Recruiting News

GMAC WEEK: Columbus & Northwestern Kick Things Off Tonight

It is a week that is devoted to the high school football teams in the Greater Miami Athletic Conference.

Programs matched against one another that brings more attention to one of the best football-playing areas in the nation.

For the past three years, the spotlight has fallen on this conference as all teams get the opportunity to play one another with rankings based in how programs have done so far this season with each program paired against another team that is at the same level.

This year’s event is once against spread over three days, and it all begins tonight with an outstanding matchup between No. 6 Miami Christopher Columbus, coached by Dave Dunn, and the No. 8 Miami Northwestern Bulls, with first year head coach Teddy Bridgewater at Traz Powell Stadium (7:00)

MIAMI CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS EXPLORERS (5-2)

@Miami Southridge, W 17-14

Our Lady of Good Counsel, L 14-10

@Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 42-6

@Miami Palmetto, W 17-14

@Homestead South Dade, W 42-15

Miami High, W 52-6

Coral Gables, W 33-0

10/17 – GMAC WEEK – Miami Northwestern

10/24 – Miami Archbishop McCarthy

MIAMI NORTHWESTERN BULLS (4-3)

@Coconut Creek, W 45-0

@Venice, L 48-42 (OT)

@Miami Carol City, W 42-7

@Miami Norland, L 21-17

Miami Jackson, W 48-6

Miami Central, L 24-21

@Key West, W 50-14

10/17 – GMAC WEEK – Miami Christopher Columbus

10/25 – Miami St. Brendan

In addition to that matchup, here is a look at some of the other games played today and here in Week 9:

THURSDAY, October 17

MIAMI-DADE

GMAC: Miami Coral Park at Miami Braddock, 3:30

GMAC: Miami Edison vs. No. 11 Miami Palmetto (Tropical), 7

GMAC: Miami Ferguson vs. Hialeah American (Milander), 7

GMAC: Miami Jackson vs. Homestead South Dade (Harris), 7

GMAC: Miami Sunset at Doral Reagan, 3:30

GMAC: South Miami at Miami Varela, 3:30

GMAC: Southwest Miami vs. Miami Coral Reef (Southridge), 7

OTHER GAMES

Coral Springs Taravella at Coral Springs Coral Glades, 7

Hollywood Hills at Pompano Beach, 7

Hollywood McArthur vs. Fort Lauderdale (Lockhart), 7

North Lauderdale Somerset Prep at Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, 7

Pembroke Pines Charter at Miramar Everglades, 7

FRIDAY, October 18

GMAC Championship: No. 2 Miami Central vs. No. 4 Miami Norland (Traz), 7:30

GMAC: Miami Carol City vs. No. 17 Homestead (Harris), 4

GMAC: Coral Gables vs. Miami High (Curtis), 7:30

GMAC: Hialeah Gardens vs. Miami Dr. Krop (Ives), 3:30

GMAC: No. 18 Miami Booker T. Washington at No. 5 Miami Southridge, 7:30

GMAC: Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman vs. Hialeah (Milander), 7:30

GMAC: North Miami vs. Killian (Tropical), 7:30

GMAC: North Miami Mourning vs. Miami Beach (N. Miami), 3:30

GMAC: Westland Hialeah at Hialeah-Miami Lakes, 3:30

OTHER GAMES

Boca Raton at No. 14 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, 7

Boca St. Andrews at Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, 7

No. 15 Coconut Creek Monarch at No. 3 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 7

Coral Springs Charter at Coconut Creek North Broward Prep, 7

Davie Nova at Hollywood South Broward, 7

Deerfield Beach Somerset Key at Miami Country Day, 7

Delray Atlantic at Deerfield Beach, 7

Doral Academy at Boca Raton Spanish River, 7

Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest at Orlando Lake Highland Prep, 7

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan at Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, 7

Fort Myers Evangelical Christian at Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy, 7

Fort Myers Gateway Charter at Marathon, 7

Hallandale at Pembroke Pines Flanagan, 7

Hialeah ABF Academy at Fort Lauderdale NSU University School, 7

Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy at Miami Archbishop Carroll, 3:30

Hollywood Avant Garde at No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, 7

Homestead Everglades Prep at Miami Palmer Trinity, 4

Miami Belen at Miami Gulliver Prep, 4

Miami Immaculata LaSalle at Miami St. Brendan, 7

Miami True North Classical Academy at West Palm Beach The Kings Academy, 6:30

Miramar at Coconut Creek, 7

Parkland Stoneman Douglas at Coral Springs, 7

No. 12 Pembroke Pines West Broward at Naples Gulf Coast, 7

No. 16 Plantation at No. 7 Sunrise Piper, 7

Riviera Beach Suncoast at Oakland Park Northeast, 7

Somerset South Homestead at Miami Ransom Everglades, 7

South Plantation at Cooper City, 7

No. 20 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy at No. 9 Plantation American Heritage, 7:30

Weston Cypress Bay at Davie Western, 7

 

SATURDAY, October 19

GMAC: Miami Springs vs. North Miami Beach (Traz), 7

OTHER GAME

No. 13 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely at No. 10 Fort Lauderdale Dillard, 7

 

MONDAY, October 21

Cooper City at Pembroke Pines Charter, 6

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan vs. No. 2 Miami Central (Traz), 7

Hollywood Hills at Hallandale, 7

Miami Dr. Krop at Pembroke Pines Flanagan, 6

Miramar Everglades at North Miami (St. Thomas U), 7

No. 12 Pembroke Pines West Broward at Miami Beach, 3

Pompano Beach at Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, 3

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..

Week 9 – Chaminade-Madonna Moves Back On Top

 As we have reached Week 9, things are starting to take shape in district play, and the post season is getting clearer.

With so many top programs playing each other, the Top 20 list is perhaps the most valid it has ever been – with more head-to-head games than ever before.

When Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna knocked off five-time defending state champion and previously No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 29-22, it opened the door for the Lions to move up to No. 1 – a place where they finished a year ago.

The Lions have easily one of the top schedules in south Florida – with games against No. 3, No. 4, No. 13, No. 14 and No. 15 area teams – along with the No. 2 program in the country.

Here is a look at 20 Miami-Dade Broward Week 9 teams:

1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (6-2, 1A). LAST WEEK: The Lions, playing No. 3 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas for the first time in 43 years, surprised the Raiders, 29-22. THIS WEEK: 10/18 – Hollywood Avant Garde Academy. NEXT GAME: No. 14 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons.

2. Miami Central (5-1, 3A). LAST WEEK: The Rockets’ district game with Fort Lauderdale Stranahan will be made up on 10/21. THIS WEEK: 10/18 – It’s GMAC Week and a contest against No. 4 Miami Norland. NEXT GAMES: 10/21 – Fort Lauderdale Stranahan & 10/25 - @Pembroke Pines Somerset.

3. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (6-2, 5A). LAST WEEK: The Raiders dropped a tough 29-22 decision to No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (FIU). THIS WEEK: 10/18 – Coconut Creek Monarch. NEXT GAME: 10/25 – No. 9 Plantation American Heritage.

4. Miami Norland (6-1, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Vikings clinched the district title with a 32-27 win against Plantation American Heritage. THIS WEEK: 10/18 - It’s GMAC Week and a date with No. 2 Miami Central. NEXT GAME: 10/24 – Plantation. 

5. Southridge (7-1, 6A). LAST WEEK: The Spartans rolled to a 44-7 win against Southwest Miami. THIS WEEK: 10/18 - It’s GMAC Week with a contest against No. 18 Miami Booker T. Washington. NEXT GAME: 11/1 - @Homestead South Dade.

6. Miami Christopher Columbus (5-2, 7A). LAST WEEK: The Explorers won their fourth straight game, beating Coral Gables, 33-0. THIS WEEK: 10/17 - It’s GMAC Week with a game against No. 9 Miami Northwestern. NEXT GAME: 10/24 – Miami Archbishop Carroll.

7. Sunrise Piper (6-0, 6A). LAST WEEK: The game with Fort Lauderdale was postponed until 10/28. THIS WEEK: 10/18 – No. 16 Plantation. NEXT GAME: 10/24 - @ No. 15 Coconut Creek Monarch

8. Miami Northwestern (4-3, 3A). LAST WEEK: The Bulls rebounded with a 50-14 road victory at Key West. THIS WEEK: 10/17 - It’s GMAC Week and that means a matchup with No. 6 Miami Christopher Coumbus. NEXT GAME: 10/25 – Miami St. Brendan.

9. Plantation American Heritage (3-4, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Patriots dropped the district championship game to No. 4 Miami Norland, 31-27. The four losses have come to four schools with a combined 25-4 record. THIS WEEK: 10/18 – No. 20 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy. NEXT GAME: 10/25 - @ No. 3 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.

10. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (4-1, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Panthers’ game with Lake Worth Dr. Joaquin Garcia was postponed. THIS WEEK: 10/19 – It’s the Broward Soul Bowl against No. 13 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely. NEXT GAME: 10/24 - @Boynton Beach.

11. Miami Palmetto (4-2, 7A). LAST WEEK: The Panthers were off. THIS WEEK: 10/17 – It’s GMAC Week and the Red Raiders of Miami Edison will be the opponent. NEXT GAME: 10/25 – Miami High.

12. Pembroke Pines West Broward (4-2, 6A). LAST WEEK: The Bobcats’ game with Miami Beach was postponed until 10/21.  THIS WEEK: 10/18 - @Naples Gulf Coast. NEXT GAMES: 10/21 - @Miami Beach. 10/25 - @Miami Dr. Krop.

13. Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (5-2, 5A). LAST WEEK: The Tigers had the week off. THIS WEEK: 10/19 – The Broward Soul Bowl against No. 10 Fort Lauderdale Dillard. NEXT GAME: 10/25 - @Coconut Creek.

14. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (4-2, 2A). LAST WEEK: The Chiefs’ game against Deerfield Beach was cancelled. THIS WEEK: 10/18 – Boca Raton. NEXT GAME: 10/25 - @ No.1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna.

15. Coconut Creek Monarch (4-2, 6A). LAST WEEK: The Knights had the week off. THIS WEEK: 10/18 - @ No.3 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. NEXT GAME: 10/24 – No. 7 Sunrise Piper.

16. Plantation (5-2, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Colonels rebounded with an 18-3 win against No. 20 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy. THIS WEEK: 10/18 - @No. 7 Sunrise Piper.

17. Homestead (3-3, 6A). LAST WEEK: The Broncos’ contest against No. 18 Miami Booker T. Washington was cancelled. THIS WEEK: 10/18 – GMAC Week against Miami Carol City. NEXT GAME: 10/24 - @Miami Edison.

18. Miami Booker T. Washington (3-2, 2A). LAST WEEK: The Tornadoes’ game with No. 17 Homestead was cancelled. THIS WEEK: 10/18 – GMAC Week against No. 5 Miami Southridge. NEXT GAME: 10/25 - @Miami Ransom Everglades.

19. Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (5-2, 1A). LAST WEEK: The Spartans won for the third straight time, 48-6, against Westland Hialeah. THIS WEEK: The team will be off. NEXT GAME: 10/25 – North Miami Beach.

20. Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (4-2, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Mavericks lost for the second straight time, 18-3, to No. 16 Plantation. THIS WEEK: 10/18 – A district matchup against No. 9 Plantation American Heritage. NEXT GAME: 10/25 – Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian.

KEEP AN EYE ON: Coconut Creek (2-3, 5A), Coral Gables (2-2, 7A), Davie Western (3-4, 7A), Doral Academy (3-3, 6A), Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (6-2, 2A), Fort Lauderdale NSU University School (6-1, Independent), Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (2-3, 3A), Doral Academy (2-2, 6A), Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (4-2, Independent), Hialeah (6-2, 4A), Hollywood South Broward (2-4, 6A), Homestead South Dade (3-4, 7A), Miami Archbishop Carroll (6-2, 1A), Miami Carol City (2-4, 2A), Miami Florida Christian (7-1, Independent), Miami Edison (4-3, 1A), Miami Immaculata LaSalle (5-1, 2A), Miami Jackson (4-3, 3A), Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (4-3, 7A), Miami Ransom Everglades (4-1, 2A), Miami Springs (3-4, 2A), Miami True North Classical Academy (3-2, 1A), Miramar (4-3, 5A), North Miami (3-4, 5A), North Miami Beach (2-4, 2A), Pembroke Pines Charter (4-2, 5A), Pembroke Pines Flanagan (3-3, 6A), Weston Cypress Bay (3-3, 7A).

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

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..

 


This has indeed been a very strange football season, and while games are being made up, it has been tough for players and teams to gain momentum.

With that in mind, judging prospects on statistics alone may not be fair, especially because many teams have had games postponed or cancelled.

In Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, storms have truly cut into the season – and while the state decided on Monday to extend the season by a week – to make up key games – other matchups will never happen and that is not a reflection on the athlete.

Today, we look at some of the running backs in the two counties who have stepped up through eight weeks of the season.

Prospects such as seniors (2025) Joshua Rivera (Miami Archbishop Carroll), Sterling Joseph (Miami Edison), Derrick Ferguson (Athlete, Southwest Miami), Anthony Mestre (Athlete, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep), Tracey Trampellini (Athlete, Deerfield Beach Somerset Academy Key), Julien Halley (Sunrise Piper), Shawn Paschall (Pompano Beach Blanche Ely), Chance Washington (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Byron Louis (Plantation American Heritage), Kenneth Pierre (Davie Nova), Bre'lan Mareus (Coconut Creek Monarch), and Elijah DeWoskin (Pembroke Pines West Broward).

Juniors (2026) have also made an impact – with two-way prospect Derrek Cooper (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Kelcey Parrish II (Miami Archbishop Carroll), Rashad Wallace (Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace), Justin Compere (Miami Carol City), Geovanni Tobon (Miami St. Brendan), Zachariah Ray (Plantation), Johnathan Bueno (Davie Western), and Anthony Casseus (Coral Springs Coral Glades).

Even 2027 (sophomores) have made an impact, Players like Amos Bradford (Pembroke Pines West Broward) and Hector Paul (North Miami),

The depth at the position also reaches this freshman (2028) class with Cordell Gibson (Miami Florida Christian).

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..

 

Local Running Backs Continue To Shine

This has indeed been a very strange football season, and while games are being made up, it has been tough for players and teams to gain momentum.

With that in mind, judging prospects on statistics alone may not be fair, especially because many teams have had games postponed or cancelled.

In Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, storms have truly cut into the season – and while the state decided on Monday to extend the season by a week – to make up key games – other matchups will never happen and that is not a reflection on the athlete.

Today, we look at some of the running backs in the two counties who have stepped up through eight weeks of the season.

Prospects such as seniors (2025) Joshua Rivera (Miami Archbishop Carroll), Sterling Joseph (Miami Edison), Derrick Ferguson (Athlete, Southwest Miami), Anthony Mestre (Athlete, Coconut Creek North Broward Prep), Tracey Trampellini (Athlete, Deerfield Beach Somerset Academy Key), Julien Halley (Sunrise Piper), Shawn Paschall (Pompano Beach Blanche Ely), Chance Washington (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Byron Louis (Plantation American Heritage), Kenneth Pierre (Davie Nova), Bre'lan Mareus (Coconut Creek Monarch), and Elijah DeWoskin (Pembroke Pines West Broward).

Juniors (2026) have also made an impact – with two-way prospect Derrek Cooper (Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna), Kelcey Parrish II (Miami Archbishop Carroll), Rashad Wallace (Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace), Justin Compere (Miami Carol City), Geovanni Tobon (Miami St. Brendan), Zachariah Ray (Plantation), Johnathan Bueno (Davie Western), and Anthony Casseus (Coral Springs Coral Glades).

Even 2027 (sophomores) have made an impact, Players like Amos Bradford (Pembroke Pines West Broward) and Hector Paul (North Miami),

The depth at the position also reaches this freshman (2028) class with Cordell Gibson (Miami Florida Christian).

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..

 

American Heritage & Norland Take Center Stage Tonight

The game was all set for Saturday night. A huge district showdown between Plantation American Heritage and Miami Norland.

Two of the top 4A schools in the state squaring off at “The Mecca” Traz Powell Stadium.

Mike Smith and his 3-3 Patriots, who have run a gauntlet this season, have been among the best teams nationally, and while they are 3-3, it is indeed misleading.

For the Vikings, who advanced to the state title last year, have made a huge impression under veteran head coach Daryle Heidelberg, beating state-rated Cocoa on the road.

After this game, both have one more district game, so while tonight’s contest will be important, the winner will have that one last game to clinch the title.

Like many top teams throughout the state who are in the same region, this should be the first of two meetings – with the second game sending the loser home for the year!

This is one of several games locally over the next two days.

 PLANTATION AMERICAN HERITAGE (3-3)

Milton, Georgia, L 37-28

Davie Western, W 51-12

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 48-45

Naples, W 23-3

Miami Central, L 35-32

Plantation, W 35-0

10/14 - @Miami Norland

10/18 – Southwest Ranches Archbishop

10/25 - @Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

MIAMI NORLAND (5-1)

Miramar, W 27-0

Miami Carol City, W 36-10

Miami Northwestern, W 21-17

Hollywood Chaminade, L 45-20

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, W 49-16

Cocoa, W 33-15

10/14 – Plantation American Heritage

10/18 – Miami Central

10/24 - Plantation

OTHER LOCAL GAMES TONIGHT

Coral Springs Coral Glades at Boca Raton

Fort Lauderdale Dillard at Lake Worth Joaquin Garcia

Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy at Miramar

Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson at Hollywood McArthur

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman at Davie Western

North Miami Mourning at Hialeah Gardens

North Miami Beach at Miami Carol City

Southwest Miami at Miami Southridge

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy at Plantation

TUESDAY, October 15

Boca Raton Spanish River at Parkland Stoneman Douglas

Coral Springs Taravella at Weston Cypress Bay

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..