By Dave Brousseau

SOUTHWEST RANCHES – The final score of the St. Thomas Aquinas and Archbishop McCarthy football reflected the lopsided outcome in the first meeting between these two schools.

The combination of a dominate run game and stingy defense keyed the Raiders 40-7 District 15-5A victory on Friday.

The win extended the Aquinas (5-0) winning streak to 19 games, tying the fourth most in team history.

Senior running back Ryan Mathis led the team with 107 rushing yards on six carries, including scoring runs of 16 and 58 yards as part of a 27-0 lead in the first half.

Overall, the combination of Mathis, quarterback Blake Calixte, Omar Gonzalez Jr., Jacquez Burley and Virgil Lemons finished with 288 yards on 24 carries and six touchdowns.

Senior running back Tyler Reid and team rushing leader had only three carries for 70 yards, all coming in the opening quarter.

Calixte was also consistent with the passing game with 18 completions for 158 yards. At one point he completed 12 passes on 14 attempts.

“We always have to improve, because there are the little things we need to take care of,” said St. Thomas coach Roger Harriott. “That’s how our team evolves over the course of the year.”

“I think we still need to find our rhythm offensively, while out defense and special team are doing a quality job,” Harriott continued.

The Raiders defense held the Mavericks (2-2) to 53 rushing yards on 19 carries. McCarthy’s lone score came on a 63-yard pass from Malik Denson from Nate Merrell Jr. in the third quarter.

The Raiders will have a bye-week before facing Chaminade-Madonna on the road on Oct. 2. Chaminade leads the all-time series 7-5 dating back to the first meeting between the two schools in 1963.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. THOMAS AQUINAS FOOTBALL

Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and is a longtime BCAA Correspondent. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We have just finished Week 5 of the 2026 high school football season and teams are starting to posture themselves for a strong stretch run.

Whether it’s the inaugural “Open Division”, the regular state playoffs where there will be titles to win in 1A-6A or independent championships.

Several south Florida programs continue to jump into the spotlight and we have a few of those results:

Blanche Ely (Pompano Beach) 6, Deerfield Beach 0 (OT). Just when the Bucks were rolling along through the first four games unbeaten, the Tigers (3-2) come in and have a statement victory on the road. They have a chance to run the table – with longtime rival Dillard coming up in a few weeks.

Cooper City 42, Pembroke Pines Charter 28. For the first time in three decades, the Cowboys are unbeaten after five games and with unbeaten Fort Lauderdale and South Plantation left on the schedule, could this team be looking at a perfect season? One game at a time for veteran head coach Art Taylor.

Killian (Miami) 27, Tampa Catholic 10. Before this game took place, all the talk was centered around the Crusaders and their unbeaten start, but by the end of the contest it was the 4-1 Cougars that are starting to receive some attention statewide as they get ready for an unbeaten district battles with Miami Westminster Christian this coming week. It’s been a minute since the Cougars have been able to make this kind of noise.

Lakeland 21, American Heritage (Plantation) 16. The two-time defending state champions may have taken themselves out of the Open Division running, but even with a 2-3 start, their schedule will keep them in the mix like last year when they took their lumps, but ended up hoisting the 4A championship trophy.

North Miami Beach 26, Miami Springs 19. This was a huge district game that saw the Chargers prevail, knocking off the previously unbeaten Golden Hawks in a district contest. Both teams still have to play district favorite Miami Central. NMB’s only loss came against Monsignor Pace.

Ransom Everglades (Miami) 39, Somerset Academy (Pembroke Pines) 14. The Raiders (4-0) remained unbeaten, setting up a huge game this week. Here is a program that has some way under-the-radar talent and is looking for another post-season appearance this year. The went on the road to Broward County this past week and came away with another win.

Westminster Christian (Miami) 35, Belen Jesuit (Miami) 14. The Warriors moved to 5-0 under first year head coach Josh Kirkland as they get ready for a district showdown with Miami Killian. Keep an eye on this quality program that can wrap up the title with a win on Friday at home.

 In addition to those games, here is a look at how some of the other Miami-Dade and Broward County teams fared:

American (Hialeah) 41, Hialeah 9

Central (Miami) 54, Jackson (Miami) 18

Carol City (Miami Gardens) 58, Edison (Miami) 0

Christopher Columbus (Miami) 45, South Dade (Homestead) 7

Coconut Creek 55, Boyd Anderson (Lauderdale Lakes) 12

Coral Glades (Coral Springs) 26, Nova (Davie) 25

Cypress Bay (Weston) 50, Douglas (Parkland) 0

Dillard (Fort Lauderdale) 34, McArthur (Hollywood) 27

Florida Christian (Miami) 47, Inlet Grove (Riviera Beach) 14

Goleman (Miami Lakes) 47, Hialeah Gardens 0

Gulliver Prep (Miami) 31, Ferguson (Miami) 14

Homestead 46, Southwest Miami 7

Key West 58, St. Brendan (Miami) 7

Mater Academy (Hialeah Gardens) 21, Monsignor Pace (Miami Gardens) 7

Miramar 36, Flanagan (Pembroke Pines) 12

NextGen Prep (Pompano Beach) 34, Prestige Academy 12

Northwestern (Miami) 23, North Miami 7

Palmer Trinity (Miami) 35, Saint Francis Episcopal Day (Houston, Texas) 20

Palmetto (Miami) 28, Coral Gables 6

Pine Crest (Fort Lauderdale) 21, Oxbridge Academy (West Palm Beach) 12

Piper (Sunrise) 35, Monarch (Coconut Creek) 34

Plantation 40, Northeast (Oakland Park) 0

Ronald Reagan (Doral) 21, Felix Varela (Miami) 12

Saint Andrew’s (Boca Raton) 34, North Broward Prep (Coconut Creek) 14

Saint Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) 40, Archbishop McCarthy (Southwest Ranches) 7

Somerset Academy Silver Palms (Homestead) 10, The Benjamin School (North Palm Beach) 7

South Broward (Hollywood) 49, Coral Springs 0

South Miami 34, Hialeah-Miami Lakes 20

South Plantation 12, Boca Raton 6

Sunset (Miami) 22, Coral Park (Miami) 14

True North Classical Academy (Miami) 28, Southridge (Miami) 21

West Broward (Pembroke Pines) 47, Doral Academy 7

Westminster Academy (Fort Lauderdale) 48, Master’s Academy (Vero Beach) 0

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

For the past 56 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..

By Dave Brousseau

DEERFIELD BEACH – For many of the previous 46 times the Deerfield Beach and Blanche Ely football teams have met, it was considered among the many Broward County games to watch each year.

Thursday’s rivalry game was a far cry from many of the memorable games played between the two teams.

In a game consumed by lackluster play, Tigers junior Travis Jackson scored the winning points on a six-yard pass from Qurban Henley in overtime to earn a 6-0 victory.

It was the Tigers (3-2) fifth straight victory over the Bucks since a 70-0 loss in 2021. Deerfield Beach had defeated the Tigers 10 consecutive times prior to the last five meetings.

“Henley used his legs to extend the play and get to the open guy,” said Blanche Ely coach Terence McFadden. “This was a dog fight after we shot ourselves in the foot several times. These kids showed so much resilience.”

Deerfield Beach (4-1) had an opportunity to win the game with 11.4 seconds left in regulation, but a 11-yard field goal attempt was blocked.

“It was a sloppy game, and the details matter in games like this,” said Deerfield coach J.T. Thomas. “Missed opportunities is the difference in a overtime 6-0 game. We’ll from this.”

The Tigers did manage 142 yards rushing, while holding Deerfield to only 15 yards on the ground.

Despite the loss, the Bucks still lead the overall series 24-23.

Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and is a longtime BCAA Correspondent. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

As we are now in Week 5, each game played in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties is becoming more important.

Whether it’s a contest that will give elite teams an advantage for the inaugural “Open Division”, a district title or as an independent that is helping give student/athletes an opportunity to gain some more film, things are really interesting, and we will continue to keep you up-to-date on what is going on.

After last night’s games, the focus is now centered on the game today – and we a few to keep an eye on:

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (4-0) at Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (2-1), 7. Here is a contest where the nation’s No. 1 team, the Raiders, are keeping their eye on the HUGE prize – a national title that will also include the top see in the Open Division.

The Mavericks will play host after rebounding from their loss against Jacksonville Bolles and are focused on a competitive schedule. Even though they are huge underdogs, this is the best home game the school has ever had.

FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS RAIDERS

Davie Western, W 42-0

DeSoto, Texas, W 28-14

Miami Christopher Columbus, W 31-24

Fort Lauderdale Dillard, W 49-0

9/18 - @Southwest Ranches Arhcbishop McCarthy

10/2 - @Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

10/9 – Hollywood McArthur

10/16 – Coconut Creek Monarch

10/23 – Pembroke Pines Flanagan

10/30 - @Pembroke Pines West Broward

SOUTHWEST RANCHES ARCHBISHOP MCCARTHY MAVERICKS

Jacksonville Bolles, L 21-14

Pembroke Pines West Broward, W 41-13

Community School of Naples, W 49-12

9/18 – Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

9/22 - @Royal Palm Beach

10/2 - @Pembroke Pines Flanagan

10/9 - @Orlando The First Academy

10/16 - @Coconut Creek

10/23 – Miami Norland

10/30 – Miami True North Classical Academy

Miami Belen Jesuit (4-0) at Miami Westminster Christian (3-0), 4. Playing as an independent this season, the Wolverines are off to their best start in years. This is a program that is trying to build the program back to what it has been.

The Warriors – with new coaches and players – have hit the ground running since the spring and things haven’t slowed down. While they are young and are building for the future – this is a team that will present some problems for teams in 2A.

MIAMI BELEN JESUIT WOLVERINES

Boca Raton Saint John Paul II Academy, W 21-20

Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons, W 30-22

Bronx Fordham Prep, New York, W 33-28

Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, W 37-12

9/18 - @Miami Westminster Christian

10/2 – Miami Florida Christian

10/9 – Delray American Heritage

10/16 - @Miami Gulliver Prep

10/23 - @Miami St. Brendan

10/30 – Sarasota

MIAMI WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN WARRIORS

Miami St. Brendan, W 49-7

Miami Palmer Trinity, W 55-21

Homestead Somerset Silver Pines, W 28-6

9/18 – Miami Belen Jesuit

9/25 – Miami Killian

10/2 - @Ransom Everglades

10/9 – South Miami

10/16 - @Naples Palmetto Ridge

10/24 – Miami Beach

10/29 – Southwest Miami

Miami Springs (4-0) at North Miami Beach (3-1), Traz Powell Stadium, 3:30. For first year head coach T.Y. Hilton and his alma mater, things have been impressive since the spring where this program has yet to taste defeat. They enjoyed a very productive off season and will face a huge district test.

The Chargers and veteran head coach Jeff Bertani have been impressive this season, although they suffered a tough loss to Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace as they had plenty of mistakes. This is a program that has their share of talent and understands that with Miami Central coming up, this is a must win in district play!

MIAMI SPRINGS GOLDEN HAWKS

Miami Edison, W 47-0

Coral Gables, W 20-14

Miami Coral Park, W Forfeit

Miami St. Brendan

9/18 - @North Miami Beach

9/25 – Miami Jackson

10/3 – Miami Central

10/23 - @Key West

10/29 – North Lauderdale Somerset Prep

NORTH MIAMI BEACH CHARGERS

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman, W 61-3

North Miami, W 27-7

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, L 21-7

Miami Jackson, W 31-0

9/18 – Miami Springs

9/25 - @Miami St. Brendan

10/2 - @Key West

10/22 - @Miami Central

10/30 - @Naples St. John Neumann

Plantation American Heritage (2-2) at Lakeland (2-1), 7. No matter what Max Preps has to say about the Open Division, you have to be honest and understand that no matter what the strength of schedule is, a loss is a loss – in an circle, and for that reason, the loser of this game is finished and needs to concentrate on winning a state title in their own class. If the loser of this game – with all the other elite talent in the state is not eliminated than this Open Division DID NOT WORK – END OF STORY!

The Patriots have been up and down and a win over 1A Jacksonville Trinity Christian was a confidence booster after their second loss of the season to Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna.

The Dreadnaughts lost once to state-rated Venice at home in overtime. They win tonight and they are very much in the running, but a loss to a 2-2 American Heritage should and will eliminate them from the Open Division. That’s how big this game is!!!!!!

PLANTATION AMERICAN HERITAGE PATRIOTS

West Boca Raton, L 24-7

East St. Louis, W 35-28 (OT)

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 46-27

Jacksonville Trinity Christian, W 15-14 (OT)

9/18 – @Lakeland

9/25 – Miramar

10/9 – Miami Norland

10/16 – Miami True North Classical Academy

10/23 - @Hollywood McArthur

LAKELAND DREADNAUGHTS

Lakeland Kathleen, W 47-0

Venice, L 32-25

Kissimmee Osceola, W 40-6

9/18 – Plantation American Heritage

9/25 – Auburndale

10/2 – Dover Specialty Fit Academy

10/9 - @Sebring

10/16 - @Bartow

10/22 – Lakeland Lake Gibson

10/30 – Orlando The First Academy

In addition to those two matchups, here is a look at the rest of Friday’s games involving Miami-Dade and Broward teams:

Boca Raton St. Andrews at Coconut Creek North Broward Prep, 7

Coconut Creek at Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, 7

Coral Gables at Miami Palmetto (Tropical), 7:30

Fort Lauderdale Dillard at Hollywood McArthur, 7

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy at Vero Beach Masters Academy, 7

Hallandale at Miramar Everglades, 7

Houston St. Francis Episcopal, Texas at Miami Palmer Trinity, 4

Key West at Miami St. Brendan, 7

Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, 7:30

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna at Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, 7

Miami Braddock at Miami Beach (Memorial), 7

Miami Christopher Columbus at Homestead South Dade (Harris), 7:30

Miami Lakes Goleman at Hialeah Gardens (Milander), 7:30

North Miami at Miami Northwestern (Traz), 7:30

Parkland Douglas at Weston Cypress Bay, 7

Pembroke Pines Flanagan at Miramar, 7

Pompano Beach vs. Coral Springs Charter (Glades), 7

Riviera Beach Inlet Grove at Miami Florida Christian, 7

South Plantation at Boca Raton, 7

Sunrise Piper vs. Coconut Creek Monarch (Coconut Creek), 7

Tampa Catholic at Miami Killian (Southridge), 7:30

THURSDAY

American (Hialeah) 41, Hialeah 9

Blanche Ely (Pompano Beach) 6, Deerfield Beach 0 (OT)

Carol City (Miami Gardens) 58, Edison (Miami) 0

Cooper City 42, Pembroke Pines Charter 28

Coral Glades (Coral Springs) 26, Nova (Davie) 25

Gulliver Prep (Miami) 31, Ferguson (Miami) 14

Homestead 46, Southwest Miami 7

Pine Crest (Fort Lauderdale) 21, Oxbridge Academy (West Palm Beach) 12

Plantation 40, Northeast (Oakland Park) 0

Ransom Everglades (Miami) 39, Somerset Academy (Pembroke Pines) 14

Ronald Reagan (Doral) 21, Felix Varela (Miami) 12

Somerset Academy Silver Palms (Homestead) 10, The Benjamin School (North Palm Beach) 7

South Broward (Hollywood) 49, Coral Springs 0

South Miami 34, Hialeah-Miami Lakes 20

Sunset (Miami) 22, Coral Park (Miami) 14

True North Classical Academy (Miami) 28, Southridge (Miami) 21

West Broward (Pembroke Pines) 47, Doral Academy 7

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Miami Jackson at Miami Central (Traz), 7

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

For the past 56 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..