With football practice under way and the season starting in just two weeks with kickoff classics, you can feel it in the air.
Football is back and every player and coach believe their team is the best in the state.
With months and months of preparation in the rearview mirror, it is time to showcase what athletes each program has, and that will happen this Saturday when the fourth annual Football Hotbed Media Day will be held.
With programs from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties on hand, players and coaches will greet media members as well as recruiting websites and analysts, who want to know what teams will be the best and which players will rise among the rest.
“It’s a great opportunity for these coaches and their players to get some well-deserved recognition for the hard work they have put in,” said CEO & Founder Brandon Odoi. “The great thing about this event is that players and coaches will be interviewed just like they will when they get to college.”
While the media has five players and the coach on stage to answer questions about the upcoming season, many teams bring more prospects who have the chance to interact with media in all forums from all over the three counties.
SEVERAL TEAMS WILL BE ON HAND
Among the Miami-Dade schools scheduled to be on hand include Miami Christopher Columbus, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman, Miami True North, Miami Southridge, Homestead, Miami Killian, Homestead South Dade, North Miami, Doral Academy, Miami Norland, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace as well as others.
Broward schools will also be in attendance with Weston Cypress Bay, Coconut Creek Monarch, Plantation, Coconut Creek, Davie Western, Hollywood McArthur, Pembroke Pines West Broward, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, Sunrise Piper, Pembroke Pines Flanagan, Fort Lauderdale Dillard, Fort Lauderdale University School among others.
Palm Beach will not be left out of the mix as Royal Palm Beach, defending 6A state champion West Boca Raton and Delray Beach Atlantic among others expected to be on hand.
“Having something less is a way to hear some of the top players in south Florida at a time when everyone wants to know what to expect this coming season,” Odoi pointed out. "This is something we look forward to every year."
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 it comes to south Florida, there is no getting around the fact that every year for youth and high school football is special.
Because of all the events that are held throughout Miami-Dade, Broward & Palm Beach Counties, the prospects that are emerging always have a forum, and we have been fortunate to be center stage – watching them do what they do – live and NOT just on tape that many view from the comforts of their computers.
From camps and combines to spring practice and 7-on-7 events, many of these talented underclassmen are no longer a surprise when the season begins.
When the Crib Classic held its inaugural pre-season combine last Saturday at Ives Park in North Miami-Dade County, prospects in all classes came from the three counties to test, learn and compete – and by the end of the day – it was the Class of 2029 (freshmen), 2028 (sophomores) and 2027 (juniors) that stole the show from many elite seniors who came out for the event.
These underclassmen, many who have already showcased their many talents – gave those on hand for this impressive event an opportunity to see what the next wave of talent looks like, and nobody left disappointed.
As we continue to break down the talent in the south Florida area, today we bring you some of those quality underclassmen that you will have the opportunity to watch this coming season.
2027 – Delorean Airall Jr., SS/CB, 6’0, 185, Pembroke Pines West Broward.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19913891/682b426e07309fdc94967041
2028 Britton Bayag, Athlete, 5’9, 165 – 4.3 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19403794/Britton-Bayag
2028 – Keny Belamour Jr., Athlete, 5’8, 180 – 3.7 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22655926/kj-belamour-jr
2027 – Darriel Cannon, RB/FS, 5’9, 175, Miami Gulliver – 4.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17739630/darriel-cannon
2028 - Chanavis Chance Jr., LB, Plantation.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22769095/677dc35ed855bc12107c7f2b
2027 – Andrew Davis, DB, 6’1, 190, Pembroke Pines Flanagan.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20684115/Andrew-Davis-Jr
2028 – Meshi Dobson, DE/TE, 6’4, 225, Plantation.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/25526973/Meshi-Dobson
2028 – Se’Maj Flowers, Athlete, 5’6, 160, Hollywood McArthur.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22847844/SeMaj-Flowers
2027 – Jemari Foreman, DB, 6’0, 165, Plantation.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23197049/66eb8e641c5063232295d012
2029 – Fred Frederic Jr., WR, 5’5, 155, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22896727/Fred-Frederic-Jr
2027 – Zayden Gamble, DB, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas – 3.8 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19530451/675f4c961e7dd28f4f42e0dc
2027 – Parker Gervais, TE, 6’3, 230, Miami Christopher Columbus.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22606644/Parker-Gervais
2028 – Cordell Gibson, Athlete, 5’9, 175, Miami Florida Christian – 4.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20199535/66f9b2aed577bf871b6cbf87
2027 – George Harris, Athlete, 6’0, 180, Miami True North Classical Academy – 3.7 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17631972/670489ca2e13cc4e7cc3f9f6
2027 – Kaden Howard, Athlete, 5’11, 175, Miami Palmetto – 3.7 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19438407/Kaden-Howard
2028 – Aden Johnson, WR/DE/S, 6’5, 200, Pembroke Pines West Broward.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22947332/6705da98e00a351ca7910425
2027 – Debonaire Johnson, LB/RB, Pembroke Pines West Broward – 3.3 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16942162/Debonaire-Johnson
2027 - Phillip Jones Jr., DE, 6’3, 210, Miami Immaculata LaSalle.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18901929/Phillip-Jones-Jr
2027 – Zac Katz, QB, 6’2, 200, Miami True North Classical Academy – 3.8 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17908883/Zachary-Katz
2028 – Dontavious Kinchens, Athlete, 5’9, 165, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy – 3.0 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23167037/67623be26b5a9d080d3a0f56
2027 – Isaiah Monestime, WR/TE, 6’4, 195, Sunrise Piper – 4.7 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22387171/Isaiah-Monestime
2029 – Jeffrey O’Neal Jr., WR/FS, 6’2, 185, Plantation.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24162817/Jeffrey-Oneal
2027 – James Perrone, QB, 6’2, 185, Miami Southridge.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19687356/66fcb1a2fc56e166ea364e68
2027 – Jack Spaeder, QB, 6’3, 190, Davie Western – 3.75 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18342160/Jack-Spaeder
2027 – Jaytoin Thomas, LB, 6’0, 210, Sunrise Piper.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/21940001/672a6956a97ad782a1430ed0
2027 – Sean Thompson, WR, 6’2, 180, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19530845/Sean-Thompson
2028 – Mykei Wade, Athlete, 5’9, 155, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace – 3.5 GPA.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20690607/Mykei-Wade
2027 – Tavares Ward, DB, 6’2, 180, Miami Central.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19972391/tavares-ward
2027 – Ajavion Willis, WR/FS, 6’2, 170, Miami Christopher Columbus.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21666344/Ajavion-Willis
2027 – Jahnard Young, RB, 5’11, 200, Sunrise Piper – 3.4 GPA.
TAPE: https://access.qwikcut.com/highlights/67508024ea67db2fe254ce93
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 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..