As we sit home today and celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family, there is indeed so much to be thankful for.
Our health being the most important part of the holiday, we also say thank you for another high school football season – as several team hit the practice field for their annual Thanksgiving morning practice.
While several teams continue to participate in the state playoffs there are other programs who are at home looking toward the off-season and heading to college.
Today, we take time to look at the induvial players who impacted the state of Florida from south Florida. Standouts who stepped up and were among the statistical leaders in the Sunshine State.
As we start with prospects who put up big number, we check in with the quarterbacks. Among some of the top Miami-Dade and Broward players were South Plantation junior Jadyn Glasser, who led the Paladins with 2,624 yards and 25 touchdowns are Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna Class of 2024 standout Cedric Bailey, who led the unbeaten Lions with 2,612 yards and 36 touchdown passes.
Some of the other top quarterbacks this season from a statistical standpoint included Pembroke Pines Somerset junior Camden Hartzell (2,455, 30 touchdowns), Miami Norland sophomore Ennio Yapoor (2,455 – 26 touchdowns), Miami True North Classical Academy 8th grader Zac Katz (2,358, 30 touchdowns) and Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy junior Anthony Barbar (2,204, 20 touchdowns), who were all within the top 30 in the state.
Running backs also made a major statement this season – with Doral Academy senior Mark Wilder Jr. leading the way with 2,142 yards and 24 touchdowns in leading the Firebirds to the 4M Region finals.
Other south Florida runners making an impact included Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian senior Reggie Heywood (1,897, 22 touchdowns), Miami Coral Reef senior Nicholas Lardizabal (1,771, 22 touchdowns), versatile Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest senior Jordan Faison (1,661, 23 touchdowns), Plantation American Heritage standout Mark Fletcher (1,542, 18 touchdowns) and Parkland Douglas senior Clayton Cannon Jr. (1,480, 14 touchdowns).
Receivers also did their part to jump onto the state radar screen – with Coconut Creek senior Jessie Fields (1,054, 8 touchdowns) and Plantation American Heritage five-year varsity starter Brandon Inniss (1,043 yards and 13 touchdowns) leading the way.
Other pass catchers from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties who turned heads included West Broward sophomore Joshua Moore (1,043, 11 touchdowns), Plantation senior Jamari Haynes (948 yards, 9 touchdowns), Pembroke Pines Charter senior Jason Bourciquot (914 yards, 9 scores) and Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy senior Jahlan Paul (894 yards, 9 touchdowns) leading the way.
THE DEFENSE HAD ITS STARS
Like the offensive side of the ball, there were some quality performers on defense as well.
Among the top sack leaders included Miami Central senior standout Rueben Bain, who finished with 22.
There were also FSU-bound Miami Gulliver senior Lamont Green Jr. (20 sacks), Miramar Everglades standout Kenley Israel (20 sacks), Miami Carol City junior Germaine Carter (19 sacks) and Miami Belen Jesuit junior and school all-time leader Gavench Marcelin (18 sacks).
When it came to making tackles, players like South Miami senior safety/linebacker Artravian Driver (172), standout linebacker Antron Williams (162), senior linebacker David Vadala (137), who was the all-time leader in Plantation American Heritage’s storied history, NSU Nova Southeastern senior linebacker Dylan Daniel (125) and Coconut Creek Monarch defensive lineman Gavin Peacock, who ended the impressive season with 123.
When talking about defensive playmakers, south Florida certainly had its share of defensive secondary standout, who came up with key interceptions.
Among the best included Miami Archbishop Carroll junior Kenneth Pembleton, who was tied for the lead in the Sunshine State with 8.
Other Miami-Dade and Broward defensive secondary catalysts included Pembroke Pines Charter junior Jayden Josue (7), Miami True North Classical Academy senior JonJon Delgado (7) and senior Jeremiah Jean-Phillips (6), Miami Dr. Krop junior Kai-El Pascal (6), Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy senior Christopher Brown (6), and Fort Lauderdale Stranahan senior Devan Lamar, South Plantation sophomore Kaleb Declaire, Miramar Everglades sophomore Jabori Wilson, Weston Cypress Bay sophomore Mateo De Almeida, Coconut Creek Monarch senior Brayden Slade, Miramar senior Tre Rigby and Miami Belen Jesuit super sophomore Bryce Fitzgerald, who all had 5.
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..
As we do every Wednesday, during the course of the year, we bring you five prospects from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties who are standing out.
While some are below the radar, others have already been discovered, but deserve this spotlight.
Because we are now in the Region Finals of the state football playoffs we will once again bring you prospects who have made an impact since the regular season ended.
Here are five quality players who helped their respective teams ready this round:
2024 – Jeff Bandy, CB, 5-10, 160, Miami Christopher Columbus. The younger brother of one-time Christopher Columbus and University of Miami standout Trajan Bandy, this young man has certainly carved out his own path – and this season as the Explorers head to the 4M Region finals – he is one of the reasons why. Three interceptions last week against Miami Palmetto along with key plays all season long. His ability to come up with a big play has thrust him into a spotlight, and this is just his junior season. He work in the classroom has also been noticed as well.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14909964/Jeff-Bandy
2023 – Nate Henry, RB, 5-9, 175, Miramar. Ever since coming over from Miami Central, all this quality back has done is lead by example and give the Patriots an opportunity to post a 10-1 record as they head to Homestead for a 3M Region final. He is quick, strong and powerful and is not easy to bring down. Adding balance to this teams’ offense, he is many reasons for the success of an offense that has average over 30 points all season long. For a program long known for it “Dark Side Defense”, the offense has been a spark and Henry has been out front.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17672164/Nathaniel-Nate-Henry
2023 – Harlem Howard, DB, 6-1, 170, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely. The great thing about the recruiting process, especially in south Florida is the competition that teams and athletes play are always going to elevate the play of every athlete. While many have already watched this playmaker perform, they all admit that there are few better, and if you ask anyone who has competed with and against him, they single out his skills and ability to limit any offense he goes up against. Big time prospect, who is ready to lead the Tigers into Friday night’s 3M Region final against national power Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15340493/Harlem-Howard
2023 – Blake Murphy, QB, 5-11, 175, Plantation American Heritage. We all know by now that this quality football talent spent the better part of last season injured and had to watch from the sideline, but he devoted this past off-season to getting better and has put himself in a position where his Patriots have a legitimate shot to win it all in 2M. He showed from the very beginning of the 2022 season against California power Los Alamitos that he was back and better than ever before. As he leads his team into the Region final against Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, he is indeed one of the best in south Florida.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11724850/Blake-Murph
2024 – Glenn Smith III, WR, 5-10, 165, Miami Southridge. Talk about an under-the-radar talent. Unless you follow this game closely, here is a standout that many had never watched before – but seeing him live twice this season – and many times in the off-season – here is a gifted football prospect who has speed, athletic ability and a skill level that is only getting better. On a team that lost in the 3M Region semifinals last week, here is one of the shining stars the Spartans had on a talented and improving roster.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/14807706/Glenn-Smith-III
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 Thursday rolls around and everyone gets ready for Thanksgiving, there will be 10 schools who will wear the badge of honor to practice on this holiday.
For as long as anyone can remember when you practice on this great holiday it means a lot, and this year is no different.
With a number of key local games, this next week will tell a lot as south Florida programs get ready for Tallahassee and Fort Lauderdale, the two sites for the championship games once again.
Here is a look at how the Top 20 teams look this week:
1. Miami Central (2M, 11-0). THIS WEEK: No. 3 Miami Norland (9-2) in the Region final. NEXT GAME: A State Semifinal game, TBD. LAST WEEK: The Rockets had a tough one against No. 4 rival Miami Northwestern, winning 34-30.
2. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1M, 9-0). THIS WEEK: A key matchup with No. 2 seed West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (11-0). NEXT WEEK: A State Semifinal game, TBD. LAST WEEK: The Lions beat No. 4 seed Hollywood Avant Garde Academy, 48-0.
3. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (3M, 11-0). THIS WEEK: A matchup with unbeaten (11-0) No. 3 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely. NEXT GAME: A State Semifinal game, TBD. LAST WEEK: The Raiders beat No. 4 Delray Beach Atlantic, 63-14.
4. Plantation American Heritage (2M, 9-1). THIS WEEK: A rematch of the district title game against No. 2 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. NEXT GAME: A State Semifinal game, TBD. LAST WEEK: The Patriots rolled over No. 4 seed Boynton Beach, 49-0.
5. Miami Christopher Columbus (4M, 10-1). THIS WEEK: A rematch against No. 3 seed Doral Academy. NEXT GAME: A State Semifinal game, TBD. LAST WEEK: The Explorers played great defense in shutting down district rival and No. 4 seed Miami Palmetto, 28-0.
6. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2M, 10-1). THIS WEEK: The season is on the line as they travel to No. 1 seed and district rival Plantation American Heritage. NEXT GAME: A State Semifinal game, TBD. LAST WEEK: The two-time defending state champions overcame a slow start to beat No. 3 Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, 43-27.
7. Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (3M, 11-0). THIS WEEK: A trip to play No. 1 seed Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas in a battle of unbeatens. NEXT GAME: A State Semifinal game, TBD. LAST WEEK: The Tigers beat longtime rival Fort Lauderdale Dillard, 19-14
8. Miramar (3M, 10-1). THIS WEEK: A trip to Homestead to play the No. 1 Broncos, NEXT GAME: A State Semifinal game, TBD LAST WEEK: The Patriots won a thriller against Miami Southridge, 29-24.
9. Miami Norland (2M, 9-2). THIS WEEK: The Vikings will take on No. 1 seed Miami Central. NEXT GAME: A State Semifinal game, TBD. LAST WEEK: The Vikings upended No. 2 Miami Booker T. Washington, 14-7.
10. Homestead (3M, 9-2). THIS WEEK:.Another home game against No. 2 Miramar. NEXT GAME: A State Semifinal game, TBD. LAST WEEK: The Broncos put it all together against No. 5 Miami Dr. Krop, 35-12
11. Miami Northwestern (2M, 6-5). LAST WEEK: The Bulls dropped a heartbreaker to rival No. 1 Miami Central, 34-30. SEASON OVER.
12. Doral Academy (4M, 7-4). THIS WEEK: A road game at No. 2 Davie Western (7-3). NEXT WEEK: The winner gets either No. 4 Miami Palmetto (6-5) or No. 1 Miami Christopher Columbus (10-1). LAST WEEK: The Firebirds opened with a 50-25 win against No. 6 Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy.
13. Miami Booker T. Washington (2M, 9-3). LAST WEEK: The Tornadoes lost to No. 2 Miami Norland, 14-7. SEASON OVER.
14. Coconut Creek Monarch (4M, 9-3). LAST WEEK: The season ended with a tough overtime loss, 35-28, to No. 3 Palm Beach Gardens. SEASON OVER.
15. Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (2M, 8-3). LAST WEEK: The Eagles lost to No. 2 seed Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. SEASON OVER.
16. Davie Western (4M, 7-4). LAST WEEK: The Wildcats lost to No. 3 Doral Academy, 32-21. SEASON OVER.
17. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (3M – 6-5). THIS WEEK: LAST WEEK: The Panthers lost a thriller to rival and No. 3 seed Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, 19-14. SEASON OVER.
18. Miami True North (1M, 8-3). THIS WEEK: A home game against No. 4 Palmer Trinity. NEXT WEEK: A State Semifinal game, TBD LAST WEEK: The No. 3 Titans upset No. 2 Miami Westminster Christian, 41-20.
19. Miami Palmer Trinity (1M, 7-5). THIS WEEK: An away game against No. 3 Miami True North Classical Academy. LAST WEEK: With a 27-24 upset win over No. 1 Miami Archbishop Carroll, they advanced to the next round.
20. Parkland Douglas (8-4, 4M). LAST WEEK: Dropped a 55-23 decision to No. 1 Wellington Palm Beach Central. 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-2-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..
MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD: Week 2 State Playoff Rankings. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-week-2-state-playoff-rankings
Last season when the year came to an end and high school football teams who didn’t make the playoffs faced the off-season, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely was one of the first to hit that off-season.
Winning just one game, the Tigers were disappointed and frustrated after ending yet another year with a losing record.
As the team put away their pads and helmets, head coach Mike Bailey and his staff took a step back and searched for answers. There was no way this program was going to settle for mediocrity – not this off-season.
Right there and then, plans were made for hard work and an opportunity to turn things around – and they certainly did.
When they beat longtime rival Fort Lauderdale Dillard in the Class 3M Region Semifinals, this program – looked down on by just about everyone – emerged with a 19-14 win, but more importantly, extended this magical season, setting up a Region Final that NOBODY ever expected.
When they travel to national powerhouse this Friday night, the Tigers will bring in an 11-0 record. It is without question the biggest turnaround in the state of Florida this season, and while they come into the game as huge underdogs, this program is unfazed as they are playing with the house’s money and have far exceeded anyone’s expectations.
NORTHWESTERN GOES DOWN WITH A MAJOR FIGHT
Coming into last Friday night’s Class 2M Region 4 State Semifinal the only thing that nobody knew was how bad Miami Central would beat longtime rival Miami Northwestern.
After all, in the regular season, the unbeaten and No. 1 team in the state had run the clock on the Bulls, so it was a formality – ot was it.
What happened in over three hours at the sold out “Mecca” Traz Powell Stadium, was Northwestern showed why they have been one of the nation’s elite teams, and also proved to the country that this was one of the best and most prospect rich matchups in the country – and it isn’t close.
The Bulls came out and took it to the Rockets, but fell short in this class game, 34-30 on an incomplete pass on fourth down in the endzone.
This game was everything as advertised, and while those who follow national teams have no clue how intense this rival is, the people in south Florida fully understand that, and after all is said and done, isn’t that the only thing that matters!
In addition to those thrilling games, here is a look at the rest of the Region State Semifinal games:
Class 4-Metro, Region 4
REGION SEMIFINALS
No. 1 Miami Christopher Columbus 28, No. 4 Miami Palmetto 0
No. 3 Doral Academy 32, No. 2 Davie Western 21
Class 3, Metro, Region 3
REGION SEMIFINALS
No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas 63, No. 4 Delray Beach Atlantic 14
Class 3-Metro, Region 4
No. 1 Homestead 35, No. 5 Miami Dr. Krop 12
No. 2 Miramar 29, No. 3 Miami Southridge 24
Class 2-Metro, Region 3
REGION SEMIFINALS
No. 2 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 43, No. 3 Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian Academy 27
No. 1 Plantation American Heritage 49, No. 4 Boynton Beach 0
REGION SEMIFINALS
Class 2, Metro, Region 4
No. 3 Miami Norland 14, No. 2 Miami Booker T. Washington 7
Class 1-Metro, Region 3
REGION SEMIFINALS
No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna 48, No. 4 Hollywood Avant Garde 0
No. 2 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Newman 14, No. 3 North Palm Beach Benjamin 6
Class 1-Metro, Region 4
REGION SEMIFINALS
No. 4 Miami Palmer Trinity 27, No. 1 Miami Archbishop Carroll 24
No. 3 Miami True North Classical Academy 41, No. 2 Miami Westminster Christian 20
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..
As we move on to the state semifinal round of the playoffs things will continue to get more interesting as the stakes continue to rise.
Key games will mark the schedule in south Florida, setting up Region Finals next week.
What some of these contests will represent are rematches from games earlier in the season – and that truly makes for a revenge scenario, which will elevate the play.
If you haven’t played out your weekend, here are five games that just may be worth checking out:
Class 4-Metro, Region 3
No. 5 Parkland Douglas (8-3) at No. 1 Wellington Palm Beach Central (10-1). Other than one loss this season, things have progressed the way that the Broncos figured they would this after a stellar spring and summer. In the Eagles, they will be facing off against a team that has won six straight and has averaged over 40 points in each game. They got to this round by outscoring Lantana Santaluces, 48-44, but they better be ready for the toughest team they have played this season – on the road!
Class 4-Metro, Region 3
No. 3 Palm Beach Gardens (8-3) at No. 2 Coconut Creek Monarch (9-2), Saturday, Oakland Park Northeast, 7. As the season progressed, the doubters of this Monarch program became fewer, and as they host a state semifinal game this week, all eyes are on this explosive offense and a defense that has been timely. A win here and this will be the furthest that any football program in the history of the school has advanced. Their work will be cutout against a Gators’ team that has improved greatly over the past two seasons and has a chance to advance to the Region Finals as well. A tremendous Saturday thriller that should be well attended – by both fan bases.
Class 3-Metro, Region 3
No. 3 Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (10-0) at No. 2 Fort Lauderdale Dillard (7-3), Saturday. The “Broward Soul Bowl” which was cut short a few weeks ago, will get together for real with so much more at stake. The Panthers were supposed to be in this position, picked as one of the state’s best teams. They lost to the No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 teams in the state. The Tigers have had one of the biggest turnarounds in the state this season – coming off a losing season in 2021 and bouncing back to go unbeaten. They were leading Dillard a few weeks back when the game was called and have plenty of confidence heading into this huge matchup.
Class 3-Metro, Region 4
No. 3 Miami Southridge (7-4) at No. 2 Miramar (9-1). Is there any team in the state that has been more overlooked than the Patriots? While they have had some impressive performances on the offensive side of the ball, “The Dark Side Defense” has been lights out and are rated as one of the best in the state this season. Across the ball are the Spartans, who have had an up and down year, but under first year head coach Pierre Senatus have started to revive the old days when this program dominated south Florida. It could be one of the best games for a number of reasons. Coach Senatus was a one-time head coach at Miramar, so the plot thickens.
Class 2-Metro, Region 4
No 4 Miami Northwestern (6-4) at No. 1 Miami Central (10-0). While the Bulls had the clock run on them the last time these two huge rivals got together, many promise that things will be different this time around. They have cruised down the homestretch but have not played anyone like the Rockets. Central is one of the nation’s best teams with very few flaws, and other than Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna and Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, they would be major favorites against anyone else in the state. They believe that what happened in the first meeting will repeat itself as the region semifinals is a drop in the bucket to what they are after.
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..