HOLLYWOOD – As South Broward and Parkland Douglas went through their pre-game warmups; a misty rain began to fall on a Thursday evening.

As the teams prepared for a non-district matchup, a tall figure in blue jeans made his way from the entrance onto the field.

As he got closer to the VIP tent that was set up in north endzone, dozens of former teammates, dignitaries and administrators made their way over to greet he and his son, who had made way down from Martin County.

For the first time in many decades, Bill Hawkins returned to where his amazing football career began. On this night, Bulldogs – new and old – welcomed back their true native son. Someone who along with Tucker Fredrickson, Travis Daniels and Danny McManus kept this school relevant when talking high school football players who had made a splash at the next level and beyond.

As players from his early 1980’s teams embraced the towering Hawkins, it was a night where the past indeed met the future as principal Patricia Brown and athletic director Boomer Bray, who both made this evening possible, were ready with open arms.

With this evening planned to retire his No. 72 jersey, dozens came out to pay their respects and congratulate a former classmate, teammates and someone who everyone was proud to call “their own”.

Now a successful attorney in Martin County, Hawkins was overwhelmed by the invitation and the outpouring.

“I thought they were kidding when they said they wanted to retire my jersey,” he said with a smile. “Much of what I am today started on this football field and in this City.”

While the Bulldogs almost didn’t get Hawkins, who began at nearby Chaminade High School as a ninth grader, it was the opposite sex that was a factor in making the move to South Broward.

“When I was there and saw the school was all boys, I said no way,” he laughed. “I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed my time here at this school and every teacher and classmate that I came in contact with.”

As former teammates came up to congratulate and say hello to this impressive student/athlete who had the highest-grade point average on the high school team and in college, many shared stories and brought up great memories. As stories were exchanged, halftime arrived, and it was the moment that been a long time in the planning.

Speaking of college, the choice to go to Miami was something he nearly regretted when he was a freshman. He recalls that he almost quit because Jimmy Johnson and the staff worked him like he had never been worked before. But it all worked out.

Hawkins was a 3-year starter for the Hurricanes at defensive end. While he redshirted in 1984, he started to make an impact in 1985 - as a backup he recorded 10 tackles and showcased some amazing skills and learned plenty from some iconic players in front of him.

The very next season, Hawkins’ career was defined as a starter when he finished with 62 tackles (10 for a loss) and 7 sacks. His junior season was also one where scouts in the NFL began to take notice.

With his towering 6-6, 265-pound frame, he had 84 tackles with 14 of them going for a loss to go with his 6.5 sacks and it set him up for a banner 1988 season.

It was during his senior year with the Hurricanes that Hawkins earned first and second team All-American honors by various outlets. He finished with 67 tackles (18 for a loss) and 7.5 sacks and earned him a spot as a finalist for the Lombardi Award. 

His work on the football field as well as in the classroom had Coach Johnson singing his praises as one of "the most consistent lineman he ever coached."

In his four years at Miami the Hurricanes had a 44-4 win–loss record and Hawkins played in four "New Years' Day" bowl games. The ‘Canes were National Champions after the 1987 season and the victory over Oklahoma.

For all his work at the University of Miami, Hawkins was selected as a member of the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame.

His collegiate success paved the way for the future – as he was the 21st selection in the 1st round of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.

While injuries got in the way during his professional career, he still impacted his team and teammates and set the table for his career after football.

Today, with a Law Degree from the University of Florida, Hawkins has a “Client First” approach, running his law practice with the client’s best interest in mind. He is indeed a great communicator – on and off the playing field. Hawkins also took advantage of the study abroad program in Montpellier, France studying international financial crimes (with Honors).

He finally got the sport of football out of his system as a two-year defensive line coach at Jupiter High School back in 2010-11.

“Different game than when I played it,” Hawkins said. “But it was fun while it lasted.”

In is served when we have open and frank communication. This allows me to understand their perspective and create a game plan, to make their goals possible”.

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..

Here we are at Week 9 already and each and every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties have rolled out some impressive games.

With the Greater Miami Athletic Conference (GMAC) games under way, there will be great competition – along with Broward schools who are looking for a state playoff spot.

This week, which began last night, has some quality contests – and we have five of them for you:

No. 9 Coconut Creek Monarch (6-1) at No. 3 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (7-0), 7. On the surface this may get out of hand – as the Raiders are searching for a third straight state title and national ranking with plenty of talent and outstanding coaching under Roger Harriott. But you have to give head coach Calvin Davis and the Knights credit for stringing together six wins in seven games and showcasing some tremendous talent.

No. 6 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (7-1) at Bradenton Manatee (5-1), 7:30. A very interesting road game for head coach Matt Dubuc and his football team as they hot the road once again for a matchup with the Hurricanes. The Chiefs have rebounded from their setback a few weeks ago to Plantation American Heritage as they set the table for the upcoming playoffs in a few weeks.

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (6-0) at Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest (6-1), 7. Two programs who have not received any recognition, but this is a key game because of the way these two programs have taken care of business this season. Both teams have plenty of talent and outstanding coaches, who have helped to elevate and give both the exposure that is needed to attract college attention. Should be a tremendous game.

No. 4 Miami Christopher Columbus (8-0) at No. 1 Miami Central (7-0), Traz Powell, 7:30. This is the game that everyone has been pointing to since the GMAC matchups were made. The Explorers come into the contest with quality wins and boast some impressive talent under head coach Dave Dunn. They have answered every challenge put in front of them. For first year head coach Jube Joseph and his nationally-rated Rockets, this season has indeed been a magical one with a major victory over national power IMG Academy. This team is stacked on both sides of the ball and nobody has been able to slow them down – at all. The best game in the state of Florida this week will also receive national attention.

No. 5 Plantation American Heritage (7-1) at Naples (6-1), 7:30. This is a contest that has gotten little attention, and while head coach Mike Smith and his Patriots come into the game as big favorites, the last time they traveled to Naples, the results didn’t come out in their favor. But this is a different year and the objective of reaching the 2M state title game has been the objective all season. Plenty of Southwest Florida fans who went through Hurricane Ian could use a boost and they will receive it with a game like this.

THURSDAY SCORES

Coconut Creek North Broward Prep 54, Coral Springs Charter 32

Hialeah American 36, Miami Ferguson 7

Homestead 44, Miami Northwestern 28

Miami Carol City 25, South Miami 18

Miami Coral Reef 30, Westland Hialeah 8

Miami Dr. Krop 32, Miami Braddock 14

Miami Edison 21, Homestead South Dade 14

Miami Norland 35, Miami Palmetto 14

Miami Springs 14, Doral Reagan 13

Miramar 21, Davie Western 0

Parkland Douglas 54, Hollywood South Broward 28

Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy 46, Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons 14

Pembroke Pines West Broward 33, Pembroke Pines Flanagan 0

Plantation 14, Deerfield Beach 7

Pompano Beach 35, West Palm Beach Berean Christian 0

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely 38, Sunrise Piper 14

West Boca Raton 35, Oakland Park Northeast 0

FRIDAY

GMAC SCHEDULE

Miami Varela (0-7) at Hialeah Miami-Lakes (2-5), HML, 3:30

Miami Sunset (3-4) at Hialeah Gardens (3-4), Hialeah Gardens, 3:30

Hialeah Barbara Goleman (3-4) at Miami Beach (2-5), Memorial, 7

Miami Southridge (4-3) at No. 14 Miami Booker T. Washington (6-2), Traz Powell, 3:30

Southwest Miami (0-7) at North Miami Mourning, North Miami, 3:30

OTHER GAMES

Belle Glade Glades Day (2-5) at SW Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (0-6), 7

Cooper City (2-6) at Weston Cypress Bay (4-3), 7

Coral Springs (3-4) at Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson (0-6), 7

Coral Springs Taravella (1-6) at Hallandale (1-6), 7

Davie Nova (2-5) at Pembroke Pines Charter (4-3), 7

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (3-4) at Coral Springs Coral Glades (2-5), 7

Miami Dade Christian (0-5) at North Lauderdale Somerset Prep (0-5), 7

No. 15 Hollywood Avant Garde Academy (5-1) at No. 2 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (6-0), 7

Hollywood Hills (3-4) at Riviera Beach Inlet Grove (5-1), 6:30

Hollywood McArthur (4-3) at No. 20 Coconut Creek (4-3), 7

Homestead Everglades Prep (2-3) at Miami Palmer Trinity (4-3), 4

Miami Florida Christian (1-5) at Miami Ransom Everglades (4-2), 7

Miami Gulliver Prep (3-3) at Miami Belen Jesuit (4-3), 7:30

Miami Monsignor Pace (3-4) at Miami Immaculata LaSalle (4-3), 7

Miami True North Classical Academy (5-2) at West Palm Beach The King’s Academy (6-1), 7

Miami Westminster Christian (7-0) at Miami Archbishop Carroll (6-1), 7

Miramar Everglades (4-3) at No. 19 South Plantation (5-1), 7

Palm Glades Prep (1-7) at Marathon (4-3), 7

Somerset Academy South Homestead (3-4) at Miami St. Brendan (5-2), 7

SATURDAY

GMAC SCHEDULE

Miami Killian (2-5) at North Miami Beach (2-5), Traz Powell, 7

OTHER GAME       

Fort Lauderdale (4-3) at No. 13 Fort Lauderdale Dillard (3-3), 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..

The idea when it began last year was to shine a spotlight on Miami-Dade County’s Greater Miami Athletic Conference and the teams who play in the 305.

With a few changes for the 2022 GMAC Week, something that was frowned upon last season my many schools is now something that is slowly winning programs over.

With Week 9 set aside by all schools in the conference – North vs. South format was set up, matching several programs who do not play each other.

While the No. 1 Miami Central Rockets and the No. 4 Miami Christopher Columbus Explorers are the main event on Friday night with the two unbeatens colliding at Traz Powell Stadium, things get started today – with 11 games being played throughout the county.

Perhaps the biggest first day game will see head coach Max Edwards and his No. 12 Miami Northwestern Bulls (4-3) hosting head coach Philip Simpson and his No. 18 Homestead Broncos (5-2).

The Bulls are now healthy as they proved last Saturday night in a convincing win over Miami Booker T. Washington – while the Broncos limp into the north vs. south matchup on a two-game losing streak.

HOMESTEAD BRONCOS (5-2)

Miami Palmetto, W 19-7

HOMESTEAD SOUTH DADE, W 47-0

St. Petersburg Lakewood, W 24-14

SOUTHWEST MIAMI, W 44-0

SOUTH MIAMI, W 22-6

MIAMI CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS, L 21-6

Miami Southridge, L 20-8

10/20 - Miami Northwestern (GMAC Week)

10/28 – MIAMI BELEN JESUIT

MIAMI NORTHWESTERN BULLS (4-3)

Venice, W 32-26

MIAMI JACKSON, W 44-0

HOLLYWOOD CHAMINADE MADONNA, L 42-14

MIAMI EDISON, W 42-22

MIAMI CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS, L 23-19

MIAMI CENTRAL, L 42-7

Miami Booker T. Washington, W 26-7

10/20 – HOMESTEAD (GMAC WEEK)

10/29 – MIAMI IMMACULATA LASALLE

This promises to be a quality Traz Powell Stadium (7:30) contest between two impressive programs that are loaded with talent. In addition to the Bulls and Broncos, here is a look at the rest of this week’s Miami-Dade and Broward schedule:

THURSDAY

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..

Each and every week during the season, we devote Wednesday to shining a spotlight on Miami-Dade and Broward prospects.

While we also give you year-round coverage of camps, combines, team profiled and other assorted ways of getting the student/athletes out there, this is a way to give these talented young men a chance to be recognized by colleges across the country.

While so many others help promote Miami-Dade and Broward prospects, we have the unique opportunity to share with hundreds of coaches we have dealt with for over five decades as well as a social media following of well over 100,000 daily viewers.

Here is a look at this week’s five prospects to keep an eye on:

2023 - Clayton Cannon Jr., RB, Parkland Douglas. Here is a durable every down back who will surprise you with his quickness. Built for power and ball control, his quickness to hit the holes and make something out of nothing is what has given this gifted young man a huge advantage. One of those runners that is tough to stop on the first hit. His strength and balance are major assets to his game. Recruiting him will be easy as his 4.10 GPA in the classroom is a game-changer for many colleges.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17771697/633ee2ab7bdd700ac8ba6bf6

2024 - Keon Daceus, OG/OT, 6-1, 308, Coconut Creek. If you are looking for a reason why this program is on the move upward, you need to look no further than the offensive line. The Cougars may not be mentioned as one of the powers in south Florida but may want to stay tuned to what they are building. In this quality junior you have perhaps one of the most physical and technically sound big men in the region. He is strong, quick, agile and has an attitude that has spread to the rest of the linemen – on both sides of the ball. While his height may not be what the Power 5 and Group of 5 schools are looking for, his talent his and he has dominated the competition the first two seasons, and the best is yet to come. As this program looks to make the playoffs, it will be prospects like this young man, who will benefit in a major way, and that is indeed the name of the game.

TAPE: https://ww w.hudl.com/profile/16005379/Keon-Daceus

2024 – David Garcia, QB, 5-11, 165, Miami Braddock. Talk about an underrated football prospect and this may be the poster child for not getting the exposure that he deserves. Even though his program is undefeated so far this season, the college coaches have not paid the attention that this student/athlete warrants. He can throw, run and is a major leader – in and out of the classroom, where his 4.9 GPA will open more doors than athletics ever will. The fact that he will have an opportunity to parlay his grades into a collegiate football experience is the main reason that this remains a talent that everyone will want to continue watching.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13002847/David-Garcia

2026 – Elijah Hardy, WR, 5-9, 170, Miami Northwestern. It happens every season in south Florida. A freshman who walks onto campus and dominates, looking and playing way beyond his years, Because of the level of youth football that is played in the two counties, high school football becomes a formality. The competition and coaching that a player like this receives only lends to the overall package. This is one of the next generations of football talent. Someone who can match up against upperclassmen – with his ability to catch, run and play this sport at a high level.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17877661/Elijah-Hardy

2026 – Brandon Kinsey, WR/FS, 6-0, 177, Miami Immaculata LaSalle. Yet another difference maker who has burst onto the scene at the high school level – just like so many elite freshmen this season. Playing for a program that has given him the opportunity to showcase his many schools, this is definitely a talent who elevates a program – not only with his physical abilities, but also as someone who is way beyond his years as a student. If you do not see him without a helmet on, there is simply no way you would guess that he is just a 15-year-old ninth grader who has over three years to mature and fully reach his potential, and that makes many people in the South Miami area very happy.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17807080/Brandon-Kinsey

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..