When many local programs played this past week, it was just a preview of what lies ahead in 2022.

For many football teams, the rugged off-season prepared them for just about anything, and as football fans found out this past week, this coming season will be mighty interesting.

The great thing about this year is that every week you will have marquee matchups. Whether they are neighborhood rivalries or contests against programs outside of the area, look for this region to put their best foot forward.

This past week, one team got things going for real – when first year head coach Mike Smith brought his No. 6 Plantation American Heritage Patriots up to Georgia for a meeting with Lowndes County, and this team responded with a convincing 38-20 win as they prepare for the Broward County Elite Showcase this Saturday afternoon against Los Alamitos, California at St. Thomas Aquinas.

Well, the camps, combines, 7-on-7 tournaments are in the books and now it’s time to get it going:

1. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1M – (0-0). THIS WEEK: St. John’s Washington DC, Aug. 27. NEXT GAME: No. 15 Fort Lauderdale Dillard, Sept. 2).

2. Miami Central (2M – (0-0). THIS WEEK: At No. Bradenton IMG Academy, Aug. 26. NEXT GAME: Miami Booker T. Washington, Sept. 9).

3. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (3M – (0-0). THIS WEEK: St. Joseph’s Prep, Pennsylvania, Aug. 27. NEXT GAME: At Fort Myers, Sept. 2).

4. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2M – (0-0). THIS WEEK: Hyattsville DeMatha, Aug. 26. NEXT GAME: Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, Sept. 2).

5. Miami Northwestern (2M – (0-0). THIS WEEK: At Venice. NEXT GAME: Miami Jackson, Sept. 2).

6. Plantation American Heritage (2M – 1-0: THIS WEEK: Los Alamitos, California (1-0), Aug. 27. NEXT GAME: Lakeland Lake Gibson, Sept. 2). LAST WEEK: Coach Mike Smith’s debut was successful at Valdosta Lowndes County – beating the Vikings, 30-18. Los Alamitos started the season with a convincing 41-0 win against Garces Memorial in California.

7. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (3M – (0-0). THIS WEEK: Rock Christian, Maryland, Aug. 26. NEXT GAME: At No. 1 Chaminade-Madonna, Sept. 2).

8. Davie Western (4M – (0-0). THIS WEEK: Johns Creek, Georgia, Aug. 25. NEXT GAME: At No. 18 Coconut Creek, Sept. 9).

9. Miami Palmetto (4M – (0-0). THIS WEEK: No. 11 Homestead, Aug. 25. NEXT GAME: At Clearwater Academy International, Sept. 2).

10. Miami Christopher Columbus (4M – (0-0). THIS WEEK: Benedictine, Georgia, Aug. 26. NEXT GAME: Miami Killian, Sept. 1).

11. Homestead (3M – (0-0). THIS WEEK: At No. 9 Miami Palmetto, Aug. 25. NEXT GAME: South Dade, Sept. 2).

12. Miami Norland (2M – (0-0). THIS WEEK: Off. NEXT GAME: Carol City, Sept. 1).

13. Coconut Creek (3M – (0-0). THIS WEEK: At Bradenton Southeast, Aug. 26. NEXT GAME: Boyd Anderson, Sept. 2).

14. Plantation (3M – (0-0). THIS WEEK: At Miramar, Aug. 26. NEXT GAME: Stranahan, Sept. 1).

15. Gulliver Prep (2M – (0-0). THIS WEEK: At Rockledge. NEXT GAME: At No. 4 Cardinal Gibbons, Sept. 9).

16. Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (2M – (0-0). THIS WEEK: Life Christian Academy, Virginia at Western High, 4:30 p.m. NEXT GAME: At No. 14 Plantation, Sept. 1).

17. Miami Booker T. Washington (2M – (0-0). THIS WEEK: Miami Killian, Aug. 25. NEXT GAME: At Miami Edison, Sept. 1).

18. Coconut Creek Monarch (4M – (0-0). THIS WEEK: Boca Raton, Aug. 26. NEXT GAME: At Delray Beach Atlantic, Sept. 2).

19. North Miami Beach (2M – (0-0). THIS WEEK: At Niceville, Florida, Aug. 26. NEXT GAME: At Valdosta Lowndes County, Sept. 2).

20. Weston Cypress Bay (4M – (0-0). THIS WEEK: West Broward, Aug. 26. NEXT GAME: At Blanche Ely, Sept. 2).

OTHER TEAMS TO WATCH: Coral Springs Coral Glades (4M), Deerfield Beach (3M), Doral Academy (4M), Fort Lauderdale (3M), Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (2M), Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (1M), Hialeah Barbara Goleman (4M), Hollywood Avant Garde (1M), Hollywood South Broward (3M), Miami Belen Jesuit (3M), Miami Dr. Krop (3M), Miami Edison (2M), Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (2M), Miami Immaculata LaSalle (2M), Miami Jackson (2M), Miami Southridge (3M), Miramar (3M), North Miami (3M), Parkland Douglas (4M), Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (4M), Pembroke Pines West Broward (4M), Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (3M),Westland Hialeah (2M).

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

MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD TRANSFERS. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-continues-in-miami-dade-broward

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA FOOTBALL TEAMS. https://larryblustein.com/news/tracking-south-florida-2022

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.

When Fort Lauderdale Stranahan and Life Christian of Chester, Virginia kick the 2022 football season off on Thursday at 4:30 at Western High in Davie, it will begin three days and 14 teams that will shine a rather large spotlight on Broward County.

The Inaugural National High School Football Showcase, which Hollywood Hills Athletic Director Dr. Kevin Perry, and Shawn Cerra,  Director, Athletics & Student Activities for Broward County Public Schools, have worked around the clock on, is a HUGE deal and the hours and years of planning has already paid off.

This event and idea were born years ago in Michigan when Dr. Perry brought together the best teams in the state for an east vs. west matchup at the famed “Big House” in Ann Arbor.

When Dr. Perry came to south Florida, his idea was to try it in an area that is indeed the true national hotbed for talent.

With an idea toward inviting Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach schools to be included in this event, the starting point was bringing seven Broward schools together against some national teams that were ready for the challenge.

“We knew that if we got the support and businesses to sponsor this, it was a no brainer,” Dr. Perry pointed out. “Shawn and I have been at this for well over a year, and things have really fallen into place.”

BOWL GAME ATMOSPHERE

What this event is going to be is like a bowl game. All 14 schools who are taking part will visit Dave & Busters in Hollywood and have unlimited food and games. They will also stay in amazing hotels, have transportation and meals provided – and like all bowl games – will receive gear to commemorate this impressive three days.

“You couldn’t ask for a better way to start the season,” Cerra pointed out. “We hadn’t even kicked a game off and there are also a number of national powers wanting to be a part of this in 2023.”

While several schools in south Florida were approached, many declined for a number of reasons, which is a huge mistake on their part.

The seven games that will be played will have national exposure – including on ESPN and ESPN 2 as well as on Flo Sports.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

Thursday

4:30

Davie Western

FLO SPORTS

Chester, Virginia Life Christian Eagles (0-1) vs. Fort Lauderdale Stranahan Dragons (0-0)

LIFE CHRISTIAN

Head Coach: Charles Scott

Collins Hill, L 20-0

Stranahan

Calvert Hall, Maryland

Canarsie, Brooklyn

DeMatha, Maryland

Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maryland

McCallie, Tennessee

Rock Christian, Maryland

St. Xavier, Ohio

STRANAHAN

Head Coach: Travis Harden

Plantation

Deerfield Beach

Boyd Anderson

Hallandale

Martin County

Plantation American Heritage

Coral Glades

Cardinal Gibbons

Fort Lauderdale

7:30

Davie Western

FLO SPORTS

Johns Creek, Georgia Gladiators (0-1) vs. Davie Western Wildcats (0-0)

JOHNS CREEK

Head Coach: Drew Connell

Parkview, Ga. L, 52-7

Western

Lanier, Georgia

Chattahoochee, Georgia

Roswell, Georgia

Lassiter, Georgia

Sprayberry, Georgia

Blessed Trinity, Georgia

Alpharetta, Georgia

Pope, Georgia

WESTERN

Head Coach: Adam Ratkevich

Johns Creek, Georgia

St. Thomas Aquinas

Taravella

Piper

Plantation American Heritage

Cypress Bay

Miramar

Coral Glades

Plantation

Friday

7:00

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

FLO SPORTS

Hyattsville, Maryland DeMatha Staggs (0-0) vs. Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs (0-0)

DEMATHA

Head Coach: Bill McGregor

Cardinal Gibbons

Rock Creek Christian, Maryland

Benedictine, Ohio

Friendship Collegiate Academy, Washington DC

Life Christian Academy, Virginia

Gonzaga, Washington DC

Bishop McNamara, Maryland

St. John’s, Washington DC

Clarkson North, Arkansas

CARDINAL GIBBONS

Head Coach: Matt Dubuc

DeMatha

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian

Gulliver Prep

St. Petersburg Northeast

Key West

Plantation American Heritage

Belen Jesuit

Hallandale

Bradenton Manatee

Stranahan

Friday

7:00

Fort Lauderdale Dillard

FLO SPORTS

Rock Creek Christian Academy Eagles (0-0) vs. Dillard Panthers (0-0)

ROCK CREEK CHRISTIAN

Head Coach: Dre Cates

Dillard

DeMatha, Maryland

St. Mary’s Ryken, Maryland

Malvern Prep, Pennsylvania

Life Christian, Virginia

Steubenville, Ohio

Friendship Collegiate Academy, Washington, DC

Silver Oaks Academy, Maryland

DILLARD

Head Coach Tyler Tate

Rock Creek Christian

Miramar

Miami Central

Boyd Anderson

St. Thomas Aquinas

Plantation

Fort Lauderdale

Tallahassee Lincoln

Blanche Ely

Saturday

12 Noon

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

ESPN

Philadelphia St. Joseph’s Academy Hawks (0-0) vs. St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders (0-0)

ST. JOSEPH’S PREP

Head Coach: Tim Roken

St. Thomas Aquinas

St. Peter’s Prep, New Jersey

Erasmus Hall, New York

Gonzaga, Washington DC

Archbishop Wood, Pennsylvania

LaSalle College Prep, Pennsylvania

Father Judge, Pennsylvania

Roman Catholic, Pennsylvania

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

Head Coach: Roger Harriott

St. Joseph’s Prep

Fort Myers

Cocoa

Western

Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast

Miramar

Dillard

Fort Lauderdale

Monarch

Boyd Anderson

Saturday

4 p.m.

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

ESPN 2

Los Alamitos, California Griffins (1-0) vs. Plantation American Heritage Patriots (1-0)

FLO SPORTS

Los Alamitos

Head Coach: Ray Fenton

Garces Memorial, W 41-0

Plantation American Heritage

Basha, Arizona

Servite, California

Santa Margarita, California

Newport Harbor, California

Corona Del Mar, California

Edison, California

Huntington Beach, California

Fountain Valley, California

AMERICAN HERITAGE

Head Coach: Mike Smith

Lowndes County (Valdosta), W 38-20

Los Alamitos

Lake Gibson

Glades Central

Chaminade-Madonna

Cardinal Gibbons

Western

Stranahan

Naples

Hallandale

Saturday

8 p.m.

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

FLO SPORTS

Washington DC St. John’s Cadets (0-0) vs. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna Lions (0-0)

ST. JOHN’S

Head Coach: Pat Ward

Chaminade-Madonna

Middletown, Delaware

Gonzaga Prep, Spokane, Washington

Tottenville, New York

Springfield Central, Massachusetts

Cedar Grove, Georgia

Bishop McNamara, Maryland

DeMatha, Maryland

Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maryland

Gonzaga, Washington DC

CHAMINADE-MADONNA

Head Coach: Dameon Jones

St. John’s

Dillard

Miami Northwestern

Plantation American Heritage

Gulliver Prep

Treasure Coast

Venice

Deerfield Somerset Academy

Hollywood Avant Garde

Boca Raton St. John Paul

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..

When head coach Dameon Jones and his two-time defending state champions took the field on Thursday night at Cardinal Gibbons as part of a three-team kickoff classic, all eyes were the Lions.

One of the best teams in the state of Florida, this program has reached a level where reloading is the order each year, and while they are young in so many areas, this is a team that will be winning and being recognized nationally for years to come.

With so much talent to choose from, the Lions have received attention from colleges and universities at just about every position. But there’s one spot that everyone is paying the most attention – the offensive line.

Known for the protection that they have given top quarterbacks and running backs through the years, this is a line that has continued to mature and grow. This year, they are considered to be one of the best in the state.

This fortress of talent includes seniors Deandre Duffus (6-5, 314), Elvin Harris (6-6, 300), Indiana University commitment William Larkins, 6-4, 305), Matthew Cook (6-7, 290) and Giovani Marks (5-11, 240).

The junior class features Jackson Campbell (6-3, 270) and Josh Zeikowitz (6-4, 290).

Freshman Kirby Vital (6-2, 250) and Mekhi Bradley (6-2, 285) are indeed the future.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

After Thursday night’s jamboree with host Cardinal Gibbons and Miami Palmetto, it’s time to turn the page – as the Lions and Chiefs will take part in the Broward County Football Showcase next week, and the Panthers will kick things off next Thursday against a potent Homestead team.

WHO LOOKED GOOD ON THURSDAY NIGHT

On Thursday, Chaminade-Madonna and Cardinal Gibbons were scoreless in their two quarters. The Lions went on to beat Miami Palmetto and then the Panthers beat Cardinal Gibbons in the final half.

Here is a look at some prospects who grabbed the spotlight:

2023

Derrick Bohler, WR, Miami Palmetto

Dwight Bootle, DB, Miami Palmetto

Blake Brookins, TE, Miami Palmetto

Tre’Mone Drisdom, DB, Cardinal Gibbons

Trey Dubuc, LS, Cardinal Gibbons

Luke Evans, DB, Chaminade-Madonna

Gabriel Hardman, LB, Miami Palmetto

C.J. Johnson, DE, Cardinal Gibbons

Edwin Joseph, WR/DB, Chaminade-Madonna

Jeno Julius, LB, Chaminade-Madonna

Patrick Keough, PK, Miami Palmetto

Greg Otten, OLB, Cardinal Gibbons

Jaden Outar, DB, Miami Palmetto

Wayne Peart, DL, Chaminade-Madonna

Victor Pino, OL, Miami Palmetto

D’Angelo Ponds, DB, Chaminade-Madonna

Brayden Walker, DT, Cardinal Gibbons

Bobby Washington, LB, Miami Palmetto

Robby Washington, WR, Miami Palmetto

2024

Cedrick Bailey, QB, Chaminade-Madonna

Jacory Barney, Athlete, Miami Palmetto

Zack Boehly, OL, Cardinal Gibbons

Harold Breiken, DT, Cardinal Gibbons

Darryl Doctor, OL, Miami Palmetto

Colton Heinrich, TE, Cardinal Gibbons

Willis McGahee, OLB, Miami Palmetto

Elisson Mirutil, OL, Miami Palmetto

Zaquan Patterson, S, Chaminade-Madonna

Jonathan Rodriguez, OL, Cardinal Gibbons

Jeremiah Smith, WR, Chaminade-Madonna

Kaleb Stewart, LB, Chaminade-Madonna

Bryce Stringer, DL, Chaminade-Madonna

Joshisa Trader, WR, Chaminade-Madonna

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

MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD TRANSFERS. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-continues-in-miami-dade-broward

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA FOOTBALL TEAMS. https://larryblustein.com/news/tracking-south-florida-2022

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 one week left before the start of the regular season everyone is anxious to show what they got out of this off-season.

Those camps, combines, conditioning and 7-on-7 events – all designed to help the athlete mature – are going to be put to the test this coming season. A record number of college events and local 7-on-7 tournaments will be revealed on football fields throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

Prospects will have the chance, with so many impressive matchups this season, to showcase their game-breaking skills – for college coaches and recruiting services to check out.

In addition, many prospects this year will be part of a record number of off-season transfers that have approached 300 in just the two counties.

Once again today, we hit the defensive side of the ball with five more prospects to keep an eye on. Some have already been watched – while others are looking to get themselves on the radar for all to see.

2023 - Jeno Junius, LB/SS, 5-11, 190, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. You’ve heard over and over about an athlete who just makes plays no matter where you put them. This is that prospect, who hits like a linebacker, but plays like a safety. One that is agile, quick and gets to the ball as fast as anyone. He is always around the ball, which is something that makes the Lions very special under veteran head coach Dameon Jones.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/12991653/Jeno-Junius

2024 – Earl Kulp, CB, 6-1, 180, Miami Central. Makes his way into Miami-Dade County from Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas as one of the highest rated prospects in the class. Here is a talented young man who has speed, athletic ability and can play all secondary positions, receiver and on special teams. He will certainly enhance and already potent Rockets’ secondary under first-year head coach Jube Joseph. Is already a national recruit before the season gets started.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15984502/Earl-Kulp

2024 – Gavench Marcelin, DE, 6-3, 225, Miami Belen Jesuit. After watching this young man play live three times, he never disappoints. He has gotten bigger and stronger – and you mix that in with his skill on the football field and you have something special. Doesn’t get the publicity that he deserves for head coach Don Chaney’s Wolverines but look for that all to change this year when he will see less double teams. Had a tremendous spring as did his team.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14592831/Gavench-Marcelin

2023 – Dairo Melendez Jr., DL, 6-2, 280, Miami Immaculata LaSalle. Yet another way under the radar talent, who is committed to Coastal Carolina, but needs to be looked at by other schools who can use a high-level performer like this. Will be a three-year starter for head coach Helder Valle’s Royal Lions. Has had some serious summer battles with University of Miami commitment Frankie Tinilau, who has expressed his feeling about this quality and versatile lineman, who will have a huge season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/12903149/Dairo-Melendez

2024 - Nick Rodriguez, LB, 6-1, 190, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. One of the true two-sport (wrestling) athletes in south Florida who continues to make a serious impact in both arenas. As a football player, this is someone who runs extremely well, is a sure tackler and plays with passion. Watch the big games that head coach Roger Harriott’s Raiders play and he is right in the middle of the action. Already a two-time state qualifier on the wrestling mat, his skill, balance and love for the sport has elevated him to the next level. Easily one of the toughest playmakers in the class, and this football team will look to his many abilities this coming season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15316576/Nicholas-Rodriguez

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

MIAMI-DADE AND BROWARD TRANSFERS. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-continues-in-miami-dade-broward

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA FOOTBALL TEAMS. https://larryblustein.com/news/tracking-south-florida-2022

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..