We are now heading into the third week of the state football playoffs – Region Finals week.

This is the week where practicing on Thanksgiving is indeed a badge of honor, and teams throughout Miami-Dade and Broward are anxious to move one step close to playing for a state title – either at Pitbull Stadium on the campus of Florida International University or at The Villages Charter School – where the FIT Division will host their state championship games.

From 1A through 7A, there are 14 teams from the two counties who are still alive and set to move on.

REGION 4-1A

REGION SEMIFINALS

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 47, Miami Edison 18

Miami True North Classical Academy 62, Boca Raton St. Andrew’s Academy 28

REGIONAL FINAL

Miami True North Classical Academy (10-2) at No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (9-2). These two schools have been on a collision course since the brackets were revealed. The Lions are going for a 10^th straight trip to the finals – while the Titans are hoping to pull a major upset and move on to the state semifinals.

REGION 4-2A

Miami La Salle 42, Miami Ransom Everglades 16

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 38, Miami Killian 35

REGION FINAL

No. 2 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (9-3) at No. 1 Miami La Salle (12-0). Both programs advanced to this game and a first ever matchup in the state playoffs. With Sarasota Cardinal Mooney and Jacksonville Bolles looming as huge favorites in the class, a win will put the Royal Lions or the Chiefs within one win of a state final game.

REGION 4-3A

REGION SEMIFINALS

Northwestern 56, Key West 6

Miami Central 70, Naples Lely 30

REGION FINAL

No. 2 Miami Central (10-1) at No. 1 Northwestern (11-0). This rematch was talked about from Day 1 of the season. The defending state champion Bulls beat the Rockets in their first meeting this season and breezed through their first opponents. While Sarasota Booker, Orlando Bishop Moore, Melbourne Eau Gallie and defending state runner up Jacksonville Raines loom as possible contenders, this Saturday night contest is truthfully the state title game!!!!

REGION 4-4A

REGION SEMIFINAL

Plantation American Heritage 48, Plantation 7

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy 24, Miami Norland 14

REGION FINAL

No. 2 Plantation American Heritage (6-5) at No. 1 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (10-2). The defending state champion Patriots have run through a major gauntlet to get to this contest – with a tremendous schedule, but this rematch promises to be one that you will want to check out. This class is loaded with elite teams such as defending state runner up Orlando Jones, St. Augustine and Tampa Jesuit.

REGION 4-5A

REGION SEMIFINAL

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 45, Coconut Creek 13

Hollywood McArthur 17, Delray Beach Atlantic 16

REGION FINAL

No. 6 Hollywood McArthur (10-2) at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (11-1). If you had the Mustangs on your bingo card to reach this game at the start of the season, you are certainly in the minority. They lost the first game this season between two district foes, and with the six-time defending state champs loaded up again, it will be a major hurdle. Defending state runner up Lakeland, unbeaten Orlando Edgewater and Fort Myers Riverdale are other teams to watch.

REGION 4-6A

Miami Southridge 42, Sunrise Piper 6

Pembroke Pines West Broward 38, Coconut Creek Monarch 12

REGION FINAL

No. 2 Pembroke Pines West Broward (10-2) at No. 1 Miami Southridge (11-1). Ever since the Spartans lost to eventual state champion West Boca Raton in the state semifinals last season, they have been driven to get to the state title game – 20 minutes from their campus. But to get there they have a hungry and talented group of Bobcats, West Boca Raton, unbeaten Seffner Armwood, Jacksonville Mandarin, Gainesville Buchholz ready to make a statement as well.

REGION 4-7A

REGIONAL SEMIFINALS

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman 56, Boca Raton Spanish River 42

Miami Palmetto 27, Miami Christopher Columbus 10

REGION FINAL

No. 3 Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (8-4) at No. 1 Miami Palmetto (10-2). When the season started, there were some who felt that the Panthers had the talent to be in this position, but they still had to conquer longtime obstacle Miami Christopher Columbus. One the other side, there was NOBODY that had the Gators, who reach this game for the first time in school history. Unbeaten DeLand and Vero Beach, defending state champion Venice and state runner up Lake Mary are still alive and kicking.

FIT 1A-3A

REGION SEMIFINALS

Miami Booker T. Washington 33, Hallandale 22

North Miami Beach 42, Oasis 0

REGION FINAL

No. 3 Miami Booker T. Washington (3-8) at No. 1 North Miami Beach (5-6). In the first year of college basketball’s version of the NIT, this tournament is giving programs who didn’t reach the state playoffs a chance to continue playing. Both teams have a legitimate chance to reach The Villages Charter in north Florida for the title game in two weeks.

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..

When it comes to the state football playoffs nobody needs to remind Miami-Dade and Broward County teams what’s at stake.

When 21 area schools take to the field tonight, the race for a state title at Pitbull Stadium will move closer as the regional semifinals will take place in the three counties (Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach) where the spotlight will shine brightly.

Two of the most anticipated games to be played will be rematches of games that were played earlier this season, and unlike the first meeting, this is indeed for all the marbles – with the winners moving on to the coveted “Thanksgiving Week” practice and the loser pointing toward 2026.

Earlier this season, Miami Norland fell to Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, 21-14, as the Mavericks moved on to win the district and take home the No. 1 seed. They will clash once again.

When Miami Palmetto beat longtime district rival Miami Christopher Columbus earlier this season, it was the first win by the Panthers in the series in six years. They will clash once again in one of those games where records mean nothing.

Here is a look at Friday’s Regional Semifinal Round:

REGION 4-4A

No. 4 Miami Norland (6-5) at No. 1 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (9-2), 7:30

MIAMI NORLAND VIKINGS

Lake Mary, L 30-29

Miami Carol City, W 42-13

Homestead South Dade, W 49-3

Miami Northwestern, L 49-21

Delray Beach Atlantic, L 43-20

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, L 21-14

Cocoa, W 28-6

Plantation American Heritage, L 42-21

Miami Christopher Columbus, W 30-14

Plantation, W 35-34’

Jensen Beach, W 49-14

11/21 - @Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy

SOUTHWEST RANCHES ARCHBISHOP MCCAFRTHY MAVERICKS

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, W 42-35

Community School of Naples, W 14-10

Miami St. Brendan, W 56-0

Miami True North Classical Academy, L 31-6

Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons, W 41-0

Miami Norland, W 21-14

Plantation, L 28-27

Plantation American Heritage, W 13-10

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy, W 38-7

West Palm Beach The King’s Academy, W 48-7

Hialeah, W 49-6

11/21 – Miami Norland

REGION 4-7A

No. 5 Columbus (4-7) at No. 1 Palmetto (9-2), 7, Tropical

MIAMI CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS EXPLORERS

Miami Southridge, L 28-21

Olney Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maryland, L 14-7

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 42-7

Miami Palmetto, L 24-21

Miami Northwestern, L 41-6

Homestead South Dade, W 42-34

Miami High, W 50-0

Coral Gables, W 45-7

Miami Norland, L 30-14

Miami True North Classical Academy, L 34-15

Lantana Santaluces, W 28-3

11/21 - @ Miami Palmetto

MIAMI PALMETTO PANTHERS

Miami Booker T. Washington, W 35-0

Miami Southridge, L 34-24

Miami Christopher Columbus, W 24-21

Miami Killian, W 42-21

Coral Gables, W 43-0

Homestead South Dade, W 45-7

Homestead, W 40-0

Miami Northwestern, L 28-0

Miami High, W 43-7

Fort Myers Bishop Verot, W 20-10

Coral Springs Coral Glades, W 42-0

11/21 – Miami Christopher Columbus

REGION 4-6A

No. 3 Coconut Creek Monarch (7-4) at No. 2 Pembroke Pines West Broward (9-2), 7, Cypress Bay

COCONUT CREEK MONARCH KNIGHTS

Jacksonville Bolles, L 34-15

Deerfield Beach, W 48-10

Ramsey Don Bosco Prep, New Jersey, L 38-21

Sanford Seminole, W 34-20

Fort Lauderdale, W 54-0

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 28-7

Coral Springs, W 46-0

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 31-20

Sunrise Piper, W 41-32

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, W 34-0

Doral Academy, W 39-0

11/21 - @Pembroke Pines West Broward

PEMBROKE PINES 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, 11-21

In addition to those three games, here is a look at some of the other state playoff games this evening:

FRIDAY GAMES

REGION 4-7A

No. 3 Miami Lakes Goleman (7-4) at No. 2 Boca Raton Spanish River (7-4), 6:30

REGION 4-6A

No. 5 Sunrise Piper (7-4) at No. 1 Miami Southridge (10-1), 7:30

REGION 4-5A

No. 4 Coconut Creek (9-2) at No. 1 St. Thomas Aquinas (10-1), 7:30

No. 6 Hollywood McArthur (9-2) at No. 2 Delray Beach Atlantic (10-1), 6:30

REGION 4-4A

No. 6. Plantation (7-4) at No. 2 Plantation American Heritage (5-5), 7:30

REGION 4-3A

No. 4 Key West (7-4) at No. 1 Miami Northwestern (10-0), 7:30, Traz

REGION 4-2A

No. 5 Miami Ransom Everglades (7-4) at No. 1 Miami Immaculata LaSalle (11-0), 7:30

No. 3 Miami Killian (8-3) at No. 2 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (8-3), 7

REGION 4-1A

No. 4 Miami Edison (6-4) at No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (8-2), 6:30

THURSDAY RESULTS

REGION 4-1A

Miami True North Classical Academy 62, Boca Raton St. Andrews 28

REGION 4-3A

Miami Central 70, Naples Lely 30

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..

In this fast-moving high school football season, we are now headed into the second week of the state playoffs – and it all gets started this evening.

Two games will highlight 23 Miami-Dade and Broward programs who survived the opening round of the playoffs with the hope of reaching Pitbull Stadium on the campus of Florida International University in the second week of December.

REGION 4-3A

No. 3 Naples Lely (8-3) at No. 2 Miami Central (9-1) 7, Traz Powell Stadium. The Trojans head east with high hopes of knocking off the Rockets, but to be honest, first year head coach Derrick Gibson and Central have much bigger fish to fry next week in a much-anticipated rematch with No. 1 seed Miami Northwestern.

Lely is talented and has some quality players, but this would be a major upset if the Rockets didn’t come out on top.

NAPLES LELY TROJANS

Naples Golden Gate, W 62-0

Clearwater Calvary Christian, L 42-38

Naples Gulf Coast, W 60-36

Sarasota Booker, L 28-14

Naples Barron Collier, W 42-18

Immokalee, W 40-28

Naples, L 38-24

Bonita Springs, W 64-8

South Fort Myers, W 56-20

Estero, W 52-26

11/20 – Miami Central

MIAMI 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

11/20 – Naples Lely

REGION 4-1A

No. 3 Boca Raton St. Andrews (10-1) at No. 2 Miami True North Classical Academy (9-2), 7, Tropical

BOCA RATON ST. ANDREW’S SCOTS

West Palm Beach The King’s Academy, W 28-24

Melbourne Central Catholic, W 21-9

Fort Lauderdale NSU University School, W 45-28

Boca Raton Saint John Paul II, W 47-8

Coconut Creek North Broward Prep, W 55-7

Deerfield Beach Somerset Academy Key, W 59-12

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy, L 16-14

Miami Gulliver Prep, W 41-6

North Palm Beach Benjamin, W 35-3

Miami Archbishop Carroll, W 54-20

11/20 - @Miami True North Classical Academy

MIAMI TRUE NORTH CLASSICAL ACADEMY TITANS

Sarasota Cardinal Mooney, L 41-14

Fort Myers Bishop Verot, L 44-34

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, W 49-18

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, W 31-6

Jacksonville University Christian, W 28-8

Miami Jackson, W 42-0

Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons, W 42-0

Miami Christopher Columbus, W 34-15

Miami Westminster Christian, W 35-6

Miami Archbishop Carroll, W 49-20

Miami Palmer Trinity, W 42-17

11/20 – Boca Raton St. Andrew’s

FRIDAY GAMES

REGION 4-7A

No. 5 Columbus (4-7) at No. 1 Palmetto (9-2), 7, Tropical

No. 3 Miami Lakes Goleman (7-4) at No. 2 Boca Raton Spanish River (7-4), 6:30

REGION 4-6A

No. 5 Sunrise Piper (7-4) at No. 1 Miami Southridge (10-1), 7:30

No. 3 Coconut Creek Monarch (7-4) at No. 2 Pembroke Pines West Broward (9-2), 7, Cypress Bay

REGION 4-5A

No. 4 Coconut Creek (9-2) at No. 1 St. Thomas Aquinas (10-1), 7:30

No. 6 Hollywood McArthur (9-2) at No. 2 Delray Beach Atlantic (10-1), 6:30

REGION 4-4A

No. 4 Miami Norland (6-5) at No. 1 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (9-2), 7:30

No. 6. Plantation (7-4) at No. 2 Plantation American Heritage (5-5), 7:30

REGION 4-3A

No. 4 Key West (7-4) at No. 1 Miami Northwestern (10-0), 7:30, Traz

REGION 4-2A

No. 5 Miami Ransom Everglades (7-4) at No. 1 Miami Immaculata LaSalle (11-0), 7:30

No. 3 Miami Killian (8-3) at No. 2 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (8-3), 7

REGION 4-1A

No. 4 Miami Edison (6-4) at No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (8-2), 6:30

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..

As we are now in the second round of the state football playoffs, there are a number of prospects who have slid under the radar.

With the amount of quality prospects we have in all classes, we shine the spotlight on so many of them – and while there are standouts who share some of the spotlight, there are those who have not received the attention they deserve.

Throughout the course of a year, we are fortunate to attend camps, combines, practices and games to see so many of these student/athletes firsthand and giving them the attention they deserve.

Being at so many events affords us the opportunity to tell you about the prospects from watching them live and not be like so many others who only watch these football players on film – like everyone can.

Today, we bring you some more prospects that truly deserve some attention:

2026 - Tristan Ayala, Edge, 6’1, 175, Fort Lauderdale NSU University School – 4.0 GPA. Basketball. Had a huge senior season for this Sunshine State Athletic Association playoff team with 16 sacks, 6 caused fumbles, 19 quarterback pressures and plenty of leadership.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20705733/Tristan-Ayala

2026 - Michael Buggam, CB, 6’2, 170, Coconut Creek - 4.89 GPA, Cambridge diploma recipient. Track & Field. On a team loaded with talent that advanced to the state playoffs, this is someone who brings so much to the table – on and off the playing field. A quality athlete, who not only gets it done as a football player, but also a track & field performer and achieves in the classroom.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21654647/Michael-Buggam

2028 – Amari Germain, RB, 5’10, 165, Miami Coral Reef. Track & Field. When it comes to south Florida talent, there is often so much that even the rising standouts tend to get overlooked. Here is definitely an example of a prospect who plays at a lesser known football school that has everything you need to be special. He has the size, athleticism and skill that every college looks for. If not for his appearance in the Greater Miami Athletic Conference (GMAC) Independent championship game where his team prevailed for the second year, there is a good bet that it probably wouldn’t have been until the off-season that those who help to promote prospects in south Florida would have heard about him. Watch him play and you can project that he will get it done against all types of competition because of his instincts and speed. He will be special over the next few years and just lacks the exposure that he will receive this winter and spring.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26508869/Amari-Germain

2028 - Lincoln Hall, WR/SS/OLB, 6’2, 178, Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest. One of the versatile underclassmen that we had in the region this season. Someone who has the size, athleticism and the ability to make plays on both sides of the ball. This is a prospect to keep an eye on during the off-season as he attends camps and other events. Also gets it done in the classroom.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26872184/690612f9ab529b1a0ee663ee

2027 - Tajhi “Jirr” Sam, WR, 5’8, 150, Hollywood South Broward – 3.7 GPA. On a program that is in the rebuilding process, this quality talent certainly showed that he will be yet another talent to keep an eye on as he matures during the off-season. What was a learning year for this student/athlete, you can see that he has the potential to be special with quickness and the ability to play this game.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20443687/Tahjir-Sam

2028 - Damari Snell, DL/LB, Fort Lauderdale – 2.9 GPA. Watch this quality talent play and you can see right away the passion that he has for this game. Gets off the ball fast and will compete until the whistle blows. This is a typical Richard Dunbar-coached player who gets the very most out of what he brings to the table. Over the next two years, it will be fun to watch his progress and how much he continues to hit the weightroom to get stronger which will only add to his football skills.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/27379782/690e9d8a74301bea69f99f13

2026 – Ace Taylor, RB/Athlete, Cooper City – 3.8 GPA. This three-year performer for the Cowboys certainly stepped up his game this past season – leading the way in rushing, touchdowns and as a major contributor for a program that continued to improve. The son of a head football coach more than brought his best every week. Forget his size and concentrate on his football skills.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17578624/Ace-Taylor

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..