It’s hard to believe that we are now seven weeks into the football season here in south Florida and things are starting to take shape.

If you follow what we do over the course of a season, each week we adjust the rankings, and while many want to see their teams in the spotlight, the only ranking that truly counts is the one that comes out in late December.

This is just an opinion based on seeing teams and having a valid ground to compare.

Here is a look at 20 Miami-Dade Broward Week 7 teams:

1. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5-1, 5A). LAST WEEK: The Raiders flexed some muscle in a dominating 50-15 win at previously unbeaten Orlando Bishop Moore. THIS WEEK: 10/4 – Hollywood Hills. NEXT GAME: @No. 3 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (FIU).

2. Miami Central (4-1, 3A). LAST WEEK: The Rockets took the week off. THIS WEEK: 10/4 – A major 3A matchup with rival No. 6 Miami Northwestern. NEXT GAME: 10/10 – Fort Lauderdale Stranahan.

3. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (4-2, 1A). LAST WEEK: The Lions went on the road and beat Davie Western, 23-9. THIS WEEK:  10/5 - @ No.8 Coconut Creek Monarch. NEXT GAME: 10/11 – A home game at FIU against No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.

4. Miami Norland (4-1, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Vikings opened district play with a 49-16 win against No. 20 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy. THIS WEEK: 10/4 - @Cocoa. NEXT GAME: 10/12 – No. 5 Plantation American Heritage.

5. Plantation American Heritage (3-3, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Patriots opened district play with a 35-0 win against previously unbeaten No. 11 Plantation. THIS WEEK: They will be off.  NEXT GAME: 10/12 - @ No. 4 Miami Norland.

6. Miami Northwestern (3-2, 3A). LAST WEEK: The Bulls cruised in the annual Soul Bowl against Miami Jackson, 48-6. THIS WEEK: 10/4 – A huge contest with No. 2 Miami Central. NEXT GAME: 10/11 @Key West.

7. Miami Southridge (5-1, 6A). LAST WEEK: The Spartans won the district title with a 17-14 win against No. 18 Homestead. THIS WEEK: 10/5 - @Miami Edison. NEXT GAME: 10/10 – Miami Southwest.

8. Coconut Creek Monarch (4-1, 6A). LAST WEEK: The Knights rolled to a Monday night win against Coral Springs, 52-0. THIS WEEK: 10/5 – No. 3 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. NEXT GAME: 10/18 - @ No.1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.

9. Miami Christopher Columbus (3-2, 7A). LAST WEEK: The Explorers rolled to a district win against Homestead South Dade, 42-15. THIS WEEK: 10/3 - @Miami High. NEXT GAME: 10/10 – Coral Gables.

10. Sunrise Piper (5-0, 6A). LAST WEEK: The Bengals continued their hot starts with a 21-20 win against No. 17 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely. THIS WEEK: 10/4 - @Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson. NEXT GAME: 10/10 – Fort Lauderdale.

11. Plantation (4-1, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Colonels lost for the first time this year to No. 5 Plantation American Heritage, 35-0. THIS WEEK: 10/5 - @ No. 15 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely. NEXT GAME: 10/10 – No. 20 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy.

12. Miami Palmetto (3-2, 7A). LAST WEEK: The Panthers beat Coral Gables in a district game, 35-0. THIS WEEK: 10/4 @Homestead South Dade. NEXT GAME: 10/17 – Miami Edison.

13. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (4-1, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Panthers had their game with Riviera Suncoast postponed due to Hurricane Helene. THIS WEEK: The team will take the week off. NEXT GAME: 10/10 - Lake Worth Dr. Joaquin Garcia.

14. Pembroke Pines West Broward (4-2, 6A). LAST WEEK: The Bobcats beat Miramar Everglades, 48-0. THIS WEEK: They will have the week off. NEXT GAME:  10/11 - @Miami Beach.

15. Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (4-2, 5A). LAST WEEK: The Tigers bounced back in a big way, 70-0, against Deerfield Beach. THIS WEEK: 10/5 – No. 11 Plantation. NEXT GAME: 10/19 – The Broward Soul Bowl against No. 13 Fort Lauderdale Dillard.

16. Miami Booker T. Washington (3-2, 2A). LAST WEEK: The Tornadoes rebounded from their loss to Lakeland with a 62-7 win against Miami Springs. THIS WEEK: 10/4 - @Vero Beach. NEXT GAME: 10/10 - @ No. 18 Homestead.

17. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (3-2, 2A). LAST WEEK: The Chiefs won another nail biter against previously unbeaten and No. 19 Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, 36-35. THIS WEEK: 10/4 - @Hallandale. NEXT GAME: 10/10 – Deerfield Beach.

18. Homestead (2-3, 6A). LAST WEEK: The two-time defending state runner up Broncos fell below the .500 mark with a 17-14 loss to district foe No. 7 Miami Southridge. THIS WEEK: 10/4 - @Doral Academy. NEXT GAME: 10/10 – No. 16 Miami Booker T. Washington.

19. Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (5-1, 2A). LAST WEEK: The Eagles lost for the first time this season – to No. 17 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, 36-35. THIS WEEK: 10/4 – Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace. NEXT GAME: 10/10 – Coconut Creek North Broward Prep.

20. Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (4-1, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Mavericks lost for the first time in a year in a half to No. 4 Miami Norland, 49-16. THIS WEEK: The team will take off after a successful start. NEXT GAME: 10/10 @ No. 11 Plantation.

KEEP AN EYE ON: Coconut Creek (1-3, 5A), Coral Gables (2-1, 7A), Davie Western (1-4, 7A), Deerfield Beach (1-3, 5A), Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (1-3, 3A), Doral Academy (2-2, 6A), Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (3-2, Independent), Hialeah (4-2, 4A), Hollywood South Broward (1-4, 6A), Homestead South Dade (2-3, 7A), Miami Archbishop Carroll (5-1, 1A), Miami Carol City (1-4, 2A), Miami High (3-2, 7A), Miami Edison (2-2, 1A), Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (3-2, 1A), Miami Immaculata LaSalle (3-1, 2A), Miami Jackson (2-3, 3A), Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (4-1, 7A), Miami Ransom Everglades (3-0, 2A), Miami Springs (3-1, 2A), Miami True North Classical Academy (2-2, 1A), Miramar (1-3, 5A), North Miami (3-3, 5A), North Miami Beach (2-3, 2A), Pembroke Pines Charter (3-1, 5A), Pembroke Pines Flanagan (1-3, 6A), Weston Cypress Bay (2-2, 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

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..

When the Miami Norland Vikings head to play the No. 8 rated team in Florida – the Cocoa Tigers on Friday night, they will indeed be tested by the two-time defending state champions.

While the Vikings have indeed boasted one of the best defensive units in south Florida this season, they will be tested like never before.

At the heart of the matchup is Cocoa’s potent passing attack against one of the best defensive secondaries in Florida.

University of Michigan junior quarterback commit Brady Hart, who has thrown for 1,726 yards and 16 touchdowns so far this year.

In 2023, he Led Cocoa to a 14-1 record as a first-year starter, completing 288 of 437 passes for 3,759 yards with 41 touchdowns.

With all those stats, the Tigers, head coach Ryan Schneider and Hart will have to go against a Viking’s secondary that have been looking forward to this challenge.

Among those who have stepped up so far this season include:

2026 – Javan Allison, 6-1, 180. An aggressive talent who is not only outstanding in pass coverage but has turned out to be a physical run stopper as well. Also gets it done in the classroom (3.5 GPA).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22473133/Javan-Allison

2026 – Keyon Bryant, 5-10, 175. After a tremendous sophomore season, who did everything for Hialeah American, he has fit in nice with the Vikings, adding just another quality prospect.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18032926/Keyon-Bryant

2027 – Jaden Daniels, 5-9, 165. Talk about a solid future, here is someone who has fit into this secondary just fine and showed why the Vikings will be one of the best – even after this season. Returned an interception for a score against Archbishop McCarthy.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/24250080/Jaden-Daniels

2027 – Kenton Dopson III, 6-1, 185. A starter during his freshman season where this program advanced to the 2M state title game, here is someone has turned into one of the nation’s most promising football players. Is always matched against the best the opponents have. He is that guy! In addition, he gets it done in the classroom (3.0 GPA).

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19435027/Kenton-Dopson-III

2025 – Jaheim Hines, 6-0, 190. One of the versatile members of this talented secondary. He can play corner, safety and free safety. Not afraid to stick his head in there to showcase his physicality. A senior that this team needs for leadership – on and off the field.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11917977/Jaheim-Hines

2025 – Joel Mintze, 6-0, 195. On a team loaded with gifted playmakers, this Miami Northwestern transfer has perhaps made the biggest impact – as coaches, opponents and fans have already noticed his ability to lock down even the best receivers on the schedule. His 4.0 GPA as an Honor Student in the classroom is also a major selling point.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16591074/Joel-Mintze

2026 – Hadley Ohenhen, 6-3, 205. A strong off season showed this team what this quality talent has to offer. As he plays more and gets confidence, he has the size and athleticism to make his way into the lineup and continue to elevate his play. He is just another prospect on this team who gets it done in the classroom (3.0 GPA). He also a basketball player.

2025 - Isaiah Rock, 5-11, 170. Made his way over from Miami Gardens Monsignor with the reputation of being a very athletic and aggressive playmaker. Just another piece that has given this program so much notoriety. Also is a Track & Field athlete.

TAPE:  https://www.hudl.com/profile/16694103/Isaiah-Rock

2025 – Jerrard Smith, 5-10, 165. Want to talk about someone who is a blueprint and perfect example for never giving up – no matter how the odds are stacked against you. A junior varsity performer and role player in his first two seasons with the Vikings, he left for Miami Dr. Krop as a junior, only to return this season. All he’s done in the first five games is post seven interceptions, returning a few for scores. He also gets it done in the classroom with a 3.1 GPA.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22386433/Jerrard-Smith 

PHOTO COURTESY OF RIVALS.COM

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..

Even though Hurricane Helene didn’t directly affect Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, the threat of the storm had officials acting quickly, moving games around and making Week 6 somewhat of a mess.

With games today across south Florida, trying to makeup for last week will put many programs in a position to play two contests, many district games, in the span of five days.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS PUTS THE STATE ON NOTICE

They are five-time defending state champions and are still considered one of the best teams in the country. On Friday night, head coach Roger Harriott and the Raiders gave notice to the rest of the state that they are ready for a sixth consecutive state title.

Traveling to play unbeaten Orlando Bishop Moore, it was supposed to be a test for a program that has certainly added to their schedule this season.

Even though the Hornets came out fired up before a hopeful home crowd, this one turned out to be absolutely no contest – as they scored early and often in a 50-15 win.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS (5-1, 5A)

Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, 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

10/4 – Hollywood Hills

10/11 - @Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (FIU)

10/18 – Coconut Creek Monarch

10/25 – Plantation American Heritage

WEEK 6 WRAPS UP WITH SOME QUALITY GAMES

In addition to the Raiders, and contests schedule for today, here is a look at some area scores:

Boca Raton 53, Parkland Douglas 0

Boca Raton Saint John Paul II 21, Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest 20

Boca Raton Spanish River 61, Coral Springs Coral Glades 6

Coconut Creek 35, Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson 20

Coconut Creek North Broward Prep 31, Deerfield Beach Somerset Academy Key 26

Davie Nova 41, Hallandale 36

Delray American Heritage 27, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy 14

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 36, Fort Lauderdale 35

Hialeah 54, South Miami 0

Hialeah American 21, Miami Belen Jesuit 10

Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy 21, North Miami 17

Hollywood Chaminade-Madona 26, Davie Western 9

Hollywood Hills 8, Hollywood McArthur 0

Key West 35, Miami St. Brendan 14

Miami Archbishop Carroll 20, Miami True North Classical Academy 19

Miami Beach 44, Pembroke Pines Flanagan 41

Miami Christopher Columbus 42, Homestead South Dade 15

Miami Coral Reef 41, Miami Varela 6

Miami Ferguson 42, Miami Braddock 14

Miami Christopher Columbus 42, Homestead South Dade 15

Miami Country Day 44, West Palm Beach Berean Christian 0

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace 12, Miami Carol City 7

Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman 28, Weston Cypress Bay 22

Miami Norland 49, Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy 16

Miami Northwestern 48, Miami Jackson 6

Miami Palmer Trinity 17, Goulds Palm Glades 12

Miami Palmetto 35, Coral Gables 0

Miami Southridge 17, Homestead 14

North Miami Beach 51, Westland Hialeah 0

Pembroke Pines Somerset 20, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan 7

Pembroke Pines West Broward 48, Miramar Everglades 0

Plantation American Heritage 35, Plantation 0

Pompano Beach 31, Boca Raton Christian 14

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely 63, Deerfield Beach 0

Somerset Silver Palms 24, Miami Westminster Christian 7

Weston Cypress Bay at Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman 28, Weston Cypress Bay 22

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

Miami Coral Park at Doral Reagan, 3:30

Miami Edison at Hollywood Avant Garde Academy (Ives Park), 6

Miami Springs at Miami Booker T. Washington (Traz Powell Stadium), 6

Oakland Park Northeast at South Plantation, 7

West Palm Beach Oxbridge Academy at Fort Lauderdale NSU University School, 6

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..

When football gets under way on this Friday, there will be 10 ranked teams who will be in action.

Because so many programs are playing one another this year, every week we find some matchups that will last until the end of the season.

With much of northern Florida battling Hurricane Helene, south Florida and central Florida will certainly get much of the spotlight.

While we pray for the safety of those in the path of this dangerous storm, here are some games to keep an eye on:

No. 16 Pembroke Pines West Broward at Miramar Everglades, 7. The Bobcats and head coach Brian McCartney hope to stay among the Top 20 teams with a contest against the Gators, who continue to building under veteran head coach Rodney Rumph.

No. 7 Plantation at No. 5 Plantation American Heritage, 7:30. The district opener for both teams, and while the Colonels and first year head coach Darrell Strong come in unbeaten, the Patriots remain one of the top teams in the state, with head coach Mike Smith and his team playing one of the most challenging schedules in the state.

No. 4 Miami Norland at No. 20 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, 7. The district opener for these two teams who will find out exactly what kind of program they have. Head Coach Daryle Heidelberg and his Vikings suffered their first loss of the year against Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. Mavericks’ head coach Dino Mangiero and his unbeaten team are facing by far their toughest game of the season in the defending state runner up team.

No. 8 Miami Southridge at No. 13 Homestead (Harris Field), 7:30. Perhaps the marquee matchup of Week 6 will take place down south as the winner will emerge as the district champion. It has been an up and down year so far for head coach Ronnie Thornton and his two-time defending state runner-up Broncos – while head coach Pierre Senatus and the Spartans are looking to make a major statement as this program looks to return to its glory days.

No. 15 Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian at No. 19 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, 7. Are the unbeaten Eagles for real? Even as veteran head coach Kirk Hoza has been recovering, we will see  if this team is for real or will they lose once again to a Chief program that needs a win to turn the season around. Veteran head coach Matt Dubuc has a young program, but they have had success against this team.

No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas at Orlando Bishop Moore, 7. Interesting game here as the No. 2 team in the state travels to play the unbeaten Hornets. Veteran head coach Roger Harriott and his five-time defending state champions have continued to meet every hurdle, losing only to national power Las Vegas Bishop Gorman in the season opener. For head coach Matt Hedrick and his football team it is indeed a win/win all the way around. They will have their largest crowd of the season and are heavy underdogs at home. If they should pull the upset, they will thrust themselves into contention for a state championship appearance.

No. 3 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna at Davie Western, 7. When this game was scheduled, there was a chance that both teams would be unbeaten, but it hasn’t worked out that way. One of the favorites in 7A, veteran head coach Adam Ratkevich and his Wildcats have won just once this season. On the other side of the field, head coach Dameon Jones and his powerhouse 1A Lions dropped a heartbreaker to power St. John Bosco of California and were upset by Pompano Beach Blanche Ely before putting together three straight wins, so they will not take anyone lightly!

In addition to those games, here is a look at some of the other Friday matchups:

Boca Raton Spanish River at Coral Springs Coral Glades, 7

Boca Raton St. John Paul II at Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest, 7

Coconut Creek North Broward Prep at Deerfield Beach Somerset Key, 7

Coral Gables at No. 12 Miami Palmetto (Tropical), 3:30

Coral Shores at Miami Florda Christian

Fort Lauderdale at Cooper City, 7

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy at Delray American Heritage, 7

Hallandale at Nova, 7

Hollywood McArthur at Hollywood Hills, 4

Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson at Coconut Creek, 7

Miami Beach at Pembroke Pines Flanagan, 7

Miami Belen Jesuit at Hialeah American (Milander), 7:30

Miami Braddock vs. Miami Ferguson (Tropical), 7:30

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace at Miami Carol City (Betty Ferguson Park), 7:30

Miami High at Bradenton Braden River, 7

Miami Jackson vs. No. 6 Miami Northwestern (Traz Powell Stadium), 7:30

North Lauderdale Somerset Prep at Boca Raton St. Andrew’s Academy, 7

Parkland Douglas at Boca Raton, 6:30

Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy at Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (Lockhart Stadium), 7

Pompano Beach at Boca Raton Christian, 7

No. 17 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely at Deerfield Beach

Somerset Homestead at Marathon, 7

Somerset Silver Palms at Miami Westminster Christian, 4

No. 11 Sunrise Piper at Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, 7

THURSDAY RESULTS

Miami Archbishop Carroll 20, 0=Miami True North Classical Academy 19

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Miami Christopher Columbus at Homestead South Dade (Harris Field), 7

North Miami at Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (Milander), 3

Weston Cypress Bay at Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (Milander), 7

GAMES TO BE RESCHEDULED

No. 9 Coconut Creek Monarch at Coral Springs, 7

Doral Reagan at Miami Coral Park, 3:30

No. 14 Fort Lauderdale Dillard at Riviera Beach Suncoast, 6

Goulds Palm Glades Prep at Miami Palmer, 4

Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy at North Miami (Milander), 3

Hialeah Miami Lakes at North Miami Mourning, 3:30

Key West at Miami St. Brendan, 7

Miami Dr. Krop at Doral Academy, 7

Miami Edison at Hollywood Avant Garde Academy (Ives Park), 7

Miami Gulliver Prep at Miami Killian (Tropical), 7

Miami Springs at No. 18 Miami Booker T. Washington (Traz Powell Stadium), 7

Miami Varela at Miami Coral Reef (Southridge), 7

Miramar at Pembroke Pines Charter, 7

Oakland Park Northeast at South Plantation, 7

Palm Glades Academy at Miami Palmer Trinity, 4

South Miami at Hialeah (Milander), 7

Westland Hialeah at North Miami Beach (Traz), 3:30

West Palm Beach Oxbridge Academy at Fort Lauderdale NSU University School, 6

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..