MIAMI GARDENS – Growing up in Fort Lauderdale and starring at the youth football level, there were always signs that Derrek Cooper would one day be a different level player.
From his beginning as a freshman and sophomore at Cardinal Gibbons High School right through to last year when he made the move south to Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna Prep and helped lead the Lions to a 1A state championship.
On Tuesday night in front of family, friends and coaches at Hard Rock Stadium, Cooper, who is headed to the University of Texas, was named the winner of the prestigious 2025 Nat Moore Trophy.
Capturing the award over Justice Fitzpatrick (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Calvin Russell III (Miami Northwestern) and Brandon Kinsey (Miami Central), the No. 1 rated Class of 2026 senior in the state by Prep Redzone Florida joins some impressive winners of this award – such as Malachi Toney (University of Miami), Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State), Rueben Bain Jr. (University of Miami), Kenyatta Jackson (Ohio State) and Henry Parrish, who played at Ole Miss and the University of Miami.
"I would like to just thank God. Thank God, thank God, man, because my high school journey has been a struggle from the start,” he said, with his mother, father and several family members on stage. “My senior year has been a good year. Coach (Dameon) Jones, I appreciate you, and I'd like to thank everybody.”
A 6’1, 200-pounder who has been compared to one-time Chaminade-Madonna star Jon Beason because he also plays linebacker as well as running back, Cooper received 45 Power 4 offers, before committing to Texas over programs like Ohio State, Miami, Georgia, Alabama and Florida.
"You know, this award will catapult me forward, you know from all the winners that won in the past have gone on to do so well,” he pointed out. “So, this is my journey to start at the University of Texas.”
THE NIGHT ALSO BELONGED TO THE OTHER PLAYERS
While Cooper was announced as the winner, there were certainly no losers on this night. As Cooper will head to Texas, Fitzpatrick (Georgia), Russell Jr. (Syracuse) and Kinsey (Purdue) were all recognized in this live TV event that resembles the Heisman Trophy presentation for college players in New York.
Fitzpatrick was the only defensive player among this year's four finalists, and has quickly emerged as a standout for the powerhouse Raiders, pairing natural talent with a relentless work ethic shaped in part by his family — including older brother and Miami Dolphins star Minkah Fitzpatrick. The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder has recorded 65 career tackles and seven interceptions.
Kinsey was a huge addition to the Rockets, who is known for his explosive playmaking ability. He came over from Miami Immaculata LaSalle where he not only made an impact on the football field, but also a tremendous student in the classroom.
Russell III, who was one of the most impressive young prospects in decades, came to play for the Bulls as an elite two-way (football, basketball) prospect and built his reputation on performing under pressure, a mentality he says has fueled him since ninth grade.
Now a senior and widely regarded as one of the top players in South Florida and the nation, Russell credits his rise to Miami's hyper-competitive football culture, relentless work ethic and the "dog mentality" he grew up with.
2025 Road To Miami & The Villages Charter. https://larryblustein.com/news/2025-road-to-miami-the-villages-charter
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 55 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..
Here we go. The race to Pitbull Stadium on the campus of Florida International University will wind its way across the state for Miami-Dade and Broward County football teams.
Seven programs will represent each class – from Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna going for a record 10th straight trip in 1A – to Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons looking for some of that past magic in 2A.
Miami Northwestern will look for a repeat in 3A – as well Plantation American Heritage in 4A and Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A) in search for an unreal seventh consecutive state title.
New faces will join the state semifinal round – with Pembroke Pines West Broward in 6A and Miami Palmetto in 7A.
With all that in mind, we check out the top local teams heading into the second round of the state playoffs:
1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A, 12-1). LAST WEEK: The Raiders moved closer to a chance at seven straight state titles with a 34-7 win against Hollywood McArthur. THIS WEEK: Fort Myers Riverdale (12-1). NEXT WEEK: Ponte Vedra (11-2) or Lakeland (11-2) for the state title.
2. Miami Northwestern (3A, 12-0). LAST WEEK: In beating the second-best team in 3A in the state, rival Miami Central, the Bulls rolled to a 50-29 win. THIS WEEK: Orlando Bishop Moore (12-1). NEXT WEEK: Sarasota Booker (12-1) or Jacksonville Raines (12-0) for the state title.
3. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1A, 10-2). LAST WEEK: The Lions moved one step closer to a 10th consecutive state championship appearance with a 35-14 win against Miami True North Classical Academy. THIS WEEK: Jacksonville Trinity Christian (9-4). NEXT WEEK: Tampa Carrollwood Day (12-0) or West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (10-3) for the state title.
4. Pembroke Pines West Broward (6A, 11-2). LAST WEEK: The Bobcats continued their run with a huge road win against Miami Southridge, 30-27. THIS WEEK: Gainesville Buchholz (12-1). NEXT WEEK: West Boca Raton (11-2) or Seffner Armwood (13-0) for the state title.
5. Miami Central (3A, 10-2). LAST WEEK: The Rockets dropped a 50-29 Region Final contest against No. 3 Miami Northwestern. SEASON OVER.
6. Miami Palmetto (7A, 11-2). LAST WEEK: The Panthers rolled along with a convincing 65-41 win against Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman. THIS WEEK: Vero Beach (13-0). NEXT WEEK: Venice (9-3) or Lake Mary (10-3) for the state title.
7. Miami Southridge (6A, 11-2). LAST WEEK: The Spartans dropped a heartbreaker to West Broward, 30-27. SEASON OVER.
8. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2A, 10-3). LAST WEEK: The Chiefs continued to roll along with a 20-17 win against previously unbeaten Miami Immaculata LaSalle. THIS WEEK: No. 3 Venice (9-3) at No. 2 Lake Mary (10-3). NEXT WEEK: Cocoa (8-4) or Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (12-1) for the state title.
9. Plantation American Heritage (4A, 7-5). LAST WEEK: The defending state champions played a four-quarter game in beating Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, 25-20. THIS WEEK: Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee (12-1). NEXT WEEK: Port Charlotte (11-2) or Orlando Jones (11-2) for the state title.
10. Hollywood McArthur (5A, 10-3). LAST WEEK: The Mustangs ended an amazing season with a loss to top-rated Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas for the second time this year, 34-7. SEASON OVER.
11. Miami True North Classical Academy (1A, 10-3). LAST WEEK: The Titans ended a tremendous year with a loss to state power Chaminade-Madonna, 35-14. SEASON OVER.
12. Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (4A, 10-3). LAST WEEK: The amazing year for the district champion Mavericks came to an end against defending state champion Plantation American Heritage, 25-20. SEASON OVER.
13. Miami Immaculata LaSalle (2A, 12-1). LAST WEEK: The Royal Lions saw this tremendous season come to an end with a 20-17 setback to Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. SEASON OVER.
14. Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (8-5). LAST WEEK: What else can you say about the Gators who made a run to a place they had never been before – losing a high-scoring contest to Miami Palmetto, 65-41. SEASON OVER.
15. Miami Norland (4A, 6-5). SEASON OVER.
16. Coconut Creek (5A, 9-3). SEASON OVER.
17. Coconut Creek Monarch (6A, 7-5). SEASON OVER.
18. Plantation (4A, 7-5). SEASON OVER.
19. Miami Killian (2A, 8-3). SEASON OVER.
20. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (4A, 10-1). SEASON OVER.
Here are some other programs who worked hard this year:
INDEPENDENT
Doral Ronald Reagan (7-2). SEASON OVER
Coral Springs Charter (5-6). SEASON OVER
Fort Lauderdale University School (8-5). SEASON OVER
Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (8-3). SEASON OVER
Hialeah Gardens (4-7). SEASON OVER
Miami Braddock (4-6). SEASON OVER
Miami Coral Reef Football (9-2). SEASON OVER
Miami Ferguson (5-3). SEASON OVER
Miami Florida Christian (7-2-1). SEASON OVER
Miami Varela (6-4). SEASON OVER
CLASS 1A
Miami Archbishop Carroll (8-3), SEASON OVER
Miami Edison (6-5). SEASON OVER
Miami Palmer Trinity (7-3). SEASON OVER
Miami Westminster Christian (8-3). SEASON OVER
CLASS 2A
Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy (7-4). SEASON OVER
Miami Booker T. Washington (2-9). SEASON OVER
Miami Carol City (6-5). SEASON OVER
Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (4-7). SEASON OVER
Miami Gulliver Prep (6-4). SEASON OVER
Miami Ransom Everglades (7-4). SEASON OVER
North Miami Beach (6-6)
CLASS 3A
Miami St. Brendan (4-7). SEASON OVER
Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (4-7). SEASON OVER
CLASS 4A
Hialeah (6-5). SEASON OVER
CLASS 5A
Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (8-5). SEASON OVER
Miramar (4-7). SEASON OVER
North Miami (7-4). SEASON OVER
CLASS 6A
Davie Nova (5-6). SEASON OVER
Doral Academy (5-5). SEASON OVER
Miami Christopher Columbus (4-8). SEASON OVER
Pembroke Pines Flanagan (8-3). SEASON OVER
South Plantation (6-5). SEASON OVER
Sunrise Piper (7-5). SEASON OVER
CLASS 7A
Coral Gables (4-5). SEASON OVER
Coral Springs Coral Glades (6-5). SEASON OVER
Davie Western (4-7). SEASON OVER
Homestead South Dade (5-6). SEASON OVER
Weston Cypress Bay (5-5). SEASON OVER
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD TOP 20
WEEK 1. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-1-top-20-miami-dade-broward-loaded-with-talent
WEEK 2. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-2-top-20-st-thomas-aquinas-moves-to-no-1
WEEK 3. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-3-local-teams-are-starting-to-emerge
WEEK 4. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-4-huge-games-will-test-local-teams
WEEK 5. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-5-new-teams-enter-an-elite-group
WEEK 6. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-6-district-games-will-put-distance-between-teams
WEEK 7. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-7-things-are-beginning-to-get-interesting-for-area-programs
WEEK 8. https://larryblustein.com/news/week-8-it-s-all-about-the-state-playoffs-now
WEEK 9. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-9-playoff-slots-still-up-for-grabs
WEEK 10. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-10-playoff-spots-up-for-grabs
WEEK 11. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-11-teams-getting-ready-for-the-post-season
WEEK 12. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-12-the-playoff-waiting-game-begins
WEEK 1 PLAYOFFS. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-playoff-week-1-key-opening-round-games
WEEK 2 PLAYOFFS. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-playoff-week-2-local-programs-stay-alive
WEEK 3 PLAYOFFS. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-playoff-week-3-14-teams-remain-in-the-hunt-2
2025 Road To Miami & The Villages Charter. https://larryblustein.com/news/2025-road-to-miami-the-villages-charter
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 55 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
HOLLYWOOD – The Chaminade-Madonna drive for yet another state football championship move one-step closer to reality on Friday.
Led by senior running back Derrick Cooper’s 257 rushing yards on 34 carries and a touchdown was the Lions prescription to a convincing 35-14 victory over True North in a Class 1A regional final.
Chaminade (10-2) advances a step closer to their eighth title since 2017, but first they’ll need to defeat Trinity Christian Academy (Jacksonville) in a state semifinal game on Dec. 5.
Since the 2017 championship season, the Lions have recorded 104 victories and only 14 losses.
Collectively, the Lions’ running game was dominant with a season high of 437 yards on 63 carries and four touchdowns.
It was the 10th consecutive game over 200 yards and fourth time this season over 300 yards.
“I know I have a staple of running backs,” said Chaminade-Madonna coach Dameon Jones. “We want to use the running game to open the pass game and that’s what we’ve been doing in the playoffs. The offensive line does a heck of a job and that’s what makes our run game go.”
Trailing 7-0 after the Titans opening possession of the first half on a 7-yard run by Kemari Morrision, the Lions reeled off 35 consecutive points to end any possibility of being upset.
Cooper scored on an 11-yard run that completed a 9-play, 65-yard drive to tie the score at 7-7. Cooper impressive numbers on the season improved to 1,379 yards on 140 carries and 17 touchdowns.
“All the credit goes to the offense line,” said Cooper, a University of Texas commit. “They always set the up the holes for me to hit it. I feel we have the best running back group in the country. The running game is very important because without it can’t move the ball.”
Junior running back Arwin Jackson added a 28-yard scoring run later in the quarter, an indication what the Titans as the game went forward.
Following an interception by Elijah Hardy freshman quarterback Malik Leonard threw a 26-yard scoring pass to Jasen Lopez for 21-7 lead. It was the 11th scoring reception of the year for Lopez.
Junior back Lee Prince Jr. scored the first of his two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to seal game for the Lions.
He first came on the first play of the fourth quarter on an eight-yard run for a 28-7 lead. His second came on a sweep off the right side for seven yards.
The Titans (10-3) added a late score on a 10-yard run by Cecil Smith.
“We knew coming in the Cooper gets a lot of love,” said True North coach Greg Laffere. “He’s great player, but they have a whole bunch of guys that are pretty good.
They do nice job in putting it together in terms of the running game. We knew that was a challenge and we put our defense in a lot of hard spots.”
True North junior quarterback Zachary Katz passed for 250 yards on 20 completions. He finished the season 2,470 yards on 25 TD’s.
OTHER MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RESULTS
FIT 1A-3A
SOUTH
Cape Coral Oasis 24, Riviera Beach Inlet Grove 0
REGION SEMIFINALS
Miami Booker T. Washington 33, Hallandale 22
North Miami Beach 42, Oasis 0
REGION FINAL
North Miami Beach 20, Miami Booker T. Washington 6
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Dec. 4 – The Villages
No. 1 Dunnellon (7-6) vs. North Miami Beach (6-6), 1 p.m.
REGION 4-1A
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 63, Boca Raton St. John Paul II 0
Miami Edison 50, Miami Westminster Christian 7
Miami True North 42, Miami Palmer Trinity 17
Boca Raton St. Andrews 64, Miami Archbishop Carroll 20
REGION SEMIFINALS
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 47, Miami Edison 18
Miami True North Classical Academy 62, Boca Raton St. Andrew’s Academy 28
REGIONAL FINAL
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 35, Miami True North Classical Academy 14
STATE SEMIFINAL
No. 4 Jacksonville Trinity Christian (9-4) at No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (10-2)
REGION 4-2A
Miami Immaculata LaSalle 42, Homestead Somerset Silver Palms 7
Miami Ransom Everglades 20, Miami Gulliver Prep 13
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 48, Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace 28
Miami Killian 38, Miami Carol City 21
REGION SEMIFINALS
Miami La Salle 42, Miami Ransom Everglades 16
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 38, Miami Killian 35
REGION FINAL
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 20, Miami La Salle 17
STATE SEMIFINAL
No. 3 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (10-3) at No. 2 Jacksonville Bolles (12-1)
REGION 4-3A
Miami Northwestern 70, Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy 0
Key West 44, Fort Myers Cypress Lake 34
Miami Central 54, Miami St. Brendan 14
Naples Lely 52, Estero 26
REGION SEMIFINALS
Northwestern 56, Key West 6
Miami Central 70, Naples Lely 30
REGION FINAL
Miami Northwestern 50, Miami Central 29
STATE SEMIFINAL
No. 4 Orlando Bishop Moore (12-1) at No. 1 Miami Northwestern (12-0)
REGION 4-4A
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy 49, Hialeah 6
Miami Norland 49, Jensen Beach 14
Plantation American Heritage 50, Fort Pierce John Carroll 20
Plantation 21, Fort Lauderdale Dillard 14
REGION SEMIFINAL
Plantation American Heritage 48, Plantation 7
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy 24, Miami Norland 14
REGION FINAL
Plantation American Heritage 25, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy 20
STATE SEMIFINAL
No. 3 Plantation American Heritage (7-5) at No. 2 Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee (12-1)
REGION 4-5A
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 58, Palm Bay Heritage 7
Coconut Creek 49, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy 20
Delray Beach Atlantic 55, North Miami 0
Hollywood McArthur 41, Stuart Martin County 13
REGION SEMIFINAL
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 45, Coconut Creek 13
Hollywood McArthur 17, Delray Beach Atlantic 16
REGION FINAL
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 34, Hollywood McArthur 7
STATE SEMIFINAL
No. 4 Fort Myers Riverdale (12-1) at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (12-1)
REGION 4-6A
Miami Southridge 49, Davie Nova 0
Coconut Creek Monarch 39, Doral Academy 0
Pembroke Pines West Broward 56, South Plantation 13
Sunrise Piper 24, Pembroke Pines Flanagan 12
REGION SEMFINALS
Miami Southridge 42, Sunrise Piper 6
Pembroke Pines West Broward 38, Coconut Creek Monarch 12
REGION FINAL
Pembroke Pines West Broward 30, Miami Southridge 27
STATE SEMIFINAL
No. 4 Pembroke Pines West Broward (11-2) at No. 1 Gainesville Buchholz (12-1)
REGION 4-7A
Miami Palmetto 42, Coral Springs Coral Glades 0
Miami Christopher Columbus 28, Lantana Santaluces 3
Boca Raton Spanish River 23, Davie Western 21
Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman 30, Homestead South Dade 28
REGIONAL SEMIFINALS
Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman 56, Boca Raton Spanish River 42
Miami Palmetto 27, Miami Christopher Columbus 10
REGION FINAL
Miami Palmetto 65, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman 41
STATE SEMIFINAL
No. 4 Miami Palmetto (11-2) at No. 1 Vero Beach (13-0)
Dave Brousseau is a veteran journalist who worked at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and is a longtime BCAA Correspondent. Need to reach out to him? Contact him at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
When unbeaten (11-0) Miami Northwestern plays host to once beaten (10-1) Miami Central for the second time this season – tonight (7:00) at Traz Powell Stadium, the game will be more than a Region 4-3A final.
The defending state champion Bulls, who beat the Rockets earlier this season 30-21, demolish Jacksonville Raines last year in the title game, 41-0, and are a much better and experienced team this season.
Northwestern and first year head coach Jaquatin Victrum come into this evening’s sold out matchup as a favorite, but we all know that this rivalry has never been predictable, and that’s why there is a feeling that no matter which program comes out on top, they will be heavily favored to win it all at Pitbull Stadium (FIU) on Saturday, Dec. 13.
While Raines is unbeaten and very talented, Orlando Bishop Moore has their dreams, and talented Sarasota Booker believe they are being way overlooked, the winner this evening has the talent and coaching to hoist that championship trophy.
For first year head coach Derrick Gibson and his Central team to come out on top, they will need to eliminate mistakes and keep the ball away from Northwestern’s powerful offense that has outscored their 11 opponents, 433-77.
The Rockets have also been impressive, but understand that beating Northwestern will not be easy. They have also been impressive in 2025 – outscoring their 11 opponents, 507-147.
CENTRAL ROCKETS
Miami Edison, W 50-12
Miami Booker T. Washington, W 58-14
Plantation American Heritage, W 31-21
Miami Northwestern, L 30-21
Pompano Beach, W 52-0
Fort Lauderdale Stranahan, W 59-6
Miami Southridge, W 34-28
Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, W 39-0
Miami Carol City, W 23-6
Miami St. Brendan, W 70-0
Naples Lely, W 70-30
11/29 - @Miami Northwestern
NORTHWESTERN BULLS
Orange Lutheran, California, W Forfeit
Miami Carol City, W 37-6
Miami Norland, W 49-21
Miami Christopher Columbus, W 41-6
Miami Jackson, W Forfeit
Miami Central, W 30-21
Key West, W 56-0
Miami Palmetto, W 28-0
Miami St. Brendan, W 49-0
Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, W 70-0
Key West, W 56-6
11/29 – Miami Central
FRIDAY’S SCORES
REGION 4-1A
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 35, Miami True North Classical Academy 14
REGION 4-2A
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 20, Miami La Salle 17
REGION 4-4A
Plantation American Heritage 25, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy 20
REGION FINAL 4-5A
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 34, Hollywood McArthur 7
REGION FINAL 4-6A
Pembroke Pines West Broward 30, Miami Southridge 27
REGION FINAL 4-7A
Miami Palmetto 65, Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman 41
FIT 1A-3A
REGION FINAL
North Miami Beach 20, Miami Booker T. Washington 6
2025 Road To Miami & The Villages Charter. https://larryblustein.com/news/2025-road-to-miami-the-villages-charter
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 55 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 another Thanksgiving holiday in the books and “Black Friday” taking center stage, it is time for some football.
Across the state of Florida, we will watch the exciting Region Finals, and seven different sites in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties today and tomorrow at Traz Powell Stadium, some of the best high school football in the country will unfold.
While seven teams will wear smiles after Saturday evening, seven other top programs will put the equipment away for yet another off season.
For some seniors, it will be the final time they will play this great game – while others will continue on at the collegiate level and continue the dream of playing a game they have suited up for since they could throw a ball or make a tackle.
Here is a look at the 5A, 6A and 7A teams who will line it up tonight:
REGION FINAL 4-5A
No. 6 Hollywood McArthur (10-2) at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (11-1). The Mustangs’ story is indeed one for the books as former standout Robert Ortega came back home to take over a team that had struggled over the past decade and win just twice a year ago.
What he and this team have done is put together eight straight wins in dominating fashion since losing that district contest to the Raiders.
This is a team that is building for the future while winning this year and have put themselves in a position that they have not been in for a long time. He has energized the current student body along with a loyal fanbase that has been energized. They have outscored the opposition, 455-114 and recorded five shutouts.
The six-time defending state champions have once again put it into gear, and despite losing their opener to national power Mater Dei from Santa Ana, California, veteran head coach Roger Harriott and his team have won 11 straight games and have out themselves in a position to win an amazing seventh straight.
This is a loaded team with major prospects on both sides of the ball and on special teams. They have met every challenge and have played a competitive schedule from top to bottom. You can guarantee that they will have another supportive crowd that is a mix of current students, parents and supporters as well as a strong alumni base.
During the 11-game winning streak, they have outscored the opposition by a staggering, 497-163 with six games of giving up seven points or less.
MCARTHUR MUSTANGS
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 28-14
Miramar, W 24-14
Weston Cypress Bay, W 40-6
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 31-7
Hollywood Hills, W 70-0
Deerfield Beach, W 35-0
Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, W 44-0
Fort Lauderdale, W 39-6
South Plantation, W 55-0
Miramar Everglades, W 69-0
Stuart Martin County, W 41-13
Delray Beach Atlantic, W 17-16
11/28 - @Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
ST. THOMA AQUINAS RAIDERS
Santa Ana Mater Dei, California, L 26-23
Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Andeson, W 72-6
Miami Christopher Columbus, W 42-7
Davie Western, W 45-6
Hollywood McArthur, W 31-7
Hollywood Hills, W 63-0
NFL Academy London, W 41-38
Coconut Creek Monarch, W 31-20
Plantation American Heritage, W 19-12
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, W 27-21
Palm Bay Heritage, W 58-7
Coconut Creek, W 45-13
11/28 – Hollywood McArthur
REGION FINAL 4-6A
No. 2 Pembroke Pines West Broward (10-2) at No. 1 Miami Southridge (11-1). In winning 10 straight games, the Bobcats have outscored the opposition, 465-162, as they head south to take on a team that many felt was the best in the classification this year.
For Brian McCartney and his football team, this year has been about showing up and playing hard every week, and while the year got off to a rocky start, they are now running on all cylinders with playmakers on both sides of the ball.
They have shown when they do not make mistakes, they are tough to be beat, but their work will be cut out for them against the Spartans.
Southridge is a hungry team that felt that they were robbed last year in the state semifinals against eventual state champion West Boca Raton and have lived with that stinging feeling the past 11 months.
Veteran head coach Pierre Senatus has won everywhere he’s coached – and that comes from being part of the highly successful Tim “Ice” Harris Sr. coaching tree that has taught him plenty about developing players – on and off the field.
This is a loaded team that believes they can match up with anyone – on any given day, and since losing that tough contest against national power Miami Central in the Greater Miami Athletic Conference (GMAC) Week battle, they have won three straight and have outscored the opposition 509-151 this season.
WEST BROWARD BOBCATS
Corner Canyon, Utah, L 38-13
Camden County, Georgia, L 32-13
Plantation, W 31-6
Pembroke Pines Flanagan, W 20-8
Miramar Everglades, W 55-0
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, W 49-38
Miami Beach, W 54-0
Miramar, W 52-8
Miami Dr. Krop, W 49-0
Davie Western, W 35-7
South Plantation, W 56-13
Coconut Creek Monarch, W 38-12
11/28 - Miami Southridge
SOUTHRIDGE SPARTANS
Miami Christopher Columbus, W 28-21
Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman, W 63-22
Miami Palmetto, W 34-24
Hialeah, W 37-0
Doral Academy, W 42-7
Homestead, W 59-18
Miami Edison, W 30-16
Southwest Miami, W 49-0
Miami Central, L 34-28
Homestead South Dade, W 48-3
Davie Nova, W 49-0
Sunrise Piper, W 42-6
11/28 – Pembroke Pines West Broward
REGION FINAL 4-7A
No. 3 Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (8-4) at No. 1 Miami Palmetto (10-2). At first glance, this is a game that you can look at and feel comfortable with your prediction, but if you ask Palmetto head coach Mike Manasco, he will tell you to take a step back and see where head coach Ariel Cribeiro and his Gators have come from.
Both of the head coaches had the pleasure guiding their alma maters, and that’s why this contest may not be so cut and dry.
Both have certainly taken some lumps to get to this point, and while the Panthers come in as favorites, the respect that these two coaches have for one another will make this a game that could be better than most believe.
The Panthers got here by beating rival Christopher Columbus twice, which is something they certainly do not want to waste.
BARBARA GOLEMAN GATORS
Key West, W 62-21
Miami Southridge, L 63-22
Hialeah American, W 42-13
Hialeah Gardens, W 35-0
Weston Cypress Bay, W 35-3
West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman, L 28-7
Davie Western, L 14-7
Miami Carol City, L 26-21
Coral Springs Taravella, W 56-0
Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, W 26-8
Homestead South Dade, W 30-28
Boca Raton Spanish River, W 56-42
11/28 - @Miami Palmetto, 6 p.m.
PALMETTO PANTHERS
Miami Booker T. Washington, W 35-0
Miami Southridge, L 34-34
Miami Christopher Columbus, W 24-21
Miami Killian, W 42-21
Coral Gables, W 43-0
Homestead South Dade, W 45-7
Miami Northwestern, L 28-0
Miami High, W 43-7
Fort Myers Bishop Verot, W 20-10
Coral Springs Coral Glades, W 42-0
Miami Christopher Columbus, W 27-10
11/28 – Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman
TOMORROW: It’s the big 3A Region Final matchup that many believe should be the state title game. It’s showtime from Traz Powell Stadium!
2025 Road To Miami & The Villages Charter. https://larryblustein.com/news/2025-road-to-miami-the-villages-charter
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/
For the past 55 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..