Once again on Tuesday night the South Florida High School Sports Radio Show took center stage with seven impressive guests.
Each and every week, the FM 104.3 WQAM radio program attracts the newsmakers in high school sports, recruiting college sports – not only locally, but throughout the country.
The show gives listeners an opportunity to hear about college football programs statewide from the media that cover them. It also focuses on the coaches who use the state of Florida – Miami-Dade and Broward Counties in particular.
The show, which has run for nearly two decades, has become a popular listen for recruiting fans as well as high school sports purists, focusing on c
Here is a look at the way Tuesday went:
On Friday night, for the first time in few years, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons will have the chance to play for a Regional championship when they travel to Miami to take in unbeaten Immaculata LaSalle. Head Coach Matt Dubuc broke his team down.
COACH MATT DUBUC ON TUESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-matt-dubuc-of-cardinal-gibbons-7076b
In his very first year as head coach of Archbishop McCarthy, head football coach Jake Pew will lead the Mavericks into a Regional title game at home against defending 4A state champion Plantation American Heritage. He talked about the team and game.
COACH JAKE PEW ON TUESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-jake-pew-of-archbishop-mccarthy-4f650
On Tuesday, Dec. 2, the annual Nat Moore Trophy presentation will take place at Hard Rock Stadium and CBS 4 sports anchor Mike Cugno broke down the event and previewed the Final 4 athletes.
MIKE CUGNO ON TUESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/cbs-4-miami-sports-director-mike-cugno-is-talking-about-the-nat-moore-trophy-final-4-finalists-c18be
The University of Miami football team heads to Pittsburgh this Saturday for the regular season finale with plenty at stake. The Panthers and Hurricanes are both alive for the post season and former ‘Cane standout football player and pre-game radio host Brian Monroe talked about the team and this Saturday.
BRIAN MONROE ON TUESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/former-miami-hurricanes-punter-pregame-host-brian-monroe-fdd7b
For the first time in several years, Miami Palmetto and head coach Mike Manasco will be practicing on Thanksgiving and playing on Friday. He talked about the team and the game against Barbara Goleman.
MIKE MANASCO ON TUESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/miami-palmetto-head-coach-mike-manasco-f91fd
Last year, Hollywood McArthur was 2-8 and headed nowhere on the football field. But that all changed when former Mustang football player Robert Ortega Sr. returned to his alma mater and heads to the Regional final against six-time defending state champion St. Thomas Aquinas with a 10-2 record!
COACH ROBERT ORTEGA ON TUESDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/mcarthur-football-head-coach-robert-ortega-50eb9
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
FORT LAUDERDALE – It wasn’t the most glamorous St. Thomas Aquinas playoff football victory in recent years, but when the clock ran out on Coconut Creek season, the Raiders continue another state championship run.
Led by senior quarterback Mason Mallory’s pair of touchdown runs and two scoring passes Aquinas rolled to 45-13 victory over the Cougars in a Class 5A regional semifinal on Friday.
The Raiders (11-1) will host McArthur, a 17-16 victor over Atlantic, in a Regional Final this Friday.
Aquinas, winners of 32 consecutive playoff games, are 18-2 all-time against the Mustangs, including a 31-7 win earlier this season.
Up 17-7 at the half, the Raiders put the game away in the third quarter on a 15-yard scoring pass from Mallory to Julius Jones and a 13-yard touchdown pass to Shavis Linder Jr. for a 31-7 lead.
“We just came out and made sure we executed everything we worked on in practice,” said Mallory. “We knew certain looks they were going to give us and knew what we would usually hit.”
“We got sloppy at some points, but we’re a bend don’t break team and made some adjustments,”
The down by 24, the Cougars weren’t quite ready to fold as sophomore quarterback Josiah Sanchious connected wide open Jordan Thompson for and 83-yard touchdown pass cutting the deficit to 31-13.
The Raiders shut down any thoughts of a Creek (9-3) comeback with a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns.
Back-up quarterback Brady Palmer scored on a 13-yard run, followed by a 25-yard scamper by Morris Choice III with 5:18 to play.
Aquinas took advantage of two early interceptions of tipped balls to take a 10-0 lead.
Mallory scored on a 15-yard run just 1:17 into the first quarter. That was followed by 30-yard field goal from Johnny DiSalvatore.
“They are an extremely talented team, and we had some opportunities from their mistakes and turnovers,” said Aquinas coach Roger Harriott. “We capitalized on them early that set the tone for us for a solid victory.”
The Cougars showed some grit as they battled back with a Sanchious two-yard pass scoring pass to Thompson.
Mallory completed a 10-play, 65-yard scoring drive on a 1-yard run with 9:59 left in the second quarter for 17-7 lead at the break.
“Our mistakes hurt and we didn’t capitalize on plays we could have made,” said Coconut Creek coach Johnnie Sloan. “We got to get better. They played better than we did today.
We’ll be back next year. We’ll go to the lab and make our corrections, but we have a young group and we’ll be back.”
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.
Back in the third week of August, football programs in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties started the season with a dream.
Now, some three plus months later, programs in every classification still have those hopes of winning a state title as they will compete in the Region Final round of the state playoffs that will end up at Pitbull Stadium in the second week of December.
When play starts the day after Thanksgiving, there are 14 teams from the two counties that are still holding on to that coveted dream of getting to play for a state title.
With 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, 11-1). LAST WEEK: The six-time state champions beat No. 16 Coconut Creek in a region semifinal contest, 45-13. THIS WEEK: No. 7 Hollywood McArthur (10-2). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
2. Miami Northwestern (3A, 11-0). LAST WEEK: The defending state champions rolled to a 56-6 win over Key West. THIS WEEK: No. 3 Miami Central (10-1). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
3. Miami Central (3A, 10-1). LAST WEEK: The Rockets outscored Naples Lely, 70-30. THIS WEEK: No. 2 Miami Northwestern (11-0). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
4. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1A, 9-2). LAST WEEK: The four-time defending state champions continued their path to a 10th straight state championship appearance with a 47-18 win against Miami Edison. THIS WEEK: No. 8 Miami True North Classical Academy (10-2). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
5. Miami Southridge (6A, 11-1). LAST WEEK: The Spartans continued to make a statement with a dominating 42-6 win against Sunrise Piper. THIS WEEK: No. 6 Pembroke Pines West Broward (10-2). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
6. Pembroke Pines West Broward (6A, 10-2). LAST WEEK: The Bobcats won a competitive contest against No. 17 Coconut Creek Monarch, 38-12. rolled to a 56-13 win over South Plantation. THIS WEEK: No. 5 Miami Southridge (11-1). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
7. Hollywood McArthur (5A, 10-2). LAST WEEK: The Mustangs continued one of the biggest turnarounds in the state with a 17-16 win against Delray Beach Atlantic. THIS WEEK: A rematch with No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (11-1). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
8. Miami True North Classical Academy (1A, 10-2). LAST WEEK: The Tians won for the 10th straight time, 62-28, against Boca Raton St. Andrew’s. THIS WEEK: No. 4 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (9-2). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
9. Miami Palmetto (7A, 10-2). LAST WEEK: For the second time this year, the Panthers knocked off Miami Christopher Columbus, 27-10. THIS WEEK: No. 14 Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (8-4). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
10. Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (4A, 10-2). LAST WEEK: The Mavericks, for the second time this season, beat No. 15 Miami Norland, 24-14. THIS WEEK: No. 13 defending state champion Plantation American Heritage (6-5). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
11. Miami Immaculata LaSalle (2A, 12-0). LAST WEEK: The Royal Lions continued one of the best seasons in school history with a 42-16 win against Miami Ransom Everglades. THIS WEEK: No. 12 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (9-3). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
12. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2A, 9-3). LAST WEEK: The Chiefs won a thriller against No. 19 Miami Killian, 38-35. THIS WEEK: No. 11 Miami Immaculata LaSalle (12-0).
13. Plantation American Heritage (4A, 6-5). LAST WEEK: The defending state champions continued to regain their form with a convincing 48-7 win against No. 18 Plantation. THIS WEEK: No. 10 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (10-2). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
14. Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (8-4). LAST WEEK: The Gators went on the road and beat Boca Raton Spanish River, 56-42. THIS WEEK: When they take on No. 9 Miami Palmetto (10-2), it will be the furthest that this school has ever gone in the state football playoffs. NEXT WEEK: TBA.
15. Miami Norland (4A, 6-5). LAST WEEK: The Vikings dropped a 24-14 decision to No. 10 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy. SEASON OVER.
16. Coconut Creek (5A, 9-3). LAST WEEK: The Cougars dropped a 45-13 game to No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. SEASON OVER.
17. Coconut Creek Monarch (6A, 7-5). LAST WEEK: The Knights ended a very productive year, 38-12, to No. 6 Pembroke Pines West Broward. SEASON OVER.
18. Plantation (4A, 7-5). LAST WEEK: The Colonels ended the season with a 48-7 decision to defending state champion and No. 13 Plantation American Heritage. SEASON OVER.
19. Miami Killian (2A, 8-3). LAST WEEK: The Cougars watching the season come to an end with a tough 38-35 contest to No. 12 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. 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 (2-8)
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 (4-6)
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 (8-4)
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
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..
Back in the third week of August, football programs in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties started the season with a dream.
Now, some three plus months later, programs in every classification still have those hopes of winning a state title as they will compete in the Region Final round of the state playoffs that will end up at Pitbull Stadium in the second week of December.
When play starts the day after Thanksgiving, there are 14 teams from the two counties that are still holding on to that coveted dream of getting to play for a state title.
With 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, 11-1). LAST WEEK: The six-time state champions beat No. 16 Coconut Creek in a region semifinal contest, 45-13. THIS WEEK: No. 7 Hollywood McArthur (10-2). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
2. Miami Northwestern (3A, 11-0). LAST WEEK: The defending state champions rolled to a 56-6 win over Key West. THIS WEEK: No. 3 Miami Central (10-1). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
3. Miami Central (3A, 10-1). LAST WEEK: The Rockets outscored Naples Lely, 70-30. THIS WEEK: No. 2 Miami Northwestern (11-0). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
4. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1A, 9-2). LAST WEEK: The four-time defending state champions continued their path to a 10th straight state championship appearance with a 47-18 win against Miami Edison. THIS WEEK: No. 8 Miami True North Classical Academy (10-2). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
5. Miami Southridge (6A, 11-1). LAST WEEK: The Spartans continued to make a statement with a dominating 42-6 win against Sunrise Piper. THIS WEEK: No. 6 Pembroke Pines West Broward (10-2). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
6. Pembroke Pines West Broward (6A, 10-2). LAST WEEK: The Bobcats won a competitive contest against No. 17 Coconut Creek Monarch, 38-12. rolled to a 56-13 win over South Plantation. THIS WEEK: No. 5 Miami Southridge (11-1). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
7. Hollywood McArthur (5A, 10-2). LAST WEEK: The Mustangs continued one of the biggest turnarounds in the state with a 17-16 win against Delray Beach Atlantic. THIS WEEK: A rematch with No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (11-1). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
8. Miami True North Classical Academy (1A, 10-2). LAST WEEK: The Tians won for the 10th straight time, 62-28, against Boca Raton St. Andrew’s. THIS WEEK: No. 4 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (9-2). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
9. Miami Palmetto (7A, 10-2). LAST WEEK: For the second time this year, the Panthers knocked off Miami Christopher Columbus, 27-10. THIS WEEK: No. 14 Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (8-4). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
10. Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (4A, 10-2). LAST WEEK: The Mavericks, for the second time this season, beat No. 15 Miami Norland, 24-14. THIS WEEK: No. 13 defending state champion Plantation American Heritage (6-5). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
11. Miami Immaculata LaSalle (2A, 12-0). LAST WEEK: The Royal Lions continued one of the best seasons in school history with a 42-16 win against Miami Ransom Everglades. THIS WEEK: No. 12 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (9-3). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
12. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2A, 9-3). LAST WEEK: The Chiefs won a thriller against No. 19 Miami Killian, 38-35. THIS WEEK: No. 11 Miami Immaculata LaSalle (12-0).
13. Plantation American Heritage (4A, 6-5). LAST WEEK: The defending state champions continued to regain their form with a convincing 48-7 win against No. 18 Plantation. THIS WEEK: No. 10 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (10-2). NEXT WEEK: TBA.
14. Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (8-4). LAST WEEK: The Gators went on the road and beat Boca Raton Spanish River, 56-42. THIS WEEK: When they take on No. 9 Miami Palmetto (10-2), it will be the furthest that this school has ever gone in the state football playoffs. NEXT WEEK: TBA.
15. Miami Norland (4A, 6-5). LAST WEEK: The Vikings dropped a 24-14 decision to No. 10 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy. SEASON OVER.
16. Coconut Creek (5A, 9-3). LAST WEEK: The Cougars dropped a 45-13 game to No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. SEASON OVER.
17. Coconut Creek Monarch (6A, 7-5). LAST WEEK: The Knights ended a very productive year, 38-12, to No. 6 Pembroke Pines West Broward. SEASON OVER.
18. Plantation (4A, 7-5). LAST WEEK: The Colonels ended the season with a 48-7 decision to defending state champion and No. 13 Plantation American Heritage. SEASON OVER.
19. Miami Killian (2A, 8-3). LAST WEEK: The Cougars watching the season come to an end with a tough 38-35 contest to No. 12 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. 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 (2-8)
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 (4-6)
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 (8-4)
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
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..
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 10th 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.
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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..