Once again this week, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties will get the jump on the state playoffs when two games kick the Region Semifinals off.

With the second week of December at Pitbull Stadium in Miami as the destination, several south Florida area programs are trying to secure their spot as a true home team as the state championships will start the first of three years at the Florida International University facility.

TRUE NORTH AND EDISON LOOK TO MOVE ONE STEP FURTHER

When Miami True North Classical Academy (8-3) and Miami Edison (7-4) square off at Tropical Park at 5:00 today, the Region Semifinal will take one team to the next level in 1A.

The winner of this game will play for the Region 4-1A title next week against No. 4 Boca Raton St. Andrew’s Academy (6-5) or No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (9-2)

MIAMI EDISON RED RAIDERS

Hialeah American, W 21-0

Miami Central, W Forfeit

Miami Killian, W 27-7

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 56-19

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, W 17-14

Hollywood Avant Garde, W 57-0

Miami Southridge, L 40-8

Miami Palmetto, L 41-24

Homestead, L 27-12

Miami Jackson, W 38-14

Homestead Somerset Academy Key, W 42-0

MIAMI TRUE NORTH CLASSICAL TITANS

Miami Gardens TRU Prep, W 28-6

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, L 26-7

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, W 13-7

Homestead Everglades Prep, W 40-3

Miami Archbishop Carroll, L 20-19

Jacksonville University Christian, W 55-49

West Palm Beach The King’s Academy, W 27-20

Miami Westminster Christian, W 35-0

Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons, W 28-17

Melbourne Central Catholic, L 51-44

Miami Palmer Trinity, W 42-0

NORLAND AND ARCHBISHOP MCCARTHY IN A REMATCH

The first time that Miami Norland and Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy got together in a district matchup back on Sept. 27, the Vikings (8-2) had their way in a 49-16 game.

Tonight (7:00), because of a scheduling conflict at Traz Powell Stadium, the two teams return to Archbishop McCarthy as the Vikings will look to do it again, taking one more step in returning to the state championship game where they lost a year ago in Tallahassee.

After beating Hialeah last week in the first round of the playoffs, this 4A Region Semifinal is all this team is focusing on.

For the Mavericks, this has been a challenging season after competing as an independent for several years.

With a huge 7-0 win over Plantation in the opening round gives this team plenty of confidence heading into the second meeting with Norland.

The winner of this contest will advance to the Region 4-4A final next week against the winner of No. 5 Fort Lauderdale Dillard (9-2) or No. 1 Plantation American Heritage (8-2).

MIAMI NORLAND VIKINGS

Miramar, W 27-0

Miami Carol City, W 36-10

Miami Northwestern, W 21-17

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 45-20

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, W 49-16

Cocoa, W 33-14

Plantation American Heritage, L Forfeit

Miami Central, W Forfeit

Plantation, W 37-20

Hialeah, W 39-7

SOUTHWEST RANCHES ARCHBISHOP MCCARTHY MAVERICKS

Community School of Naples, W 23-6

Weston Cypress Bay, W 42-6

Miami St. Brendan, W 45-6

Miami True North Classical Academy, L 13-7

Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons, W 42-12

Miami Norland, L 49-16

Plantation, L 18-3

Plantation American Heritage, L 35-0

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, W 31-28

West Palm Beach The King’s Academy, W 31-28

Plantation, W 7-0

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON, CARDINAL GIBBONS LOOKS TO GAIN AND EDGE IN 2A

Both Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbon and Miami Booker T. Washington know the post season drill very well.

Both programs have tasted state titles and plenty of success over much of the past decade.

This evening (7:00), the two favorites in Class 2A will look to move on step closer to playing for a state title when they meet at Traz Powell Stadium.

Each program has been tested this year, playing elite programs that have gotten ready for this showdown this evening.

The winner of this game will play No. 3 Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (8-2) or No. 2 Miami Immaculata LaSalle (10-1).

FORT LAUDERDALE CARDINAL GIBBONS CHIEFS

Lake Mary, 49-20

Hollywood South Broward, W 33-7

Pembroke Pines West Broward, L 43-39

Coconut Creek, W 27-25

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, W 36-35

Hallandale, W 28-6

Boca Raton, W 49-14

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 62-17

Miramar, L 38-28

Deerfield Beach, W 48-6

Miami Carol City, W 17-14

MIAMI BOOKER T. WASHINGTON TORNADOES

Homestead South Dade, W 28-6

Miami Central, W Forfeit

Miami Immaculata LaSalle, W 35-20

Lakeland, L 48-13

Miami Springs, W 62-7

Vero Beach, L 24-21

Miami Southridge, W 27-14

Miami Ransom Everglades, W 42-13

Miami Palmetto, W 21-16

North Miami Beach, W 31-13

In addition to those Thursday games, here is a look at the rest of Round 2 Region Semifinal games for Friday:

1A

REGION 4

QUARTERFINAL

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 63, Boca Raton Saint John Paul II 0

Boca Raton St. Andrew’s Academy 31, Miami Archbishop Carroll 20

REGION SEMIFINAL

No. 4 Boca Raton St. Andrew’s Academy (6-5) at No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (9-2)

QUARTERFINAL

Miami Edison 42, Deerfield Beach Somerset Academy Key 0

Miami True North Classical Academy 42, Miami Palmer Trinity 0

REGION SEMIFINAL

No. 3 Miami Edison (6-5) at No. 2 Miami True North Classical Academy (8-3)

2A

REGION 4

QUARTERFINAL

Miami Booker T. Washington 31, North Miami Beach 13

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 17, Miami Carol City 14

REGION SEMIFINAL

No. 4 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (7-4) at No. 1 Miami Booker T. Washington (8-2)

QUARTERFINAL

Miami Immaculata LaSalle 27, Miami Gulliver Prep 21

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace 40, Miami Ransom Everglades 10

REGION SEMIFINAL

No. 3 Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (8-2) at No. 2 Miami Immaculata LaSalle (10-1).

3A

REGION 4

QUARTERFINAL

Miami Northwestern 69, Naples Barron Collier 0

Naples Lely 44, Miami Jackson 39

REGION SEMIFINAL

No. 4 Naples Lely (7-4) at No. 1 Miami Northwestern (8-2)

QUARTERFINAL

Key West 42, Estero 7

Fort Myers Cypress Lake 27, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy 7

REGION SEMIFINAL

No. 6 Fort Myers Cypress Lake (6-5) at No. 2 Key West (8-3)

4A

REGION 4

QUARTERFINAL

Plantation American Heritage 40, Jensen Beach 7

Fort Lauderdale Dillard 43, Fort Pierce John Carroll 14

REGION SEMIFINAL

No. 5 Fort Lauderdale Dillard (9-2) at No. 1 Plantation American Heritage (8-2)

QUARTERFINAL

Miami Norland 39, Hialeah 7

Southwest Ranches Archbishop Carroll 7, Plantation 0

REGION SEMIFINAL

No. 2 Miami Norland (8-2) at No. 6 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (7-4)

5A

REGION 4

QUARTERFINAL

Delray Atlantic 49, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy 13

Miramar 32, Palm Bay Heritage 10

REGION SEMIFINAL

No. 4 Miramar (7-4) at No. 1 Delray Atlantic (10-1)

QUARTERFINAL

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 58, North Miami 0

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely 34, Coconut Creek 27

REGION SEMIFINAL

No. 3 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (8-3) at No. 2 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (8-3)

6A

REGION 4

QUARTERFINAL

Miami Southridge 37, Hollywood South Broward 6

Coconut Creek Monarch 28, Homestead 21

REGION SEMIFINAL

No. 4 Coconut Creek Monarch (7-3) at No. 1 Miami Southridge (9-2)

QUARTERFINAL

Sunrise Piper 33, Doral Academy 14

Pembroke Pines West Broward 34, Pembroke Pines Flanagan 7

REGION SEMIFINAL

No. 3 Pembroke Pines West Broward (8-3) at No. 2 Sunrise Piper (10-1)

7A

REGION 4

QUARTERFINAL

Miami Christopher Columbus 56, Boca Raton Spanish River 8

Homestead South Dade 48, Lantana Santaluces 13

REGION SEMIFINAL

No. 5 Homestead South Dade (6-5) at No.1 Miami Christopher Columbus (7-3)

QUARTERFINAL

Boca Raton 27, Miami Lakes Goleman 21 (OT)

Davie Western 26, Miami Palmetto 10

REGION SEMIFINAL

No. 7 Davie Western (5-6) at No. 3 Boca Raton (10-1)

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

For the past 54 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..

By now everyone has heard all about how Miami Central’s season came to an end.

No matter what happened that caused one of the nation’s premier football programs to forfeit the season, the young men on this team deserved a whole lot better than being “attacked and put down” on social media with something that they had absolutely nothing to do with.

While most across the state had huge smiles on their collective faces that the Rockets wouldn’t be participating in the post season for the first time in decades, not one of those media agencies or fans via all the social media outlets for one minute thought about the players on this team.

This senior class that set standards, won titles and kept the state of Florida in conversation as being among the best in the country certainly deserved a better ending.

As it’s easy to point fingers, talk about the future and hand out blame, maybe you need to take a step back and for one minute think about those young men and their families who sacrificed so much to be in a position where they were once again one of the top teams in the nation and picked as a favorite to win it all in 3A this year.

Miami Central is NOT just any program. The Rockets and their many impressive football players have certainly been ambassadors for Florida – from Nevada to California and everywhere in between. While they always talked a big game, they backed it up and paved the way for all of Florida to gain national recognition.

While they missed out on making the state finals in 2023, losing to Miami Norland twice, let’s not sweep under the rug the 96-14 record they had over the past decade with multiple state titles and a national championship.

The senior class needs to be recognized for what they accomplished on the football field and not be shamed for what they had nothing to do with.

Here are some seniors who helped to carry that flag for 95^th Street:

Randy Adirika, DT, 6-4, 265.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17667842/Randy-Adirika

Floyd Dawens- Boucard, DT, 6-4, 300.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17840691/FloydDawens-Boucard

Tyrese Bryant, OL, 6-3, 290 – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19380999/Tyrese-Bryant

Anjuan “Ace” Coleman, WR, 5-11, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17633609/Anjuan-Coleman-Jr

Dewey Davis III, DB, 6-0, 165 – 3.0 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16794886/Dewey-Davis 

Steven Dawkins, OL, 6-1, 285

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19538889/Steven-Dawkins?

Luca Guerra, P/K, 6-1, 180 – 4.29 GPA. 1269 SAT.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16331542/Luca-Guerra

Handy Joseph, WR, 6-2, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19538893/Handy-Joseph?

Jalen Labranche, DB, 5-9, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17643897/Jalen-Labranche

Derrick Manker, DT, 6-1, 260.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18054802/Derrick-Manker?

Ezekiel Marcelin, LB, 6-1, 202 – 3.4 GPA.

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

Nicholas McCall, RB, 6-0, 190 – 3.2 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18610103/Nicholas-McCall

Tavares Mobley, DE, 5-10, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20381098/Tavares-Mobley

Nae’shaun Montgomery, WR, 6-2, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17882921/Naeshaun-Montgomery

Donavan Randle, DE/OLB, 6-2, 220 – 3.5 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16409796/donavan-randle

Jeremy Smith, OT, 6-5, 265.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16737128/Jeremy-Smith

Sekou Smith Jr., FS, 6-1, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15428244/Sekou-Smith

Khaleal Sterling, WR, 5-9, 165.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17945587/Khaleal-Sterling

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers

For the past 54 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 one week in the books, the second round of the 2024 Florida high school football post season playoffs are heading to another exciting round.

With Pitbull Stadium at Florida International University being the destination for this year’s state finals, there are several Miami-Dade and Broward County programs who have a chance to reach the finals.

With that in mind, here is a look at the way things stack up heading into that second round – with 1A power Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna still on top:
1. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (9-2, 1A). LAST WEEK: The Lions began their quest for a ninth straight state championship appearance with a 63-0 win against Boca Raton Saint John Paul II. THIS WEEK: 11/22 –No. 4 Boca Raton St. Andrew’s Academy. NEXT GAME: No. 3 Miami Edison (6-5) or No. 2 Miami True North Classical Academy (8-3).

2. Miami Norland (9-2, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Vikings went on the road and beat Hialeah, 39-7. THIS WEEK: 11/22 – No. 6 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (7-4). NEXT GAME: No. 5 Fort Lauderdale Dillard (9-2) or No. 1 Plantation American Heritage (8-2).

3. Plantation American Heritage (8-2, 4A). LAST WEEK: The No. 1 seed Patriots beat Jensen Beach, 40-7. THIS WEEK: 11/22 - No. 5 Fort Lauderdale Dillard (9-2). NEXT GAME: No. 6 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (7-4) or No. 2 Miami Norland (8-2).

4. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (8-3, 5A). LAST WEEK: The five-time defending state champions opened the playoffs with a 58-0 win against North Miami. THIS WEEK: - 11/22 - No. 3 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (8-3). NEXT GAME: No. 4 Miramar (7-4) or No. 1 Delray Atlantic (10-1).

5. Miami Northwestern (8-2). LAST WEEK: The No. 1 seed Bulls opened the state playoffs with a convincing 69-0 win against Naples Barron Collier. THIS WEEK: 11/22 - No. 4 Naples Lely (7-4). NEXT GAME: No. 6 Fort Myers Cypress Lake (6-5) or No. 2 Key West (8-3).

6. Miami Christopher Columbus (7-3, 7A). LAST WEEK: The two-time defending state champions rolled in their opener against Boca Raton Spanish River, 56-8. THIS WEEK: No. 5 Homestead South Dade (6-5). NEXT GAME: No. 7 Davie Western (5-6) or No. 3 Boca Raton (10-1).

7. Miami Booker T. Washington (8-2, 2A). LAST WEEK: The Tornadoes opened up – as a No. 1 seed – with a 31-13 win against North Miami Beach. THIS WEEK: 11/14 – No. 4 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (7-4). NEXT GAME: No. 3 Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (8-2) or No. 2 Miami Immaculata LaSalle (10-1).

8. Miami Southridge (9-2, 6A). LAST WEEK: The No. 1 seed Spartans rolled to a 37-6 win against Hollywood South Broward. THIS WEEK: 11/22 - No. 4 Coconut Creek Monarch (7-3). NEXT GAME: No. 3 Pembroke Pines West Broward (8-3) or No. 2 Sunrise Piper (10-1)

9. Davie Western (5-6, 7A). LAST WEEK: The Wildcats – as a No. 7 seed – won a road game against Miami Palmetto, 26-10. THIS WEEK: 11/22 – Another road game against No. 3 Boca Raton (10-1).  NEXT GAME: No. 5 Homestead South Dade (6-5) or No.1 Miami Christopher Columbus (7-3).

10. Coconut Creek Monarch (7-3, 6A). LAST WEEK: The No. 4 seed Knights won a thriller against two-time defending state runners up Homestead, 28-21. THIS WEEK: 11/22 - No. 1 Miami Southridge (9-2). NEXT GAME: No. 3 Pembroke Pines West Broward (8-3) or No. 2 Sunrise Piper (10-1).

11. Sunrise Piper (10-1, 6A). LAST WEEK: The No. 2 seed Bengals continued to roll in this magic season with a 33-14 win against Doral Academy. THIS WEEK: 11/22 - No. 3 Pembroke Pines West Broward (8-3). NEXT GAME: No. 4 Coconut Creek Monarch (7-3) or No. 1 Miami Southridge (9-2).

12. Pembroke Pines West Broward (8-3, 6A). LAST WEEK: The No. 3 seed Bobcats rolled to a 34-7 win against Pembroke Pines Flanagan. THIS WEEK: 11/22 - No. 2 Sunrise Piper (10-1). NEXT GAME: No. 4 Coconut Creek Monarch (7-3) or No. 1 Miami Southridge (9-2).

13. Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (8-2, 2A). LAST WEEK: The No. 3 seed Spartans came up with a 40-10 win against Miami Ransom Everglades. THIS WEEK: 11/22 - No. 2 Miami Immaculata LaSalle (10-1). NEXT GAME: No. 4 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (7-4) or No. 1 Miami Booker T. Washington (8-2)

14. Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (8-3, 5A). LAST WEEK: The No. 3 seed Tigers beat Coconut Creek, 34-27, in the first round of the state playoffs. THIS WEEK: 11/22 -The No. 2 seed and five-time defending state champions, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (8-3). NEXT GAME: No. 4 Miramar (7-4) or No. 1 Delray Atlantic (10-1).

15. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (9-2, 4A). LAST WEEK: The No. seed Panthers upset previously unbeaten Fort Pierce John Carroll, 43-14. THIS WEEK: 11/22 - No. 1 Plantation American Heritage (8-2).  NEXT GAME: No. 6 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (7-4) or No. 2 Miami Norland (8-2)

16. Miramar (7-4, 5A). LAST WEEK: The No. 4 Patriots won at home, 32-10, against Palm Bay Heritage. THIS WEEK: 11/22 - No. 1 Delray Atlantic. NEXT GAME: No. 3 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (8-3) or No. 2 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (8-3)

17. Miami Immaculata LaSalle (10-1, 2A). LAST WEEK: The No. 2 seed Royal Lions got by Miami Gulliver Prep, 27-21. THIS WEEK: 11/22 –No. 3 Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (8-2). NEXT GAME: No. 4 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (7-4) or No. 1 Miami Booker T. Washington (8-2).

18. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (7-4, 2A). LAST WEEK: The No. 4 seed Chiefs beat Miami Carol City, 17-14. THIS WEEK: 11/14 - No. 1 Miami Booker T. Washington (8-2). NEXT GAME: No. 3 Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (8-2) at No. 2 Miami Immaculata LaSalle (10-1).

19. Homestead South Dade (6-5, 7A). LAST WEEK: The No. 5 seed Bucs beat Lantana Santaluces, 48-13. THIS WEEK: No.1 Miami Christopher Columbus (7-3). NEXT GAME: No. 7 Davie Western (5-6) or No. 3 Boca Raton (10-1).

20. Miami Edison (6-5, 1A). LAST WEEK: The No. 3 Red Raiders beat Deerfield Beach Somerset Key, 42-0. THIS WEEK: No. 2 Miami True North Classical Academy (8-3). NEXT GAME: No. 4 Boca Raton St. Andrew’s Academy (6-5) or No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (9-2).

KEEP AN EYE ON: Coconut Creek (4-5, 5A – SEASON OVER), Coral Gables (5-4, 7A – SEASON OVER), Davie Nova (7-3, 6A – SEASON OVER), Doral Academy (5-5, 6A – SEASON OVER), Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (7-3, 2A – SEASON OVER), Fort Lauderdale NSU University School (9-2, Independent – SEASON OVER), Fort Lauderdale (4-5, 6A – SEASON OVER), Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (5-5, 3A – SEASON OVER), Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (5-4, Independent – SEASON OVER), Hialeah (8-3, 4A – SEASON OVER), Hollywood South Broward (4-7, 6A – SEASON OVER), Homestead (4-5, 6A – SEASON OVER), Miami Archbishop Carroll (6-5, 1A – SEASON OVER), Miami Carol City (7-4, 2A – SEASON OVER), Miami Florida Christian (9-1, Independent – SEASON OVER), Miami Jackson (4-7, 3A – SEASON OVER), Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (5-6, 7A – SEASON OVER), Miami Ransom Everglades (6-4, 2A – SEASON OVER), Miami Palmetto (6-4, 7A – SEASON OVER), Miami Springs (3-7, 2A – SEASON OVER), Miami True North Classical Academy (7-3, 1A), North Miami (6-5, 5A – SEASON OVER), North Miami Beach (3-7, 2A – SEASON OVER), Pembroke Pines Charter (6-4, 5A – SEASON OVER), Pembroke Pines Flanagan (7-4, 6A – SEASON OVER), Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (7-4, 3A – SEASON OVER), Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (7-3, 4A), Plantation (6-5, 4A – SEASON OVER). Weston Cypress Bay (6-4, 7A – SEASON OVER).

WEEKLY RANKINGS

PRE-SEASON. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-pre-season-top-20-st-thomas-begins-at-no-1

Week 2. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-2-top-20-st-thomas-remains-on-top

Week 3. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-3-top-20-surprises-shake-things-up

WEEK 4. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-4-things-are-getting-very-interesting

WEEK 5. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-5-local-rankings-change-from-week-to-week

WEEK 6. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-6-district-play-has-started-in-miami-dade-broward

WEEK 7. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-7-st-thomas-aquinas-miami-central-hollywood-chaminade-madonna-remain-at-the-top

WEEK 8. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-8-head-to-head-matchups-are-key

WEEK 9. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-9-chaminade-madonna-moves-back-on-top

WEEK 10. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-10-highlights-some-crucial-miami-dade-broward-games

WEEK 11. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-11-playoff-spots-are-now-filled-for-miami-dade-broward-county-teams

WEEK 12. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-12-local-teams-getting-ready-for-the-state-playoffs

PLAYOFF WEEK 1: https://larryblustein.com/news/playoff-week-1-the-race-begins-this-week

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

For the past 54 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..

By Dave Brousseau - BCAA Writer

COCONUT CREEK – The Monarch football team used a punishing run game in their Class 6A regional quarterfinal against Homestead on Friday and was rewarded with a 28-21 victory at Coconut Creek High.

Florentino Lopez, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound junior quarterback had a big night with 149 yards on 21 carries and a pair of touchdowns but is was sophomore quarterback Jack Spaeder who came up big late in the fourth quarter.

Spaeder, who came into the game late with his team trailing 21-20 after Lopez suffered a left shoulder injury helped the Knights to the go-ahead touchdown. He completed a pair of passes to Antwaun Parham for first downs.

Spaeder scored the winning touchdown on a six-yard run over left tackle with 1:22 left to play. Samari Reed, who also scored on a 23-yard run early in the fourth quarter, added a two-point conversion to give Monarch a seven-point lead.

Monarch (7-3) advances to a regional semifinal game on Nov. 22 against Southridge. Homestead (4-5), who lost to St. Thomas Aquinas each of the last two years for the Class 3M state title, lost for the first time this season when scoring more than 14 points.

“Our quarterbacks being able to run gives us an advantage because of the great wide receivers that we gave,” said Monarch coach Calvin Davis. “We’re trying to catch our stride.

I made some coaching mistakes that led to turnovers and that was on me. We won’t do that again.”

Monarch’s running attack ended the night with 295 yards on 38 carries and all four touchdowns scored.

Trailing 20-14 midway through the fourth quarter, the Broncos took advantage of two interceptions by senior defensive back Cordae Gamble that led to touchdowns.

The first gave Homestead a 7-6 lead late in the first half on a Malachi Lewis two-yard scoring run. The other gave the Broncos a 21-20 lead with 3:39  left in regulation on a 21-yard scoring pass from Lewis to Cortez Mills.

Lewis also threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Cascudo that cut the Knights lead to 20-14 with 9:13 left in regulation.

“It was a tough loss, but that’s playoff football.” said Homestead coach Ronnie Thornton. “We didn’t get enough stops to win the game. They wanted it more than us  and that was the outcome of the game.” 

Spaeder, who led the Knights passing game with 1,726 yards and 14 touchdowns entering Friday’s game, used his legs for winning score.

“I knew I had to step up when Tino went down,” said Spaeder. “I had to go in there and win the game for us. We went down and scored, and it was a great game.”

REGIONAL QUARTERFINAL RESULTS

Class 7A:

Western 28, Miami Palmetto 10.

Class 6A:

Miami Southridge 37, South Broward 6

Monarch 28, Homestead 21

West Broward 34, Flanagan 7

Piper 33, Doral Academy 14

Class 5A:

Miramar 32, Palm Bay Heritage 10

Blanch Ely 34, Coconut Creek 27

St. Thomas Aquinas 58, North Miami 0

Class 4A:

Dillard 43, John Carroll 20

Archbishop McCarthy 7, Plantation 0

Class 2A:

Cardinal Gibbons 17, Carol City 14

Class 1A:

Chaminade-Madonna 63, St. John Paul II 0

FRIDAY’S REGIONAL SEMIFINALS

(Games Friday at 7:30 p.m. unless noted)

CLASS 7A: Western (5-6) at Boca Raton (10-1)

CLASS 6A: Monarch (7-3) at Miami Southridge (10-2); West Broward (8-3) at Piper  (10-1).

CLASS 5A: Miramar (7-4) at Atlantic (10-1); Blanche Ely (8-3) at St. Thomas Aquinas (8-3).

CLASS  4A: Dillard (9-2) at American Heritage (9-2).

CLASS 2A: Cardinal Gibbons (7-4) at Booker T. Washington (8-2).

CLASS 1A: St. Andrew’s (6-5) at Chaminade-Madonna (9-2).

Dave Brousseau can be reached on X at @dbrouss76 – or via e-mail at:
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