We are now three rounds into the 2024 high school football playoffs and 12 Miami-Dade and Broward County programs still have hopes of making it to the state finals in the second week of December.
With Florida International University’s Pitbull Stadium serving as the host for the next three years, area programs are looking to have that home field advantage.
While this week will only set the table for next week’s state semifinals, the post-Thanksgiving menu is indeed something to satisfy all football fans.
With five-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A), four-time defending state champion Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1A) looking for a ninth consecutive trip and two-time defending state champion Miami Christopher Columbus (7A) still alive in the race for state, things will indeed be competitive.
1A
REGION FINAL
No. 3 Miami Edison (8-4) at No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (10-2), 6. This is a rematch of the first meeting that got out of hand early. Chaminade-Madonna is not only one of the best in Florida, but as they look for a ninth consecutive trip to the state finals, they are among the best in the country.
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
*Deerfield Beach Somerset Key, W 42-0
*Miami True North Classical Academy, W 47-39
HOLLYWOOD CHAMINADE-MADONNA LIONS
St. John Bosco, California, L 34-27
Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, L 35-34 (OT)
Plantation American Heritage, W 48-45
Miami Edison, W 56-19
Miami Norland, W 45-20
Davie Western, W 26-9
Coconut Creek Monarch, W 37-8
Hollywood Avant Garde, W 56-0
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, W 62-17
*Boca Raton St. John Paul II, W 63-0
*Boca Raton St. Andrew’s, W 70-0
2A
REGION FINAL
No. 2 Miami Immaculata LaSalle (11-1) at No. 1 Miami Booker T. Washington (9-2), Traz Powell Stadium, 3:30. The rematch of the district title game back in September, which proved to be the only loss for the visitors. BTW has been on a roll and is one of the best in the state in the class.
MIAMI IMMACULATA LASALLE ROYAL LIONS
Miami High, W 40-7
Miami Jackson, W 20-14
Miami Belen Jesuit, W 34-0
Miami Booker T. Washington, L 35-20
Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, W 47-16
Miami Springs, W 14-0
Miami St. Brendan, W 14-7
Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, W 34-14
Miami Dr. Krop, W 35-6
Miami Ransom Everglades, W 43-31
*Miami Gulliver Prep, W 27-21
*Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, W 20-14
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
*Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, W 47-0
3A
REGION FINAL
No. 6 Fort Myers Cypress Lake (7-5) at No. 1 Miami Northwestern (9-2), Traz Powell Stadium, 7:30. Outscoring the first two playoff opponents, 113-12, first year head coach Teddy Bridgewater and his team have been untouchable. Cypress Lake pulled a surprise at Key West and will tackle the huge assignment ahead.
FORT MYERS CYPRESS LAKE PANTHERS
Fort Myers Dunbar, L 30-15
Cape Coral Ida Baker, W 48-7
Fort Myers, L 56-28
Lehigh Acres East Lee County, L 37-36
Fort Myers Riverdale, L 43-27
Estero, W 49-9
South Fort Myers, L 21-6
Cape Coral Island Coast, W 34-22
Englewood Lemon Bay, W 47-6
Cape Coral Mariner, W 39-7
*Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, W 27-7
*Key West, W 24-21
MIAMI NORTHWESTERN BULLS
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, W Forfeit
Key West, W 50-14
Miami Christopher Columbus, W 23-18
Miami St. Brendan, W 57-7
*Naples Barron Collier, W 69-0
*Naples Lely, W 64-12
4A
REGION FINAL
No. 2 Miami Norland (9-2) at No. 1 Plantation American Heritage (9-2), 7. The Vikings won the first meeting, but had the game and district title stripped for using an ineligible player, forcing them to be on the road for this very important round. The Patriots are not at full strength. Plenty on the line, here.
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, W 31-0
PLANTATION AMERICAN HERITAGE PATRIOTS
Milton, Georgia, L 37-28
Davie Western, W 52-12
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 48-45
Naples, W 23-3
Miami Central, W Forfeit
Plantation, W 35-0
Miami Norland, W Forfeit
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, W 35-0
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, W 42-38
*Jensen Beach, W 40-7
*Fort Lauderdale Dillard, W 24-14
5A
REGION FINAL
No. 2 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (9-3) at No. 1 Delray Atlantic (11-1), 7. For the first time in recent memory, the Raiders are not the No. 1 seed and are on the road against a team that has shown that they can compete. But this is state playoff time and STA seems to turn it up to a different level.
FORT LAUDERDALE ST. THOMAS AQUINAS RAIDERS
Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, Nevada, L 29-21
Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, W 51-0
Miami Christopher Columbus, W 42-6
Davie Western, W 23-15
Hollywood McArthur, W 56-0
Orlando Bishop Moore, W 50-15
Hollywood Hills, W 64-0
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 29-22
Coconut Creek Monarch, W 44-6
Plantation American Heritage, L 42-38
*North Miami, W 58-0
*Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, W 53-32
DELRAY ATLANTIC EAGLES
Palm Beach Gardens, W 42-3
Jonesboro, Georgia, W 53-13
North Miami Beach, W 43-7
Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, W 42-13
Orlando The First Academy, W Forfeit
Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast, W 47-9
Deerfield Beach, W 41-8
North Palm Beach Benjamin, W 21-14
West Boca Raton, L 28-14
Coconut Creek, W 34-25
*Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy, W 49-13
*Miramar, W 35-29
6A
REGION FINAL
No. 3 Pembroke Pines West Broward (9-3) at No. 1 Miami Southridge (10-2), 7:30. This is the furthest that the Bobcats and head coach Brian McCartney have ever been, and while they have come up with two impressive wins in the state playoffs, this is a huge leap in talent they will face. Head Coach Pierre Senatus and the Spartans have turned things around over the past few years and have taken it one step at a time.
PEMBROKE PINES WEST BROWARD BOBCATS
Hollywood South Broward, W 57-14
Camden County, Georgia, L 52-29
Plantation, L 25-21
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, W 43-39
Pembroke Pines Flanagan, W 35-0
Miramar Everglades, W 48-0
Naples Gulf Coast, W 63-19
Miami Beach, W 37-6
Miami Dr. Krop, W 48-7
Davie Western, L 35-10
*Pembroke Pines Flanagan, W 34-7
*Sunrise Piper, W 35-16
MIAMI SOUTHRIDGE SPARTANS
Miami Christopher Columbus, L 17-14
Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman, W 25-12
Miami Palmetto, W 21-7
Hialeah, W 34-0
Doral Academy, W 31-8
Homestead, W 17-14
Miami Edison, W 40-8
Southwest Miami, W 44-7
Miami Booker T. Washington, L 27-14
Homestead South Dade, W 33-7
*Hollywood South Broward, W 37-6
*Coconut Creek Monarch, W 20-14
7A
REGION 4
REGION FINAL
No. 7 Davie Western (6-6) at No. 1 Miami Christopher Columbus (8-3), 2:00. This is the game that many fans have been pointing toward since the start of the season. Two talented teams who both figured to be in this position the day after Thanksgiving, but the road they each traveled was different than expected. Marquee afternoon contest between Adam Ratkevich and the Wildcats and head coach Dave Dunn and the Explorers.
DAVIE WESTERN WILDCATS
Hoover, Alabama, L 17-14
Plantation American Heritage, L 51-12
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 23-15
Coral Springs Taravella, W 8-0 (Game Called)
Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 26-9
West Boca Raton, Forfeit Loss
Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman, Forfeit Loss
Weston Cypress Bay, W 46-0
Deerfield Beach, W 36-0
Pembroke Pines West Broward, W 35-10
*Miami Palmetto, W 26-10
*Boca Raton, W 42-0
MIAMI CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS EXPLORERS
Miami Southridge, W 17-14
Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maryland, 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
Miami Northwestern, L 23-18
Miami Archbishop Carroll, W 35-6
*Boca Raton Spanish River, W 56-8
*Homestead South Dade, W 28-7
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..
AS YOU SPEND THIS THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, THE BEST OF SOUTH FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS COMES YOUR WAY TONIGHT (8-10) WITH SOME OF THE BEST INTERVIEWS OVER THE PAST TWO MONTHS ON 560 AM – WQAM.
Ennio Yapoor of Miami Norland is one of the finalists for the Nat Moore Trophy. He joins the show at 8:05.
At 8:25, University of Miami record-breaking receiver Xavier Restrepo’s interview takes center stage.
With the state football championships coming to Miami in a few weeks, Craig Damon from the FHSAA talked it at 8:35.
When it comes to the NIL, nobody knows it like Dan LaForest, who we revisit at 8:50.
This week, the No. 1 NAIA football team will play their first playoff game as Keiser University Head Coach Myles Russ looked at the program at 9:05.
He has trained some of the best football prospects in south Florida as we look back at our interview with Sly Johnson, Premier Athletes at 9:25.
When it comes to recruiting, Charles Fishbein from Elite Scouting has all the answers at 9:35.
With the high school football season winding down, Zack Poff from Max Preps looked at this season at 9:50.
If you missed any of our shows, check out - https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98
When it comes to exposure and having so much talent throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, it is a good – and bad thing.
The great part of it is the nation sees the elite football talent that not only makes an impact at the high school level, but also in college and in the NFL.
The tough part of all that exposure is there are many football players seem to get lost in the shuffle and may not get the opportunity to shine in the spotlight.
With that said, we are giving you some pass catchers that turned heads and elevated their programs this season.
While not all these prospects have been hidden, sometimes it’s nice to be recognized for the little things that they do to make a difference.
Among those prospects include Class of 2025 senior prospects like Santi Paz (Weston Cypress Bay), Sean Burke (TE – Hollywood South), Terrence Honeywood (Miami Norland), Trent Dubuc (Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons), Darius Clements (Miami Southridge), Kenny Williams (Miami Gulliver Prep), Michael Warren III (Pompano Beach Blanche Ely), and Daruis Johnson (Miami Northwestern).
There are also 2026 juniors – such as Dawson Quarterman (Miami Norland), Rauli Matos (Miami Ransom Everglades), Brandon Kinsey (Miami Immaculata LaSalle), Kaj "Nitro" Baker (Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy), Gary Hadley (Pompano Beach Blanche Ely), Troy Ganter (Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy), Joseph Kogon (Coral Springs Coral Glades), Willie Wilson (Homestead Somerset), and Anton Smith (Miami Booker T. Washington).
The sophomore (2027) class is also talented – with Carlos Avila-Lopez (Fort Lauderdale NSU University School), Kareem Brown (Miami True North Classical Academy), Kaden Howard (Goulds Palm Glades Prep), and Jayden Johnson (Hollywood South Broward), Quintero Frierson (Miami Killian).
PHOTO COURTESY OF PEMBROKE PINES SOMERSET ACADEMY
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 is the week that high school football teams look forward to from the start of the season.
To be practicing on Thanksgiving Day and playing on the following Friday, it is indeed what every coach, player and fan dreams of from the end of the previous season.
While there are several favorites who have been knocked off in the first two rounds, there are still 12 Miami-Dade and Broward programs who have a chance to play for a chance to head to Florida International’s Pitbull Stadium in the second week of December to realize that dream of winning a state title.
Here is a look at how the Top 20 teams stand heading into Round 3:
1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (10-2, 1A). LAST WEEK: The Lions poured it on Boca Raton St. Andrew’s 70-0. THIS WEEK: 11/29 –No. 3 Miami Edison (7-5) for the second time this season. NEXT GAME: State Semifinal TBA.
2. Miami Norland (9-2, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Vikings beat Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy for the second time this season, 31-0. NEXT GAME: - 11/29 - No. 1 Plantation American Heritage (9-2). NEXT GAME: State Semifinal TBA.
3. Plantation American Heritage (9-2, 4A). LAST WEEK: The No. 1 seed Patriots beat Fort Lauderdale Dillard, 24-14. THIS WEEK: 11/29 - No. 2 Miami Norland (9-2). NEXT GAME: State Semifinal TBA.
4. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (9-3, 5A). LAST WEEK: The five-time defending state champions poured it on Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, 53-32. THIS WEEK: - 11/29 - No. 1 Delray Atlantic (11-1). NEXT GAME: State Semifinal TBA.
5. Miami Northwestern (9-2, 3A). LAST WEEK: The No. 1 seed Bulls rolled over Naples Lely, 64-12. THIS WEEK: 11/29 - No. 6 Fort Myers Cypress Lake (7-5). NEXT GAME: State Semifinal TBA.
6. Miami Christopher Columbus (8-3, 7A). LAST WEEK: The No. 1 seed Explorers beat Homestead South Dade for the second time this season, 28-7. THIS WEEK: 11/29 – No. 7 Davie Western (6-6). NEXT GAME: State Semifinal TBA.
7. Miami Booker T. Washington (8-2, 2A). LAST WEEK: The No. 1 seed Tornadoes rolled over Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, 47-0. THIS WEEK: 11/29 – No. 2 Miami Immaculata LaSalle (11-1). NEXT GAME: State Semifinal TBA.
8. Miami Southridge (10-2, 6A). LAST WEEK: The No. 1 seed Spartans got by Coconut Creek Monarch, 20-14. THIS WEEK: 11/29 - No. 3 Pembroke Pines West Broward (9-3). NEXT GAME: State Semifinal TBA.
9. Davie Western (6-6, 7A). LAST WEEK: The dangerous Wildcats beat Boca Raton, 48-0. THIS WEEK: 11/29 – No. 1 Miami Christopher Columbus (8-3). NEXT GAME: State Semifinal TBA.
10. Pembroke Pines West Broward (9-3, 6A). LAST WEEK: The No. 3 seed Bobcats knocked off Sunrise Piper, 35-16. THIS WEEK: No. 1 Miami Southridge (10-2). NEXT GAME: State Semifinal TBA.
11. Coconut Creek Monarch (7-4, 6A). LAST WEEK: The No. 4 seed Knights dropped a 20-14 decision to No. 1 seed Miami Southridge. SEASON OVER.
12. Sunrise Piper (10-2, 6A). LAST WEEK: The No. 2 seed Bengals saw their dream season come to an end, 35-16, against No. 3 Pembroke Pines West Broward. SEASON OVER.
13. Miami Immaculata LaSalle (11-1, 2A). LAST WEEK: The No. 2 seed Royal Lions got by Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, 20-14. THIS WEEK: 11/29 – No. 1 Miami Booker T. Washington (9-2). NEXT GAME: State Semifinal TBA.
14. Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (8-4, 5A). LAST WEEK: The No. 3 seed Tigers saw their season end with a 53-23 decision to Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. SEASON OVER.
15. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (9-3, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Panthers watched their season come to an end with a 24-14 setback against Plantation American Heritage. SEASON OVER.
16. Miami Edison (7-5, 1A). LAST WEEK: The No. 3 Red Raiders rolled to a 47-39 win against Miami True North Classical Academy. THIS WEEK: No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (9-2). NEXT GAME: State Semifinal TBA.
17. Miramar (7-5, 5A). LAST WEEK: The No. 4 Patriots dropped a tough 35-29 decision to No. 1 Delray Atlantic. SEASON OVER.
18. Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (8-3, 2A). LAST WEEK: The No. 3 seed Spartans watched their season come to an end with a 20-14 setback against Miami Immaculata LaSalle. SEASON OVER.
19. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (7-5, 2A). LAST WEEK: The No. 4 seed Chiefs saw their season come to an end with a 47-0 setback against No. 1 seed Miami Booker T. Washington. SEASON OVER.
20. Homestead South Dade (6-6, 7A). LAST WEEK: The No. 5 seed Bucs saw their year come to an end with a 28-7 loss to No. 1 Miami Christopher Columbus (7-3). SEASON OVER.
IN ADDITION: 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 (7-4, 1A – SEASON OVER), 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 (7-4, 4A – SEASON OVER), 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
PLAYOFF WEEK 2: https://larryblustein.com/news/playoff-week-2-the-spotlight-shines-on-key-local-matchups-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 Dave Brousseau - BCAA Writer
SUNRISE – The first play from scrimmage by West Broward senior running back Elijah DeWoskin dictated the eventual outcome for the Bobcats in their Class 6A regional semifinal against Piper on Friday.
The 51-yard touchdown run was the first of his three scores on the night for the four-year varsity play in leading his team to a 35-16 victory.
The second-round playoff victory was the first for West Broward (9-3) since the school opened in 2008. Thus, the Bobcats advance to the regional finals where they will face Miami Southridge, a 20-14 winner over Monarch, next Friday.
The victory was also heart felt due to complications from sophomore running back Amos Bradford who was hospitalized with a serious infection resulting from an injury.
“Our coaches got together and got him to the hospital right away to get him taken care of,” said West Broward coach Brian McCartney. “He’s doing a little better. All the players went to visit him.”
Bradford finished the regular season as the only back to rush over 1,000 yards from a BCAA school.
The Bobcats fed off DeWoskin’s quick score with three more touchdowns in the opening quarter for a 28-0 lead.
“Our boys came of prepared,” said McCartney. “In the first quarter we hit our opponent in the mouth and just got everything rolling.:
“I give the credit to the offensive line,” said DeWoskin. “They did great tonight. We worked four years to get here. We talked about getting past to regional semifinals and it was great that we did it.”
Two plays into the Bobcats second possession, they added another touchdown on a 75-yard pass from Dylan Pelliccio to Amir Sears.
On the first play on the ensuing kickoff, Sears picked off a Bengals pass and returned it 26 yards for a touchdown for a 21-0 lead.
If that wasn’t hard to handle, Piper’s next possession ended with a blocked punt with West Broward recovering it at the Bengals 13. Three plays later DeWoskin scored from one.
Down 28 points, Piper (10-2) didn’t cave.
The Bengals responded with a 10-play, 65-yard drive on a six-yard run by Kenneth Pierre cutting the Bobcats lead to 28-7. Piper added another touchdown before the first half ended on a 1-yard run by senior quarterback Christian Mata.
“We had guys that had been fighting all year,” said Piper coach Quinton Short. “We were terrible in the first quarter, and you can’t give a team like West Broward 28 points.
I was happy with our guy fighting to get back into the game.”
Suddenly the apparent route was on hold.
Both teams struggled to produce any type of consistent offense in the second half until West Broward retained possession after holding Piper on down with 9:10 left on the fourth quarter.
DeWoskin scored the clinching touchdown on his second 1-yard run with 4:42 to play.
Piper finished the scoring with a late safety.
Dave Brousseau can be reached on X at @dbrouss76 – or via e-mail at:
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