When the seconds ticked off the clock at Pitbull Stadium on Saturday afternoon and Plantation American Heritage had wrapped up their second straight 4A state title, head coach Mike Smith and his staff turned their attention to 2026.
In this day and age of roster changes and transfers, it’s tough to tell what the Patriots will fully look like when they open the season next August, but we can see which prospects on the current roster have the chance to be back for a third consecutive run at a state title.
While predicting the roster is not easy – especially here a week before Christmas, we do know that this football team will play one of the toughest schedules in the state – like they have the past few years.
What we do know about the 2026 version of American Heritage football is they will have the right to call themselves “two-time defending state champions” – and the coaching they will receive from early January, with conditioning, into spring and all summer, with workouts, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events.
Say what you want about private schools, but here in 2025, everyone recruits. With open enrollment and home schooling, student/athletes in public and charter schools can move freely without having to live in a certain area – and if you dispute that comment, respectfully, you have no idea what you are talking about – at all!
South Florida has become a free-for-all when it comes to athletics. No longer do private schools have an overwhelming advantage when building their rosters.
WHAT WILL THIS PROGRAM LOOK LIKE IN 2026?
With a very talented senior class moving on, there are also some juniors (2027), sophomores (2028) and freshmen (2029) that are currently on the roster.
The Class of 2027 will have talent coming back. Prospects such as running back Jonathan Bueno (5’10, 205), defensive back Amare Nugent (6’1, 190), Michael Stringer (WR, 6’0, 170), Marquand Manuel (WR, 5’9, 170), Marcus Smith (RB, 5;9, 150), Viggo Palenzona (WR, 5’10, 170), Jaiden Sheard (DB, 6’0, 190), Johnathan Matei (K, 5’10, 160), and Edison Garzon (RB, 5’9, 170).
There are also Shane Martinez (OL, 6’0, 280), Armani Eusebio (OL, 6’5, 295), Nico Ramos (OL, 6’6, 310), Aiden Hartnett (OL, 6’4, 300), Brandon Adams (OL, 6’6, 330), Hendrix O’Ferrall (DL, 6’0, 235) and Brendan Braddy (DL, 6’0, 250) to name a few.
The 2028 class (current sophomores) are also talented and will certainly make an impact. Student/athletes such as Robert Outler (TE, 6’5, 205), Blake Mitchell (DB, 5’10, 170), Tremaine Mullen (RB, 5’9, 175), Micah Price (DL, 6’3, 260), George Thompson (LB, 5’10, 180), Osnell Dillon (DL, 6’0, 230) and offensive lineman Iangel Compress (6;0, 240).
While there are several players coming up from the juniors varsity, Class of 2029 freshmen such as Othneil Rhoden (QB, 6’0, 160), Adrian Flores (DB, 5’9, 165), Wyatt Jewell (QB, 6’1, 180), Jake Arias (OL, 6’4, 275), Carlos Singletary (DL, 6’2, 340) and Ben King (DL, 6’2, 255) are ahead of the game at this point.
AMERICAN HERITAGE 2025
Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep, Pennsylvania, W 31-28
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 28-24
New Orleans Edna Karr, Louisiana, L 24-17 (OT)
Miami Central, L 31-21
Plantation, W 28-13
Pembroke Pines Flanagan, W 31-0
Miami Norland, W 41-21
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, L 13-10
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 19-12
Fort Pierce John Carroll, W 50-20
Plantation, W 48-7
Archbishop McCarthy, W 25-20
Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee, W 31-14
Orlando Jones, W 32-28
2025 Road To Miami & The Villages Charter. https://larryblustein.com/news/2025-road-to-miami-the-villages-charter
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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..
By Dave Brousseau
DAVIE – Western High senior running back Damian Dickerson completed his high school career is style on Thursday with 71 yards on eight carries and a pair of touchdowns to lead the South to a 31-20 victory over the North over the South in the 28th annual BCAA All-Start football game at Nova High.
His performance earned the 5’8, 185-pound back the Otis Gray Most Valuable Player award.
“This was amazing,” said Dickenson. “I was grateful for my team and the offensive line. Their hard work helped me get the MVP. The whole team made a difference.”
The final 51 points of the game was the most since the North 45-6 victory in 2015. It also tied for the second most points since the South 44-7 win in 2010.
Tied at seven at the half, the South took a 14-7 lead, a lead they would never relinquish with 7:48 left in the third quarter. The go-ahead points were the result of a Ka’Nard Boucard (Miramar) 98-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Dickerson added his second touchdown with 1:10 remaining in the quarter for a 21-7 lead.
“At the end of the day all the boys got the chance to participate,” said South coach Adam Ratkevich (Western). “This was a case for them to showcase their talent. There were a lot of great plays out here tonight. It was an exciting football game.”
Flanagan quarterback Chance Humphrey completed a 68-yard scoring pass to wide-out Dylan Zaldumbide (South Plantation) early in the fourth quarter that increased the South lead to 28-14.
Coconut Creek running back Jakari Gentles of closed the gap with an 8-yard run with 8:25 left in the final quarter.
Christian Martinez (Cooper City) completed the scoring with a 37-yard field with less than a minute to play in regulation capping the score at 31-20.
Running back Ray Zachariah was named the North Offensive Player of the game with 92-yards on 15 carries, while the Defensive Player of the Game for the North was Alex Gammage of Piper.
“This was a great week, while giving the guys a chance to compete,” said Coconut Creek coach Christopher Yeargin (North).”
Boucard had a pair of interceptions and was named the South Defensive Player of the game. Humphrey got the nod for Offense Player of the Game for the South with 135 passing yards and a touchdown and added 29 yards rushing.
The score was tied 7-7 at the conclusion of the opening half.
Dickerson opened the scoring with a 12-yard run with 8:28 left in the first quarter. The North yevened the score when Dillard quarterback Jaden Chico completed a 10-yard pass to the back of the endzone to Ladarious Smith (Blanche Ely) on the ensuing possession.
Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and is a longtime BCAA Correspondent. Need to reach out? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
While many felt that Miami-Dade and Broward fell short this season – coming away with just two of the seven state football titles – if you look back at the entire year, this was more successful than anyone would believe.
Yes, for the seventh straight year, St. Thomas Aquinas took home the state title.
The Raiders, who have been one of the best nationally for a long time, captured the 5A state title with a convincing 29-0 win over Lakeland.
While head coach Roger Harriott and his staff were adding another trophy to their overflowing awards case, the job that head coach Mike Smith and his Plantation American Heritage Patriots did was something very special.
When they knocked off Orlando Jones for the second consecutive season, this team captured a title that very few gave them a chance to win. Not with five losses.
The crazy competitive schedule that this program played certainly gave them a major advantage, and they took full advantage of it.
As we close the book on another season, here is a look at how the top Miami-Dade and Broward programs fared:
1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A, 14-1). LAST WEEK: The Raiders won for the seventh straight year, 29-0 over Lakeland. SEASON OVER.
2. Miami Northwestern (3A, 13-1). LAST WEEK: The Bulls dropped the final game in dramatic fashion to Jacksonville Raines, 23-22. SEASON OVER.
3. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1A, 11-3). LAST WEEK: The Lions, who were making their 10th straight trip to the title game, lost a 17-14 game to West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman. SEASON OVER.
4. Plantation American Heritage (4A, 9-5). LAST WEEK: The defending state champion Patriots once again came through when it counted, beating Orlando Jones, 33-28. SEASON OVER.
5. West Broward (6A, 12-3). LAST WEEK: In their first ever state finals appearance, the Bobcats were no match for West Boca Raton, losing 31-0. SEASON OVER.
6. Miami Central (3A, 10-2). SEASON OVER.
7. Miami Palmetto (7A, 11-3). SEASON OVER.
8. Miami Southridge (6A, 11-2). SEASON OVER.
9. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2A, 10-4). SEASON OVER.
10. Hollywood McArthur (5A, 10-3). SEASON OVER.
11. Miami True North Classical Academy (1A, 10-3). SEASON OVER.
12. Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (4A, 10-3). SEASON OVER.
13. Miami Immaculata LaSalle (2A, 12-1). SEASON OVER.
14. Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (8-5). SEASON OVER.
15. Miami Norland (4A, 6-5). SEASON OVER.
16. Coconut Creek (5A, 9-3). SEASON OVER.
17. Coconut Creek Monarch (6A, 7-5). SEASON OVER.
18. Plantation (4A, 7-5). SEASON OVER.
19. Miami Killian (2A, 8-3). SEASON OVER.
20. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (4A, 10-1). SEASON OVER.
Here are some other programs who worked hard this year:
INDEPENDENT
Doral Ronald Reagan (7-2). SEASON OVER
Coral Springs Charter (5-6). SEASON OVER
Fort Lauderdale University School (8-5). SEASON OVER
Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (8-3). SEASON OVER
Hialeah Gardens (4-7). SEASON OVER
Miami Braddock (4-6). SEASON OVER
Miami Coral Reef Football (9-2). SEASON OVER
Miami Ferguson (5-3). SEASON OVER
Miami Florida Christian (7-2-1). SEASON OVER
Miami Varela (6-4). SEASON OVER
CLASS 1A
Miami Archbishop Carroll (8-3), SEASON OVER
Miami Edison (6-5). SEASON OVER
Miami Palmer Trinity (7-3). SEASON OVER
Miami Westminster Christian (8-3). SEASON OVER
CLASS 2A
Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy (7-4). SEASON OVER
Miami Booker T. Washington (2-9). SEASON OVER
Miami Carol City (6-5). SEASON OVER
Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (4-7). SEASON OVER
Miami Gulliver Prep (6-4). SEASON OVER
Miami Ransom Everglades (7-4). SEASON OVER
North Miami Beach (6-7). SEASON OVER
CLASS 3A
Miami St. Brendan (4-7). SEASON OVER
Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (4-7). SEASON OVER
CLASS 4A
Hialeah (6-5). SEASON OVER
CLASS 5A
Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (8-5). SEASON OVER
Miramar (4-7). SEASON OVER
North Miami (7-4). SEASON OVER
CLASS 6A
Davie Nova (5-6). SEASON OVER
Doral Academy (5-5). SEASON OVER
Miami Christopher Columbus (4-8). SEASON OVER
Pembroke Pines Flanagan (8-3). SEASON OVER
South Plantation (6-5). SEASON OVER
Sunrise Piper (7-5). SEASON OVER
CLASS 7A
Coral Gables (4-5). SEASON OVER
Coral Springs Coral Glades (6-5). SEASON OVER
Davie Western (4-7). SEASON OVER
Homestead South Dade (5-6). SEASON OVER
Weston Cypress Bay (5-5). SEASON OVER
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD TOP 20
WEEK 1. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-1-top-20-miami-dade-broward-loaded-with-talent
WEEK 2. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-2-top-20-st-thomas-aquinas-moves-to-no-1
WEEK 3. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-3-local-teams-are-starting-to-emerge
WEEK 4. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-4-huge-games-will-test-local-teams
WEEK 5. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-5-new-teams-enter-an-elite-group
WEEK 6. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-6-district-games-will-put-distance-between-teams
WEEK 7. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-7-things-are-beginning-to-get-interesting-for-area-programs
WEEK 8. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-8-it-s-all-about-the-state-playoffs-now
WEEK 9. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-9-playoff-slots-still-up-for-grabs
WEEK 10. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-10-playoff-spots-up-for-grabs
WEEK 11. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-11-teams-getting-ready-for-the-post-season
WEEK 12. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-12-the-playoff-waiting-game-begins
WEEK 1 PLAYOFFS. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-playoff-week-1-key-opening-round-games
WEEK 2 PLAYOFFS. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-playoff-week-2-local-programs-stay-alive
WEEK 3 PLAYOFFS. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-playoff-week-3-14-teams-remain-in-the-hunt-2
WEEK 4 PLAYOFFS. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-playoff-week-4-seven-teams-remain
WEEK 5 PLAYOFFS. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-playoff-week-5-state-finals
2025 Road To Miami & The Villages Charter. https://larryblustein.com/news/2025-road-to-miami-the-villages-charter
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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 states such as California, Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Louisiana and Georgia talk about how great their football is – and there are several hotbeds across the country in those states – when all is said and done, the state of Florida stands alone.
From the Panhandle to the southern tip of Florida, there is no getting around the fact that football is king and athletes and teams continue to prove that every year.
When the 14 teams headed to Pitbull Stadium on the campus of Florida International University over a four-day period, you had prospects, several of them, who will be headed to the next level. Elite talent that fans in nearly every state will have the opportunity to cheer on at the collegiate and professional level.
While fans see these prospects every year and are impressed at the level they compete at, they do not understand the work that goes into become difference makers over a four-month period.
While many of us see the finished product, they have no idea what happens over those eight plus months that these student/athletes aren’t in the spotlight.
From camps to combines, 7-on-7 events, workouts, conditioning and other positives to improving, this is all done when the cameras are not rolling or the media is calling attention to it.
Having been involved in recruiting and the development of football prospects for six decades, the one thing that has not changed is how players work and put in the time to getting better.
One day after the season had officially come to an end, high school football players were back at it – enhancing their craft, competing and already looking at the 2026 season.
As many casual fans will put football on the backburner until next August, those who make this sport special will watch firsthand why Florida continues to keep an edge over the rest of the country.
Here is a look back at the four days in Miami for the 2025 state football championships:
1A
No. 2 West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (11-3) 17, No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (11-2) 14. The Crusaders had been building toward this state championship for several years – and on their first try – they knocked off the Lions in their 10th consecutive appearance.
2A
No. 1 Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (14-1) 52, No. 2 Jacksonville Bolles (13-2) 28. There was no doubt that Cardinal Mooney was one of the best teams in Florida, and when all seven games were completed, the consensus from the media and analysts on hand, they were one of the best teams of the 14 who competed.
3A
No. 2 Jacksonville Raines (14-0) 23, No. 1 Miami Northwestern (13-1) 22. While this was a shocker, let’s keep in mind that the Vikings were soundly beaten in this contest a year ago, and they made a commitment to getting better – and turned out to be the only perfect team this season. The Bulls had their chances.
4A
No. 3 Plantation American Heritage (9-5) 33, No. 1 Orlando Jones (12-3) 28. You can put away your pens and ballots; Mike Smith is the overwhelming Coach of the Year. Losing two of their best players and several other obstacles along the way – with the toughest schedule in the state. Five losses or not, the Patriots defended their title.
5A
No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (14-1) 29, No. 3 Lakeland (12-3) 0. Seven straight state titles for one of the premier programs in the country. The Raiders never start the season hoping to win. They know they have a huge advantage in every game they play.
6A
No. 3 West Boca Raton (13-2) 31, No. 4 Pembroke Pines West Broward (12-3) 0. After losing to Bergen Catholic, New Jersey and 1A state champion Cardinal Newman, there was no way the Bulls would be able to repeat at state champs. One of the best defenses in the state of Florida said otherwise!
7A
No. 2 Lake Mary (12-3) 28, No. 1 Vero Beach (14-1) 27. By now, you watched the final play of the game over and over again, and keep asking yourself, how did the Rams pull this game out. One of the most exciting finishes ever gives this program its first ever state title.
COMPLETE ROAD TO THE 2025 FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS. https://larryblustein.com/news/2025-road-to-miami-the-villages-charter
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
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..
CLASS 4A - No. 3 Plantation American Heritage (8-5) vs. No. 1 Orlando Jones (12-2). Ever since Malachi Toney and the Patriots walked out of Pitbull Stadium with a 41-31 decision last year in the title game, this was the rematch that many pointed to.
While head coach Mike Smith and his team took on the challenge of having one of the toughest schedules in the state, they never figured that several of their top players would go down with injury. But still, even with five losses, they are ready to defend as they roll in on a four-game winning streak, including a 620-mile road win in the state semifinals against Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee.
As for the Tigers and head coach Elijah Williams, that setback last December was a rallying point all off-season and into 2025.
They head to Miami on a 10-game winning streak and are focused to take home a title and finish off the business that they left on the field last year.
This is a team loaded with talent on both sides of the ball – and will provide a stern test for a program who have played two teams (St. Thomas Aquinas & Chaminade-Madonna) that are in the state finals this season.
AMERICAN HERITAGE PATRIOTS
Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Prep, Pennsylvania, W 31-28
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 28-24
New Orleans Edna Karr, Louisiana, L 24-17 (OT)
Miami Central, L 31-21
Plantation, W 28-13
Pembroke Pines Flanagan, W 31-0
Miami Norland, W 41-21
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, L 13-10
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 19-12
Fort Pierce John Carroll, W 50-20
Plantation, W 48-7
Archbishop McCarthy, W 25-20
Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee, W 31-14
FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH
2026 – Dylan Bennett, LB/RB
2026 – Jamar Denson, WR
2026 – Terrance Johnson, DB
2028 – Micah Price, DE
2026 – Rodarion Tellez, DE
JONES TIGERS
Winter Park, W 35-0
Orlando Timber Creek, W 36-0
Orlando Evans, L 28-25
Orlando Edgewater, L 20-17
Kissimmee Osceola, W 28-14
Auburndale, W 37-3
Lake Wales, W 48-22
Apopka Wekiva, W 56-0
Eagle Lake – Lake Region, W 49-0
Ocoee, W 28-0
Deltona, W 35-13
Ocala Vanguard, W 29-18
Lake Wales, W 24-10
Port Charlotte, W 35-23
FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH
2027 – Frederic Ards, DE
2026 – Dereon Coleman, QB
2026 – Larry Miles, WR
2026 – Xavier Payne, OL
2026 – Daunte Wallace, RB
CLASS 7A - No. 2 Lake Mary (11-3) vs. No. 1 Vero Beach (14-0). While these two programs were among the best in their class, neither may have been on your bingo card when the season began.
For head coach Scott Perry and the Rams, the way the 2024 season came to an end against Venice and several key losses, it was an uphill climb to get back to the state title game.
The one thing that saved this team was a schedule that included two state finalists (Jacksonville Raines – 3A and Lakeland – 5A), which got this team ready for the big stage once again, and they come south on a roll, winning six straight and scoring over 30 points per game.
Speaking about scoring points, the unbeaten Indians of Vero Beach head into the state title game having scored 40 points or more in nine straight games.
Under the direction of longtime head coach Len Jankowski, this team has been waiting for this moment since 1981 – and while they have come close through the years – they broke through with a thrilling double overtime win against Miami Palmetto to get to south Florida.
LAKE MARY RAMS
Miami Norland, W 30-29
Kissimmee Osceola, W 17-12
Lakeland, L 32-13
Jacksonville Raines, L 51-3
Oviedo Hagerty, W 55-17
North Miami Beach, W 45-13
Sanford Seminole, W 24-21
Orlando Evans, W 40-14
Altamonte Springs Lake Brantley, W 51-17
Orlando Bishop Moore, W 42-22
Oviedo Hagerty, W 42-14
Port Orange Spruce Creek, W 50-20
DeLand, W 40-31
Venice, W 31-26
FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH
2026 – Noah Grubbs, QB
2026 – Barrett Schulz, WR
2027 – Eli Chivington, DE
2026 – Patrick Ryan, LB
2027 – Slade Wittstock, OL
VERO BEACH INDIANS
Melbourne Eau Gallie, W 41-31
Gainesville Buchholz, W 28-24
Cocoa, W 38-3
Port St. Lucie West Centennial, W 37-0
Fort Pierce Central, W 21-13
Miami Booker T. Washington, W 42-13
Rockledge, W 42-7
Pahokee, W 53-14
Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast, W 49-0
Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, W 43-0
Clermont East Ridge, W 57-10
Orlando Lake Nona, W 56-14
Orlando Dr. Phillips, W 49-23
Miami Palmetto, W 45-44 (2 OT)
FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH
2026 – Marqarie Phillip, LB
2026 – Micah “Champ” Smith, OL
2026 – Xavier Stinson, WR/DB
2026 – Efrem White, Athlete
2028 – Latravious Woods, WR/DB
1A FINAL SCORE
No. 2 West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (11-3) 17, No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (11-2) 14
2A FINAL SCORE
No. 1 Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (14-1) 52, No. 2 Jacksonville Bolles (13-2) 28
3A FINAL SCORE
No. 2 Jacksonville Raines (14-0) 23, No. 1 Miami Northwestern (13-1) 22.
5A FINAL SCORE
No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (14-1) 29, No. 3 Lakeland (12-3) 0
6A FINAL SCORE
No. 3 West Boca Raton (13-2) 31, No. 4 Pembroke Pines West Broward (12-3) 0
2026 PREP REDZONE FLORIDA STOCK UP EVENT. https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2137/register/stock-up-showcase-florida
Statewide Coverage Daily. https://prepredzone.com/florida/
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