will talk about the upcoming season. Brandon Odoi stopped by to talk about the event.
BRANDON ODOI ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/brandon-odio-of-football-hotbed-f9871
This is a huge year for the University of Miami football program – as new players and coaches will look to make the national playoffs as the work hard toward a national opener against defending runner up Notre Dame. Adam Lichtenstein from the South Florida Sun Sentinel talked Hurricanes.
ADAM LICHTENSTEIN ON MONDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/miami-hurricanes-reporter-adam-lichtenstein-of-the-sun-sentinel-47005
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..
As three-time defending state champion Cocoa, state runner up Havana Gadsden County (who are under investigation at press time) and Sarasota Cardinal Mooney are heavy favorites to reach the 2A state title game at Pitbull Stadium in Miami, there are other teams that you may want to keep an eye on.
In northern Florida, programs such as longtime power Jacksonville Bolles, Starke Bradford County and Newberry have a chance to be special this coming season.
It’s south Florida where these is not a clear-cut favorite that all eyes will be on all season.
With Coach Tim “Ice” Harris leaving longtime power Miami Booker T. Washington, the Tornadoes are in the rebuilding process. Miami Carol City is still looking to come back after a strong off-season. But there is one program that many could be overlooking.
For veteran head coach Matt Dubuc and his Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs, it wasn’t that long ago that this program was a state power – winning three titles and producing elite talent.
With some key losses before the 2024 season, this team did make the playoffs only to lose to Booker T. Washington and ended the year.
As the season is set to begin, Cardinal Gibbons is back on track with some quality talent that returns along with new faces that has given this team a new look.
One of the better coached programs in south Florida, you must figure that this is a program that could have a breakthrough season and return to the elite teams in the state.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/21 - Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy
8/29 - @Hollywood South Broward
9/5 - @Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons
9/11 - @Pembroke Pines West Broward
9/20 - @Coconut Creek
10/3 – Hallandale
10/10 – Deerfield Beach
10/16 –@Boca Raton
10/24 – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna
10/31 - Miramar
Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian. Coming off a 7-4 season, veteran head coach Kirk Hoza and the Eagles will be young, setting the table for the future. This is a program that is always in the state playoff mix.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/22 – Miami Belen Jesuit
8/28 - @Fort Lauderdale University School
9/5 – Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons
9/12 – North Lauderdale Somerset Prep
9/18 - @North Miami
10/3 – Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace
10/9 - @Coconut Creek North Broward Prep
10/17 - @Boca Raton St. Andrew’s Academy
10/24 – Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy
Miami Booker T. Washington. One of the programs that continues to be in the mix every year may have a bit of a drop off this season – with new head coach Dorean James taking over for legendary “Ice” Harris. The numbers are good, but the team is young and the schedule is quite challenging.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/22 – Homestead South Dade
8/29 - @Miami Palmetto
9/5 – Miami Central
9/11 - @Miami Immaculata LaSalle
9/19 – Lakeland
9/25 - @Miami Springs
10/3 - @Vero Beach
10/9 – Homestead
10/17 – GMAC Week
10/23 – Miami Ransom Everglades
Miami Carol City. The Chiefs continue to turn the corner after advancing to the state playoffs last season under head coach George Stubbs Sr. While they are coming off a quality off season, there are still some young prospects who will be needed.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/21 – Hialeah
8/28 – Miami Norland
9/4 - @Miami Northwestern
9/11 – Westland Hialeah
9/26 - @Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace
10/2 – South Miami
10/10 - @North Miami Beach
10/17 – GMAC WEEK
10/30 - @Miami Central
Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace. If there is a team flying under the radar it could be head coach Anthony Walker Sr. and the Spartans, who are coming off a state playoff year and enjoyed a productive off season.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/29 – Miami Gulliver Prep
9/6 - @Miami True North Classical Academy
9/12 – Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy
9/18 - @Miami Edison
9/26 – Miami Carol City
10/3 - @Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian
10/10 – Westland Hialeah
10/17 - @Sarasota Cardinal Mooney
10/24 – North Miami Beach
10/31 – Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman
Miami Immaculata LaSalle. Coming off an impressive 11-2 record, head coach Helder Valle and the Royal Lions will need to replace some key players if they are to repeat last year’s outstanding season. They have the talent for another run and appear to be the favorite in district play.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/22 – Miami High
8/29 - @Miami Jackson
9/5 - @Miami Belen Jesuit
9/11 – Miami Booker T. Washington
9/26 - @Miami Ransom Everglades
10/3 - @Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy
10/10 – Miami Springs
10/17 – Miami St. Brendan
10/24 – Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy
10/31 - @Miami Dr. Krop
North Miami Beach. Finishing 4-8 a year ago, playing a challenging schedule, veteran head coach Jeff Bertani and the Chargers will once again look to make the playoffs this coming season with a mix of youth and veteran players.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/22 - @Tampa Carrollwood Day
8/30 - @North Miami
9/12 - @Punta Gorda Charlotte
9/20 - @Hialeah American
10/3 - @Lake Mary
10/10 – Miami Carol City
10/17 – GMAC Week
10/24 - @Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace
10/30 -Naples St. John Neumann
@ At the writing of this story, not all schedules were complete.
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..
You can sugarcoat Class 3A all you want in the state of Florida and try to make a case for all these teams, but at the end of the day, it’s a two-team race.
Jacksonville Raines learned that Duval is NOT Miami-Dade and will never be – as long as defending state champion Miami Northwestern and Miami Central are around and have the chance to bring in the talent that they do every year.
Who else do you want to throw at these two that they would be at least three to four touchdowns better than? Eau Gallie, Orlando Bishop Moore, Dunnellon, Titusville, Jacksonville Bishop Kenny?
Certainly not the four teams that the Bulls made look like youth teams – like Naples Barron Collie (69-0), Naples Lely (64-12), Fort Myers Cypress Lake (48-0) and Eau Gallie (40-0) before shutting out unbeaten Raines, 41-0!
Tough to imagine ANY public school in the country with more major college talent than Northwestern. You have no idea how loaded this program is. Not even up for discussion. Other than Central, the Bulls’ road to state may be the easiest in any classification.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/23 – Orange Lutheran, California
8/29 – Venice
9/4 – Miami Carol City
9/12 – Miami Norland
9/19 - @Miami Christopher Columbus
9/26 - @Miami Jackson
10/4 - @Miami Central
10/11 – Key West
10/17 – GMAC WEEK
10/24 - @Miami St. Brendan
Do not feel sorry for the Miami Central Rockets. They may have been the best team in Florida on the field last year, but having to forfeit the season was something that truly stung a really gifted group. New head coach and several new faces will not cloud the overall objective of knocking off the Bulls like they did last year. Taking them lightly would be a major mistake!
2025 SCHEDULE
8/23 - @Jacksonville Raines
8/28 - @Miami Edison
9/5 - @Miami Booker T. Washington
9/12 – Pompano Beach
9/19 - @Plantation American Heritage
10/4 – Miami Northwestern
10/10 - @Fort Lauderdale Stranahan
10/17 – GMAC Week
10/24 – Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy
10/30 – Miami Carol City
Key West. The Conchs did make the post season, but dropped their opening game in the state playoffs at home to a Fort Myers Cypress Lake team they were heavily favored over. They did finish 8-4 and return several players, but Northwestern looms as major obstacle on the road.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/22 - Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman
8/29 – Bradenton IMG Junior National Team
9/5 – Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons
9/12 – Miami Belen Jesuit
9/19 - @Miami Gulliver Prep
9/26 – Miami St. Brendan
10/11 - @Miami Northwestern
10/17 – Lehigh
10/24 – Miami Jackson
Miami St. Brendan. After a 3-1 start last season, this team watched the year fall apart, finishing 4-6 and out of the state playoffs. There is some talent coming back, but the objective is to play in the post season and that will be a challenge once again.
2025 SCHEDULE
8/22 – Miami Dr. Krop
8/28 – Miami Beach
9/4 – Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy
9/12 - @Community School of Naples
9/19 - @Miami Jackson
9/26 - @Key West
10/10 – Fort Lauderdale University School
10/17 - @Miami Immaculata LaSalle
10/24 – Miami Northwestern
10/31 - @Miami Gulliver Prep
@ At the writing of this story, not all schedules were complete.
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 – Just days away from the start of summer practice and preparation for the 2025 high school football season, nearly 100 prospects headed to Ives Park for the final event of the off-season.
Fresh off two 7-on-7 events, an 8th grade all-star game and the Miami-Dade vs. Broward High School All-Star Game, the inaugural Crib Classic Combine took place, and over four hours, student/athletes (2026-2029) tested, learned and competed with some quality coaches on hand.
With verified times and measurables by SumerSports, the event included the 40-yard dash, Broad Jump, L-Drills, Vertical Jump, Pro Agility and Athletic Profiling that colleges and universities use as a measure of overall athleticism.
With sponsors such as PRIME and Battle Sports, the athletes had the chance to compete in One-On-Ones, which is always the highlight of any combine.
In addition to the testing and competition, the Crib Classic Combine featured some big-name instructors that taught and helped the prospects learn some new things.
Among those making this event special will be former NFL standout Sheldrick Redwine (Defensive Backs), Frankie Telfort (Linebackers), Kemore Gamble (Tight Ends), Tobias Moss (Defensive Backs), Coach P (Linebackers), Cam Harris (Running Backs), Tommy Shuler and Sly Johnson (Receivers), and nationally recognized Tony Ballard (Quarterbacks).
When the day came to an end, automatic Miami-Dade/Broward Game invites were handed out to Darryl "Tre" Bell III (Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman), Brandon Kinsey (Miami Central), Morris Choice III (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Santana Carlos (Pembroke Pines Flanagan), Jeffar Jean-Noel (Coi), (Plantation American Heritage) and Damani Down (Miami Norland).
Among the MVP Awards handed out for test included Ajavion Willis – Fastest Man (Miami Christopher Columbus), Wynton Jones – L-Drill (Miami Palmetto), Desmond Christian Jr. (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna) – Vertical & Broad Jump and Miami Gulliver Prep’s Luc Carroll (Shuttle).
MVP AWARDS WERE HANDED OUT
While Kinsey was invited to the all-star game, he was also top offensive player and Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas standout Zayden Gamble took home top defensive prospect.
Miami True North Classical Academy 2027 quarterback Zac Katz was also an MVP.
“This really put a cap on a great month for the Crib Classic with two 7-on-7 events and this combine,” said Michael and Anthony Yero from Media Sponsor 305Sportss. “This event certainly attracted a lot of talent right before the start of summer camp.”
OTHERS SHINED ON SATURDAY
At every event in south Florida there are always going to be some quality talent that steps up. On Saturday, prospects such as Semajay Robinson (CB, 2027, Wellington Palm Beach Central), Jeffrey O’Neal Jr., Plantation (DB/WR, 2029), K.J. Belamour Jr., Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (Athlete, 2028), Zamari Marquez, Fort Lauderdale Dillard (S, 2026).
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 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..