Once again on Thursday 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 Thursday went:

On Friday night, all seven classes from south Florida playing in the state semifinal round of the high school football playoffs will be looking to advance to 2025 state championships Dec. 10-13 at Pitbull Stadium in Miami. Bill Daley from the Miami Herald stopped by to break all the classes down.

BILL DALEY ON THURSDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/bill-daley-miami-hearld-d3022

The Florida Gators have a new head coach to move forward with – and while fans have been snake bitten over the past decade with coaches in Gainesville, Jon Sumrall comes to town with some credentials that could put this program back in the spotlight once again. Kevin Brockway from the Gainesville Sun talked about the new hire.

KEVIN BROCKWAY ON THURSDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/kevin-brockway-gainesville-sun-526c9

On Friday evening, the West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman Crusaders will be playing for the chance to compete for a 1A state title in Miami next week. Veteran head coach Jack Daniels looked at his team’s chances against unbeaten Tampa Carrollwood Day.

COACH JACK DANIELS ON THURSDAY NIGHT. https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/jack-daniels-west-palm-beach-cardinal-newman-fa97a

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..

Thursday, December 4^th South Florida High School Sports Radio Show Rewind.

When North Miami Beach takes to the field this afternoon (1 p.m.) at The Villages Charter in the 1A-3A FIT championship game, it will kickoff two days where eight Miami-Dade and Broward teams will be in action.

The Chargers, taking part in this FIT tournament where programs who didn’t make the state championships series had the opportunity to continue playing, will have the chance to end the season with a win under veteran head coach Jeff Bertani, who concludes his 30^th year as head coach at his alma mater.

NMB (6-6) will take on Dunnellon (7-6) in the title game.

NORTH MIAMI BEACH CHARGERS

Tampa Carrollwood Day, L 28-20

North Miami, L 20-13

Punta Gorda Charlotte, W 20-14 (OT)

Hialeah American, W 46-0

Westland Hialeah, W 42-0

Lake Mary, L 45-13

Miami Carol City, W 14-13

Homestead South Dade, L 25-22

Naples St. John Neumann, L 20-14

Cape Coral Oasis, W 42-0

Miami Booker T. Washington, W 20-6

12/4 - Dunnellon

DUNNELLON TIGERS

Tallahassee Florida High, L 17-14

Starke Bradford County, L 35-0

Ocala West Port, W 28-14

Lakeland Lake Gibson, W 9-7

Ocala Vanguard, L 20-7

Gainesville Eastside, L 16-14

Dover Specialty Fit Academy, W 33-22

Citra North Marion, W 28-6

Hawthorne, L 26-0

Pensacola, W 34-20

Jacksonville Andrew Jackson, W 40-24

Palatka, W 14-12

12/4 – North Miami Beach

CLASS 1A

STATE SEMIFINAL

No. 4 Jacksonville Trinity Christian (9-4) at No. 1 Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (10-2), Friday, 6:30 p.m. For the second year, these two programs will square off in a game that will send the winner to Pitbull Stadium on the campus of FIU next week.

The Lions and veteran head coach Dameon Jones are looking for an amazing 10^th straight trip to the state finals – and will be have the opportunity to win a fifth straight title. The winner of this game will play either Tampa Carrollwood Day or West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman.

JACKSONVILLE TRINITY CHRISTIAN CONQUERORS

Jacksonville Ed White, L 45-28

Jacksonville Bolles, L 35-12

Jacksonville Raines, L 48-14

Jacksonville North Florida Educational Institute, W 27-6

Lake City Columbia, L 27-20

Jacksonville Riverside, W 22-13

Jacksonville Episcopal, W 49-7

Tallahassee Lincoln, W 32-14

Jacksonville KIPP Bold City, W 48-0

Neptune Beach Fletcher, W 21-7

Jacksonville Providence, W 42-16

Tallahassee Maclay, W 56-28

Jacksonville University Christian, W 27-12

12/5 - @Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

CHAMINADE-MADONNA LIONS

Baltimore St. Frances Academy, L 42-13

Hollywood McArthur, W 28-14

Plantation American Heritage, W 28-24

Miami Edison, W 56-6

Davie Western, W 56-0

Coconut Creek Monarch, W 28-7

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, W 60-0

Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, W 47-0

Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, L 27-21

Boca Raton St. John Paul II Academy, W 63-0

Miami Edison, W 47-18

Miami True North Classical Academy, W 35-14

12/5 – Jacksonville Trinity Christian

CLASS 2A

STATE SEMIFINAL

No. 3 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (10-3) at No. 2 Jacksonville Bolles (12-1), Friday, 7 p.m. After winning his 100^th game as head coach last week, Matt Dubuc and his Chiefs hit the road this week for a 400 plus mile trip to play one of the best teams in the state.

Winners of three state titles under Dubuc, this team definitely has its work cut out against an explosive team that has been able to score nearly 600 points during this 10-game winning streak.

The winner of this game will have to face off against either No. 1 seed Sarasota Cardinal Mooney or three-time defending state champion Cocoa next week in Miami.

 CARDINAL GIBBONS CHIEFS

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, L 42-35

Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, W 33-6

Coconut Creek, W 11-6

Hollywood South Broward, W 52-6

Pembroke Pines West Broward, L 49-38

Hallandale, W 51-14

Deerfield Beach, W 45-7

Boca Raton, W 35-13

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, L 47-0

Miramar, W 35-28

Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, W 48-28

Miami Killian, W 38-35

Miami Immaculata LaSalle, W 20-17

12/5 - @Jacksonville Bolles

JACKSONVILLE BOLLES BULLDOGS

Coconut Creek Monarch, W 34-15

Jacksonville Trinity Christian, W 35-12

Saint Augustine, L 40-35

Jacksonville Bishop Kenny, W 36-0

Orange Park Oakleaf, W 38-6

Baldwin, W 73-49

Jacksonville Andrew Jackson, W 48-0

Jacksonville Riverside, W 45-14

Jacksonville Wolfson, W 56-6

Lake City Columbia, W 31-0

DeFuniak Springs Walton, W 63-13

Tallahassee Florida High, W 51-27

Pensacola Catholic, W 44-10

12/5 – Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

CLASS 3A

STATE SEMIFINAL

No. 4 Orlando Bishop Moore (12-1) at No. 1 Miami Northwestern (12-0), 7 p.m. Coming off an emotional 50-29 Region Final win against national powerhouse Miami Central, the defending 3A state champions will need to come back to earth against a team that can put points on the board and has played a challenging schedule.

But when you put these two teams side-by-side, you see a Northwestern squad with head coach Jaquatin Victrum has mauled the four playoff opponents 225-35 and are hungry for another state title appearance.

The winner of this game will take on either unbeaten Jacksonville Raines or under-the-radar power Sarasota Booker next week in Miami.

BISHOP MOORE HORNETS

Oviedo, W 68-35

Orlando Christian Prep, W 49-7

Bartow, W 34-25

Mount Dora, W 57-21

Melbourne Central Catholic, W 41-13

Tampa Catholic, W 29-20

Eustis, W 48-0

Tavares, W 54-33

Tallahassee Florida High, W 56-35

Lake Mary, L 42-22

Brooksville Hernando, W 61-6

Gainesville Eastside, W 36-8

Melbourne Eau Gallie, W 31-28

12/5 - @Miami Northwestern

NORTHWESTER BULLS

Orange Lutheran, California, W Forfeit

Miami Carol City, W 37-6

Miami Norland, W 49-21

Miami Christopher Columbus, W 41-6

Miami Jackson, W Forfeit

Miami Central, W 30-21

Key West, W 56-0

Miami Palmetto, W 28-0

Miami St. Brendan, W 49-0

Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, W 70-0

Key West, W 56-6

Miami Central, W 50-29

12/5 – Orlando Bishop Moore

TOMORROW: We breakdown Classes 4A-7A in the state semifinal round.

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..

MIAMI GARDENS – Growing up in Fort Lauderdale and starring at the youth football level, there were always signs that Derrek Cooper would one day be a different level player.

From his beginning as a freshman and sophomore at Cardinal Gibbons High School right through to last year when he made the move south to Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna Prep and helped lead the Lions to a 1A state championship.

On Tuesday night in front of family, friends and coaches at Hard Rock Stadium, Cooper, who is headed to the University of Texas, was named the winner of the prestigious 2025 Nat Moore Trophy.

Capturing the award over Justice Fitzpatrick (Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas), Calvin Russell III (Miami Northwestern) and Brandon Kinsey (Miami Central), the No. 1 rated Class of 2026 senior in the state by Prep Redzone Florida joins some impressive winners of this award – such as Malachi Toney (University of Miami), Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State), Rueben Bain Jr. (University of Miami), Kenyatta Jackson (Ohio State) and Henry Parrish, who played at Ole Miss and the University of Miami.

"I would like to just thank God. Thank God, thank God, man, because my high school journey has been a struggle from the start,” he said, with his mother, father and several family members on stage. “My senior year has been a good year. Coach (Dameon) Jones, I appreciate you, and I'd like to thank everybody.”

A 6’1, 200-pounder who has been compared to one-time Chaminade-Madonna star Jon Beason because he also plays linebacker as well as running back, Cooper received 45 Power 4 offers, before committing to Texas over programs like Ohio State, Miami, Georgia, Alabama and Florida.

"You know, this award will catapult me forward, you know from all the winners that won in the past have gone on to do so well,” he pointed out. “So, this is my journey to start at the University of Texas.”

THE NIGHT ALSO BELONGED TO THE OTHER PLAYERS

While Cooper was announced as the winner, there were certainly no losers on this night. As Cooper will head to Texas, Fitzpatrick (Georgia), Russell Jr. (Syracuse) and Kinsey (Purdue) were all recognized in this live TV event that resembles the Heisman Trophy presentation for college players in New York.

Fitzpatrick was the only defensive player among this year's four finalists, and has quickly emerged as a standout for the powerhouse Raiders, pairing natural talent with a relentless work ethic shaped in part by his family — including older brother and Miami Dolphins star Minkah Fitzpatrick. The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder has recorded 65 career tackles and seven interceptions.

Kinsey was a huge addition to the Rockets, who is known for his explosive playmaking ability. He came over from Miami Immaculata LaSalle where he not only made an impact on the football field, but also a tremendous student in the classroom.

Russell III, who was one of the most impressive young prospects in decades, came to play for the Bulls as an elite two-way (football, basketball) prospect and built his reputation on performing under pressure, a mentality he says has fueled him since ninth grade. 

Now a senior and widely regarded as one of the top players in South Florida and the nation, Russell credits his rise to Miami's hyper-competitive football culture, relentless work ethic and the "dog mentality" he grew up with. 

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..

Here we go. The race to Pitbull Stadium on the campus of Florida International University will wind its way across the state for Miami-Dade and Broward County football teams.

Seven programs will represent each class – from Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna going for a record 10^th straight trip in 1A – to Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons looking for some of that past magic in 2A.

Miami Northwestern will look for a repeat in 3A – as well Plantation American Heritage in 4A and Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (5A) in search for an unreal seventh consecutive state title.

New faces will join the state semifinal round – with Pembroke Pines West Broward in 6A and Miami Palmetto in 7A.

With all 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, 12-1). LAST WEEK: The Raiders moved closer to a chance at seven straight state titles with a 34-7 win against Hollywood McArthur. THIS WEEK: Fort Myers Riverdale (12-1). NEXT WEEK: Ponte Vedra (11-2) or Lakeland (11-2) for the state title.

2. Miami Northwestern (3A, 12-0). LAST WEEK: In beating the second-best team in 3A in the state, rival Miami Central, the Bulls rolled to a 50-29 win. THIS WEEK: Orlando Bishop Moore (12-1). NEXT WEEK: Sarasota Booker (12-1) or Jacksonville Raines (12-0) for the state title.

3. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (1A, 10-2). LAST WEEK: The Lions moved one step closer to a 10^th consecutive state championship appearance with a 35-14 win against Miami True North Classical Academy. THIS WEEK: Jacksonville Trinity Christian (9-4). NEXT WEEK: Tampa Carrollwood Day (12-0) or West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman (10-3) for the state title.

4. Pembroke Pines West Broward (6A, 11-2). LAST WEEK: The Bobcats continued their run with a huge road win against Miami Southridge, 30-27.  THIS WEEK: Gainesville Buchholz (12-1). NEXT WEEK: West Boca Raton (11-2) or Seffner Armwood (13-0) for the state title.

5. Miami Central (3A, 10-2). LAST WEEK: The Rockets dropped a 50-29 Region Final contest against No. 3 Miami Northwestern. SEASON OVER.

6. Miami Palmetto (7A, 11-2). LAST WEEK: The Panthers rolled along with a convincing 65-41 win against Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman. THIS WEEK: Vero Beach (13-0). NEXT WEEK: Venice (9-3) or Lake Mary (10-3) for the state title.

7. Miami Southridge (6A, 11-2). LAST WEEK: The Spartans dropped a heartbreaker to West Broward, 30-27. SEASON OVER.

8. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (2A, 10-3). LAST WEEK: The Chiefs continued to roll along with a 20-17 win against previously unbeaten Miami Immaculata LaSalle. THIS WEEK: No. 3 Venice (9-3) at No. 2 Lake Mary (10-3). NEXT WEEK: Cocoa (8-4) or Sarasota Cardinal Mooney (12-1) for the state title.

9. Plantation American Heritage (4A, 7-5). LAST WEEK: The defending state champions played a four-quarter game in beating Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, 25-20. THIS WEEK: Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee (12-1). NEXT WEEK: Port Charlotte (11-2) or Orlando Jones (11-2) for the state title.

10. Hollywood McArthur (5A, 10-3). LAST WEEK: The Mustangs ended an amazing season with a loss to top-rated Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas for the second time this year, 34-7. SEASON OVER.

11. Miami True North Classical Academy (1A, 10-3). LAST WEEK: The Titans ended a tremendous year with a loss to state power Chaminade-Madonna, 35-14. SEASON OVER.

12. Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (4A, 10-3). LAST WEEK: The amazing year for the district champion Mavericks came to an end against defending state champion Plantation American Heritage, 25-20. SEASON OVER.

13. Miami Immaculata LaSalle (2A, 12-1). LAST WEEK: The Royal Lions saw this tremendous season come to an end with a 20-17 setback to Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons. SEASON OVER.

14. Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (8-5). LAST WEEK: What else can you say about the Gators who made a run to a place they had never been before – losing a high-scoring contest to Miami Palmetto, 65-41. SEASON OVER.

15. Miami Norland (4A, 6-5). SEASON OVER.

16. Coconut Creek (5A, 9-3). SEASON OVER.

17. Coconut Creek Monarch (6A, 7-5). SEASON OVER.

18. Plantation (4A, 7-5). SEASON OVER.

19. Miami Killian (2A, 8-3). 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 (2-9). SEASON OVER

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 (6-6)

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 (8-5). SEASON OVER

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

WEEK 3 PLAYOFFS. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-playoff-week-3-14-teams-remain-in-the-hunt-2

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..