With the season winding down – with the state semifinals being played this week across Florida – athletes are still being put into a spotlight.

As many media members and recruiting services are just discovering athletes, we have had them all on the radar for as many as three years.

It’s because of our year-round commitment to watching prospects at camps, combines, line camps and 7-on-7 events that we have a major advantage. The information that we put out in October is not different than what we produce in June and July.

As we do each and every Wednesday, we bring you five football players to keep an eye on – in every class – no matter what level they play at.

Here are five playoff prospects to watch:

2023 – Alan “A.J.” Arellano, WR/Athlete, 6-0, 175. While there are some impressive stories in south Florida, this may be one that will make you believe that what he has fought through is enough to break most people down. First of all, losing his “rock” and “role model” – his father – was something that no teen should ever go through. That was on top of making a move from quarterback to the receiver position. All he has done the past two years – with the help of his family - is stay strong and understand as tough as things may be – life must go on, and it has. This is easily one of the top receivers on a team headed to the state semifinals at home on Friday against Ocoee. He has been reliable and someone that every member of the team has gravitated toward. In addition, he is a year-round baseball standout that has worked very hard. He also gets it done in the classroom. College offers should be pouring in and coaches need to wake up. Young man like this do not come along too often!

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12552313/63463695386e8e0dbce32e68

2025 – Ezekiel Marcelin Jr., LB, 6-0, 195, Miami Central. One year ago as a freshman linebacker for the Rockets, this is a prospect very few people knew about. Unless you went to games and watched the team on the way to their consecutive state title, this is someone that was hidden with all the talent that this program produces around the clock. After beating Merritt Island in the 5A state title game, media, recruiting services and fans started to put him on their list. Starting the state title game as a freshman was not enough, He attended everything in the off-season, further thrusting his name into conversations for future stars. In addition, his work in the classroom (3.0 GPA) has been equally as impressive. 

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17070413/61b097dc386d9a07dc1faba9

2024 – Daniel Mincey, OT/OG, 6-5, 280, Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. Another talented prospect that the more you watch the more you appreciate what he brings to the table. The coaching staff began talking about him as a ninth grader and now as he heads toward his final season, this is a versatile talent who has the size, athletic ability and skill to be one of the better one of the better prospects in the state. His work in leading a balanced attack this season for the Chiefs, there is no getting around the fact that if he stays healthy, he will be special. His work ethic is also positive and was helpful in his team getting to the Region finals. 

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14962691/Daniel-Mincey

2024 - David Pein, DT, 6-0, 288, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. When it comes to maximizing your talent, here is the blueprint. One of the hardest workers you will find, this young man went everywhere and did everything possible to become the best football player he can be – and has truly been an asset to the Raiders as the get set to host the 3M state semifinal at home on Friday. His work in the classroom (3.5 GPA) is also something that goes along with the many things he does to attract college attention.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15920779/David-Pein

2024 – Isaiah Scott, WR, 5-11, 170, Miami Norland. Having had the opportunity to watch this quality pass catcher perform a number of times – during the season as well as in the off-season, where he is a standout 7-on-7 player. As a receiver for the Vikings this year, his ability to make plays and move the chains was a huge reason why this team advanced to the Region finals among 3M schools. He is also a track standout as well.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15301643/Isaiah-Scott

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD: Week 4 State Playoff Rankings

It’s state semifinal week and once again the stakes rise for several football teams in south Florida.

While the classifications have changed, the objective is still the same for Miami-Dade and Broward schools who are still alive and kicking.

When action kicks off on Friday, there are seven programs that remain in the hunt, and with little luck and good play, this area could have a first – two all south Florida state finals, which has never happened before.

As we have done since the pre-season, each and every week has revealed a Top 20 as well as recognizing other south Florida schools who have done well.

Here is a look at this week:

As we head toward the State Semifinals, here is a look at the Top 25 plus for this week:

1. Miami Central (2M, 12-0). THIS WEEK: No. 23. St. Petersburg Lakewood at home. NEXT GAME: State Finals against the winner of Plantation American and Jacksonville Bolles. LAST WEEK: The Rockets beat Miami Norland, 34-20.

2. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1M, 10-0). THIS WEEK: A game against Miami True North Academy in the state semifinals. NEXT WEEK: Will play the winner of Clearwater Central Catholic and Jacksonville University Christian in Tallahassee in the state title Game. LAST WEEK: The Lions knocked off previously unbeaten West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman, 49-16.

3. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (3M, 12-0). THIS WEEK: A home game against No. 16 Tampa Jesuit in a state semifinal matchup. NEXT GAME: The winner of Orlando Jones and Homestead in the state finals in Fort Lauderdale’s DRV PNK Stadium.  LAST WEEK: The Raiders remained unbeaten with a convincing 35-7 win against previously unbeaten Pompano Beach Blanche Ely.

4. Plantation American Heritage (2M, 10-1). THIS WEEK: A home game against Jacksonville Bolles. NEXT GAME: A state title game between the winner of Miami Central and St. Petersburg Lakewood in the state title game in two weeks at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.  LAST WEEK: The Patriots beat Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons for the second time, 34-20.

5. Miami Christopher Columbus (4M, 11-1). THIS WEEK: A home game against Ocoee. NEXT GAME: The winner of the state semifinal game between Apopka and Palm Beach Central in two weeks at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. TBD. LAST WEEK: The Explorers beat Doral Academy in the Region final for the second time this year, 35-3.

6. Homestead (3M, 10-2). THIS WEEK: For the first time in nearly 40 years, the Broncos have reached the state semifinal contest against No. 8 Orlando Jones. NEXT GAME: The winner gets either Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas or Tampa Jesuit in the state title game in two weeks at DRV PNK in Fort Lauderdale. LAST WEEK: A huge home win, 33-13, against Miramar.

7. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2M, 10-2). SEASON OVER. LAST WEEK: The two-time defending state champions watched their season come to an end against Plantation American Heritage, 34-20.

8. Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (3M, 10-1). SEASON OVER. LAST WEEK: The Tigers tasted defeat for the first time in the Region final against Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 35-7

9 Miramar (3M, 10-2). NEXT GAME: SEASON OVER. LAST WEEK: The Patriots dropped a 33-13 Region final to Homestead.

10. Miami Norland (2M, 9-3). SEASON OVER. LAST WEEK: The Vikings’ successful season came to an end against Miami Central, 34-20.

11. Miami Northwestern (2M, 6-5). SEASON OVER.

12. Doral Academy (4M, 7-5). THIS WEEK: SEASON OVER. LAST WEEK: The Firebirds ended a tremendous season with a 35-3 loss to Miami Christopher Columbus in the Region final.

13. Miami Booker T. Washington (2M, 9-3). NEXT GAME: SEASON OVER.

14. Miami True North (1M, 8-3). THIS WEEK: A tough task awaits with a state semifinal matchup with No. 2 and three-time defending state champion Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. NEXT GAME: Will play the winner of Clearwater Central Catholic and Jacksonville University Christian in Tallahassee in the state title Game. LAST WEEK: The Titans kept their season alive with an impressive Region final win against Miami Palmer Trinity, 58-37.

16. Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (2M, 8-3). SEASON OVER.

17. Davie Western (4M, 7-4). SEASON OVER.

18. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (3M – 6-5). SEASON OVER.

19. Miami Palmer Trinity (1M, 7-6). SEASON OVER.

20. Parkland Douglas (8-4, 4M). SEASON OVER.

OTHER TEAMS WHO MADE AN IMPACT IN 2022: Coral Gables (4M, 5-4, SEASON OVER), Fort Lauderdale (3M, 6-5, SEASON OVER), Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest (2M, 8-3, SEASON OVER), Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (2M, 4-6, SEASON OVER), Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy (1M, 6-2, SEASON OVER), Hialeah Barbara Goleman (4M, 5-5, SEASON OVER), Hialeah (3M, 4-5, SEASON OVER), Hollywood Avant Garde (1M, 6-4, SEASON OVER). Hollywood Hills (3M, 4-6, SEASON OVER), Hollywood McArthur (3M, 5-5, SEASON OVER), Hollywood South Broward (3M, 5-5, SEASON OVER), Miami Archbishop Carroll (1M, 8-3, SEASON OVER), Miami Belen Jesuit (3M, 5-6, SEASON OVER), Miami Braddock (Independent, 8-3, SEASON OVER), Miami Carol City (2M, 5-6, SEASON OVER), Miami Coral Reef (GMAC Independent Champion, 9-2, SEASON OVER), Miami Dr. Krop (3M, 7-5, SEASON OVER), Miami Edison (2M, 5-5, SEASON OVER), Miami Ferguson (Independent, 5-, SEASON OVER), Miami Gulliver Prep (2M, 5-5, SEASON OVER), Miami Immaculata LaSalle (2M, 4-6, SEASON OVER), Miami Palmetto (4M, 6-6, SEASON OVER), Miami Ransom Everglades, Miami Southridge (3M, 7-5, SEASON OVER), (Independent, 6-3, SEASON OVER), Miami St. Brendan (2M, 7-4, SEASON OVER), Miami Westminster Christian (1M, 6-3, SEASON OVER), Miramar Everglades (3M, 4-6, SEASON OVER), North Miami (3M, 5-6, SEASON OVER), North Miami Beach (2M, 4-6, SEASON OVER), Pembroke Pines Charter (3M, 6-4, SEASON OVER), Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy (4M, 6-5, SEASON OVER), Pembroke Pines West Broward (4M, 6-5, SEASON OVER), Plantation (3M, 7-4 – SEASON OVER), South Miami (2M, 5-4, SEASON OVER), South Plantation (3M, 7-3, SEASON OVER), Sunrise Piper (3M, 5-4, SEASON OVER), Westland Hialeah (2M, 4-6, SEASON OVER), Weston Cypress Bay (4M, 6-5, SEASON OVER).

WEEK 1 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/south-florida-top-20-it-all-gets-started-this-week

WEEK 2 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-top-20-central-shoots-into-the-top-spot

WEEK 3 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-top-20-new-teams-enter-this-week-s-rankings

WEEK 4 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-top-20-more-changes-this-week

WEEK 5 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-5-is-here-already

WEEK 6 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-6-brings-on-new-challenges

WEEK 7 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-top-teams-are-putting-it-together

WEEK 8 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-booker-t-washington-moing-on-strong

WEEK 9 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-games-get-tougher-over-the-next-two-weeks

WEEK 10 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-playoff-spots-remain-open

WEEK 11 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-the-final-week-has-arrived

WEEK 12 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-let-the-playoffs-begin

WEEK 13 MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD RANKING. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-3-state-playoff-rankings

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

When the 2022 high school football season began, programs across the state were consumed with the new classifications that would be in place.

Whether it was Metro, Suburban or Rural, there were opinions that were shared – good and bad.

Well, no matter what anyone felt about the newest formats that the majority voted to go with, the race for Tallahassee and Fort Lauderdale’s DRV PNK Stadium are now in the final stages.

After the Region Finals were played, we now head into the state semifinals as seven Miami-Dade and Broward County schools are still alive for 1M, 2M, 3M and 4M state titles.

While two-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons was eliminated in the 2M Region 3 finals, 31-20, giving first year head coach Mike Smith and his Patriots a home game for the state semifinals, it was just one of many games that put a spotlight right on some elite teams.

On the other side of that bracket is three-time defending state champion Miami Central and first year head coach Jube Joseph who beat Miami Norland, 34-20, to keep the Rockets’ dream alive.

In Region 4M, Miami Christopher Columbus looks to get back to the state finals as head coach Dave Dunn and the Explorers beat Doral Academy, 31-3.

In 3M, head coach Roger Harriott and his three-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders ended a great season for Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, 35-7, and will be at home this coming week for another chance at the state title game.

On the other side of that 3M bracket is Homestead as the Broncos head coach Philip Simpson and had an impressive win against Miramar, 33-13, which sends the Broncos to the state semifinals.

The 1M classification will see head coach Greg Laferre and Miami True North Classical Academy advance to the state semifinals for the first time in school history after a 58-37 win against Miami Palmer Trinity.

The other side of that bracket will see national power Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna and head coach Dameon Jones get to the state semifinals for a record seventh consecutive season – as the Lions remained unbeaten with a convincing win against previously unbeaten West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman, 49-16.

The scene is set as all four classes will play their semifinal game right here in south Florida – with a huge prize at stake.

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

In just a few weeks, several south Florida football teams will have the chance to play for a state title.

When that time arrives, they will all look back to this week – Thanksgiving weekend – when 11 Miami-Dade and Broward County football programs will have the chance to move one step closer to playing for that coveted state title.

After a great Thanksgiving meal and a special practice, 11 area schools will pack it in for the year while others will move on to the next round.

Here is a look at the way things stack up today and this evening:

Class 4-Metro, Region 4

REGION FINALS

No. 3 Doral Academy (8-4) at No. 1 Miami Christopher Columbus (11-1), Tropical Park, 7:00. Another game where these two programs will meet for the second time this season. The Explorers have been playing lights out, losing only to No. 1 Miami Central in a game that they had their chances to win after a great comeback. Even though the Firebirds were soundly beaten in the first meeting with the Explorers, they have really been playing much better since that game. Christopher Columbus is a favorite to not only win tonight but take the 4M state title.

Class 3-Metro, Region 3

REGION FINALS

No. 3 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (10-0) at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (11-0), 7:30. The Raiders are in this position just about every year – while the Tigers are returning to this game for the first time in many years. Everyone knows that the three-time defending state champions have a huge edge, but as we have found out, anything can happen.

Class 3-Metro, Region 4

REGION FINALS

No. 2 Miramar (10-1) at No. 1 Homestead (9-2), Harris Field, 7:30. The Broncos were in this situation last year and failed to come through and will be at home for a contest that appears to be the best matchup of all the games. While Homestead has been tested throughout the year, this is easily the Patriots’ biggest test. They did beat district champion Miami Southridge last week, but that was last week and they are on the road with more balance than they have had in a long time.

Class 2-Metro, Region 3

REGION FINALS

No. 2 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (11-1) at Plantation American Heritage (11-1), 7:30. One of three rematches that took place earlier in the season when the Patriots took care of business on the road, 21-2. Both teams are used to being in this round, and while the Chiefs are two-time defending state champions, their work is truly cut out for them on the road.

Class 2-Metro, Region 4

REGION FINALS

No. 3 Miami Norland (9-2) at No. 1 Miami Central (11-0), Traz Powell Stadium, 7:30. This is yet another one of those games that was played earlier this season and the Rockets totally dominated the surprising Vikings. But as confident as this impressive football team is, keep in mind they beat rival Miami Northwestern, 34-30, after beating the Bulls by 28 during the regular season. The Vikings have a better defense here late in the season but understand that while they are looking to win this game, their opponent has their eye on a national title which many feel they will deserve!

STATE SEMIFINAL

No. 2 West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (11-0) at No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (9-0), 7:30. Believe it or not, here is a game that many had predicted would happen before the season started. While the Crusaders are looking to pull the upset with their impressive team, the Lions truly feel that they have the best team in the country and have played an early season schedule that backed up the talent they have. Much like the Miami Central game, the Crusaders are playing for the major upset while Chaminade-Madonna has national title hopes.

Class 1-Metro, Region 4

STATE SEMIFINAL

No. 4 Miami Palmer Trinity (6-5) at No. 3 Miami True North Classical Academy (8-3), Tropical Park, 3:00. When the season began these two teams were looking to have a solid season and build on their growing programs. Fast forward 12 weeks and they are both playing for an improbable Region title. The Titans have played some amazing football down the stretch while the Falcons are hoping to use the upset win over Miami Archbishop Carroll as a springboard today.

TRACKING SOUTH FLORIDA (MIAMI-DADE & BROWARD) PROSPECTS – CLASSES 2023-2026. https://larryblustein.com/prospects/tracking-south-florida-prospects

For the past 52 years, we have spent plenty of 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 (@larryblustein). Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..