Prior to last Saturday night’s showdown with Miami Booker T. Washington, there were some who warned that Miami Northwestern was far from a 3-3 team. Those who watched the Bulls in the off-season realized that while the team wasn’t deep, they were indeed talented.

With several key players out with injury, they were no match to the No. 1 team in the state, rival Miami Central (42-7) and the No. 2 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna Lions (42-14) and even unbeaten Miami Christopher Columbus (23-19). But on Saturday, the program that has long been competitive and gifted returned to the spotlight – just in time for this Friday’s GMAC Week contest against Homestead.

With the passing of Taron “Tyger” Dickens and big plays by fellow seniors Marlin Cochran (RB), Toddrick Brewton (OLB/DE), P.J. Faulk (TE/H-Back), University of Florida bound Andy Jean (WR), Adam Moore (WR) and defensive back Nazir Ward, the Bulls rolled to a 26-7 win and stand at 4-3.

The win was also fueled by the production from several underclassmen for head coach Max Edwards and his team.

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 43-7

Miami Booker T. Washington, W 26-7

10/20 - HOMESTEAD – GMAC WEEK

10/29 – MIAMI IMMACULATE LASALLE

WEEK 8 SAW SOME HUGE WINS

In addition the big win by Northwestern, here is a look at some of the other scores from Week 8:

Belle Glades Glades Day 47, Miami Dade Christian 20

Boca Raton Spanish River 35, Hialeah Miami-Lakes 0

Coconut Creek 50, West Boca Raton 0

Coral Gables 24, Miami Beach 7

Coral Springs Coral Glades 33, Coral Springs Taravella 7

Davie Western 36, Weston Cypress Bay 20

Doral Reagan 40, North Miami Mourning 13

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian 42, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep 14

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 49, Hallandale 6

Fort Lauderdale Dillard 42, Plantation 6

Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest 49, Coral Springs Charter 13

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 49, Fort Lauderdale 13

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy 31, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School 6

Hialeah Gardens 14, Miami Coral Park 7

Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy 22, Miami Springs 8

Hollywood Avant Garde Academy 68, SLAM Palm Beach 0

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 90, Somerset Academy Key 0

Hollywood McArthur 30, Hollywood South Broward 7

Homestead Everglades Prep 25, Miami Florida Christian 13

Marathon 57, Miami Country Day 21

Miami Archbishop Carroll 47, West Palm Beach Berean Christian 0

Miami Braddock 42, Miami Varela 14

Miami Carol City 28, North Miami Beach 22

Miami Central 53, Miami Norland 7

Miami Christopher Columbus 35, Doral Academy 7

Miami Coral Reef 33, Miami Sunset 0

Miami Dr. Krop 39, Hollywood Hills 12

Miami Edison 35, Miami Gardens TRU Prep 6

Miami Ferguson 41, Southwest Miami 6

Miami Gulliver Prep 21, North Palm Beach Benjamin 14

Miami High 28, Hialeah Goleman 23

Miami Jackson 22, Miami Immaculata LaSalle 6

Miami Killian 22, South Miami 13

Miami Palmetto 47, Homestead South Dade 13

Miami Southridge 20, Homestead 6

Miami St. Brendan 14, Westland Hialeah 12

Miami True North Classical Academy 34, Somerset Silver Palms 33

Miami Westminster Christian 30, Miami Palmer Trinity 21

Miramar 47, Hialeah American 7

Naples Gulf Coast 45, Pembroke Pines West Broward 13

North Miami 12, Hialeah 6

Parkland Douglas 41, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson 6

Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy 47, Cooper City 0

Plantation American Heritage 24, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan 0

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely 7, Deerfield Beach 0

Sunrise Piper 28, Davie Nova 12

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 so many impressive games over the past five weeks being played in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, things slow just a little bit as we start Week 8.

As many district games will be played over the next few weeks, things get started today with five south Florida rated programs in action.

The spotlight game this evening will watch No. 16 Miami Norland (4-1) at No. 1 Miami Central (6-0) square off in a 7:00 game at Traz Powell Stadium at 7.

No. 2 Hollywood Chaminade Madonna gets back at it after two weeks off as they will be home against 0-6 Somerset Academy Key.

The Lions are 5-0 with games against Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast and Venice postponed because of Hurricane Ian.

This is a program that remains one of the best in the nation – and will be looking for an amazing seventh consecutive trip to the state finals.

For No. 6 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (6-1), it’s all about getting ready for the playoffs after falling to Plantation American Heritage a few weeks back.

The Chiefs head to Hallandale as they look to keep that momentum going after a win last week against Miami Belen Jesuit.

One of the teams that has not gotten it all together is No. 14 Hollywood Avant Garde Academy, who takes their 4-1 record into the game against Sports Leadership & Management (1-5). The Sharks are loaded with talent and will use this game as a tune up for next week’s huge district showdown with Chaminade-Madonna on the road.

In addition to those three games, here is the way Thursday shapes up around Miami-Dade and Broward Counties:

Coconut Creek (3-3) at West Boca Raton (4-2), 6:30

Coral Springs (2-4) at Boca Raton Olympic Heights (1-6), 6:30

Coral Springs Taravella (0-5) at Coral Springs Coral Glades (1-5), 7

Doral Ronald Reagan (1-4) at North Miami Mourning (2-4), 3:30

Miami Gardens TRU Prep (1-3) at Miami Edison (2-4), Traz Powell Stadium, 7

Miami Sunset (3-3) at Miami Coral Reef (4-2), Harris Field, 7

North Palm Beach Benjamin (2-3) at Miami Gulliver Prep (2-3), 3:30

FRIDAY

Coconut Creek North Broward Prep (3-3) at No. 13 Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (6-1), 7

Cooper City (2-5) at Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (2-4), 3:30

Coral Springs Charter (3-3) at Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest (5-1), 7

Davie Nova (2-4) at Sunrise Piper (4-3), 7

Doral Academy (5-2) at No. 4 Miami Christopher Columbus (7-0), 7

Everglades Prep (1-3) at Miami Florida Christian (1-4), 7:30

No. 19 Fort Lauderdale (4-2) at No. 3 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (6-0), 7

No. 18 Fort Lauderdale Dillard (2-3) at No. 10 Plantation (4-1), 7

Fort Lauderdale NSU University School (4-3) at Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (5-0), 7

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (3-3) at No. 5 Plantation American Heritage (6-1), 7:30

Hialeah (3-2) at North Miami (2-5), 7:30

Hialeah Barbara Goleman (3-3) at Miami High (3-2), Curtis, 7:30

Hialeah Gardens (2-4) at Miami Coral Park (3-3), 3:30

Hialeah Miami-Lakes (2-4) at Boca Raton Spanish River (0-6), 6:30

Hollywood South Broward (4-1) at Hollywood McArthur (3-3), 7

No. 7 Homestead (6-1) at Miami Southridge (3-3), 7:30

Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson (0-5) at Parkland Douglas (3-3), 7

Miami Beach (2-4) at Coral Gables (3-2), 4

Miami Dade Christian (0-4) at Belle Glade Glades Day (1-5), 7

Miami Dr. Krop (2-4) at Hollywood Hills (3-3), 4

Miami Jackson (3-3) at Miami Immaculata LaSalle (4-2), 7

Miami Palmetto (3-4) at Homestead South Dade (1-4), Harris Field, 7:30

Miami Springs (1-5) at Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (1-6), Milander, 7:30

Miami Varela (0-6) at Miami Braddock (5-1), 3:30

No. 9 Miramar (4-1) at Hialeah American (1-5), 7

North Miami Beach (2-4) at Miami Carol City (3-3)

Palm Glades Prep Academy (1-6) at Somerset Academy South Homestead (2-4), 5

Pembroke Pines Charter (3-3) at Miramar Everglades (4-2), 7

Pembroke Pines West Broward (3-3) at Naples Gulf Coast (4-2), 7

No. 11 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (5-0) at Deerfield Beach, 7

Somerset Academy Silver Palms (2-4) at Miami True North Classical Academy (4-2), 3:30

South Miami (4-1) at Miami Killian (1-6), Tropical, 7:30

South Plantation (4-1) at Pompano Beach (3-2), 7

West Palm Beach Berean Christian (1-5) at Miami Archbishop Carroll (5-1), 3:30

Westland Hialeah (4-2) at Miami St. Brendan (4-2), 7

Weston Cypress Bay (4-2) at No. 15 Davie Western (4-2), 7

SATURDAY

Miami Ferguson (4-2) at Southwest Miami (0-6), Tropical, 7

No. 17 Miami Northwestern (3-3) at No. 8 Miami Booker T. Washington (6-1), Traz Powell, 7

Miami Palmer Trinity (4-2) at Miami Westminster Christian (5-0), 1:00

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..

By now, you already know the routine with our coverage here in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

It has been nonstop promotion and prospect spotlights for over a half century, and while many have their opinions, we continue to give exposure to EVERY athlete in this region of the state for hundreds and hundreds of college coaches – nationally – to keep an eye on what is going on in “ground zero” for football talent.

In addition to our team spotlights and prospect information that we produce weekly, this is one of the most popular segments that we do.

Giving five players here in the two counties a chance for the spotlight to be shined in their direction. Here are this week’s prospect to keep an eye on:

2023 – James Dorsey, CB/FS, 6-0, 165, Miami Carol City. One of the prospects who is definitely under the radar in this region. His ability to play multiple positions in the secondary has college coaches watching him closer than ever before. His game-changing 96-yard interceptions return for a score against Westland Hialeah is the latest in the many things that he brings to the table for the Chiefs.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17641756/James-Dorsey

2024 – Bowen Drewes, LB, 6-1, 205, Plantation American Heritage. Talk about under the radar prospects, here is one who part of a linebacking corps that is one of the best in the state of Florida. A playmaker who made an impression last year but has really turned heads this season as the Patriots continue their climb toward a state championship. Not only is he a stellar football player, but is considered to be one of the elite Lacrosse players as well as being a tremendous student in the classroom – where he 4.2 GPA is among the best on the team. Continue to watch this quality football talent.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11720740/Bowen-Drewes

2023 - Kyrell Logan, RB/WR, 5-8, 170, South Miami. Another versatile football talent who has made an impression this season as the Cobras look to turn the corner. One of the premier athletes in south Florida, his ability to run the ball from scrimmage along with catching the ball up field has been a huge asset. Add in the fact that he is also a quality player on the special teams and you have someone who will be an easy sell to several college programs.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15899694/Kyrell-Logan

2024 – Edward Louis, WR, 5-7, 165, Fort Lauderdale Dillard. There are football players who have the size and athletic ability to make an impact. But there are also prospects who do everything and make a difference in the outcome in games. Here is one of the most underpublicized receivers in south Florida. He quick, runs tremendous pass patterns and forces the Panthers to include him more in the offense. As much as he does on the football field, he is also getting it done in the classroom – with a 3.0 GPA. Keep a close eye on this young man!

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16923806/63442d510660a008dccbea11

2023 - Manuel “Manny” Reyes, OL/DL, 6-2, 260, Weston Cypress Bay. This two-way line prospect is one of many football players that the Lightning have been developing up front – in the trenches. Smart, strong, agile and athletic, his play on the field has been opening plenty of eyes. The fact that he plays on both sides of the football is making him very attractive to colleges across the country. His work in the classroom (3.3 GPA) is just another enhancement that this young man brings to the table.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15999313/Manuel-Reyes

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..

As we head toward Week 8 of the high school football season, the top programs in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are rising to the top.

With schools that are state-rated making a statement so far this season, you have some others – like Miami Booker T. Washington, Coconut Creek Monarch, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely and Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian making a huge push up the rankings.

In addition, schools such as Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest (2M, 5-1), Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (1M, 5-0), Hollywood South Broward (3M, 4-1), Miami Archbishop Carroll (1M, 5-1), Miami Braddock (Independent, 5-1), Westminster Christian (1M, 6-0) and South Miami (2M, 4-1) all drawing plenty of attention as well.

As we head toward Week 8, here is a look at how programs are doing in this region:

1. Miami Central (2M – 6-0). THIS WEEK: Miami Norland on Oct. 14. NEXT GAME: It’s GMAC Week and the Rockets will play No. 4 Miami Christopher Columbus on Oct. 21. LAST WEEK: The Rockets rolled over rival Miami Northwestern, 42-7.

2. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1M – 5-0). THIS WEEK: A Thursday home game against Deerfield Beach Somerset Key. NEXT GAME: A home district game next Friday against Hollywood Avant Garde Academy. LAST WEEK: The Lions were off after the game against Venice was cancelled due to Hurricane Ian.

3. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (3M – 6-0). THIS WEEK: A home district game against Fort Lauderdale on Oct. 14. NEXT GAME: A home game against a much-improved Coconut Creek Monarch on Oct. 21. LAST WEEK: The Raiders rolled over Fort Lauderdale Dillard in a district game on the road, 24-6.

4. Miami Christopher Columbus (4M, 7-0). THIS WEEK: An away game on Oct. 14 against Doral Academy. NEXT GAME: It’s GMAC Week and the Explorers will face off with No. 1 Miami Central. LAST WEEK: The Explorers continued to roll on with a 21-6 win at state-rated Homestead.

5. Plantation American Heritage (2M, 6-1). THIS WEEK: An away game at Fort Lauderdale Stranahan on Oct. 14. NEXT GAME: A trip to Naples to play the Golden Eagles on Oct. 21.  LAST WEEK: The Patriots rolled over Davie Western, 42-18.

6. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2M, 6-1). THIS WEEK: A Thursday road game at Hallandale on Oct. 13. NEXT GAME: A Friday trip to the west coast to play Bradenton Manatee on Oct. 21. LAST WEEK: The Chiefs bounced back after their first loss of the season with a 38-0 win against Miami Belen Jesuit.

7. Homestead (3M, 6-1). THIS WEEK: An away game on Oct. 14 against Miami Southridge NEXT GAME: A GMAC Week contest with No. 17 Miami Northwestern on Oct. 20. WEEK: The Broncos lost their first game of the season, 21-6, to No. 6 Miami Christopher Columbus.

8. Miami Booker T. Washington (2M – 6-1). THIS WEEK: Saturday night, Oct. 15 showdown with No. 17 Miami Northwestern. NEXT GAME: It’s GMAC Week and a contest against Miami Southridge on Oct. 21. LAST WEEK: The Tornadoes continued to roll along with a 41-23 win over previously unbeaten and No. 16 Miami Norland.

9. Miramar (3M, 4-1). THIS WEEK: A Friday away game against Hialeah American. NEXT GAME: An away game against No. 15 Davie Western on Oct. 21. LAST WEEK: The Patriots extended their scoreless streak to 12 quarters with a 53-0 win at Pembroke Pines Charter.

10. Plantation (3M – 4-1). THIS WEEK: A home game on Oct. 14 against No. 18 Fort Lauderdale Dillard. NEXT GAME: A Thursday home game against Deerfield Beach on Oct. 20. LAST WEEK: The Colonels won for the fourth straight time beating Davie Nova in a district game, 51-32.

11. Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (3M, 5-0). THIS WEEK: An away game on Oct. 14 against Deerfield Beach. NEXT GAME: An away game on Thursday, Oct. 20 against Sunrise Piper. LAST WEEK: The Tigers, after a solid start, had the week off.

12. Coconut Creek Monarch (4M, 6-1). THIS WEEK: The team will spend the week off. NEXT GAME: An Oct. 21 game at No. 3 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. LAST WEEK: The Knights continued their tremendous season with a 42-13 win against Hollywood McArthur.

13. Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (2M, 6-1). THIS WEEK: An Oct. 14 home district game against Coconut Creek North Broward Prep. NEXT GAME: A home contest on Oct. 21 against North Palm Beach Benjamin. LAST WEEK: The Eagles rolled to their fifth straight win, 47-21 over Somerset Academy Pembroke Pines.

14. Hollywood Avant Garde (1M, 4-1). THIS WEEK: A Thursday home game against West Palm Beach Sports Leadership & Management. NEXT GAME: A tall task awaits on Oct. 21 in a district game at No. 2 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. LAST WEEK: They stopped Palm Beach Christian Prep, 38-6.

15. Davie Western (4M – 4-2). THIS WEEK: A home game against Weston Cypress Bay on Oct. 14. NEXT GAME: A home game against No. 9 Miramar on Oct. 21.  LAST WEEK: The Wildcats dropped a 42-18 contest to No. 5 Plantation American Heritage.

16. Miami Norland (2M – 4-1). THIS WEEK: It’s an Oct. 14 game against No. 1 Miami Central. NEXT GAME: A Thursday, Oct. 20 contest against Miami Palmetto. LAST WEEK: The Vikings tasted defeat for the first time this year against No. 8 Miami Booker T. Washington.

17. Miami Northwestern (2M – 3-3). THIS WEEK: A Saturday, Oct. 15 showdown with No. 8 Miami Booker T. Washington. NEXT GAME: It’s GMAC Week and a meeting with No. 7 Homestead on Oct. 20. LAST WEEK: The Bulls dropped a 42-7 decision to rival and No. 1 Miami Central.

18. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (3M – 2-3). THIS WEEK:  An away game against No. 10 Plantation on Oct. 14. NEXT GAME:  A Saturday night home district game against No. 19 Fort Lauderdale. LAST WEEK: The Panthers lost a key district home matchup to No. 3 St. Thomas Aquinas, 24-6.

19. Fort Lauderdale (3M, 4-2). THIS WEEK: It’s a district showdown at No. 3 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas on Oct. 14. NEXT GAME: A Saturday night away district game against No. 18 Fort Lauderdale Dillard. LAST WEEK: The Flying Ls suffered their second consecutive loss – to Coconut Creek, 42-7.

20. South Plantation (3M, 4-1). THIS WEEK: An Oct. 14 away game against Pompano Beach. NEXT GAME: An Oct. 21 game at home against Miramar Everglades. LAST WEEK: The Paladins tasted defeat for the first time this year against Sunrise Piper, 38-20.

OTHER TEAMS TO WATCH: Coconut Creek (3M – 3-3), Coral Gables (4M, 3-2), Doral Academy (4M, 5-2), Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest (2M, 5-1), Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (2M – (3-3), Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (1M, 5-0), Hialeah Barbara Goleman (4M, 3-3), Hialeah (3M, 3-2), Hollywood South Broward (3M, 4-1), Miami Archbishop Carroll (1M, 5-1), Miami Belen Jesuit (3M, 4-3), Miami Braddock (Independent, 5-1), Miami Carol City (2M, 3-3) Miami Dr. Krop (3M, 2-4), Miami Edison (2M, 2-4), Miami Gulliver Prep (2M – (2-3), Miami Immaculata LaSalle (2M, 4-2), Miami Jackson (2M, 3-3), Miami Palmetto (4M, 3-4), Miami Ransom Everglades (Independent, 4-2), Miami Southridge (3M, 3-3), Miami St. Brendan (2M, 4-2), Miami Westminster Christian (1M, 6-0), Miramar Everglades (3M, 4-2), Miami Ferguson (Independent, 4-2), North Miami Beach (2M, 2-4), Pembroke Pines Charter (3M, 3-3), Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (4M, 2-4), Pembroke Pines West Broward (4M, 3-3), Pompano Beach (Independent, 3-2), South Miami (2M, 4-1), Sunrise Piper (3M, 3-2), Westland Hialeah (2M, 4-2). Weston Cypress Bay (4M, 4-2).

WEEK 1 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/south-florida-top-20-it-all-gets-started-this-week

WEEK 2 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-top-20-central-shoots-into-the-top-spot

WEEK 3 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-top-20-new-teams-enter-this-week-s-rankings

WEEK 4 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-top-20-more-changes-this-week

WEEK 5 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-5-is-here-already

WEEK 6 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-6-brings-on-new-challenges

WEEK 7 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-top-teams-are-putting-it-together

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..

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD: Top Teams Are Putting It Together. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-top-teams-are-putting-it-together