As the stakes rise nationally and the need to play the toughest schedule possible to be considered in the race for the coveted, but mythical national title, programs throughout south Florida have upped the ante when it comes to scheduling games.

The days when a few tough games would carry you into the national picture, is no longer a thing – not when powerhouses are banging heads with other national powerhouses weekly.

Miami-Dade and Broward teams have been forced to play tougher schedules, knowing that when the season ends in December the programs with the tougher schedules will be favored over those teams who step up to the plate once or twice.

Programs such as California’s Mater Dei and St. John Bosco lineup against nationally rated teams every week. So does IMG Academy and Maryland’s St. Francis Academy.

Teams in the hunt locally such as Miami Central, St. Thomas Aquinas, Chaminade-Madonna understand that if they are going to be considered as a national championship contender by the season’s end, the schedule will need to reflect it.

The only drawback for many south Florida powers is the need to play conferred and district teams – which in many cases – lowers the strength of schedule, while many of the teams mentioned are able to play national contenders every week.

PLENTY OF MARQUEE MATCHUPS

There is no doubt that the local schedule this coming season illustrates the many upgrades made to enhance their schedule.

Here is a look at some of the games that you may want to check out this regular season:

August 24 

Milton, Georgia vs. Davie Western (BROWARD FOOTBALL SHOWCASE).

Cedar Grove, Georgia vs. Coconut Creek Monarch (BROWARD FOOTBALL SHOWCASE).

August 25

Cardinal Gibbons, North Carolina vs. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (BROWARD FOOTBALL SHOWCASE).

Highland Springs, Virginia vs. Miramar (BROWARD FOOTBALL SHOWCASE).

Miami Norland at Lakeland.   

Miami Northwestern at Vero Beach.

Miami Christopher Columbus at Clearwater Academy International.

Miami Palmetto at Homestead.

August 26

St. John Bosco, California vs. St. Thomas Aquinas (BROWARD FOOTBALL SHOWCASE).

St. Frances Academy, Maryland vs. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (BROWARD FOOTBALL SHOWCASE).

St. John’s (DC) vs. Plantation American Heritage (BROWARD FOOTBALL SHOWCASE).

September 1

Miami Central at Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna at Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 

September 8

Venice at Miami Northwestern 

Miami Christopher Columbus at Tampa Jesuit 

Cocoa at Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 

Bergen Catholic, New Jersey at Chaminade-Madonna

Miami Central at Miami Booker T. Washington

September 15

Western at St. Thomas Aquinas

September 16

Christopher Columbus at Miami Palmetto.

September 21

Chaminade-Madonna at Miami Central.

September 29

Cardinal Gibbons at Plantation American Heritage.

Miramar at St. Thomas Aquinas. 

October 5

Miami Booker T. Washington at Miami Norland.

October 6

Homestead at Miami Christopher Columbus. 

Miami Northwestern at Miami Central.

October 13

Miami Southridge at Homestead.

Miami Central at Miami Norland. 

October 20 

Naples at Plantation American Heritage.

Western at Miramar. 

St. Thomas Aquinas at Coconut Creek Monarch.

November 3

Chaminade-Madonna at St. Petersburg Lakewood. 

Western at Plantation.

November 4

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely at Fort Lauderdale Dillard

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: August 8, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward

For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We are now two weeks away from the start of the 2023 high school football season, and while there has been plenty of talk about what this year will turn out, how does your school look this season?

With nine months of off-season to lick the wounds from 2022 – or tune up for another state playoff run – everything is starting to come together as the talk begins and the memories are indeed faded.

With the second season of the Metro, Suburban and Rural classifications in play, here is a look at how things will stack up for south Florida teams, who are ALL Metro.

4M

District 12

Coral Springs

Douglas

Monarch

Boca Raton Olympic Heights

District 13

Coral Glades

Cypress Bay

Taravella

Western

District 14

Cooper City

Flanagan

Pembroke Pines Somerset

West Broward

District 15

Christopher Columbus

Doral Academy

Goleman

Miami High

District 16

Coral Gables

Palmetto

South Dade

3M

District 10

Blanche Ely

Coconut Creek

Deerfield

West Boca Raton

District 11

Boyd Anderson

Dillard

Fort Lauderdale

St. Thomas Aquinas

District 12

Nova

Piper

Plantation

South Plantation

District 13
Dr. Krop

Hollywood Hills

McArthur

South Broward

District 14

American

Everglades

Miramar

Pembroke Pines Charter

District 15

Hialeah

Mater Academy

Miami Beach

North Miami

District 16

Belen Jesuit

Homestead

Southridge

Southwest Miami

2M

District 11

Calvary Christian

Coral Springs Charter

North Broward Prep

Northeast

Pine Crest

District 12

American Heritage

Cardinal Gibbons

Hallandale

Stranahan

District 13

Miami Carol City

Miami Central

Miami Norland

Monsignor Pace

North Miami Beach

District 14

Immaculata LaSalle

Miami Booker T. Washington

Miami Edison

Miami Jackson

Miami Northwestern

District 15

Miami Springs

St. Brendan

Westland Hialeah

District 16

Gulliver Prep

Miami Killian

Somerset Charter Silver Palms

South Miami

1M

District 6

Avant Garde Academy

Chaminade-Madonna

Deerfield Beach Somerset Key

St. John Paul II (Boca Raton)

District 7

Dade Christian

Florida Christian

True North Classical Academy

District 8
Archbishop Carroll

Palm Glades Prep

Somerset Academy Charter South Homestead

Westminster Christian

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: August 7, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward

For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

From Pensacola to Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Lakeland and Fort Lauderdale, the past two weeks have been spent exposing the high school football talent from across the state of Florida.

This Saturday from 8:30 AM to 3 PM, the final chapter will unfold with the FootballHotbed.com South Florida Media Days.

With 26 teams from Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade schedule to attend the event at the Hope Church of Christ (1800 N. State Road 7 in Hollywood), the 2023 season will indeed officially get a grand kickoff.

With media members on hand to cover the event, players and coaches will be treated to a college-style press gathering that will shine the spotlight on some amazing talent.

With 4M state champion Miami Christopher Columbus, 3M state champion St. Thomas Aquinas, 2M state champion Miami Central and 1M state champion Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna leading the way, the day promises to be one that everyone will remember as the season is just two weeks away.

“We are excited about this event which features some of the best teams in the country,” said Hotbed owner and founder Brandon Odoi. “In addition to the state champions, we will also have 3M state runner up Homestead, 2M state runner up Plantation American Heritage and a number of serious contenders for the 2023 season.”

Photos and videos will capture the day along with print media, social media and national and regional fan websites are expected to be on hand as well.

SOME IMPRESSIVE TEAMS ARE HEADED TO HOLLYWOOD

There will not be a shortage of talent headed to Hollywood on Saturday. Here is a look at the schedule:

THE SCHEDULE

Here is a look at when schools will be taking center stage:

8:15

Miami Northwestern

8:30 AM

Miami Christopher Columbus

8:30 AM

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman

8:45 AM

North Miami

9:00 AM

Coconut Creek Monarch

9:15

Miami Central

9:30 AM

Goulds Palm Glades

9:30 AM

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
9:45 AM

Miami Southridge

10:00 AM

Miami Palmetto

10:15 AM

Miramar Everglades

10:30 AM

Miami Booker T. Washington

10:45 AM

Doral Academy

11:00 AM

Miami Killian

11:15 AM

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy

11:30 AM

Delray Beach Atlantic

11:45 PM

Davie Western

12:00 PM

Miami Jackson

12:15

Miami Carol City

12:30 PM

Plantation American Heritage

12:45 PM

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely

1:00 PM

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan

1:15 PM

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

1:30 PM

Miami Norland

1:45

Hialeah

2:00 PM

West Boca Raton

2:15 PM

Hialeah American

2:30 PM

Homestead

2:45 PM

Hollywood South Broward

2:45 PM

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

3:00

Westland Hialeah

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2024-2027. LAST UPDATED: August 4, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward

For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We talk about it every year. The value that is placed on kickers, punters and long snappers is more important than ever.

With special teams players being drafted in the NFL and in other professional leagues, the need for events like the Kornblue Showcase this past weekend at Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale only enhances what has become one of the most vital parts of any football team – at every level.

With special teams prospects coming from all over the state and in many places throughout the nation, the competition was once again at the highest level you can reach.

Brandon Kornblue and his staff run some of the best and most competitive you will find anywhere in the nation, and this weekend was certainly no exception.

In every class from 2024 through 2027, there were some head-turning performers.

Here is a look at how the competition stacked up:

2024 Kicking Champion– Gabriel Perez (Southridge HS, FL)

2024 Kicking 2nd Place – Broderick Boehm (Westfield HS, IN)

2024 Kicking 3rd Place (tie) – Matthew Conord (Newsome HS, FL)

2024 Kicking 3rd Place (tie) – Cole O’Reilly (Villages HS, FL)

2024 Kicking 3rd Place (tie) – Liam Kelly (Classical Academy, FL)

2024 Punting Champion– Broderick Boehm (Westfield HS, IN)

2024 Punting 2nd Place – Peter Neubert (Buchholz HS, FL)

2024 Punting 3rd Place – Alex Ghelman (Gulf Coast HS, FL)

2024 Long Snapping Champion – Jonathan Zarut (Columbus HS, FL)

2024 Long Snapping 2nd Place – David McDermott (South Fork HS, FL)

2024 Long Snapping 3rd Place – Brady Downs (James Taylor HS, TX)

2025 Kicking Champion– Rhett Armstrong (Palmer Ridge HS, CO)

2025 Kicking 2nd Place – Gavin Harvey (American Heritage, FL)

2025 Kicking 3rd Place – Michael Cappuccitti (Choate Rosemary HS, CT)

2025 Punting Champion– Brent Fardette (Cardinal Gibbons HS, FL)

2025 Punting 2nd Place – Joseph Collins (IMG Academy, FL)

2025 Punting 3rd Place – Vaughn Lennon (Fort Myers HS, FL)

2025 Long Snapping Champion – Chase Ortiz (St Thomas Aquinas, FL)

2025 Long Snapping 2nd Place – Preston Colo (Barron Collier HS, FL)

2025 Long Snapping 3rd Place – Chase White (Ransom Everglades, FL)

2026 Kicking Champion– Mason Sargis (N Ft Myers HS, FL)

2026 Kicking 2nd Place – Karsyn Barghausen (Port Charlotte HS, FL)

2026 Kicking 3rd Place – Zephaniah Diamond (Naples HS, FL)

2026 Punting Champion– Karsyn Barghausen (Port Charlotte HS, FL)

2026 Punting 2nd Place – Mason Sargis (N Ft Myers HS, FL)

2026 Punting 3rd Place – Sutton Knight (Seffner Christian HS, FL)

2026 Long Snapping Champion – Joel Bazinet (Oakleaf HS, FL)

2026 Long Snapping 2nd Place – Charles Becker (St Brendan, FL)

2026 Long Snapping 3rd Place – Jordan Mordis (St Andrew’s, FL)

2027 Kicking Champion– Brayden Russell (Fort Myers HS, FL)

2027 Kicking 2nd Place – Cole Rodriguez (Somerset Academy, FL)

2027 Punting Champion– Cole Rodriguez (Somerset Academy, FL)

2027 Punting 2nd Place – Brayden Russell (Fort Myers HS, FL)

Youth Kicking Champion– Hunter Bray (Cypress Palm MS, FL)

THE TALENT RAN DEEP

In addition to those who placed in the competition, there were others who also showed up and made a statement:

2024

Jake Aller, K, Miami Northwestern

Tanner Block, K, Pompano

Jorge Gutierrez, K, Fort Myers Gateway

Evan Hodac, K, Lutz Steinbrenner

Beau Keller, K, Neptune Beach Fletcher

Aiden Lanier, K, Port Orange Spruce Creek

Brian Montgomery, K/P, Lithia Newsome

Enrique Olmos, K, South Fort Myers

Ryan Rodriguez, K/P, Homestead

Jad Rosario, K, Miami Palmetto

Landon Ryska, K, Sterling Heights De La Salle Collegiate Prep, Michigan

2025

Jayden Danis, K, Fort Myers Bishop Verot

Rocco Duygulu, K, Parkland Douglas

Sean Egloff, K, Englewood Lemon Bay

Luke Ginsburg, K/P, Wilton, Connecticut

Gavin Katz, K, South Plantation

Landon Mare, K/P, Mooresville, North Carolina

Ryker Moye, K, Albany Terrell Academy, Georgia

David Parks, K, Sanford Seminole

Gus Rafael-cua, P, South Fort Myers

Kevin Sheppard, K/P, Callahan West Nassau

Andrei Shevchenko, P, Riviera Beach Inlet Grove

2026

Dominic Celli, K, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

Leandro De Carvalho, K, Riverview Newsome

Carter Finley, K, Estero

Brendon Klatzkow, K, Ponte Vedra

Hudson Switken, K, Naples Lely

LONG SNAPPERS

2024

Jace Coolman, Lake Park Vista

Jackson Harper, Deerfield Beach

James McDevitt, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

Cade Puckett, Cairo, Georgia

2025

Daniel Gonzalez, Miami Christopher Columbus

Ashton Harris, Crawfordville Wakulla

Damani Spencer, Davie Western

Bryson Stepp, New Smyrna Beach

Sam Trivett Jr., DeLand

2026

Joshua Silverstein, Plantation American Heritage

UPDATED: August 2, 2023. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects COLLEGE COACHES ARE WATCHING ALL THE TIME, SO LET’S KEEP UPDATING – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Transfer Season Heats Up In Miami-Dade & Broward. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-heats-up-in-miami-dade-broward

For the past 53 years, we have spent plenty of time on football fields throughout the country. From games to practices, camps, combines and 7-on-7 events, we remain steadfast to promote all south Florida’s high school football prospects. Follow us on Facebook (Larry Blustein) Instagram (@OurBoyBlu) and Twitter (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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