Ever since the 2024 high school football season ended, it has been such a special time for West Boca Raton head football coach Dylan Potts and his team and school.

When the Bulls beat Kissimmee Osceola in the 6A state title game, it was the first ever state title the school had won on the gridiron, and the months following that win have been special to the coaches and players.

Tonight (6:30), this football team gets back to work in a kickoff classic at home against one of the nation’s most successful programs over the past decade when the Lions of Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna and veteran head coach Dameon Jones begin their quest for a ninth consecutive trip to the state finals.

While this game does not count in the standings, it is a real tune up for both teams who have quality openers that will set the tone for the 2025 season.

With elite prospects on both sides of the ball – including marquee senior running backs – with University of Miami commitment Javian Mallory leading the way for West Boca Raton, and the No. 1 player in the Class of 2026, Derrek Cooper, who committed to attend the University of Texas.

Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna Lions

HEAD COACH: Dameon Jones

2024 RECORD: 13-2

2025 SCHEDULE

8/23 – Baltimore St. Frances Academy, Maryland (BROWARD SHOWCASE)

8/29 - @Hollywood McArthur

9/5 - @Plantation American Heritage

9/12 - @Miami Edison

9/26 – Davie Western

10/3 – Coconut Creek Monarch

10/10 – Pompano Beach Blanche Ely

10/24 - @Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

10/31 - @Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

West Boca Raton Bobcats

HEAD COACH: Dylan Potts

2024 RECORD: 15-0

2025 SCHEDULE

8/28 – Wellington Palm Beach Central

9/5 – Bergen Catholic, New Jersey

9/12 - @Loxahatchee Seminole Ridge

9/19 - @Port St. Lucie Treasure Coast

9/25 – Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer

10/3 – Davie Western

10/10 - @Royal Palm Beach

10/17 - @West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman

10/24 – Palm Beach Gardens

10/30 - @Delray Beach Atlantic

While Chaminade-Madonna and West Boca Raton will take center stage, there are other games on Thursday and the rest of the week:

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13th

Miami Dr. Krop 0, Coral Gables 0 (FINAL)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14th

Fort Lauderdale at Pembroke Pines Charter, 6 p.m.

Jupiter Christian at Fort Lauderdale University School, 6 p.m.

Pompano Beach at Coral Springs Coral Glades, 6 p.m.

Pompano Beach Blanche Ely at Davie Western, 7 p.m.

Hollywood South Broward at Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (Milander), 7 p.m.

Miami Archbishop Carroll at Hialeah Miami Lakes, 3:30 p.m.

Miami Booker T. Washington at Deerfield Beach, 6 p.m.

Miami Killian at Miami Southridge, 7 p.m.

Miami Palmer Trinity at Miami Belen Jesuit, 7p.m.

Miami Palmetto at Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy, 7 p.m.

Pembroke Pines Flanagan at Miami Edison (Traz Powell), 7 p.m.

Plantation at Eau Gallie, 7 p.m.

Somerset Academy Silver Palms at Miami High (Curtis), 7 p.m.

Sunrise Piper at Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15TH

Bridge Prep at Miami Varela, 3:30 p.m.

Coconut Creek at Coconut Creek Monarch (Deerfield), 6:30 p.m.

Coral Springs Charter at Delray American Heritage, 6 p.m.

Fort Lauderdale Stranahan at Davie Nova, 7 p.m.

Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy at Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons, 6:30 p.m.

Hollywood McArthur at Plantation American Heritage, 7 p.m.

Homestead at Key West, 7:30 p.m.

Lehigh at Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace, 7:30 p.m.

Miami Central at Ocala Vanguard, 7 p.m.

Miami Christopher Columbus at Miramar, 7 p.m.

Miami Ferguson at Hialeah American (Ives Park), 3:30 p.m.

Miami LaSalle Immaculata at Miami Gulliver Prep, 4 p.m.

Miami Norland at Vero Beach, 7 p.m.

Miami Ransom Everglades at Miami Beach, 3:30 p.m.

Miami Springs & Miami Braddock at Miramar Everglades, 6 p.m.

Naples Barron Collier at Cooper City, 7 p.m.

Naples Lely at South Plantation, 7 p.m.

North Miami at Orange City University, 7 p.m.

Hialeah at Miami True North Classical Academy (Tropical Park), 7 p.m.

Sarasota Cardinal Mooney at Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 7 p.m.

Somerset South Homestead at Boca Raton Olympic Heights, 6:30 p.m.

South Miami at Hialeah Gardens, 3:30 p.m.

Southwest Miami at Tavernier Coral Shores, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16th

Tallahassee Lincoln vs. Miami Carol City (Vero Beach High), 3:30

Lakeland vs. Miami Northwestern (Vero Beach High), 7 p.m.

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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..

While the 2024 season was played under a cloud of having to forfeit two games – one costing them the district title – the reality for veteran head coach Adam Ratkevich and his Davie Western Wildcats was this could have been one of his most talented teams.

Yes, they lost to Miami Christopher Columbus in the regional finals, 27-25, in the closing minute of the game in heart-breaking fashion, but to reach that point, this was one of Florida’s top 7A programs.

Losses to Alabama power Hoover in the Broward County National Football Showcase, and nationally rated state champions Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas and Plantation American Heritage were expected. But what many didn’t mention is the way this program won seven straight before that setback to Columbus.

They were the only team that beat 6A state champion West Boca Raton (28-27 OT) as well as Barbara Goleman (31-6) on the field, having to forfeit those two victories.

While several players graduated or made their way to other programs, the Wildcats are still a program that could be a factor in 7A once again.

At the recent Hotbed Football Media Day, Ratkevich and his talented team showed up in force – with some quality talent and out to prove that their “demise was greatly exaggerated”.

Davie Western Wildcats

HEAD COACH: Adam Ratkevich

DISTRICT: 13-7A

2024 RECORD: 6-7

2025 SCHEDULE

8/22 – Plantation

9/5 – Coconut Creek

9/12 - @Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas

9/19 – Coral Springs Taravella

9/26 - @Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna

10/3 - @West Boca Raton

10/10 - @Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman

10/17 - @Weston Cypress Bay

10/24 – Deerfield Beach

10/31 – Pembroke Pines West Broward

THE NEW LOOK WESTERN WILDCATS

With several players and coaches attending the Hotbed Media Day, Western came out with some quality talent, who had the opportunity to meet with the media and answer questions about the upcoming season.

Here are a few of the prospects who figure to make an impact this coming season:

2026 - Damian Dickenson, RB, 5’8, 185. Here is a prospect that many have been talking about after a tremendous off-season. Looks to continue the tradition this program has had at the running back position.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18428773/Damian-Dickenson

2026 - Hunter Ratkevich, TE/WR, 6’5, 212 – 4.5 GPA. This is a huge season for this quality football talent who was injured last season. The one-time Lacrosse standout has an opportunity to thrust himself into the spotlight for his father’s team.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18516170/Hunter-Ratkevich

Kendrick Smith, LB/RB, 6’1, 200 – 3.4 GPA. Here is a versatile talent who can play just about anywhere – on both sides of the ball. Will be a huge factor for this program. Finished with a sack, three tackles for loss and five total tackles in the spring game.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16126480/Kendrick-Smith

2027 - Jack Spaeder, QB, 6’3, 190 – 3.75 GPA. This Coconut Creek Monarch transfer is coming off a solid junior season where he had 1,813 yards passing, 180 yards rushing and 16 total touchdowns.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18342160/Jack-Spaeder

2027 - Bryce Williams, DB, 6’2, 185. When looking at some of the top defensive secondary performers nationally for the Class of 2027, here is a versatile playmaker that is easily one of the best. Like his older brother, he attended Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy, where he established himself as a player to keep an eye on. This FSU early commitment will be a force this coming season.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20170910/Bryce-Williams

2026 - Caleb Williams, DB/Athlete, 6’0, 180 – 3.4 GPA. Is one of the key pieces in a secondary that could be as good as you get at this level. The older brother of elite 2027 standout Bryce Williams, this is an athlete who can play anywhere that this team needs him. Came to Davie from Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20170960/Caleb-Williams

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHUCK BETHEL

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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..

Moments after beating Plantation in the first round of the state playoffs and focusing on a rematch with another district foe, Miami Norland, there was a feeling that Archbishop McCarthy had started to turn the corner.

As iconic head coach Dino Mangiero stepped aside after the season had ended and turned the program over to his very capable and longtime assistant Jake Pew, a new chapter in this football program had begun, and with a solid spring and summer, this is a program that is indeed one of the teams in a competitive district that feels confident coming into 2025.

One of the only districts in the state that qualified all four teams a year ago, the Mavericks know that the challenge ahead – with defending 4A state champion Plantation American Heritage, Miami Norland and Plantation – will test this team that brings back some senior leadership as well as elite underclassmen.

Coach Pew and this staff have worked overtime, attending every off-season camp, combine and 7-on-7 to get better and prepare for themselves for this season.

Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy

HEAD COACH: Jake Pew

DISTRICT: 15-4A

2024 RECORD: 7-5

2025 SCHEDULE

8/21 - @Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons

8/29 – Community School of Naples

9/4 - @Miami St. Brendan

9/12 – Miami True North Classical Academy

9/19 - @Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons

9/25 - @Miami Norland

10/10 – Plantation

10/17 – Plantation American Heritage

10/24 - @Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian

10/31 – West Palm Beach The King’s Academy

CLASS OF 2026

Jeremiah Alexander, RB/DB, 5’10, 160.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20670117/Jeremiah-Alexandre

Kendall Brown, WR, 6’3, 180.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19402855/Kendall-Brown

Kevin Campbell Jr., DL, 6’1, 265.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18499164/Kevin-Campbell-Jr

Julian Garcia, TE/DE, 6’3, 215.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18365101/Julian-Garcia

Alex Gokhale, OL/DL, 6’3, 255.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20079172/Alex-Gokhale

David Howard, DB, 5’9, 180.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18100106/David-Howard

Cole Ivey, LB, 6’0, 201.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18100130/Cole-Ivey

Robert Kerns, QB, 6’1, 197.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18100152/Robert-Kerns

Joseph Shapiro, DB, 5’8, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18100208/Joseph-Shapiro

CLASS OF 2027

Samuel Boatwright, DL, 6’1, 255.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20815497/Samuel-Boatwright

Malik Denson, WR/DB, 5’9, 170.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20032119/Malik-Denson

Lorenzo Fernandez, P/DB, 5’11, 173.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20080641/Lorenzo-Fernandez

Damien Grant, RB, 5’7, 175.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20312279/Damien-Grant

Ji’Koi Highsmith, DE/OL, 6’2, 200.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20357665/JiKoi-Highsmith

Joshua Seymour, OL, 6’1, 332.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20820222/Joshua-Seymour

Oscar Sola Jr., HB, 5’10, 193.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20304843/Oscar-Sola-Jr

Maikel Suarez, Athlete, 6’2, 210.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19957971/Maikel-Suarez

Jacarri Watson, WR, 5’9, 173.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20696517/Jacarri-Watson

Ja’Kobi Williams, WR, 6’2, 182.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/21478987/Jakobi-Williams

AWAITING VIDEO

Michael Johnson, WR, 6’3, 220

CLASS OF 2028

Justin Antenor, DB, 6’2, 171.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/22901628/Justin-Antenor/highlights

Luke DeFaria, OL, 6’2, 255.

TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/26442541/Luke-DeFaria

AWAITING VIDEO

Isaiah Cunningham, DE/LB, 6’3, 190

CLASS OF 2029

VIDEO TO COME IN THE FALL

Marcus Boynton, DL, 6’3, 295

Rocco Fantigrassi, OL, 6’2, 290

Ethan Jones, WR, 6’3, 220

Dawson Monroe, OL/DL, 6’2, 250

Jayllen Morgan, RB/DB, 5’9, 162

Vincent Mosley Jr., QB, 6’2, 190

Kenneth Rowell, WR/DB, 5’9, 155

PHOTO COURTESY OF ARCHBISHOP MCCARTHY FOOTBALL

MIAMI-DADE/BROWARD INFORMATION YEAR-ROUND. https://larryblustein.com/

MIAMI-DADE, BROWARD TRANSFERS? WE HAVE THEM FOR YOU. https://larryblustein.com/news/transfer-season-off-to-a-huge-start-in-miami-dade-broward

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..

Once again on Monday 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 coaches and players in all sports.

Here is a look at the way Monday went:

The Broward County National Football Showcase will take place next week and Peachtree Ridge of Georgia will be back to compete. Head Coach Matt Helmerich talked about the Lions as they will play Sunrise Piper.

MATT HELMERICH ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/head-coach-matt-helmerich-of-peachtree-ridge-in-georgia-06160

It’s the start of a new school year and Craig Damon of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) stopped by to talk about football and all the sports throughout the state.

CRAIG DAMON ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/craig-damon-chief-executive-officer-of-the-fhsaa-b0dfa

As the Broward County National Football Showcase gets ready for its fourth year, Orlando Dr. Phillips head football coach Rodney Wells stopped by to talk about his Panthers taking part against the Fort Lauderdale Dillard Panthers.

RODNEY WELLS ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coach-rodney-wells-of-orlando-dr-philips-hs-9b9eb

The fourth annual Broward County National Football Showcase is a week away and once again some of the elite teams nationally and statewide will take part in this prestigious event. Co-Founder Dr. Kevin Perry broke down all the games and television coverage as well as the sponsors who made it possible.

DR. KEVIN PERRY ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/dr-kevin-perry-associate-director-and-co-founder-of-the-broward-showcase-e71e9

One of the top football teams in the state of Florida will be taking part in this year’s Broward County National Showcase when the Jacksonville Bolles travel south to take on Coconut Creek Monarch in a tremendous matchup. Head Coach Matt Toblin talked Bulldogs.

COACH MATT TOBLIN ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/coach-matt-toblin-jacksonville-bolles-be6ed

Who are the best high school football teams in the state of Florida? Which programs will have a chance to win the national title? Max Preps National Analyst Zack Poff broke down the teams to keep an eye on.

ZACK POFF ON MONDAY NIGHT:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/south-florida-high-school-sports-radio-5af98/episodes/max-preps-national-editor-zach-poff-c3fe0