While the 2024 season was played under a cloud of having to forfeit two games – one costing them the district title – the reality for veteran head coach Adam Ratkevich and his Davie Western Wildcats was this could have been one of his most talented teams.
Yes, they lost to Miami Christopher Columbus in the regional finals, 27-25, in the closing minute of the game in heart-breaking fashion, but to reach that point, this was one of Florida’s top 7A programs.
Losses to Alabama power Hoover in the Broward County National Football Showcase, and nationally rated state champions Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas and Plantation American Heritage were expected. But what many didn’t mention is the way this program won seven straight before that setback to Columbus.
They were the only team that beat 6A state champion West Boca Raton (28-27 OT) as well as Barbara Goleman (31-6) on the field, having to forfeit those two victories.
While several players graduated or made their way to other programs, the Wildcats are still a program that could be a factor in 7A once again.
At the recent Hotbed Football Media Day, Ratkevich and his talented team showed up in force – with some quality talent and out to prove that their “demise was greatly exaggerated”.
Davie Western Wildcats
HEAD COACH: Adam Ratkevich
DISTRICT: 13-7A
2024 RECORD: 6-7
2025 SCHEDULE
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
THE NEW LOOK WESTERN WILDCATS
With several players and coaches attending the Hotbed Media Day, Western came out with some quality talent, who had the opportunity to meet with the media and answer questions about the upcoming season.
Here are a few of the prospects who figure to make an impact this coming season:
2026 - Damian Dickenson, RB, 5’8, 185. Here is a prospect that many have been talking about after a tremendous off-season. Looks to continue the tradition this program has had at the running back position.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18428773/Damian-Dickenson
2026 - Hunter Ratkevich, TE/WR, 6’5, 212 – 4.5 GPA. This is a huge season for this quality football talent who was injured last season. The one-time Lacrosse standout has an opportunity to thrust himself into the spotlight for his father’s team.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18516170/Hunter-Ratkevich
Kendrick Smith, LB/RB, 6’1, 200 – 3.4 GPA. Here is a versatile talent who can play just about anywhere – on both sides of the ball. Will be a huge factor for this program. Finished with a sack, three tackles for loss and five total tackles in the spring game.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16126480/Kendrick-Smith
2027 - Jack Spaeder, QB, 6’3, 190 – 3.75 GPA. This Coconut Creek Monarch transfer is coming off a solid junior season where he had 1,813 yards passing, 180 yards rushing and 16 total touchdowns.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18342160/Jack-Spaeder
2027 - Bryce Williams, DB, 6’2, 185. When looking at some of the top defensive secondary performers nationally for the Class of 2027, here is a versatile playmaker that is easily one of the best. Like his older brother, he attended Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, where he established himself as a player to keep an eye on. This FSU early commitment will be a force this coming season.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20170910/Bryce-Williams
2026 - Caleb Williams, DB/Athlete, 6’0, 180 – 3.4 GPA. Is one of the key pieces in a secondary that could be as good as you get at this level. The older brother of elite 2027 standout Bryce Williams, this is an athlete who can play anywhere that this team needs him. Came to Davie from Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20170960/Caleb-Williams
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHUCK BETHEL
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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..
Moments after beating Plantation in the first round of the state playoffs and focusing on a rematch with another district foe, Miami Norland, there was a feeling that Archbishop McCarthy had started to turn the corner.
As iconic head coach Dino Mangiero stepped aside after the season had ended and turned the program over to his very capable and longtime assistant Jake Pew, a new chapter in this football program had begun, and with a solid spring and summer, this is a program that is indeed one of the teams in a competitive district that feels confident coming into 2025.
One of the only districts in the state that qualified all four teams a year ago, the Mavericks know that the challenge ahead – with defending 4A state champion Plantation American Heritage, Miami Norland and Plantation – will test this team that brings back some senior leadership as well as elite underclassmen.
Coach Pew and this staff have worked overtime, attending every off-season camp, combine and 7-on-7 to get better and prepare for themselves for this season.
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy
HEAD COACH: Jake Pew
DISTRICT: 15-4A
2024 RECORD: 7-5
2025 SCHEDULE
8/21 - @Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons
8/29 – Community School of Naples
9/4 - @Miami St. Brendan
9/12 – Miami True North Classical Academy
9/19 - @Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons
9/25 - @Miami Norland
10/10 – Plantation
10/17 – Plantation American Heritage
10/24 - @Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian
10/31 – West Palm Beach The King’s Academy
CLASS OF 2026
Jeremiah Alexander, RB/DB, 5’10, 160.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20670117/Jeremiah-Alexandre
Kendall Brown, WR, 6’3, 180.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19402855/Kendall-Brown
Kevin Campbell Jr., DL, 6’1, 265.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18499164/Kevin-Campbell-Jr
Julian Garcia, TE/DE, 6’3, 215.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18365101/Julian-Garcia
Alex Gokhale, OL/DL, 6’3, 255.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20079172/Alex-Gokhale
David Howard, DB, 5’9, 180.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18100106/David-Howard
Cole Ivey, LB, 6’0, 201.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18100130/Cole-Ivey
Robert Kerns, QB, 6’1, 197.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18100152/Robert-Kerns
Joseph Shapiro, DB, 5’8, 175.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18100208/Joseph-Shapiro
CLASS OF 2027
Samuel Boatwright, DL, 6’1, 255.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20815497/Samuel-Boatwright
Malik Denson, WR/DB, 5’9, 170.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20032119/Malik-Denson
Lorenzo Fernandez, P/DB, 5’11, 173.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20080641/Lorenzo-Fernandez
Damien Grant, RB, 5’7, 175.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20312279/Damien-Grant
Ji’Koi Highsmith, DE/OL, 6’2, 200.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20357665/JiKoi-Highsmith
Joshua Seymour, OL, 6’1, 332.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20820222/Joshua-Seymour
Oscar Sola Jr., HB, 5’10, 193.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20304843/Oscar-Sola-Jr
Maikel Suarez, Athlete, 6’2, 210.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19957971/Maikel-Suarez
Jacarri Watson, WR, 5’9, 173.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20696517/Jacarri-Watson
Ja’Kobi Williams, WR, 6’2, 182.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21478987/Jakobi-Williams
AWAITING VIDEO
Michael Johnson, WR, 6’3, 220
CLASS OF 2028
Justin Antenor, DB, 6’2, 171.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22901628/Justin-Antenor/highlights
Luke DeFaria, OL, 6’2, 255.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26442541/Luke-DeFaria
AWAITING VIDEO
Isaiah Cunningham, DE/LB, 6’3, 190
CLASS OF 2029
VIDEO TO COME IN THE FALL
Marcus Boynton, DL, 6’3, 295
Rocco Fantigrassi, OL, 6’2, 290
Ethan Jones, WR, 6’3, 220
Dawson Monroe, OL/DL, 6’2, 250
Jayllen Morgan, RB/DB, 5’9, 162
Vincent Mosley Jr., QB, 6’2, 190
Kenneth Rowell, WR/DB, 5’9, 155
PHOTO COURTESY OF ARCHBISHOP MCCARTHY FOOTBALL
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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 FM 104.3 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:
The Broward County National Football Showcase will take place next week and Peachtree Ridge of Georgia will be back to compete. Head Coach Matt Helmerich talked about the Lions as they will play Sunrise Piper.
MATT HELMERICH ON MONDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-matt-helmerich-of-peachtree-ridge-in-georgia-06160
It’s the start of a new school year and Craig Damon of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) stopped by to talk about football and all the sports throughout the state.
CRAIG DAMON ON MONDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/craig-damon-chief-executive-officer-of-the-fhsaa-b0dfa
As the Broward County National Football Showcase gets ready for its fourth year, Orlando Dr. Phillips head football coach Rodney Wells stopped by to talk about his Panthers taking part against the Fort Lauderdale Dillard Panthers.
RODNEY WELLS ON MONDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coach-rodney-wells-of-orlando-dr-philips-hs-9b9eb
The fourth annual Broward County National Football Showcase is a week away and once again some of the elite teams nationally and statewide will take part in this prestigious event. Co-Founder Dr. Kevin Perry broke down all the games and television coverage as well as the sponsors who made it possible.
DR. KEVIN PERRY ON MONDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/dr-kevin-perry-associate-director-and-co-founder-of-the-broward-showcase-e71e9
One of the top football teams in the state of Florida will be taking part in this year’s Broward County National Showcase when the Jacksonville Bolles travel south to take on Coconut Creek Monarch in a tremendous matchup. Head Coach Matt Toblin talked Bulldogs.
COACH MATT TOBLIN ON MONDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coach-matt-toblin-jacksonville-bolles-be6ed
Who are the best high school football teams in the state of Florida? Which programs will have a chance to win the national title? Max Preps National Analyst Zack Poff broke down the teams to keep an eye on.
ZACK POFF ON MONDAY NIGHT:
https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/max-preps-national-editor-zach-poff-c3fe0
After finishing 3-7 a year ago and not winning a district game, Miami Killian head football coach Rudy Trevino, his staff and returning player made a commitment for the 2025 season.
If this program was going to make a run at a district title and a post season appearance, it was going to take a commitment and year-round work.
With camps, combines and 7-on-7 appearances along with a solid spring and summer, the Cougars hit the ground running, adding some new faces along with making sure that those players coming back would step up and make an impact.
If you have followed Killian football through the years, it has been about playing at a high level and producing enough talent to contend for district titles, and this year there is good reason to feel confident.
At recent media events the theme has been about getting out what you put in – and Coach Trevino, his assistant coaches and the players believe that they have made some major strides in helping to turn things around.
Miami Killian Cougars
HEAD COACH: Rudy Trevino
DISTRICT: 16-2A
2024 RECORD: 3-7
2025 SCHEDULE
8/22 – Riviera Beach Inlet Grove
8/29 – Miami Dr. Krop
9/5 – Miami Edison
9/12 – Homestead South Dade
9/18 - @Miami Palmetto
9/26 - @Miami Gulliver Prep
10/3 - @Tampa Catholic
10/16-17 – GMAC Week
10/24 – Somerset Silver Palms
10/30 – Miami Belen Jesuit
THE COUGARS MAKING MAJOR STRIDES
Coach Trevino and his coaching staff have made plenty of progress and will have several talented athletes ready to make a major impact this coming season. Here are a few of them:
2027 – Kayden Bryant, DB, 5’7, 160. The youth movement continues with a standout talent that will be essential to the growth of this program. Solid playmaker!
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19466820/Kayden-Bryant
2027 – Kayron Bryant, RB, 5’9, 175. With so many younger defensive players making an impact this off-season, here is a running back that the Cougars will unleash after a 700 yard and nine touchdown season a year ago at Somerset Academy Silver Palms.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19466834/Kayron-Bryant
2026 – Kymani Corbett, QB, 6’2, 185. Has plenty of experience and should be a valuable member of this team.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18326104/65708975b535110ad84e91a0
2028 – Zion Davis, DB, 6’0, 180. One of the top sophomores in Florida, who brings so much to the table. A very quick and skilled performer. Came over from Palm Glades.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19062824/Zion-Davis
2027 – Davon Dericho, DB, 5’10, 170. Had a tremendous off-season, turning heads at several events. One of the underclassmen that this program will get plenty of experience this season.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19947094/Davon-Dericho
2026 – Aundre Franklin, OL/DL, 6’0, 260. Versatile two-way line prospect who is one of the strongest players on the team. Another senior who will be expected to lead for the younger players to follow.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17598500/Aundre-Franklin
2026 – Marlow Hiddo, DL, 6’4, 240 – 4.0 GPA. Talk to many who have watched this young man play and they will tell you that this is someone to keep an eye on. Gets it done on and off the playing field.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18227424/6722d77cba2a5336bd358ffa
2026 – Willie Scott, WR/CB, 5’10, 165 – 4.0. Yet another two-way performer who also gets it done in the classroom. Solid talent that the Cougars will definitely count on in 2025.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19592308/Willie-Scott
2026 – Anton Smith, WR, 5’7, 145. If you are looking for a player that will lead this team in 2025, here he is. One of the top receivers in south Florida, this Miami Booker T. Washington transfer is the blueprint athlete who leads, makes plays and gets it done in the classroom.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18032820/anton-smith
2026 – Corey Swint, WR,6’0, 175. Comes over from Miami Palmetto where he was considered one of the top prospects in south Florida. A playmaker who has a chance to elevate this offense.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19665801/Corey-Swint
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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 head coach Benjamin Rolle and his Pembroke Pines Flanagan football team pulled up to Football Hotbed Media Day last Saturday in Deerfield Beach, many on hand wanted to discuss what this program added in the off-season.
But before the players and coaches addressed the 2025 season, they wanted to look back at 2024. It was a year where this program advanced to the first round of the state playoffs after winning six straight after a 1-2 start.
What the coaches and players spoke about is how the mix of newcomers and returnees from last year will give this team a chance to compete for a district title.
Pembroke Pines Flanagan
HEAD COACH: Benjamin Rolle
DISTRICT: 15-6A
2024 RECORD: 7-4
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
FALCONS TAKE FLIGHT AT MEDIA DAY
With head coach Benjamin Rolle bringing players to the Football Hotbed Media Day last Saturday, the Falcons brought some quality seniors and a talented junior who took center the stage:
2026 – Santana Carlos, WR, 5’11, 170 – 3.1 GPA. This talented UCLA commit will be one of the state’s top prospects, heading into the season.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18514208/Santana-Carlos
2026 – Chance Humphrey, QB, 6’2, 185 – 3.9 GPA. This Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy transfer will be one of the big surprises this season. 88/166 for 1,356 yards and 11 touchdowns - 48 carries 282 yards, 2 touchdowns.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17687493/670fc7526215fb89e01888c6
2026 – Malik Miller, DB, 6’1, 170 – 3.0 GPA. Solid secondary performer who has looked good all season and will be one of the leaders on a team that has added sone pieces.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19952373/Malik-Miller
2026 – Elan Mills, S/OLB, 5’11, 190 – 3.8 GPA. A versatile talent that can play in the secondary as well as step up as a play-making linebacker.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19464275/Elan-Mills
2027 – Jacob Thomas, Athlete, 5’10, 160 – 3.6 GPA. Track & Field. Comes into the season as one of the top junior prospects in Florida. Had a tremendous off-season as colleges had the chance to showcase his many skills at camps, spring and 7-on-7 events.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19531598/672ff0bd3a19e7562d98c1a5
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..