They are six-time defending state champions and are one of the best football programs in the country every year.

The Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders and veteran head coach Roger Harriott are loaded every season – as they produce elite talent that leaves a mark at the high school level and makes their way to the next level and beyond.

With a challenging schedule once again, here is a team that starts 2025 as one of the best in the country.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/23 – Santa Ana Mater Dei, California

8/29 – Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson

9/5 - @Miami Christopher Columbus

9/12 – Davie Western

9/19 - @Hollywood McArthur

10/17 - @Coconut Creek Monarch

10/24 - @Plantation American Heritage

10/31 – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

Coconut Creek. The Cougars continue to build this program for another run with some new talent after a promising off-season under veteran head coach Johnnie Sloan and a quality staff. Incoming freshman class will also help to set the tone of the future.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/22 – Miramar

8/29 – Sunrise Piper

9/5 - @Davie Western

9/12 – Deerfield Beach

9/20 – Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

9/26 - @Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson

10/3 - @Hollywood South Broward

10/10 – Delray Beach Atlantic

10/24 - @Pompano Beach Blanche Ely

11/1 – Parkland Douglas

Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy. It goes without saying that wherever veteran iconic head football coach Tim “Ice” Harris goes, winning is not far behind, and as he takes over the Lions, you can already tell that this is a program you will have to keep an eye on over the next few years. A huge off-season will usher in a year where this team will push for another state playoff appearance.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/21 – Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy

8/28 – Doral Academy

9/5 – Hialeah Gardens

9/12 – Miramar

9/19 - @Miramar Everglades

9/27 - @North Miami

10/11 – Pembroke Pines Charter

10/17 - @Lakeland Lake Gibson

10/24 - @Miami Immaculata LaSalle

10/30 - @Miami Jackson

Hollywood McArthur. New coaching staff and numerous player additions will give the Mustangs a running start in 2025, but the road will be filled with challenges and several impressive teams along the way. The objective is indeed the state playoffs, and head coach Robert Ortega returns to his alma mater with plenty of enthusiasm for a bright future.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/29 – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

9/5 - @Miramar

9/12 - @Weston Cypress Bay

9/19 – Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

9/26 – Hollywood Hills

10/3 - @Deerfield Beach

10/11 - @Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson

10/17 – Fort Lauderdale

10/24 – South Plantation

Miramar. For as long as anyone can remember, the Patriots are always a team that you can almost guarantee will be in the mix – deep into the state playoffs. As A.J. Scott, his assistants and players have put in a lot of work in the off-season, attending just about everything possible, they are ready to make 2025 a success – once again!

2025 SCHEDULE

8/22 – Coconut Creek

8/29 – Plantation

9/5 – Hollywood McArthur

9/12 - @Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy

9/26 – Pembroke Pines Charter

10/3 - @North Miami

10/24 – Miramar Everglades

10/31 - @Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

Pembroke Pines Charter. The Jaguars enter the year with a new head coach (Carl Toussaint) and some new players that are ready for the huge challenge ahead with some quality district competition. This is a young team, but one that is coming off a solid off-season.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/22 - @Oakland Park Northeast

8/29 – Coral Springs Charter

9/4 – Coconut Creek North Broward Prep

9/12 -North Miami

9/19 – Cooper City

9/26 - @Miramar

10/3 - @Davie Nova

10/11 - @Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy

10/16 – Miramar Everglades

10/23 – Hallandale

North Miami. After making the state playoffs and facing off with Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas in the opening round last season, head coach Gerald Cox and the Pioneers are looking to make a serious run at winning a district title. This is a program that enjoyed a very productive off-season and returns some impressive talent.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/22 – Miami Jackson

8/30 – North Miami Beach

9/5 - @Miami Dr. Krop

9/12 - @Pembroke Pines Charter

9/18 – Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy

9/27 – Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy

10/3 - Miramar

10/10 - @Miramar Everglades

10/17 – GMAC WEEK

10/31 – Hialeah American

@ 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-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 the countdown continues for the 2026 football season, we take a look at some of the Class 6A schools that have a chance to be special.

Getting to Miami in December is something that every team in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are looking to achieve.

Last season, Miami Southridge came the closest – losing a heartbreaker to eventual state champion West Boca Raton. This year, the Spartans go in as one of the favorites to reach Pitbull Stadium on the campus of Florida International University.

Here is a breakdown of the teams to keep an eye on:

Coconut Creek Monarch. Even though spring is never a true indicator of what lies ahead, the Knights looked mighty impressive on both sides of the ball and need to be taken seriously. They have a tough schedule, but that will prepare them for the playoffs. Veteran Head Coach Calvin Davis has built a contender that will be an under-the-radar force – with plenty of senior leadership. They are the defending district champions.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/21 – Jacksonville Bolles

8/29 - @Deerfield Beach

9/5 - @Ramsey Don Bosco Prep, New Jersey

9/12 - @Sanford Seminole

9/18 – Fort Lauderdale

10/3 - @Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

10/9 – Coral Springs

10/17 – Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

10/24 - @Sunrise Piper

10/30 – Pompano Beach Blanche Ely

Doral Academy. Veteran Head Coach Eddie Delgado and his Firebirds have worked hard to build this team into a contender, and as the season gets ready to unfold, here is a program that has a chance to make some noise – with several new faces.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/22 - @Miami Gulliver Prep

8/28 – Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy

9/5 - @Hialeah

9/12 – Hollywood South Broward

9/18 - @Miami Southridge

9/26 - @Miami Dr. Krop

10/3 - @Homestead

10/16 -Boca Raton Spanish River

10/24 – Southwest Miami

10/30 – Miami Edison

Miami Beach. First year head coach Wilkie Perez and the Hi Tides had a very productive off-season – with several newcomers leading the way. This is a much-improved team that has a long road to travel to a post season appearance.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/22 – Miami Springs

8/28 - @Miami St. Brendan

9/5 – Coral Gables

9/12 - @Miami Dr. Krop

9/26 – Pembroke Pines Flanagan

10/3 - @Miami Ferguson

10/10 – Pembroke Pines West Broward

10/17 – GMAC Week

10/23 – Miami Florida Christian

10/30 - @Miami High

Miami Southridge. Here is a team that feels they should have been in the finals last year, and with one of the most athletic programs in Florida, do not sleep on the Spartans. They can score and have a solid defense. Head Coach Pierre Senatus and his staff have done a tremendous job.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/21 – @Miami Christopher Columbus

8/28 - @Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman

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

Pembroke Pines Flanagan (6A). Busy off-season has the Falcons making a move toward the state playoffs, but the classification is certainly no joke – with many quality teams. Head Coach Benjamin Rolle and his team enjoyed a very productive off-season and believe they can make a huge splash with a few key wins.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/28 – Weston Cypress Bay

9/5 - @Miramar Everglades

9/12 – Fort Lauderdale

9/19 – Pembroke Pines West Broward

9/26 - @Miami Beach

10/3 – Plantation American Heritage

10/9 - @Miami Dr. Krop

10/17 - @Hallandale

10/23 – Hollywood South Broward

Pembroke Pines West Broward. Here is a team that may be new to the state powerhouses, but the Bobcats have loaded up and could have some the most impressive athletes you will find – with an offensive line that is big and physical. Head Coach Brian McCartney and his team have won the past two district titles, but believe they have the talent to play with anyone!

2025 SCHEDULE

8/22 – Corner Canyon, Utah

8/29 - @Camdcen County, Georgia

9/11 - @Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

9/19 - @Pembroke Pines Flanagan

10/10 – Miami Beach

10/31 - @Davie Western

Sunrise Piper. One of the major surprises in the state a year ago, finishing second in district play, coming up with a first-round state playoff victory, head coach Quentin Short and the Bengals will not be a surprise this season – as some new faces will mix with key returners. They had a tremendous off-season.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/21 – Peachtree Ridge, Georgia

8/29 - @ Coconut Creek

9/5 - @South Plantation

9/12 - @Plantation

9/19 – Pompano Beach Blanche Ely

9/26 – Coral Springs

10/3 – Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson

10/10 - @Fort Lauderdale

10/24 – Coconut Creek Monarch

11/1 – Hollywood South Broward

@ 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..

For much of the past two decades when you talked the largest high school football classification in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, the name Miami Christopher Columbus was front and center.

State titles and plenty of statewide success put the Explorers in a position where they dominated 8A, 4M and now 7A.

As they enter the 2025 season, this is a team that has talent, superior coaching and a bright past, but this is a different year and that gap is closing.

Even though they battled 7A state champion Venice down to the wire last season, it took everything possible just to arrive at that game.

This year the schedule is as tough as it has been in decades – with two state champions and three elite programs in the first five games.

Is this the year that there is a changing of the guard? Only time will tell.

Here are some of the 7A programs to keep an eye on:

@ Not all teams have completed their schedules as of this writing.

Coral Gables. After several years trying to build the Cavaliers back to where they were, veteran head coach Frank Welsh stepped down. Enter energetic and knowledgeable Derick Murdock, who comes in and hit the ground running with quality coaches and some surprising talent. This season his objective is to compete and build.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/21 @Miami Ferguson

9/5 – @Miami Beach

9/11 – Miami High

9/25 – Miami Palmetto

10/3 - @Miami Braddock

10/9 - @Miami Christopher Columbus

10/17 – GMAC WEEK

10/23 – Homestead South Dade

10/31 – Southwest Miami

Davie Western. Over the past five years, this was a program – under veteran head coach– that many were picking as the team that could make it to the state title game. Even last year, when the Wildcats had to forfeit several games, they lost a last-minute region final game to Christopher Columbus. Plenty of holes to fill this season!

2025 SCHEULE

8/22 – Plantation

9/5 – Coconut Creek

9/12 - @Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

9/19 – Coral Springs Taravella

9/26 - @Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

10/3 - @West Boca Raton

10/10 – Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman

10/17 - @Weston Cypress Bay

10/24 – Deerfield Beach

10/31 – Pembroke Pines West Broward

Miami Christopher Columbus. Never count the Explorers out. Even in a down year, they took Venice down to the final quarter in the state semifinals. This is a team that will never be out of any game. Competitive schedule again, but head coach Dave Dunn and his staff will always have this team ready.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/21 – Miami Southridge

8/29 - @Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maryland

9/5 – Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

9/12 – Miami Palmetto

9/19 – Miami Northwestern

9/25 – Homestead South Dade

10/3 – Miami High

10/9 – Coral Gables

10/17 – GMAC WEEK

10/24 – Miami True North Classical Academy

Homestead South Dade. After advancing to the state playoffs the past two years, a change was made at the top for the Bucs as veteran Pat Burrows has entered the picture – and with his experience and ability to teach and get the most out of his players, keep an eye on this team.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/22 – Miami Booker T. Washington

8/29 – Homestead

9/5 – Miami Norland

9/12 - @Miami Killian

9/25 - @Miami Christopher Columbus

10/3 - @Miami Palmetto

10/10 – Miami High

10/17 – GMAC WEEK

10/23 - @Coral Gables

10/31 - @Miami Southridge

Miami High. Yet another change at the top for the Stingarees as Pat Colon comes aboard to get this program back on track. There is always talent in the area, but as so many have found out, getting these athletes out of the hallways is never an easy job.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/22 – @Miami Immaculata LaSalle

9/4 - @Miami Coral Reef

9/11 - @Coral Gables

9/19 - @Hialeah

10/3 – Miami Christopher Columbus

10/10 - @Homestead South Dade

10/17 – GMAC WEEK

10/30 – Miami Beach

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman. Last season, veteran head coach Ariel Cribeiro and his Gators won the district after picking up a forfeit win, only to drop their opening state playoff game. This is a program that put in plenty of work in the off-season.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/22 - @Key West

8/28 – Miami Southridge

9/4 - @Hialeah American

9/17 – Hialeah Gardens

9/26 - @Weston Cypress Bay

10/2 – West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman

10/10 – Davie Western

10/17 – GMAC WEEK

10/23 - @Coral Springs Taravella

10/31 - @Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace

Miami Palmetto. This could be the strongest program the Panthers have ever had. Explosive on offense and fast on the defensive side of the ball. They could be a serious contender this season. Columbus is that major obstacle once again, but veteran head coach Mike Manasco and his program will be ready.

2025 SCHEDULE

8/22 - @Homestead

8/29 – Miami Booker T. Washington

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

10/30 – Fort Myers Bishop Verot

Weston Cypress Bay. Could this be the year that the Lightning finally strike and break through? After missing the state playoff last season with a winning record, head coach Bret Hood and his team have enjoyed a very productive and successful off-season with plenty of talent and confidence.\

2025 SCHEDULE

8/21 - @Parkland Douglas

8/28 - @Pembroke Pines Flanagan

9/12 – Hollywood McArthur

9/19 – Fort Lauderdale Stranahan

9/26 – Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman

10/3 - @Coral Springs

10/10 - @Coral Springs Taravella

10/17 – Davie Western

10/24 - @Cooper City

10/30 - Hallandale

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:

Sly Johnson has worked with some of the top young football prospects in the country – starting out in little league, on to high school, college and NFL via his Premier Athletes. He talked about some of the elite receivers who still trains with him.

SLY JOHNSON ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/sly-johnson-premier-athletes-8bb17

This Saturday at Ives Park in North Miami-Dade, the first ever Crib Classic High School football combine will hold – with some of the top rising invited players in south Florida. Jose Duasso talked about the benefits of this event.

JOSE DUASSO ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/jose-duasso-of-crib-classic-combo-4804d

Former Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, University of Miami and University of Central Florida shortstop Antonio Jimenez was the third-round pick of the New York Mets and he talked about the excitement of living out a dream.

ANTONIO JIMINEZ ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/antonio-jiminez-new-york-mets-2025-3rd-round-draft-pick-e9d01

Alex Donno from Locked On Canes and Locked On The ACC previewed the University of Miami football program for the 2025 season as ACC Media Days are under way from Charlotte.

ALEX DONNO ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/alex-donno-of-locked-on-canes-b42e8

John Garcia Jr. from Rivals.com has been busy the past six months with so much going on with high school football recruiting. He broke down some of the top players and what’s ahead over the next month.

JOHN GARCIA JR. ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/john-garica-of-rivals-dot-com-f2f54

Over 100 teams and 500 players at last weekend’s Central Florida Media Days at Seminole State College in Heathrow and Camping World Stadium and Dan LaForest broke it all down.

DAN LAFOREST ON MONDAY NIGHT: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/dan-la-forest-influence-counsel-60385