When unbeaten (11-0) Miami Northwestern plays host to once beaten (10-1) Miami Central for the second time this season – tonight (7:00) at Traz Powell Stadium, the game will be more than a Region 4-3A final.

The defending state champion Bulls, who beat the Rockets earlier this season 30-21, demolish Jacksonville Raines last year in the title game, 41-0, and are a much better and experienced team this season.

Northwestern and first year head coach Jaquatin Victrum come into this evening’s sold out matchup as a favorite, but we all know that this rivalry has never been predictable, and that’s why there is a feeling that no matter which program comes out on top, they will be heavily favored to win it all at Pitbull Stadium (FIU) on Saturday, Dec. 13.

While Raines is unbeaten and very talented, Orlando Bishop Moore has their dreams, and talented Sarasota Booker believe they are being way overlooked, the winner this evening has the talent and coaching to hoist that championship trophy.

For first year head coach Derrick Gibson and his Central team to come out on top, they will need to eliminate mistakes and keep the ball away from Northwestern’s powerful offense that has outscored their 11 opponents, 433-77.

The Rockets have also been impressive, but understand that beating Northwestern will not be easy. They have also been impressive in 2025 – outscoring their 11 opponents, 507-147.

CENTRAL ROCKETS

Miami Edison, W 50-12

Miami Booker T. Washington, W 58-14

Plantation American Heritage, W 31-21

Miami Northwestern, L 30-21

Pompano Beach, W 52-0

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan, W 59-6

Miami Southridge, W 34-28

Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, W 39-0

Miami Carol City, W 23-6

Miami St. Brendan, W 70-0

Naples Lely, W 70-30

11/29 - @Miami Northwestern

NORTHWESTERN BULLS

Orange Lutheran, California, W Forfeit

Miami Carol City, W 37-6

Miami Norland, W 49-21

Miami Christopher Columbus, W 41-6

Miami Jackson, W Forfeit

Miami Central, W 30-21

Key West, W 56-0

Miami Palmetto, W 28-0

Miami St. Brendan, W 49-0

Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, W 70-0

Key West, W 56-6

11/29 – Miami Central 

FRIDAY’S SCORES

REGION 4-1A

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 35, Miami True North Classical Academy 14

REGION 4-2A

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 20, Miami La Salle 17

REGION 4-4A

Plantation American Heritage 25, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy 20

REGION FINAL 4-5A

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 34, Hollywood McArthur 7

REGION FINAL 4-6A

Pembroke Pines West Broward 30, Miami Southridge 27

REGION FINAL 4-7A

Miami Palmetto 65, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman 41

FIT 1A-3A

REGION FINAL

North Miami Beach 20, Miami Booker T. Washington 6

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..

With another Thanksgiving holiday in the books and “Black Friday” taking center stage, it is time for some football.

Across the state of Florida, we will watch the exciting Region Finals, and seven different sites in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties today and tomorrow at Traz Powell Stadium, some of the best high school football in the country will unfold.

While seven teams will wear smiles after Saturday evening, seven other top programs will put the equipment away for yet another off season.

For some seniors, it will be the final time they will play this great game – while others will continue on at the collegiate level and continue the dream of playing a game they have suited up for since they could throw a ball or make a tackle.

Here is a look at the 5A, 6A and 7A teams who will line it up tonight:

REGION FINAL 4-5A

No. 6 Hollywood McArthur (10-2) at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (11-1). The Mustangs’ story is indeed one for the books as former standout Robert Ortega came back home to take over a team that had struggled over the past decade and win just twice a year ago.

What he and this team have done is put together eight straight wins in dominating fashion since losing that district contest to the Raiders.

This is a team that is building for the future while winning this year and have put themselves in a position that they have not been in for a long time. He has energized the current student body along with a loyal fanbase that has been energized. They have outscored the opposition, 455-114 and recorded five shutouts.

The six-time defending state champions have once again put it into gear, and despite losing their opener to national power Mater Dei from Santa Ana, California, veteran head coach Roger Harriott and his team have won 11 straight games and have out themselves in a position to win an amazing seventh straight.

This is a loaded team with major prospects on both sides of the ball and on special teams. They have met every challenge and have played a competitive schedule from top to bottom. You can guarantee that they will have another supportive crowd that is a mix of current students, parents and supporters as well as a strong alumni base.

During the 11-game winning streak, they have outscored the opposition by a staggering, 497-163 with six games of giving up seven points or less.

MCARTHUR MUSTANGS

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 28-14

Miramar, W 24-14

Weston Cypress Bay, W 40-6

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 31-7

Hollywood Hills, W 70-0

Deerfield Beach, W 35-0

Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, W 44-0

Fort Lauderdale, W 39-6

South Plantation, W 55-0

Miramar Everglades, W 69-0

Stuart Martin County, W 41-13

Delray Beach Atlantic, W 17-16

11/28 - @Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

ST. THOMA AQUINAS RAIDERS

Santa Ana Mater Dei, California, L 26-23

Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Andeson, W 72-6

Miami Christopher Columbus, W 42-7

Davie Western, W 45-6

Hollywood McArthur, W 31-7

Hollywood Hills, W 63-0

NFL Academy London, W 41-38

Coconut Creek Monarch, W 31-20

Plantation American Heritage, W 19-12

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, W 27-21

Palm Bay Heritage, W 58-7

Coconut Creek, W 45-13

11/28 – Hollywood McArthur

REGION FINAL 4-6A

No. 2 Pembroke Pines West Broward (10-2) at No. 1 Miami Southridge (11-1). In winning 10 straight games, the Bobcats have outscored the opposition, 465-162, as they head south to take on a team that many felt was the best in the classification this year.

For Brian McCartney and his football team, this year has been about showing up and playing hard every week, and while the year got off to a rocky start, they are now running on all cylinders with playmakers on both sides of the ball.

They have shown when they do not make mistakes, they are tough to be beat, but their work will be cut out for them against the Spartans.

Southridge is a hungry team that felt that they were robbed last year in the state semifinals against eventual state champion West Boca Raton and have lived with that stinging feeling the past 11 months.

Veteran head coach Pierre Senatus has won everywhere he’s coached – and that comes from being part of the highly successful Tim “Ice” Harris Sr.  coaching tree that has taught him plenty about developing players – on and off the field.

This is a loaded team that believes they can match up with anyone – on any given day, and since losing that tough contest against national power Miami Central in the Greater Miami Athletic Conference (GMAC) Week battle, they have won three straight and have outscored the opposition 509-151 this season.

WEST BROWARD BOBCATS

Corner Canyon, Utah, L 38-13

Camden County, Georgia, L 32-13

Plantation, W 31-6

Pembroke Pines Flanagan, W 20-8

Miramar Everglades, W 55-0

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, W 49-38

Miami Beach, W 54-0

Miramar, W 52-8

Miami Dr. Krop, W 49-0

Davie Western, W 35-7

South Plantation, W 56-13

Coconut Creek Monarch, W 38-12

11/28 - Miami Southridge

SOUTHRIDGE SPARTANS

Miami Christopher Columbus, W 28-21

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman, W 63-22

Miami Palmetto, W 34-24

Hialeah, W 37-0

Doral Academy, W 42-7

Homestead, W 59-18

Miami Edison, W 30-16

Southwest Miami, W 49-0

Miami Central, L 34-28

Homestead South Dade, W 48-3

Davie Nova, W 49-0

Sunrise Piper, W 42-6

11/28 – Pembroke Pines West Broward

REGION FINAL 4-7A

No. 3 Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (8-4) at No. 1 Miami Palmetto (10-2). At first glance, this is a game that you can look at and feel comfortable with your prediction, but if you ask Palmetto head coach Mike Manasco, he will tell you to take a step back and see where head coach Ariel Cribeiro and his Gators have come from.

Both of the head coaches had the pleasure guiding their alma maters, and that’s why this contest may not be so cut and dry.

Both have certainly taken some lumps to get to this point, and while the Panthers come in as favorites, the respect that these two coaches have for one another will make this a game that could be better than most believe.

The Panthers got here by beating rival Christopher Columbus twice, which is something they certainly do not want to waste.

BARBARA GOLEMAN GATORS

Key West, W 62-21

Miami Southridge, L 63-22

Hialeah American, W 42-13

Hialeah Gardens, W 35-0

Weston Cypress Bay, W 35-3

West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman, L 28-7

Davie Western, L 14-7

Miami Carol City, L 26-21

Coral Springs Taravella, W 56-0

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, W 26-8

Homestead South Dade, W 30-28

Boca Raton Spanish River, W 56-42

11/28 - @Miami Palmetto, 6 p.m.

PALMETTO PANTHERS

Miami Booker T. Washington, W 35-0

Miami Southridge, L 34-34

Miami Christopher Columbus, W 24-21

Miami Killian, W 42-21

Coral Gables, W 43-0

Homestead South Dade, W 45-7

Miami Northwestern, L 28-0

Miami High, W 43-7

Fort Myers Bishop Verot, W 20-10

Coral Springs Coral Glades, W 42-0

Miami Christopher Columbus, W 27-10

11/28 – Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman

TOMORROW: It’s the big 3A Region Final matchup that many believe should be the state title game. It’s showtime from Traz Powell Stadium!

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..

As you sit down to enjoy your Thanksgiving feast today with your family, the sport of football is indeed still in the air.

As we race toward December, high school football teams in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are working hard to have the chance to play for a state title between Dec. 10-13 at Pitbull Stadium on the campus of FIU.

On Friday and Saturday, 12 programs from the two counties will compete for a Region title, moving them one step closer to a dream that began in the third week of August.

The winners of this round will advance to the state semifinals against some of the best in the state of Florida next Friday, which will produce the 14 schools that will head to south Florida to be crowned as the best in their classification.

Over the next three days, we will preview the upcoming games – starting with 1A, 2A and 4A today – 5A, 6A & 7A tomorrow, and then the titanic 3A rematch on Saturday between Miami Central and Miami Northwestern.

REGION 4-1A

Miami True North Classical Academy (10-2) at No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (9-2), 6:30 p.m.

This is a game that many football fans knew would happen on this day after Thanksgiving.

No doubt Chaminade-Madonna was a definite. Head Coach Dameon Jones and the Lions are going for an amazing 10^th consecutive trip to the state title and are loaded with talent.

They are a nationally recognized program with great coaching and superior talent. They are indeed a dynasty that plays a competitive schedule and continues to attract top flight talent. They have several Power 4 prospects and are always a huge favorite in any game they play against a 1A program. They have outscored their opponents, 447-138.

On the other side of the field, you have a school that is just six years old that already has established itself as a rising power in the sport of football.

Winners of 10 straight games, including two current No. 1 seeds, head coach Greg Laferre and his staff have made believers of many teams, fans and football experts, but realize that this game will be by far the toughest since their opener against 2A power Sarasota Cardinal Mooney. They have outscored their 12 opponents, 462-203.

TRUE NORTH CLASSICAL ACADEMY TITANS

Sarasota Cardinal Mooney, L 41-14

Fort Myers Bishop Verot, L 44-34

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, W 49-18

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, W 31-6

Jacksonville University Christian, W 28-8

Miami Jackson, W 42-0

Boynton Beach Somerset Canyon, W 42-0

Miami Christopher Columbus, W 34-15

Miami Westminster Christian, W 35-6

Miami Archbishop Carroll, W 49-20

Miami Palmer Trinity, W 42-17

Boca Raton Saint Andrew’s Academy, W 62-28

11/28 - @Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

CHAMINADE-MADONNA LIONS

Baltimore St. Frances Academy, L 42-13

Hollywood McArthur, W 28-14

Plantation American Heritage, W 28-24

Miami Edison, W 56-6

Davie Western, W 56-0

Coconut Creek Monarch, W 28-7

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, W 60-0

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, W 47-0

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 27-21

Boca Raton St. John Paul II Academy, W 63-0

Miami Edison, W 47-18

11/28 - Miami True North Classical Academy

REGION 4-2A

No. 2 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (9-3) at No. 1 Miami Immaculata LaSalle (12-0), 7 p.m. A first ever meeting between these two schools who have remained in the spotlight throughout the season.

For the home team Royal Lions, under the direction of head coach Helder Valle, this run to 12-0 has come with a mix of youth and veteran prospects who have been able to step up to have an opportunity to play host for a third-round game for the first time in school history.

Rated as one of the top teams in south Florida throughout the season, they have been able to outscore their opponents by an impressive 438-73 with six shutouts.

For head coach Matt Dubuc and his Chiefs, this is a road they have traveled before as three-time state champions not so long ago.

This is a team that has been able to produce elite talent through the years and have maintained a competitive schedule, competing against two No. 1 playoff seeds along the way.

In this current three-game winning streak, they have been able to outscore their opponents this season, 421-281.

CARDINAL GIBBONS CHIEFS

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, L 42-35

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, W 33-6

Coconut Creek, W 11-6

Hollywood South Broward, W 52-6

Pembroke Pines West Broward, L 49-38

Hallandale, W 51-14

Deerfield Beach, W 45-7

Boca Raton, W 35-13

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 47-0

Miramar, W 35-28

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, W 48-28

Miami Killian, W 38-35

11/28 - Miami Immaculata LaSalle

IMMACULATA LASALLE ROYAL LIONS

Miami High, W 35-0

Miami Jackson, W 50-0

Miami Belen Jesuit, W 34-3

Miami Booker T. Washington, W 31-0

Miami Ransom Everglades, W 21-17

Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, W 42-0

Miami Springs, W 49-12

Miami St. Brendan, W 40-0

Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, W 21-18

Miami Dr. Krop, W 31-0

Homestead Somerset Academy Silver Palms, W 42-7

Miami Ransom Everglades, W 42-16

11/28 – Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

REGION 4-4A

No. 2 Plantation American Heritage (6-5) at No. 1 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (10-2), 7 p.m. While this wasn’t the road that the defending 4A state champions wanted to travel to arrive at this game, the main thing is they are here and playing their best football of the season.

While there were five losses during the season, keep in mind that head coach Mike Smith and his team played the most challenging schedule of any team in this state – and those five setbacks came by a total of 31 points, including an overtime loss on the road against the current No. 6 ranked team in the state and three No. 1 seeds that are still very much alive.

Loaded with playmakers on both sides of the ball, this team has overcome several key losses – due to injury, but are healthy and have outscored the opposition, 314-204.

What else can be said about this program that hasn’t already been talked about by every football fan across the state?

District champions in only their second season in one of the most competitive 4A districts in the state of Florida, first year head coach Jake Pew and his staff have built this program from scratch, and they are now on the verge of getting to the state semifinals.

Stacked with gifted players on both sides of the ball, this is a team that continues to add tremendously student/athletes and have outscored the opposition, 379-162 during this five-game winning streak.

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

11/28 - @Archbishop McCarthy

ARCHBISHOP MCCARTHY MAVERICKS

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, W 42-35

Community School of Naples, W 14-10

Miami St. Brendan, W 56-0

Miami True North Classical Academy, L 31-6

Boynton Beach Somerset Canyon, W 41-0

Miami Norland, W 21-14

Plantation, L 28-27

Plantation American Heritage, 13-10

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, W 38-7

West Palm Beach The King’s Academy, W 48-7

Hialeah, W 49-6

Miami Norland, W 24-14

11/28 – Plantation American Heritage

TOMORROW: We take a look at Region Finals in 5A, 6A, 7A.

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 it comes to high school football in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, it is not uncommon for freshmen to make an impact.

For as long as anyone can remember, ninth graders have found a place on the varsity roster and have come through against top competition.

With youth football in south Florida always among the most competitive and talented anywhere in the country, prospects have an opportunity to play a key role as soon as they arrive in high school. It has been like that for a number of years.

With prospects like Malachi Toney and Neimann Lawrence being so dominant at the youth level, it was only a matter of time that both made a difference as soon as they put their high school uniform on.

This year, once again, there are so many elite ninth graders in the Class of 2029 who have had their opportunity to shine during the season – grabbing the spotlight almost immediately.

The opportunity to get a chance to help teams win districts or qualify for the post season, there were several who had the opportunity, in their first season, to get to the state playoffs.

While several had the opportunity to taste that post season football, there are several who are still playing.

Here are a few of those talented freshmen that jumped into the spotlight in 2025:

Evans Branch, DE, 6’5, 195, Miami Ransom Everglades.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23318095/Evans-Branch

Geloni Brown, WR/DB, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26787768/Geloni-Brown

Richard Guilbaud, RB, 5’10, 210, Hialeah – 3.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26913286/Richard-Guilbaud

Aydin Hall, LB, 5’11, 205, Miami Gulliver Prep – 3.7 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23634551/aydin-hall

Trayvon Johnson, Athlete/RB, 5’6, 145, Miami Booker T. Washington.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/27177417/Trayvon-Johnson?

Victor Latimore, LB, 6’0, 185, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26644678/Victor-Latimore

Malik Leonard, QB, 6’0, 170, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna – 4.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/25428037/Malik-Jeremiah-Leonard

Darius Little, OL, 6’3, 270, Davie Western – 4.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/23405273/Darius-Little

Javian “Champ” Norwood, WR/Athlete, 5’10, 160, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons – 4.1 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22058225/Javian-Norwood

Jeffrey O’Neal Jr., Athlete, 6’2, 175, Plantation.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/28191957/Jeffrey-ONeal-jr

Deangelo Plese, QB, 5’7, 150, Davie Nova – 4.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26649810/deangelo-plese

Kedarius Rhaney, WR/CB, Pembroke Pines West Broward.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26388150/Rhaney-Kedarius

Khalil Thomas, DB, 5’11, 170, Miami True North.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22386462/Khalil-Thomas

Emerson Walker, TE/DE, 6’6, 210, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep. 

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/25535746/Emerson-Walker

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..