Let us be transparent and up front and be a fly on the wall. When voting for the new classifications for football took place, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) had south Florida and the large metro areas of Florida in mind.

You can say what you want, but the thought of any region of this state having six or seven champions was something that gnawed at the smaller communities of Florida. It’s a fact and if someone wants to deny it, there are dozens of people who will step up and say it’s true. But the larger metro areas played the game and saw many programs take each other out on the way to the state title.

Nowhere was that more evident than south Florida with two-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, longtime powerhouse Miami Northwestern, yearly power Miami Booker T. Washington, and if they had stayed open, Hollywood Champagnat Catholic, which had advanced to the 1A state title game six consecutive years.

But what happened is the cream rose to the top in classes where there were multiple powers – and the end result is Miami-Dade and Broward Counties will advance six teams to the state championships – starting this week in Tallahassee and culminating at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale next weekend.

In 4 Metro, No. 1 seed Miami Christopher Columbus (13-1) advanced with a thrilling 41-36 win against Ocoee and will play Apopka.

In 3M, it will be the first time ever that a Miami-Dade and Broward County teams will meet for a state championship when three-time defending state champions Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (13-0), a No. 1 seed, will play the Homestead Broncos (11-2), also a No. 1 seed making their first ever appearance in the state finals.

In 2M, it was predicted as soon as the new classifications were revealed. No. 1 seed and three-time defending state champion Miami Central – (13-0) the No. 1 team in the country, against No. 1 seed Plantation American Heritage (13-1), which had one setback all year.

When Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (12-0) heads to Tallahassee this Thursday night to play Clearwater Central Catholic, the Lions will tie a state record for the most (seven) consecutive trips to the state finals, a record that is amazing for the No. 2 team nationally.

Here is a look at the south Florida results from the State Semifinals this past week:

Class 4-Metro

No. 1 Miami Christopher Columbus 41, No. 3 Ocoee 36

Class 3-Metro

No. 1 Homestead 30, No. 2 Orlando Jones 24

No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 45, No. 1 Tampa Jesuit 3

Class 2-Metro 

No. 1 Plantation American Heritage 21, No. 3 Jacksonville Bolles 14

No. 1 Miami Central 39, No. 4 St. Petersburg Lakewood 21

Class 1-Metro

No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 56, No. 3 Miami True North Classical Academy 0

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We are down to the last week.

The state playoffs will be set after tonight’s games and there are seven Miami-Dade and Broward programs still alive for that coveted birth in the state finals – next week at Gene Cox Stadium in Tallahassee – and the week after here in Fort Lauderdale at DRV PNK Stadium.

Two weeks of championship football and we will find out after tonight's games which teams will match up.

Here is a look at the local games that you may want to check out – everyone by the Homestead-Orlando Jones contest will be played locally:

Class 4-Metro

No. 3 Ocoee (8-4) at No. 1 Miami Christopher Columbus (12-1). While Ocoee comes into the game on a roll, the Explorers and head coach Dave Dunn are at a different level.

Columbus is more than battle tested, lining up against some of the best teams in south Florida. This one should go as planned.

THE PICK: Miami Christopher Columbus 37, Ocoee 10.

Class 3-Metro

No. 1 Homestead (10-2) at No. 2 Orlando Jones (10-2). Okay, on the surface, the Jones Tigers are at home and are red hot after beating Orlando Edgewater soundly last week but let us keep in mind that both of the Broncos’ losses came when they were not at full strength, and remember this is a team that soundly beat the Miami Northwestern program that knocked off Jones in the kickoff classic.

This is south Florida vs. Central Florida and promises to be a war, and head coach Philip Simpson and his team will be ready.

THE PICK: Homestead 28, Orlando Jones 27.

No. 1 Tampa Jesuit (9-4) at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (12-0). Revenge is the order of the business at Brian Piccolo Stadium as the Raiders, the defending three-time state champions, welcome in the 6A state champions for a year ago.

But this is a rematch of last year when the Tigers beat St. Thomas and ruined a possible run at the national championship. Both teams have been on fire in the state playoffs. We all watched Tampa Jesuit lose at Columbus early in the season, and this should be the same type of outcome. The Raiders and head coach Roger Harriott are still looking at a top 5 national ranking.

THE PICK: St. Thomas Aquinas 37, Tampa Jesuit 13. 

Class 2-Metro

No. 3 Jacksonville Bolles (9-4) at Plantation American Heritage (12-1). While The Bolles school is iconic and have been solid down the stretch this season, the Patriots are at a whole different level – after beating two-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. Since losing to one of the nation’s best teams, Chaminade-Madonna late in the fourth quarter, nobody has come close and the Bulldogs will see what this team is all about.

Loaded with big time playmakers on both sides of the ball, this one could get away quickly, and first year head coach Mike Smith and his team have prepared for this moment.

THE PICK: Plantation American Heritage 39, Jacksonville Bolles 14.

No. 4 St. Petersburg Lakewood (9-4) at No. 1 Miami Central (12-0). Not taking anything away from the red-hot Spartans, who have never backed away from top-flight competition as they seek a spot in the finals. But this is a bird that they have not flown with.

The Rockets are three-time defending state champions and understand that Lakewood is talented, but the fish they are frying is a whole lot bigger than the state title the Spartans are after. First year head coach Jube Joseph and his team come in as the No. 1 team in the nation and a win here will set up the possibility of bringing home a national title in two weeks.

THE PICK: Miami Central 42, St. Petersburg Lakewood 24

Class 1-Metro

No. 3 Miami True North Classical Academy (8-3) at No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (10-0). What more can you say about head coach Greg Laferre and his Titans who advanced to the state semifinals in the fourth year of the program. They have been impressive and have set the table for an exciting future.

On the other side of the field is a team that many feel is as good better as anyone as they are currently rated behind Miami Central nationally.

Big, strong and quick striking have given head coach Dameon Jones and this program a chance to be really special this season and certainly set the table for 2023, where nobody will return more elite talent – anywhere in the country.

THE PICK: Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 56, Miami True North Classical Academy 7.

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

They have hung around all season – beat a number of state-rated teams and are 11-2, but for some reason the Homestead Broncos are not getting the respect they deserve.

As they head to Orlando on Friday night to play Jones High School in the 3M state semifinals, the talk has not been about them, and that could be a mistake.

With Jones coming off a huge win against power Orlando Edgewater, they are indeed the favorite to advance to the state title game in two weeks at DRV PNK Stadium against the winner of national power Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas and Tampa Jesuit.

But before you jump on that Jones’ bandwagon and award the Tigers an automatic win, lets remember that the Broncos are not just another team. They happened to crush the same Miami Northwestern team that Jones lost to at the start of the season in the kickoff classic. They are battle tested and have played a schedule that has gotten them ready for this moment.

Before you write off Homestead and start making hotel reservations in south Florida, Orlando Jones needs to step back and understand that the Broncos are not going to roll over, and head coach Philip Simpson will make sure of that.

With a senior class that includes Trimaine Brown (Athlete, 5-11, 175), Ryan Bullard (RB, 5-10, 175), Richard Dandridge (WR, 5-10, 165), Christian Hanks (FS, 5-11, 180), Kavaursea Jerry (DE), David Jester (DB, 6-3, 180), Devorise Johnson (DB, 6-0, 175), Javon Robinson (WR, 5-8, 160), Markwon Strong (DL/DE, 6-0, 250) and linebacker Marcus Woodley (6-1, 215), you have talent, leadership and experience.

THE UNDERCLASS IS VERY TALENTED

While the senior class has a number of gifted playmakers, the Broncos also have a number of game-changers in the Class of 2024. Prospects such as Lonnie Brady (OL, 6-4, 250), versatile Isaac Brown (Athlete, 5-9, 180), Jameel Carter (OL/DL, 6-3, 290), Friently Francois (OL, 6-6, 265), Amen Mackey (OLB, 6-0, 190), Tyler Mirre (OL, 5-10, 250), Eduardo Nunez (LB, 6-1, 200), Juan Ramirez (DT, 6-0, 255), Clinton Riley (RB, 5-9, 170). Sir Robertgeau (S, 6-1, 175) and Jalen Saintil (DE, 6-1, 215).

There is also Rashad Snow (CB, 5-10, 165), Jamari Stokes (WR/DB, 5-9, 160) impressive quarterback Joshua Townsend (5-10, 205), Santonio Wallace (LB, 5-11, 175) and Fraquan Warren (WR, 5-8, 150). The 2025 class has also contributed with Kevin Cascudo (WR, 5-9, 150), James Gatewood (WR/DB/DE, 6-0, 180), Lance Grant (DB, 5-10, 175), Joshua McDowell (LB, 5-10, 200), nationally rated receiver Cortez Mills (6-0, 170), Luis Pruneda (OL, 6-3, 250) and defensive back Semaj Smith (5-9, 160). Also keep an eye on future 2026 star Kymani Corbett (Athlete, 6-1, 195).

THE BRONCOS (11-2)

Miami Killian, W 46-7

Miami Palmetto, W 19-7

HOMESTEAD SOUTH DADE, W 47-0

St. Petersburg Lakewood, W 24-12

SOUTHWEST MIAMI, W 44-0

SOUTH MIAMI, W 22-6

MIAMI CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS, L 21-6

Miami Southridge, L 20-8

Miami Northwestern, W 44-28

MIAMI BELEN JESUIT, W 18-7

North Miami, W 40-0

MIAMI DR. KROP, W 35-12

MIRAMAR, W 33-13

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

With the season winding down – with the state semifinals being played this week across Florida – athletes are still being put into a spotlight.

As many media members and recruiting services are just discovering athletes, we have had them all on the radar for as many as three years.

It’s because of our year-round commitment to watching prospects at camps, combines, line camps and 7-on-7 events that we have a major advantage. The information that we put out in October is not different than what we produce in June and July.

As we do each and every Wednesday, we bring you five football players to keep an eye on – in every class – no matter what level they play at.

Here are five playoff prospects to watch:

2023 – Alan “A.J.” Arellano, WR/Athlete, 6-0, 175. While there are some impressive stories in south Florida, this may be one that will make you believe that what he has fought through is enough to break most people down. First of all, losing his “rock” and “role model” – his father – was something that no teen should ever go through. That was on top of making a move from quarterback to the receiver position. All he has done the past two years – with the help of his family - is stay strong and understand as tough as things may be – life must go on, and it has. This is easily one of the top receivers on a team headed to the state semifinals at home on Friday against Ocoee. He has been reliable and someone that every member of the team has gravitated toward. In addition, he is a year-round baseball standout that has worked very hard. He also gets it done in the classroom. College offers should be pouring in and coaches need to wake up. Young man like this do not come along too often!

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12552313/63463695386e8e0dbce32e68

2025 – Ezekiel Marcelin Jr., LB, 6-0, 195, Miami Central. One year ago as a freshman linebacker for the Rockets, this is a prospect very few people knew about. Unless you went to games and watched the team on the way to their consecutive state title, this is someone that was hidden with all the talent that this program produces around the clock. After beating Merritt Island in the 5A state title game, media, recruiting services and fans started to put him on their list. Starting the state title game as a freshman was not enough, He attended everything in the off-season, further thrusting his name into conversations for future stars. In addition, his work in the classroom (3.0 GPA) has been equally as impressive. 

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17070413/61b097dc386d9a07dc1faba9

2024 – Daniel Mincey, OT/OG, 6-5, 280, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. Another talented prospect that the more you watch the more you appreciate what he brings to the table. The coaching staff began talking about him as a ninth grader and now as he heads toward his final season, this is a versatile talent who has the size, athletic ability and skill to be one of the better one of the better prospects in the state. His work in leading a balanced attack this season for the Chiefs, there is no getting around the fact that if he stays healthy, he will be special. His work ethic is also positive and was helpful in his team getting to the Region finals. 

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14962691/Daniel-Mincey

2024 - David Pein, DT, 6-0, 288, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. When it comes to maximizing your talent, here is the blueprint. One of the hardest workers you will find, this young man went everywhere and did everything possible to become the best football player he can be – and has truly been an asset to the Raiders as the get set to host the 3M state semifinal at home on Friday. His work in the classroom (3.5 GPA) is also something that goes along with the many things he does to attract college attention.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15920779/David-Pein

2024 – Isaiah Scott, WR, 5-11, 170, Miami Norland. Having had the opportunity to watch this quality pass catcher perform a number of times – during the season as well as in the off-season, where he is a standout 7-on-7 player. As a receiver for the Vikings this year, his ability to make plays and move the chains was a huge reason why this team advanced to the Region finals among 3M schools. He is also a track standout as well.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15301643/Isaiah-Scott

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..