With the third annual Broward National Football Showcase in the books, it’s time to reflect back on the seven games played last weekend.

The event has become a nationally followed football fest over three days with some of the best programs in the country taking part.

When the dust settled, there were some quality performers that had the chance to either put themselves on the map – or further enhance what they had already done.

Here are six offensive players to keep an eye on:

2027 – Jonathan Bueno Jr., Athlete, 5-10, 180, Davie Western. Making his way over from Miami True North Academy this year, here is one of the most promising football players in his class. Showed what he was all about in the tough loss to Hoover, Alabama – accounting for 200 all-purpose yards and a score. The Wildcats will be able to use him as a slot or running back.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19355080/Jonathan-Bueno-Jr

Tyler Chance, QB, 6-0, 175, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. After three years of having one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, the Lions were faced with having a number of prospects step up during the spring and summer, and when the defending national runner up played national power St. John Bosco of California, they put the ball in this sophomore’s hands and the game came down to the final minutes as his debut fell just short, but gave this program something to build on moving forward.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16934524/Tyler-Chance

2027 – Julius Jones Jr., WR, 5-10, 160, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. From the touchdown reception in the state title game last December to an off-season that opened some eyes, this is no doubt one of the elite prospects in the country – following in his father’s rather large footsteps. What he did in the loss to defending national champion Las Vegas Bishop Gorman had thrust him into a national spotlight – with 13 receptions for 185 yards and a touchdown.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20767020/Julius-Jones

2025 – Samari Reed, WR, 6-3, 195, Coconut Creek Monarch. When the Monarchs faced off with Georgia’s Peachtree Ridge, the furthest thing from head coach Calvin Davis’s mind was his elite receiver would run for over 100 yards and lead his team to an impressive victory. His “Wildcat Formation” runs opened the offense up and earned him MVP of the game. Keep in mind, this is one of the nation’s top receivers who continues to interest from colleges across the country as he looks to help lead this team to a state championship appearance.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16492359/6510ad472ab16404086523ed

2026 - Leon Strawder, QB, 6-1, 210, Miami Northwestern. Yet another young prospect who made a lasting impression on the opening night of the event. This former Miami Central player has found a home with head coach Teddy Bridgewater and the Bulls. His four-touchdown performance against Coconut Creek was impressive enough to earn MVP honors as he and this much improved program will be in the mix all season long in Class 3A.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19082566/Leon-Strawder

Malachi Toney, WR, 5-11,185, Plantation American Heritage. Ever since the first high school game of his career – in the first ever Broward County National Football Showcase, here is a gifted talent that has continued to make an impact like he did in the season opener against national power Milton, Georgia with nine catches for 82 yards and two scores. He is indeed one of the elite prospects in the country and he is currently committed to attend the University of Miami.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17846385/Malachi-Toney

Week 2 Football Schedule

TONIGHT, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST. 28

Doral at Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (Milander), 7

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

For the past 54 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 watching, evaluating and seeing prospects and teams throughout the course of a year, there are very few sources who put in the time to come up with accurate information like we do.

Player and team rankings are often subjective, and everyone has their opinion – which is fine – but it’s usually those who see very little that have the loudest voice on who should be higher or lower.

If you follow what we do over the course of a season, each week we adjust the rankings, and while many focus on pre-season and each week during the season, the only ranking that truly counts is the one that comes out in late December.

Our Pre-Season Top 20 is based on several things – and with so many transfers taking place – our opinion varies and changes. This is only a starting point and will change several times.

This is in no way a definitive ranking. Just an opinion based on seeing teams throughout the state and having a valid ground to compare.

Here is a look at 20 Miami-Dade Broward Week 2 teams:

1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (0-1, 5A). LAST WEEK: The Raiders dropped a tough decision in the Broward County National Showcase, 29-21, to defending national champion Las Vegas Bishop Gorman.  THIS WEEK: 8/30 - Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson. NEXT GAME: 9/6 – No. 5 Miami Christopher Columbus.

2. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (0-1, 1A). LAST WEEK: The Lions opened the season in the Broward County National Showcase, dropping a 34-27 decision to national power St. John Bosco of California. THIS WEEK: 8/30 - @Pompano Beach Blanche Ely. NEXT GAME: 9/6 – No. 6 Plantation American Heritage.

3. Miami Northwestern (1-0, 3A). LAST WEEK: Head Coach Teddy Bridgewater and his Bulls rolled to a Broward Showcase win against Coconut Creek, 45-0. THIS WEEK: 8/22 - @Venice. NEXT GAME: 9/6 – No. 18 Miami Carol City.

4. Miami Central (0-1, 3A). LAST WEEK: The Rockets were beaten at home, 16-8, by Lakeland. THIS WEEK: 8/31 – No. 17 Miami Edison. NEXT GAME: 9/7 – No. 12 Miami Booker T. Washington.

5. Miami Christopher Columbus (1-0, 7A). LAST WEEK: The two-time defending state champions opened with a 17-14 win against No. 14 Miami Southridge. THIS WEEK: 8/30 – Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maryland. NEXT GAME: 9/6 - @ No. 2 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.

6. Plantation American Heritage (0-1, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Patriots dropped a 37-28 decision in the Broward National Showcase to Georgia power Milton. THIS WEEK: 8/30 – No. 11 Davie Western. NEXT GAME: 9/6 - @Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna.

7. Miami Norland (1-0, 4A). LAST WEEK: After a disappointing kickoff classic loss, the Vikings bounced back with a 27-0 win against Miramar. THIS WEEK: 8/30 – No. 18 Miami Carol City. NEXT GAME: 9/13 – No. 3 Miami Northwestern.

8. Davie Western (0-1, 7A). LAST WEEK: The Wildcats dropped a 17-14 decision to Hoover, Alabama in the Broward County National Showcase. THIS WEEK: 8/30 - @ No. 14 Plantation American Heritage. NEXT GAME: 9/13 – No. 2 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.

9. Miami Palmetto (1-0), 7A). LAST WEEK: The Panthers upended No. 11 Homestead, 14-10. THIS WEEK: 8/29 - @ No. 12 Miami Booker T. Washington. NEXT GAME: 9/6 - @ No. 14 Miami Southridge.

10. Coconut Creek Monarch (1-0, 6A). LAST WEEK: The Knights outlasted Suwannee Peachtree Ridge in Broward County National Showcase, 30-29. THIS WEEK: 8/29 – Deerfield Beach. NEXT GAME: 9/13 - @Sanford Seminole.

11. Homestead (0-1, 6A). LAST WEEK: The Broncos were upended by No. 9 Miami Palmetto, 14-10. THIS WEEK: 8/30 – Homestead South Dade. NEXT GAME: 9/6 - @Vero Beach.

12. Miami Booker T. Washington (1-0, 2A). LAST WEEK: The Tornadoes opened with a 28-6 win against Homestead South Dade. THIS WEEK: 8/29 – No. 9 Miami Palmetto. NEXT GAME: 9/7 - @ No. 4 Miami Central.

13. Pembroke Pines West Broward (1-0, 6A). LAST WEEK: The Bobcats rolled on opening night, 57-14, against Hollywood South Broward. THIS WEEK: 8/30 - @Camden County, Georgia. NEXT GAME: – 9/6 @No. 15 Plantation.

14. Miami Southridge (0-1, 6A). LAST WEEK: Dropped a tough 17-14 decision to No. 4 Miami Christopher Columbus. THIS WEEK: 8/30 – Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman. NEXT GAME: 9/6 – No. 9 Miami Palmetto

15. Plantation (1-0, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Colonels opened the season with a 27-21 win against No. 19 Fort Lauderdale Dillard. THIS WEEK: 8/30 – No. 20 Miramar. NEXT GAME: 9/6 – No. 13 Pembroke Pines West Broward.

16. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (0-1, 2A). LAST WEEK: The Chiefs lost to state-rated Lake Mary in the Broward County National Showcase, 45-20. THIS WEEK: 8/30 – Hollywood South Broward. NEXT GAME: 9/13 @ No. 13 Pembroke Pines West Broward.

17. Miami Edison (1-0, 1A). LAST WEEK: The Red Raiders started the year with a 21-0 win against Hialeah American. THIS WEEK: 8/31 - @ No. 4 Miami Central. NEXT GAME: 9/5 – Miami Killian.

18. Miami Carol City (1-0, 2A). LAST WEEK: The Chiefs won the season-opener against Hialeah, 28-16. THIS WEEK: 8/30 – No. 7 Miami Norland. NEXT GAME: 9/6 – No. 3 Miami Northwestern.

19. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (0-1, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Panthers dropped a 27-21 decision to No. 15 Plantation. THIS WEEK: 8/30 @Fort Lauderdale Stranahan. NEXT GAME: 9/6 @Oakland Park Northeast.

20. Miramar (0-1, 5A). LAST WEEK: The Patriots lost the season-opener to No. 7 Miami Norland, 27-0. THIS WEEK: 8/30 - @ No. 15 Plantation. NEXT GAME: 9/6 - @Hollwyood McArthur.

KEEP AN EYE ON: Coconut Creek (0-1, 5A), Deerfield Beach (0-1, 5A), Doral Academy (1-0, 6A), Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (1-0, 2A), Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (1-0, 3A), Hialeah (0-1, 4A), Hollywood South Broward (0-1, 6A), Homestead South Dade (0-1, 7A), Miami Archbishop Carroll (1-0, 1A), Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (0-1, 1A), Miami Immaculata LaSalle (1-0, 2A), Miami Jackson (0-1, 3A), Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (1-0, 7A), Miami Ransom Everglades (0-0, 2A) Miami True North Classical Academy (1-0, 1A), North Miami (1-0, 5A), North Miami Beach (0-1, 2A), Pembroke Pines Charter (1-0, 5A), Pembroke Pines Flanagan (1-0, 6A), Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (1-0, 5A), Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (1-0, 4A), Sunrise Piper (1-0, 6A), Weston Cypress Bay (1-0, 7A).

WEEKLY RANKINGS

PRE-SEASON. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-pre-season-top-20-st-thomas-begins-at-no-1

Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers

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

For the past 54 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.. 

While Week 1 saw several area teams go down, it’s great to see football returning after eight long months.

With several Miami-Dade and Broward programs making an impression with key wins, ESPN treated the country to some amazing football.

Away from some quality local games was the third annual Broward County National Football Showcase.

Already established as the premier event in the country with state and national rated teams coming from as far away as California, Alabama, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia, nobody can question the talent that was on display for the first three years.

The brainchild of Dr. Kevin Perry, who gets the teams and treats them all to an experience along with Shawn Cerra and the Broward County Educational Foundation and some loyal sponsors.

No matter who you talk to – this is an event that has caught on so fast that the 2025 game is already starting to fill up – with several teams wanting to return.

This is a bowl game atmosphere – as all the games being televised somewhere.

Speaking about television, nobody – and we mean nobody at ESPN can complain as they got three national games that all went down to the final quarter. Watch many of the contests that the “worldwide leader” puts on and several games are over early and the audience heads to another channel. NOT THIS YEAR!

Starting on Friday when Georgia state champion Milton – with University of Miami 2025 quarterback Luke Nickel went against 2026 University of Texas QB commit Dia Bell and Plantation American Heritage.

While Milton ended up winning the contest, it came down to last in the fourth quarter as a national audience saw Milton wins 37-28.

On Saturday – with four elite programs in action at St. Thomas Aquinas High School – the country once again was treated to a pair of games that lasted until after midnight with football fans glued to their televisions, computers and phones.

The opening contest featured defending national champion Las Vegas Bishop Gorman against five-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas and veteran head coach Roger Harriott before a packed stadium.

This was indeed a classic matchup that came down to the final drive as the Gaels held on to win 29-21 and will maintain their No. 2 national ranking while the Raiders have nothing to be angry about as they are still on a path to win a sixth straight state title.

The nightcap saw St. John Bosco of California return for the second year – as the Braves are rebuilding and squared off with a Chaminade-Madonna team that is also trying to replace some elite talent and generational talent.

The game went back and forth for all four quarters as St. John Bosco ended up pulling out a thrilling 34-27 decision sending head coach Dameon Jones and his Lions to their first defeat in the three years they took part in the showcase.

While those three games received the spotlight, the other four games were also quality contests with some impressive talent:

Coconut Creek Monarch 30, Suwannee Peachtree Ridge, Georgia 29. The Knights came from behind to win their second straight showcase under veteran head coach Calvin Davis.

Hoover, Alabama 17, Davie Western 14. Despite changing coaches two weeks ago and coming off a rare losing season, the Buccaneers headed south to beat the Wildcats and head coach Adam Ratkevich who lost their first showcase game in three seasons.

Lake Mary 49, Cardinal Gibbons 20. When the Rams were invited to come and play the Chiefs everyone knew that we heading south with plenty of talent – as veteran head coach Matt Dubuc and his team also suffered their first showcase loss in three seasons.

Miami Northwestern, 45, Coconut Creek 0. While this may not have been a major game, head coach Teddy Bridgewater and his Bulls sent a message that this team will be back and certainly will be a force. Johnny Sloan and his Cougars are rebuilding after losing several key players from a successful 2023 season.

The Broward Showcase wasn’t the only event in south Florida in the first week.

The Miami Central Rockets had hoped to get back on track after a four-loss season, and while head coach Jube Joseph and his team had their chances, they dropped a 16-8 decision to a Lakeland program that has won two straight state titles and will be back in the mix.

Here is the complete local scoreboard:

Auburn, Alabama 49, North Miami Beach 0

Cooper City 16, Coral Glades 7

Coral Gables 19, Miami Ferguson 0

Davie Nova 18, Moore Haven 14

Delray American Heritage 36, Miami Westminster Christian 12

Doral Academy 34, Gulliver Prep 20

Fort Lauderdale NSU University School 51, Coral Springs Charter 7

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy 28, Tradition Prep 20

Hialeah Gardens 8, Varela 6

Hollywood Hills 40, Taravella 0

Marathon 39, Pompano Beach 30

Miami Archbishop Carroll 14, Florida Christian 7

Miami Booker T. Washington 14, Homestead South Dade 0 

Miami Carol City 28, Hialeah 16

Miami Christopher Columbus 17, Miami Southridge 14 

Miami Coral Reef 40, South Miami 0

Miami Edison 20, Hialeah American 0 

Miami Immaculata LaSalle 40, Miami High 7

Miami Lakes Goleman 22, Flanagan 0

Miami Norland 27, Miramar 0

Miami Palmer Trinity 15, SmartEn Sports 14

Miami Palmetto 14, Homestead 10

Miami Springs 39, Miami Beach 29

Miami St. Brendan 14, Dr. Krop 0

North Lauderdale Somerset Prep 53, Deerfield Somerset Key 21

North Miami 32, Miami Jackson 12

Palm Beach Lakes 41, Coral Springs 13

Pembroke Pines Charter 41, Oakland Park Northeast 14

Pembroke Pines Somerset 35, North Broward Prep 0

Pembroke Pines West Broward 57, South Broward 14

Plantation 27, Dillard 21

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely 70, Boyd Anderson 7

Riviera Beach Inlet Grove 46, Hollywood Avant Garde 0

Southwest Miami 41, Miami Coral Park 6

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy 23, Community School of Naples 6

Sunrise Piper 23, Deerfield Beach 0

Weston Cypress Bay 48, Parkland Douglas 22

West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman 46, Monsignor Pace 7

West Palm Beach Oxbridge Academy 14, Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest 7

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

Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers

For the past 54 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..

While Davie Western High School and head coach Adam Ratkevich will host first year head coach Chip English and Hoover, Alabama as they start their drive for a first ever state title, the national attention will certainly fall on Fort St. Thomas Aquinas.

Three games will bring the 2024 Broward County National Football Showcase to a close – as another successful and well produced event will be in the books.

When the defending national champion Las Vegas Bishop Gorman Gaels and head coach Brett Browner kick things off against five-time defending state champion St. Thomas Aquinas and head coach Roger Harriott at 4 p.m., the nation will be watching on ESPN.

This contest has been the one game that everyone across the country will be watching and paying plenty attention to as these national powerhouses will try and keep their national title hopes alive.

Right after that game, ESPN will serve up another national showcase contest at 8 pm, the powerhouse St. John Bosco Braves of Bellflower, California and head coach Jason Negro will take on a Chaminade-Madonna team that finished off an unbeaten season in 2023.

Head Coach Dameon Jones and his Lions are looking for an amazing ninth consecutive state championship appearance.

Las Vegas Bishop Gorman (1-0) vs. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (0-0), 4 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas

LAS VEGAS BISHOP GORMAN GAELS

HEAD COACH: Brent Browner

2023 RECORD: 12-0 (National Champions)

2024 SCHEDULE

Kahuku, Hawaii, W 33-7

8/24 - @Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

9/6 - @Mater Dei

9/13 – Orange Lutheran

9/27 - @Henderson Liberty

10/5 – Las Vegas Foothill

10/10 - @Las Vegas Arbor View

10/18 – Henderson Basic

10/24 – Las Vegas Desert Pines

11/1 - @Henderson Coronado

FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS RAIDERS

HEAD COACH: Roger Harriott

2023 RECORD: 14-1 (3M State Champions)

2024 SCHEDULE

8/24 – Las Vegas Bishop Gorman

8/30 - @Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson

9/6 – Miami Christopher Columbus

9/13 - @Davie Western

9/20 – Hollywood McArthur

9/27 - @Orlando Bishop Moore

10/4 – Hollywood Hills

10/11 - @Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

10/18 – Coconut Creek Monarch

10/25 – Plantation American Heritage

Hoover, Alabama (0-0) vs. Davie Western (0-0), 7 p.m., Davie Western

HOOVER BUCCANEERS

HEAD COACH: Chip English

2023 RECORD: 5-7

2024 SCHEDULE

8/24 - @Davie Western

9/30 – Spain Park

9/6 - @Hillcrest

9/13 - @Hewitt-Trussville

9/20 – Pratville

9/27 – Parker

10/4 – Old Mountain

10/11 – Tuscaloosa County

10/18 – Thompson

10/25 – Vestavia Hills

HEAD COACH: Adam Ratkevich

2023 RECORD: 9-4

2024 SCHEDULE

8/24 – Hoover, Alabama

8/30 - @Plantation American Heritage

9/13 – Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

9/19 - @Coral Springs Taravella

9/27 – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

10/4 – West Boca Raton

10/11 – Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman

10/18 – Weston Cypress Bay

10/25 - @Deerfield Beach

11/1 - @Pembroke Pines West Broward

Bellflower St. John Bosco, California (0-0) vs. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (0-0)

ST. JOHN BOSCO BRAVES

HEAD COACH: Jason Negro

2023 RECORD: 10-2

2024 SCHEDULE

8/24 – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

8/30 – Eastwood

9/7 - @Sierra Canyon

9/14 - @Junipero Serra

9/20 – Pittsburg

10/4 – Orange Lutheran

10/11 – Santa Margarita

10/18 - @Servite

10/25 - @Mater Dei

11/1 – Jserra Catholic

HOLLYWOOD CHAMINADE-MADONNA LIONS

HEAD COACH: Dameon Jones

2023 RECORD: 14-0 (1M State Champions, Second Nationally)

2024 SCHEDULE

8/24 - Bellflower St. John Bosco, California

8/30 - @Pompano Beach Blanche Ely

9/6 – Plantation American Heritage

9/12 – Miami Edison

9/19 – Miami Norland

9/27 - @Davie Western

10/5 - @Coconut Creek Monarch

10/11 – Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

10/18 – Hollywood Avant Garde Academy

10/25 – Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

BROWARD SHOWCASE THURSDAY

Coconut Creek Monarch 30, Suwannee Peachtree Ridge, Georgia 29

Miami Northwestern, 45, Coconut Creek 0

BROWARD SHOWCASE FRIDAY

Lake Mary 49, Cardinal Gibbons 20

Milton, Georgia 37, Plantation American Heritage 28

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

Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers

For the past 54 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..