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..

Week 6 of the 2024 high school football season will have to wait until Friday in south Florida.

Officials in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties have called off all afterschool activities for today (Thursday).

While schools will remain open for classes in Miami-Dade, administrators are looking out for the safety of students and coaches as the outer bands from powerful Hurricane Helene are expected to reach throughout the entire state.

While many of the games on Thursday were district contests, and must be made up, there were no dates given as of Thursday morning.

Here is a list of contests that were postponed:

No. 9 Coconut Creek Monarch at Coral Springs

No. 14 Fort Lauderdale Dillard at Riviera Beach Suncoast

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

Doral Reagan at Miami Coral Park, 3:30

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 Archbishop Carroll at Miami True North Classical Academy (Tropical), 3:30

Miami Christopher Columbus at Homestead South Dade (Harris Field), 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 Varela at Miami Coral Reef (Southridge), 7

Miramar at Pembroke Pines Charter, 7

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

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

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

No. 15 Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian at No. 19 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, 7

No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas at Orlando Bishop Moore, 7

Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy at Delray American Heritage, 7

Hallandale at Nova, 7

No. 3 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna at Davie Western, 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

No. 4 Miami Norland at No. 20 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, 7

No. 8  Miami Southridge at No. 13 Homestead (Harris Field), 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

No. 16 Pembroke Pines West Broward at Miramar Everglades

No. 7 Plantation at No. 5 Plantation American Heritage, 7:30

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

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

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

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Hollywood Hills 34, Cooper City 14

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..

Some high school football recruiting sites promote star-rated athletes very well, but when it comes to shining a light on every prospect, they fall short.

Because we could watch more football players and teams live than any other source, new talent that many would never find out about is appearing each and every Wednesday – as well as throughout the entire year.

With five weeks of the high school football season in the books, we once again shine the light on five more football players in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties:

2026 – Andre Bailey, QB, 5-9, 165, Miami Palmetto. When he came over this season from Miami Palmer, the objective was to help the Panthers in any way possible. No matter what position head coach Mike Manasco and the team needed him to play, this athletic prospect was ready to go. But since arriving, he has moved into the quarterback position and has done an outstanding job, leading the team toward a state playoff appearance.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/13294599/Andre-Bailey

2026 – Brandon Bennett, WR, 6-1, 180, Plantation American Heritage. Talk about world class speed, here is one of Florida’s fastest football players who opens up so much for a program that is loaded with offensive weapons. The last time that head coach Mike Smith and the Patriots had a player with this kind speed, it was Anthony Schwartz, a world-class sprinter who went on to play at Auburn and into the NFL. This is a game-changer who is still learning more about the game – with a season and a half left.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17848799/Brandon-Bennett

2026 – Jason Dunkley, WR/DB, 5-9 140, Davie Nova. While the Titans haven’t been in the spotlight for a few years, here is the kind of prospect who will get them in a position, under head coach Tyrus McCloud, to compete in the district and make a push toward the state playoffs. Playing multiple positions, there are so many ways that he can make a contribution.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19406218/66ed93ba9908494a1c999028

2026 – Otis Guyton, DE/OLB, 6-0, 200, Miami Central. To hear Rockets’ head coach Jube Joseph talk about this quality underclassmen, he won’t hide the fact that this is indeed the ultimate team player who will do anything and everything to get this program back in the state title game. Watching him perform, he is relentless, getting after the quarterback as well as stopping the run. On a team loaded with high profile talent, this is someone who continues to fill up the stat sheet. He also happens to hold down a 3.8 GPA in the classroom.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19391934/Otis-Guyton

2025 – Jerrard Smith, DB, 5-10, 165, Miami Norland. 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 for head coach Darryl Heidelberg and his defending state runner up team. All he’s done in the first four 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

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..

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

As we have said all along, because many of the powers play each other this year, each week will see a shift in rankings, and that is something that fans, players and coaches all embrace.

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 6 teams:

1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (4-1, 5A). LAST WEEK: The Raiders beat Hollywood McArthur, 56-0. THIS WEEK: 9/27 - @Orlando Bishop Moore. NEXT GAME: 10/4 – Hollywood Hills.

2. Miami Central (4-1, 3A). LAST WEEK: The Rockets won a tough 38-35 contest against No. 5 Plantation American Heritage. THIS WEEK: They will take the week off. NEXT GAME: 10/4 – A major 3A matchup with rival No. 6 Miami Northwestern.

3. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (3-2, 1A). LAST WEEK: The Lions continue to get their act together, jumping on No. 4 Miami Norland, 45-20. THIS WEEK: 9/27 - @Davie Western. NEXT GAME: 10/5 - @ No. 9 Coconut Creek Monarch.

4. Miami Norland (3-1, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Vikings lost for the first time this season, 45-20 to No. 3 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. THIS WEEK:  9/27 - @ No. 20 Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy. NEXT GAME: 10/11 - @ No. 8 Cocoa.

5. Plantation American Heritage (2-3, 4A). LAST WEEK: Forget the record – under .500, the Patriots and their rugged schedule, lost a tough 35-32 decision to No. 2 Miami Central. THIS WEEK: 9/27 – No. 7 Plantation. NEXT GAME: 10/12 - @ No.4 Miami Norland.

6. Miami Northwestern (2-2, 3A). LAST WEEK: The Bulls and No. 10 Miami Christopher Columbus were postponed. A new date for makeup is not set. THIS WEEK: 9/27 – The annual “Soul Bowl” against Miami Jackson. NEXT GAME: - 10/4 – A huge contest with No. 2 Miami Central.

7. Plantation (4-0, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Colonels remained unbeaten with a 23-0 win against Hollywood South Broward. THIS WEEK: 9/27 - @ No. 5 Plantation American Heritage. NEXT GAME: 10/5 - @ No. 17 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely.

8. Miami Southridge (4-1, 6A). LAST WEEK: The Spartans continued to stay hot as they beat Doral Academy, 31-8. THIS WEEK: 9/27 - @No. 14 Homestead. NEXT GAME: 10/5 - @Miami Edison.

9. Coconut Creek Monarch (3-1, 6A). LAST WEEK: The Knights bounced back with a 42-8 win against Fort Lauderdale. THIS WEEK: 9/26 - @Coral Springs. NEXT GAME: 10/5 – No. 3 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna.

10. Miami Christopher Columbus (2-2, 7A). LAST WEEK: The Explorers and No. 6 Miami Northwestern were postponed. A new date for makeup is not set. THIS WEEK: 9/26 – Homestead South Dade. NEXT GAME: 10/3 - @Miami High.

11. 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.

12. Miami Palmetto (2-2, 7A). LAST WEEK: The Panthers bounced back against longtime rival Miami Killian, 28-0. THIS WEEK: 9/27 - Coral Gables. NEXT GAME: 10/4 @Homestead South Dade.

13. Homestead (2-2, 6A). LAST WEEK: The Broncos were off, getting ready for the stretch run. THIS WEEK: 9/27 – No. 8 Miami Southridge. NEXT GAME: 10/4 - @Doral Academy.

14. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (4-1, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Panthers continued to showcase a strong defense in a 14-12 win against Miramar. THIS WEEK: 9/26 - @Riviera Beach Suncoast. NEXT GAME: 10/10 - Lake Worth Dr. Joaquin Garcia.

15. Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (5-0, 2A). LAST WEEK: The Eagles remained unbeaten with a 48-36 win against North Miami. THIS WEEK: 9/27 - @No. 19 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. NEXT GAME: 10/4 – Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace.

16. Pembroke Pines West Broward (3-2, 6A). LAST WEEK: The Bobcats won the battle of Pembroke Pines, beating Flanagan, 35-0. THIS WEEK: 9/27 - @Miramar Everglades. NEXT GAME:  10/11 - @Miami Beach.

17. Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (3-2, 5A). LAST WEEK: The season, once promising, started to go south with a 21-20 loss to No. 11 Sunrise Piper. THIS WEEK: 9/27 - @Deerfield Beach. NEXT GAME: 10/5 – No. 7 Plantation.

18. Miami Booker T. Washington (2-2, 2A). LAST WEEK: The Tornadoes were soundly beaten by Florida’s No. 1 team Lakeland, 48-13. THIS WEEK: 9/26 – Miami Springs. NEXT GAME: 10/4 - @Vero Beach.

19. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2-2, 2A). LAST WEEK: The Chiefs bounced back with a 27-25 win against Coconut Creek. THIS WEEK: 9/27 – No. 15 Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian. NEXT GAME: 10/4 - @Hallandale

20. Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (4-0, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Mavericks won a convincing 42-12 decision against Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons. THIS WEEK: 9/27 – No. 4 Miami Norland. NEXT GAME: 10/10 @ No. 7 Plantation.

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

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..