Before the season began, we told you that every week, there would be games that you will need to keep an eye on.
After Week 1 – when the nation had an opportunity to see the kind of football this state has to offer, Week 2 will once again showcase some elite teams, coaching and players.
South Florida programs will once again share that spotlight as college coaches will be watching and checking in on prospects they know about – while discovering some new players.
Here is a look at four marquee contest that will involve some of Miami-Dade and Broward’s finest:
No. 8 Davie Western (0-1) at No. 6 Plantation American Heritage (0-1), 7:30. Both teams are coming off losses on opening night to national programs, and while each team has a very competitive schedule this season, this game is truly important.
DAVIE WESTERN WILDCATS
HEAD COACH: Adam Ratkevich
2023 RECORD: 9-4
2024 SCHEDULE
Hoover, Alabama, L 20-17
8/30 - @Plantation American Heritage
9/13 – Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
9/19 - @Coral Springs Taravella
9/27 – Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna
10/4 – West Boca Raton
10/11 – Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman
10/18 – Weston Cypress Bay
10/25 - @Deerfield Beach
11/1 - @Pembroke Pines West Broward
PLANTATION AMERICAN HERITAGE PATRIOTS
HEAD COACH: Mike Smith
2023 RECORD: 10-2
2024 SCHEDULE
Milton, Georgia, L 37-28
8/30 – Davie Western
9/6 - @Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna
9/13 - @Naples
9/20 - @Miami Central
9/27 – Plantation
10/12 - @Miami Norland
10/18 – Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy
10/25 - @Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
No. 18 Miami Carol City (1-0) vs. No. 7 Miami Norland (1-0), Traz Powell Stadium, 7:30. As the Chiefs are trying to return to their winning past – opening the season with a win – the stakes rise with a contest against the Vikings who came up with a win on opening night. This battle of Miami Gardens teams will have plenty of interest and show each program where they are after the second week of the season.
MIAMI CAROL CITY CHIEFS
HEAD COACH: George Stubbs Sr.
2023 RECORD: 1-9
2024 SCHEDULE
Hialeah, W 28-20
8/30 - @Miami Norland
9/6 – Miami Northwestern
9/12 - @Westland Hialeah
9/27 – Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace
10/4 - @South Miami
10/10 – North Miami Beach
10/25 - @Miami Belen Jesuit
10/30 – North Lauderdale Somerset Prep
MIAMI NORLAND VIKINGS
HEAD COACH: Daryle Heidelburg
2023 RECORD: 14-1 (2M State Runner up)
2024 SCHEDULE
Miramar, W 27-0
8/30 – Miami Carol City
9/13 – Miami Northwestern
9/19 - @Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna
9/27 - @Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy
10/4 - @Cocoa
10/12 – Plantation American Heritage
10/18 – GMAC Week
10/24 - Plantation
No. 3 Miami Northwestern (1-0) at Venice (1-0), 7:30. Two weeks ago before the season started, this was a game that many looked at and felt that the two teams would have a high scoring contest – like last year when the Indians won, 63-46. But as things unfold and the Bulls have been very impressive in the kickoff classic and Broward County National Showcase contest, this could be one of the best matchups in Florida this week. Venice is the two-time defending state runner up.
MIAMI NORTHWESTERN BULLS
HEAD COACH: Teddy Bridgewater
2023 RECORD: 4-6
2024 SCHEDULE
Coconut Creek, W 45-0
8/30 - @Venice
9/6 - @Miami Carol City
9/13 - @Miami Norland
9/19 – Miami Christopher Columbus
9/27 – Miami Jackson
10/4 – Miami Central
10/11 - @Key West
10/25 – Miami St. Brendan
VENICE INDIANS
HEAD COACH: John Peacock
2023 RECORD: 12-3
2024 SCHEDULE
Tampa Bay Tech, W 63-40
8/30 – Miami Northwestern
9/6 - @Fort Myers Bishop Verot
9/13 - @Port Charlotte
9/20 – Cocoa
9/27 - @Lehigh
10/4 – Bradenton IMG Academy
10/10 - @Sarasota Riverview
10/18 - @Clearwater Central Catholic
10/25 - Sarasota
Olney Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maryland (0-0) vs. No. 5 Miami Christopher Columbus (1-0), Tropical Park, 7:30. This is indeed one of those games that will bring in a program that continues to show up in the national rankings and are coming off a tremendous season where the defense yielded a touchdown a game against the two-time defending state champion Explorers who will indeed be tested by a team that comes to town with a number of nationally-rated recruits. This is a chance for a reloading Columbus to grab the national spotlight.
OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL, MARYLAND FALCONS
HEAD COACH: Andy Stefanelli
2023 RECORD: 10-1
2024 SCHEDULE
8/30 - @Miami Christopher Columbus
9/6 - @DePaul Catholic
9/13 – Riverside Baptist
9/20 – St. Joseph’s Prep
9/27 - @Stone Bridge
10/4 – Glen Burnie
10/11 – St. John’s
10/18 - @DeMatha
11/1 – Gonzaga
11/9 - @Bishop McNamara
MIAMI CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS EXPLORERS
HEAD COACH: Dave Dunn
2023 RECORD: 13-2 (4M State Champions)
2024 SCHEDULE
Miami Southridge, W 17-14
8/30 – Our Lady of Good Counsel
9/6 - @Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
9/13 - @Miami Palmetto
9/19 - @Miami Northwestern
9/26 – Homestead South Dade
10/3 - @Miami High
10/10 – Coral Gables
10/18 – GMAC Week
10/24 – Miami Archbishop Carroll
OTHER FRIDAY GAMES
In addition to those four spotlight games, today also has other programs from Miami-Dade and Broward County in action:
FRIDAY, AUG. 30
Bradenton IMG White at Key West, 7
Coconut Creek North Broward Prep at Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy, 7
Coral Springs at Davie Nova, 7
Coral Springs Charter vs. Pembroke Pines Charter (Coral Glades), 7
Deerfield Beach vs. No. 10 Coconut Creek Monarch (Creek), 7
Doral Ronald Reagan at Hialeah Miami Lakes, 3:30
No. 19 Fort Lauderdale Dillard vs. Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (Lockhart), 7
Fort Lauderdale NSU University School at Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, 7
Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest at Pompano Beach, 7
Hialeah ABF Academy at Miami Archbishop Carroll, 3:30
No. 2 Hollywood Chaminade at Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, 7
Hollywood Hills at North Miami Mourning, 3:30
Hollywood South Broward at No. 16 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, 7
No. 11 Homestead vs. Homestead South Dade (Harris), 7:30
Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 7
Marathon at Miami Florida Christian, 7:30
Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace at Miami Gulliver, 4
Miami Jackson at Miami Immaculata La Salle, 7
Miami Lakes Goleman at No. 14 Miami Southridge, 7:30
Miami Palmer Trinity at Tavernier Coral Shores, 4
Miami Ransom Everglades at Miami Westminster Christian, 4
Miami Springs vs. Southwest Miami (Milander), 7
Miami Varela at Miami Ferguson, 3:30
No. 20 Miramar vs. No. 15 Plantation (PAL), 7
Miramar Everglades at Richmond Hill, Georgia, 7
North Lauderdale Somerset Prep at Sunrise Piper, 7
North Miami at Orange City University, 7:30
Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy at Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons, 7
No. 13 Pembroke Pines West Broward at Camden County (Ga.), 7
Somerset Silver Palms at Naples Palmetto Ridge, 7:30
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy at Weston Cypress Bay, 7
Westland Hialeah at Hollywood Avant Garde (Ives Park), 7
THURSDAY STATE SCORES – NOT COMPLETE
Boca Raton Christian 26, Miami SmartEn Sports 6
Coconut Creek Monarch 8, Deerfield Beach 0 (NOT FINAL - LAST REPORT)
Doral Ronald Reagan 42, Hialeah Miami Lakes 0
Hialeah 22, Miami Belen Jesuit 14 (Suspended – Resuming Tuesday)
Hialeah Gardens 34, Miami Coral Park 6
Miami Beach 20, Homestead Everglades Prep 6 (NOT FINAL - LAST REPORT)
Miami Coral Reef 25, Miami Sunset 0
Miami High 58, South Miami 0
Miami Killian 31, Miami Dr. Krop 7
Miami Palmetto 10, Miami Booker T. Washington 9 (Postponed at halftime)
Oakland Park Northeast 28, Coral Springs Taravella 12
South Plantation 16, Coral Springs Coral Glades 0 (LAST REPORT)
WEDNESDAY GAME
Doral Academy 37, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy 20
SATURDAY, AUG. 31
No. 17 Miami Edison vs. No. 4 Miami Central (Traz), 7
South Florida gets Week 2 of the high school football season off in style tonight with a battle of unbeaten teams at Traz Powell Stadium (7:00).
After registering wins on opening night, head coach Mike Manasco and his No. 9 Miami Palmetto Panthers will take on head coach Tim “Ice” Harris and the No. 12 Miami Booker T. Washington Tornadoes.
After the first week, both programs were impressive and made a claim that they will be a force this season. Among 7A schools, the Panthers are very much in the conversation – whole BTW is a certainly a team to keep an eye on in 2A.
MIAMI PALMETTO PANTHERS (1-0)
HEAD COACH: Mike Manasco
2023 RECORD: 9-2
2024 SCHEDULE
Homestead, W 14-10
8/29 - @Miami Booker T. Washington
9/6 - @Miami Palmetto
9/13 – Miami Christopher Columbus
9/20 - @Miami Killian
9/27 – Coral Gables
10/4 - @Homestead South Dade
10/25 – Miami High
11/1 - @Fort Myers Bishop Verot
PROSPECTS TO WATCH
2025 - Davion Dixon, DL, 6-2, 305.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19692183/Davion-Dixon
2025 - Ethan Lopez, RB, 5-10, 200.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16109620/Ethan-Lopez
2025 - Dylan Miranda, LB, 6-3, 220.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13410625/61a6e3a06e811508e84bbf7c
2025 - Corey Pruitt Jr., DB, 5-10, 160.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17620708/Corey-Pruitt-jr
2025 - Cameron Sapp, WR, 5-9, 165.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16323928/Cameron-Sapp
MIAMI BOOKER T. WASHINGTON TORNADOES (1-0)
HEAD COACH: Tim “Ice” Harris
2023 RECORD: 9-3
2024 SCHEDULE
Homestead South Dade, W 28-6
8/29 – Miami Palmetto
9/7 - @Miami Central
9/12 – Miami Immaculata LaSalle
9/20 - @Lakeland
9/26 – Miami Springs
10/4 - @Vero Beach
10/10 - @Homestead
10/25 – Miami Ransom Everglades
PROSPECTS TO WATCH
2025 – Ben Hanks Jr., DB.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16372248/Ben-Hanks-Jr
2026 - Irwin James, RB.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19381005/Irwin-James
2025 - Nylan Maine, QB, 5-11, 225.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17667808/Nylan-Maine
2025 - Fabulis Scott, CB, 5-10, 165.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17664329/Fabulis-Scott
2026 - Anton Smith, WR/Athlete, 5-6, 145.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18032820/Anton-Smith
2028 - Eli Rauls, DE, 6-3, 240.
OTHER THURSDAY GAMES
In addition to the BTW and Miami Palmetto game, today also has other programs from Miami-Dade and Broward County in action:
Cooper City at Parkland Stoneman Douglas, 7
Coral Springs Coral Glades at South Plantation, 7
Coral Springs Taravella at Oakland Park Northeast, 7
Deerfield Beach Somerset Key at West Palm Beach Berean Christian, 4
Goulds Palm Glades Prep at St. Brendan, 7
Hallandale vs. Fort Lauderdale (Lockhart), 7
Homestead Everglades Prep vs. Miami Beach (Memorial), 7
Miami Belen Jesuit vs. Hialeah (Milander), 7
Miami Coral Park at Hialeah Gardens, 3:30
Miami High vs. South Miami (Tropical), 7
Miami Killian at Miami Dr. Krop (Ives Park), 7
Miami Sunset vs. Miami Coral Reef (Southridge), 7
Pembroke Pines Flanagan at Coral Gables, 3:30
FRIDAY, AUG. 30
Bradenton IMG White at Key West, 7
Coconut Creek North Broward Prep at Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy, 7
Coral Springs at Davie Nova, 7
Coral Springs Charter vs. Pembroke Pines Charter (Coral Glades), 7
No. 8 Davie Western at No. 6 Plantation American Heritage, 7:30
Deerfield Beach vs. No. 10 Coconut Creek Monarch (Creek), 7
Doral Ronald Reagan at Hialeah Miami Lakes, 3:30
No. 19 Fort Lauderdale Dillard vs. Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (Lockhart), 7
Fort Lauderdale NSU University School at Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian, 7
Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest at Pompano Beach, 7
Hialeah ABF Academy at Miami Archbishop Carroll, 3:30
No. 2 Hollywood Chaminade at Pompano Beach Blanche Ely, 7
Hollywood Hills at North Miami Mourning, 3:30
Hollywood South Broward at No. 16 Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, 7
No. 11 Homestead vs. Homestead South Dade (Harris), 7:30
Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson at No. 1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, 7
Marathon at Miami Florida Christian, 7:30
No. 18 Miami Carol City vs. No. 7 Miami Norland (Traz), 7:30
Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace at Miami Gulliver, 4
Miami Jackson at Miami Immaculata La Salle, 7
Miami Lakes Goleman at No. 14 Miami Southridge, 7:30
No. 3 Miami Northwestern at Venice, 7:30
Miami Palmer Trinity at Tavernier Coral Shores, 4
Miami Ransom Everglades at Miami Westminster Christian, 4
Miami Springs vs. Southwest Miami (Milander), 7
Miami Varela at Miami Ferguson, 3:30
No. 20 Miramar vs. No. 15 Plantation (PAL), 7
Miramar Everglades at Richmond Hill, Georgia, 7
North Lauderdale Somerset Prep at Sunrise Piper, 7
North Miami at Orange City University, 7:30
Olny Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maryland vs. No. 5 Miami Christopher Columbus (Tropical), 7:30
Pembroke Pines Somerset Academy at Boynton Beach Somerset Canyons, 7
No. 13 Pembroke Pines West Broward at Camden County (Ga.), 7
Somerset Silver Palms at Naples Palmetto Ridge, 7:30
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy at Weston Cypress Bay, 7
Westland Hialeah at Hollywood Avant Garde (Ives Park), 7
SATURDAY, AUG. 31
No. 17 Miami Edison vs. No. 4 Miami Central (Traz), 7
WEDNESDAY’S GAME
Doral Academy 37, Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy 20
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..
With the third annual Broward National Football Showcase in the books, it’s time to reflect back on the seven games played last weekend.
The event has become a nationally followed football fest over three days with some of the best programs in the country taking part.
When the dust settled, there were some quality performers that had the chance to either put themselves on the map – or further enhance what they had already done.
Here are six offensive players to keep an eye on:
2027 – Jonathan Bueno Jr., Athlete, 5-10, 180, Davie Western. Making his way over from Miami True North Academy this year, here is one of the most promising football players in his class. Showed what he was all about in the tough loss to Hoover, Alabama – accounting for 200 all-purpose yards and a score. The Wildcats will be able to use him as a slot or running back.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19355080/Jonathan-Bueno-Jr
Tyler Chance, QB, 6-0, 175, Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna. After three years of having one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, the Lions were faced with having a number of prospects step up during the spring and summer, and when the defending national runner up played national power St. John Bosco of California, they put the ball in this sophomore’s hands and the game came down to the final minutes as his debut fell just short, but gave this program something to build on moving forward.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/16934524/Tyler-Chance
2027 – Julius Jones Jr., WR, 5-10, 160, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas. From the touchdown reception in the state title game last December to an off-season that opened some eyes, this is no doubt one of the elite prospects in the country – following in his father’s rather large footsteps. What he did in the loss to defending national champion Las Vegas Bishop Gorman had thrust him into a national spotlight – with 13 receptions for 185 yards and a touchdown.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/20767020/Julius-Jones
2025 – Samari Reed, WR, 6-3, 195, Coconut Creek Monarch. When the Monarchs faced off with Georgia’s Peachtree Ridge, the furthest thing from head coach Calvin Davis’s mind was his elite receiver would run for over 100 yards and lead his team to an impressive victory. His “Wildcat Formation” runs opened the offense up and earned him MVP of the game. Keep in mind, this is one of the nation’s top receivers who continues to interest from colleges across the country as he looks to help lead this team to a state championship appearance.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16492359/6510ad472ab16404086523ed
2026 - Leon Strawder, QB, 6-1, 210, Miami Northwestern. Yet another young prospect who made a lasting impression on the opening night of the event. This former Miami Central player has found a home with head coach Teddy Bridgewater and the Bulls. His four-touchdown performance against Coconut Creek was impressive enough to earn MVP honors as he and this much improved program will be in the mix all season long in Class 3A.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/19082566/Leon-Strawder
Malachi Toney, WR, 5-11,185, Plantation American Heritage. Ever since the first high school game of his career – in the first ever Broward County National Football Showcase, here is a gifted talent that has continued to make an impact like he did in the season opener against national power Milton, Georgia with nine catches for 82 yards and two scores. He is indeed one of the elite prospects in the country and he is currently committed to attend the University of Miami.
TAPE: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17846385/Malachi-Toney
Week 2 Football Schedule
TONIGHT, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST. 28
Doral at Hialeah Gardens Mater Academy (Milander), 7
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..
When it comes to watching, evaluating and seeing prospects and teams throughout the course of a year, there are very few sources who put in the time to come up with accurate information like we do.
Player and team rankings are often subjective, and everyone has their opinion – which is fine – but it’s usually those who see very little that have the loudest voice on who should be higher or lower.
If you follow what we do over the course of a season, each week we adjust the rankings, and while many focus on pre-season and each week during the season, the only ranking that truly counts is the one that comes out in late December.
Our Pre-Season Top 20 is based on several things – and with so many transfers taking place – our opinion varies and changes. This is only a starting point and will change several times.
This is in no way a definitive ranking. Just an opinion based on seeing teams throughout the state and having a valid ground to compare.
Here is a look at 20 Miami-Dade Broward Week 2 teams:
1 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (0-1, 5A). LAST WEEK: The Raiders dropped a tough decision in the Broward County National Showcase, 29-21, to defending national champion Las Vegas Bishop Gorman. THIS WEEK: 8/30 - Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson. NEXT GAME: 9/6 – No. 5 Miami Christopher Columbus.
2. Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna (0-1, 1A). LAST WEEK: The Lions opened the season in the Broward County National Showcase, dropping a 34-27 decision to national power St. John Bosco of California. THIS WEEK: 8/30 - @Pompano Beach Blanche Ely. NEXT GAME: 9/6 – No. 6 Plantation American Heritage.
3. Miami Northwestern (1-0, 3A). LAST WEEK: Head Coach Teddy Bridgewater and his Bulls rolled to a Broward Showcase win against Coconut Creek, 45-0. THIS WEEK: 8/22 - @Venice. NEXT GAME: 9/6 – No. 18 Miami Carol City.
4. Miami Central (0-1, 3A). LAST WEEK: The Rockets were beaten at home, 16-8, by Lakeland. THIS WEEK: 8/31 – No. 17 Miami Edison. NEXT GAME: 9/7 – No. 12 Miami Booker T. Washington.
5. Miami Christopher Columbus (1-0, 7A). LAST WEEK: The two-time defending state champions opened with a 17-14 win against No. 14 Miami Southridge. THIS WEEK: 8/30 – Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maryland. NEXT GAME: 9/6 - @ No. 2 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.
6. Plantation American Heritage (0-1, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Patriots dropped a 37-28 decision in the Broward National Showcase to Georgia power Milton. THIS WEEK: 8/30 – No. 11 Davie Western. NEXT GAME: 9/6 - @Hollywood Chaminade-Madonna.
7. Miami Norland (1-0, 4A). LAST WEEK: After a disappointing kickoff classic loss, the Vikings bounced back with a 27-0 win against Miramar. THIS WEEK: 8/30 – No. 18 Miami Carol City. NEXT GAME: 9/13 – No. 3 Miami Northwestern.
8. Davie Western (0-1, 7A). LAST WEEK: The Wildcats dropped a 17-14 decision to Hoover, Alabama in the Broward County National Showcase. THIS WEEK: 8/30 - @ No. 14 Plantation American Heritage. NEXT GAME: 9/13 – No. 2 Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas.
9. Miami Palmetto (1-0), 7A). LAST WEEK: The Panthers upended No. 11 Homestead, 14-10. THIS WEEK: 8/29 - @ No. 12 Miami Booker T. Washington. NEXT GAME: 9/6 - @ No. 14 Miami Southridge.
10. Coconut Creek Monarch (1-0, 6A). LAST WEEK: The Knights outlasted Suwannee Peachtree Ridge in Broward County National Showcase, 30-29. THIS WEEK: 8/29 – Deerfield Beach. NEXT GAME: 9/13 - @Sanford Seminole.
11. Homestead (0-1, 6A). LAST WEEK: The Broncos were upended by No. 9 Miami Palmetto, 14-10. THIS WEEK: 8/30 – Homestead South Dade. NEXT GAME: 9/6 - @Vero Beach.
12. Miami Booker T. Washington (1-0, 2A). LAST WEEK: The Tornadoes opened with a 28-6 win against Homestead South Dade. THIS WEEK: 8/29 – No. 9 Miami Palmetto. NEXT GAME: 9/7 - @ No. 4 Miami Central.
13. Pembroke Pines West Broward (1-0, 6A). LAST WEEK: The Bobcats rolled on opening night, 57-14, against Hollywood South Broward. THIS WEEK: 8/30 - @Camden County, Georgia. NEXT GAME: – 9/6 @No. 15 Plantation.
14. Miami Southridge (0-1, 6A). LAST WEEK: Dropped a tough 17-14 decision to No. 4 Miami Christopher Columbus. THIS WEEK: 8/30 – Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman. NEXT GAME: 9/6 – No. 9 Miami Palmetto
15. Plantation (1-0, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Colonels opened the season with a 27-21 win against No. 19 Fort Lauderdale Dillard. THIS WEEK: 8/30 – No. 20 Miramar. NEXT GAME: 9/6 – No. 13 Pembroke Pines West Broward.
16. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (0-1, 2A). LAST WEEK: The Chiefs lost to state-rated Lake Mary in the Broward County National Showcase, 45-20. THIS WEEK: 8/30 – Hollywood South Broward. NEXT GAME: 9/13 @ No. 13 Pembroke Pines West Broward.
17. Miami Edison (1-0, 1A). LAST WEEK: The Red Raiders started the year with a 21-0 win against Hialeah American. THIS WEEK: 8/31 - @ No. 4 Miami Central. NEXT GAME: 9/5 – Miami Killian.
18. Miami Carol City (1-0, 2A). LAST WEEK: The Chiefs won the season-opener against Hialeah, 28-16. THIS WEEK: 8/30 – No. 7 Miami Norland. NEXT GAME: 9/6 – No. 3 Miami Northwestern.
19. Fort Lauderdale Dillard (0-1, 4A). LAST WEEK: The Panthers dropped a 27-21 decision to No. 15 Plantation. THIS WEEK: 8/30 @Fort Lauderdale Stranahan. NEXT GAME: 9/6 @Oakland Park Northeast.
20. Miramar (0-1, 5A). LAST WEEK: The Patriots lost the season-opener to No. 7 Miami Norland, 27-0. THIS WEEK: 8/30 - @ No. 15 Plantation. NEXT GAME: 9/6 - @Hollwyood McArthur.
KEEP AN EYE ON: Coconut Creek (0-1, 5A), Deerfield Beach (0-1, 5A), Doral Academy (1-0, 6A), Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian (1-0, 2A), Fort Lauderdale Stranahan (1-0, 3A), Hialeah (0-1, 4A), Hollywood South Broward (0-1, 6A), Homestead South Dade (0-1, 7A), Miami Archbishop Carroll (1-0, 1A), Miami Gardens Monsignor Pace (0-1, 1A), Miami Immaculata LaSalle (1-0, 2A), Miami Jackson (0-1, 3A), Miami Lakes Barbara Goleman (1-0, 7A), Miami Ransom Everglades (0-0, 2A) Miami True North Classical Academy (1-0, 1A), North Miami (1-0, 5A), North Miami Beach (0-1, 2A), Pembroke Pines Charter (1-0, 5A), Pembroke Pines Flanagan (1-0, 6A), Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (1-0, 5A), Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy (1-0, 4A), Sunrise Piper (1-0, 6A), Weston Cypress Bay (1-0, 7A).
WEEKLY RANKINGS
PRE-SEASON. https://larryblustein.com/news/miami-dade-broward-pre-season-top-20-st-thomas-begins-at-no-1
Are You Keeping Up With Miami-Dade & Broward High School Football Transfers? https://larryblustein.com/news/keeping-up-with-miami-dade-broward-high-school-football-transfers
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..
While Week 1 saw several area teams go down, it’s great to see football returning after eight long months.
With several Miami-Dade and Broward programs making an impression with key wins, ESPN treated the country to some amazing football.
Away from some quality local games was the third annual Broward County National Football Showcase.
Already established as the premier event in the country with state and national rated teams coming from as far away as California, Alabama, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia, nobody can question the talent that was on display for the first three years.
The brainchild of Dr. Kevin Perry, who gets the teams and treats them all to an experience along with Shawn Cerra and the Broward County Educational Foundation and some loyal sponsors.
No matter who you talk to – this is an event that has caught on so fast that the 2025 game is already starting to fill up – with several teams wanting to return.
This is a bowl game atmosphere – as all the games being televised somewhere.
Speaking about television, nobody – and we mean nobody at ESPN can complain as they got three national games that all went down to the final quarter. Watch many of the contests that the “worldwide leader” puts on and several games are over early and the audience heads to another channel. NOT THIS YEAR!
Starting on Friday when Georgia state champion Milton – with University of Miami 2025 quarterback Luke Nickel went against 2026 University of Texas QB commit Dia Bell and Plantation American Heritage.
While Milton ended up winning the contest, it came down to last in the fourth quarter as a national audience saw Milton wins 37-28.
On Saturday – with four elite programs in action at St. Thomas Aquinas High School – the country once again was treated to a pair of games that lasted until after midnight with football fans glued to their televisions, computers and phones.
The opening contest featured defending national champion Las Vegas Bishop Gorman against five-time defending state champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas and veteran head coach Roger Harriott before a packed stadium.
This was indeed a classic matchup that came down to the final drive as the Gaels held on to win 29-21 and will maintain their No. 2 national ranking while the Raiders have nothing to be angry about as they are still on a path to win a sixth straight state title.
The nightcap saw St. John Bosco of California return for the second year – as the Braves are rebuilding and squared off with a Chaminade-Madonna team that is also trying to replace some elite talent and generational talent.
The game went back and forth for all four quarters as St. John Bosco ended up pulling out a thrilling 34-27 decision sending head coach Dameon Jones and his Lions to their first defeat in the three years they took part in the showcase.
While those three games received the spotlight, the other four games were also quality contests with some impressive talent:
Coconut Creek Monarch 30, Suwannee Peachtree Ridge, Georgia 29. The Knights came from behind to win their second straight showcase under veteran head coach Calvin Davis.
Hoover, Alabama 17, Davie Western 14. Despite changing coaches two weeks ago and coming off a rare losing season, the Buccaneers headed south to beat the Wildcats and head coach Adam Ratkevich who lost their first showcase game in three seasons.
Lake Mary 49, Cardinal Gibbons 20. When the Rams were invited to come and play the Chiefs everyone knew that we heading south with plenty of talent – as veteran head coach Matt Dubuc and his team also suffered their first showcase loss in three seasons.
Miami Northwestern, 45, Coconut Creek 0. While this may not have been a major game, head coach Teddy Bridgewater and his Bulls sent a message that this team will be back and certainly will be a force. Johnny Sloan and his Cougars are rebuilding after losing several key players from a successful 2023 season.
The Broward Showcase wasn’t the only event in south Florida in the first week.
The Miami Central Rockets had hoped to get back on track after a four-loss season, and while head coach Jube Joseph and his team had their chances, they dropped a 16-8 decision to a Lakeland program that has won two straight state titles and will be back in the mix.
Here is the complete local scoreboard:
Auburn, Alabama 49, North Miami Beach 0
Cooper City 16, Coral Glades 7
Coral Gables 19, Miami Ferguson 0
Davie Nova 18, Moore Haven 14
Delray American Heritage 36, Miami Westminster Christian 12
Doral Academy 34, Gulliver Prep 20
Fort Lauderdale NSU University School 51, Coral Springs Charter 7
Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy 28, Tradition Prep 20
Hialeah Gardens 8, Varela 6
Hollywood Hills 40, Taravella 0
Marathon 39, Pompano Beach 30
Miami Archbishop Carroll 14, Florida Christian 7
Miami Booker T. Washington 14, Homestead South Dade 0
Miami Carol City 28, Hialeah 16
Miami Christopher Columbus 17, Miami Southridge 14
Miami Coral Reef 40, South Miami 0
Miami Edison 20, Hialeah American 0
Miami Immaculata LaSalle 40, Miami High 7
Miami Lakes Goleman 22, Flanagan 0
Miami Norland 27, Miramar 0
Miami Palmer Trinity 15, SmartEn Sports 14
Miami Palmetto 14, Homestead 10
Miami Springs 39, Miami Beach 29
Miami St. Brendan 14, Dr. Krop 0
North Lauderdale Somerset Prep 53, Deerfield Somerset Key 21
North Miami 32, Miami Jackson 12
Palm Beach Lakes 41, Coral Springs 13
Pembroke Pines Charter 41, Oakland Park Northeast 14
Pembroke Pines Somerset 35, North Broward Prep 0
Pembroke Pines West Broward 57, South Broward 14
Plantation 27, Dillard 21
Pompano Beach Blanche Ely 70, Boyd Anderson 7
Riviera Beach Inlet Grove 46, Hollywood Avant Garde 0
Southwest Miami 41, Miami Coral Park 6
Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy 23, Community School of Naples 6
Sunrise Piper 23, Deerfield Beach 0
Weston Cypress Bay 48, Parkland Douglas 22
West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman 46, Monsignor Pace 7
West Palm Beach Oxbridge Academy 14, Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest 7
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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..